Research Symposium

BIO

Xavier Bauman is a third-year International Affairs transfer student with a concentration in Political Science. Before FSU, he received a provisional patent for a biodegradable silt fence while attending high school in his hometown, Jacksonville, Florida. After graduating, he shifted his focus from engineering to social sciences, pursuing his Bachelor of Arts at Florida International University.
He became involved with the FIU Model UN program, competing in Washington, D.C. and later serving as a committee chair during FIMUN 37, the university’s yearly high school UN conference. He also served as the Pre-Law Advocates for Community Engagement and Service’s fundraising and event coordination director.
During this time, Xavier had direct exposure to the lead-up and immediate aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, as Miami-Dade County unexpectedly shifted from blue to red. After becoming familiar with how a divisive political climate interferes with public discourse, he was left with an intense interest in how ideology, opinion and discussion are filtered through a contentious information ecosystem.
After earning his Associate of Arts and transferring to FSU, he desired a change in pace, engaging with the university’s research community through UROP. Channeling that interest into his current research project, he presented his findings at the 2026 Florida Undergraduate Research Conference. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he hopes to pursue a law degree, his areas of interest being labor and environmental law.

Political Discussion and Information Transmission Under Social Pressure

Abstract

The polarization of political discussion in the United States has resulted in an information environment in which someone’s sincerity often depends on their perception of how others will react to their opinion. At the same time, American audiences following public discourse may be conscious of how people distort their opinions in a socially acceptable direction and try to infer what their “real” opinion is. Errors of inference can occur on either side of information transmission. We ask how people express their opinions and how accurately others infer the beliefs behind that expression.
We examine how social norms and incentives influence opinion expression and interpretation. Our focus will rest upon the costs and benefits of encouraging personal versus impersonal language, and how perceptions of extremity and polarization are affected. We collected responses to various policy proposals from a random population sample. Another group then graded responses based on what they estimated the original respondents believed. We use LLMs to build a rubric for sentiment, emotional intensity, and argument quality, enabling consistent large-scale annotation of the responses. We hypothesize that certain response characteristics such as argumentative strength and emotional intensity shape how accurately others interpret original respondents’ beliefs.
Our findings will contribute to the literature on how citizens learn about public opinion, and how distortions can arise within public discourse. By determining how communication style and emotional intensity affects individual perceptions, we can illuminate where these distortions may be originating and improve the accuracy of information transmission.

Keywords: Political Discussion, Information Transmission, Social

BIO

Kayla Osowski is a 2nd-year Chemical Engineering Honors student at Florida State University. This is her 4th time presenting at a research symposium. Her other research has focused on the study of birds in coastal ecosystems and the study of seagrass composition/abundance in relation to sediment composition. She plans to pursue graduate school after finishing her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Some of her future research/career interests include aerospace and nuclear energy/reactors.

3D Bioprinting Magnetic Bacterial Flagella-Inspired Micro Swimmers for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

3D bioprinting offers new possibilities for creating microscale devices capable of navigating
complex biological environments. This project focuses on developing magnetic micro swimmers
containing nanoparticles and structurally inspired by bacterial flagella. The structure poses a
helical shape capable of controlled motion when exposed to external magnetic fields. Using 2-
photon polymerization (2PP) with an UpNano 3D bioprinter and a resin formulated with
magnetic nanoparticles, we have successfully fabricated helices in a 3-dimensional array within a
silicon template in a 2-dimensional array directly on the surface of a glass slide. Our current
work focuses on refining the printing and developing conditions to obtain a solution saturated
with intact, free-standing helices suitable for biomedical applications. We are testing a range of
printing parameters and solvent materials to determine what conditions best support clean
separation and preservation of the helical structure for further testing. We aim to establish a
reliable method to produce individual helical micro swimmers that maintain their form outside
the printing medium. This research supports the development of magnetic micro swimmers for
targeted drug delivery and diagnostics. Establishing dependable fabrication practices contributes
to advancing biomedical micro robotics and highlights the potential of 3D bioprinting to create
functioning microdevices

Keywords: Microswimmers, Biology, Engineering, Bioprinting, Biomedical

BIO

Emily Rodriguez is a freshman majoring in Emergency Management at Florida State University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree - projected to graduate in the Spring of 2027. Since the August of 2025, she has conducted research under the mentorship of Dr. Meredith McQuerry and has gained experience working in the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab®, Textile Testing Laboratory, and Body Scanning Lab. Her research focuses on firefighter personal protective clothing performance and fit analysis. She is currently assisting with an ergonomic assessment comparing male- and female-cut firefighter personal protective clothing to evaluate differences in fit and function while contributing to protocol validation.

Ergonomic Assessment of Male versus Female Firefighter Protective Clothing for Fit/Function Analysis Protocol Validation

Abstract

As the fire service remains male dominated, personal protective equipment (PPE) is still being designed around male anthropometrics, yet assumed to function equally as well for women. Prior research suggests that this assumption may compromise gear fit and mobility for female firefighters.
An ergonomic assessment comparing female- and male-cut structural PPE was conducted among five female firefighters. The results indicated that there was no significant difference.
This study highlights the value of improving fit accuracy to determine the extent to which ill-fitting PPE is a problem present for female firefighters and to what extent it is causing setbacks. Future research will examine relationships among suit fit, air gaps, carcinogen exposure, and long-term health outcomes.

Keywords: Firefighting, Clothing, Firefighter, McQuerry

BIO

Alexandra Solitario is a Florida State sophomore majoring in biological sciences with minors in psychology and chemistry. This is Alexandra's first year participating in research, and she is working with mentor Wenxiao Li in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. She hopes to pursue a career as a physician assistant after undergraduate schooling, and believes that her experience working with Ms. Li has allowed her to explore the connection between mental, cognitive, and physical health. By understanding how psychological factors influence memory and motivations when it comes to language learning, she aims to apply this better understanding of the mind-body connection when it comes to patient care.

Beyond the Chronological Age: Subjective Age, L2 Motivation, and Perceived Working Memory Among People Aged Over 60 years old

Abstract

While Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research increasingly focuses on non-WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) populations, studies of older learners are often based on chronological age alone. This study challenges that convention by investigating age identity (one’s subjective sense of age) as a more accurate indicator of L2 motivation and cognitive perception. Using a mixed-methods design, researchers surveyed 120 L2 learners (aged 60+) from China and the United States. The study measured the relationship between age identity, the L2 Motivational Self System (Ideal, Ought-to, and Anti-ought-to selves), and perceived working memory. Quantitative regression analysis was complemented by semi-structured interviews to capture cultural variations in the aging process. Key findings indicate that age identity outperformed chronological age in predicting both L2 motivation and perceived working memory. Qualitative data further revealed that cultural factors significantly influence how elderly learners manage cognitive challenges and maintain motivation. By advocating for a shift from chronological to subjective age, this paper contributes to the goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDID) in SLA. It emphasizes the need for nuanced, less standardized approaches to adult education that recognize the psychological diversity of the third age stage learner.

Keywords: Language, Motivation, Memory, Working memory

BIO

Isabella Del Toro is a freshman at Florida State University. She is majoring in Biological Science with a minor in Chemistry, and is on a Marine Biology track. This year, she is conducting research regarding animal enrichment under the mentorship of Rob Duarte.

Toys for Animals: Enrichment Through Collaboration

Abstract

Animal enrichment is defined as species-specific stimuli that allow animals to express natural behaviors to improve their physical and psychological well-being. This study focuses on analyzing how the collaboration during the 2025 Fall Semester between FSU students and the Jacksonville Zoo benefited both the students' learning and the zoo's animal enrichment program through research. While zoo-university partnerships are encouraged, the specific dynamics of how they succeed are not well-documented. By evaluating this partnership, future collaborations can implement sustainable operations that allow the growth of interorganizational relations between research universities and zoos. To gain this knowledge, we utilized Qualtrics to send out surveys to all the participants once the project had been completed. Then, the data was analyzed to find overall impressions and commonalities in the participants’ thoughts about the project’s process. The students mentioned learning a lot about animal behavior, enrichment, working with materials, and thinking innovatively, but some of their critiques and challenges included not allocating enough time to complete the finished product and having trouble transitioning from the prototyping to the construction stage. The zoo staff mentioned feeling extremely impressed and grateful for the partnership and finished objects, but disclosed struggling with time management and internal communication challenges. The results let us know what to improve next time and showed us the value in continuing this partnership and project. Moving forward, we will focus on researching how technology has been used for enrichment and finding a way to implement it into the zoo.

Keywords: research, enrichment, animal, zoo, partnership, toys

BIO

Alyssa Montanez is a junior at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She plans to pursue a minor in Spanish. Alyssa gained research experience as a research assistant at her community college, working with Dr. Robert Caruso, PhD, on a project examining self efficacy among college students. Currently, she participates in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), working with Dr. Richard Wagner, PhD, on a meta-analysis investigating dyslexia, gaining experience in data collection, coding, and analyzing research findings. Following graduation, Alyssa plans to pursue graduate study in psychology, with the goal of earning a PhD. She hopes to become a licensed counseling psychologist, applying what she has learned in research to help people and improve understanding of how to support mental health. Her academic and research experiences have provided a strong foundation for achieving these goals and participating in the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Meta-Analysis of Risk-Factors for Dyslexia

Abstract

Dyslexia is a distinct, complex neurodevelopmental condition that significantly impacts lifelong educational outcomes and affects up to 20% of the population. Dyslexia is primarily characterized by impaired word recognition and decoding difficulties. While there has been much research on dyslexia, individual small-scale studies often lack the necessary statistical power to generalize these findings across a multitude of diverse groups. This research, conducted through Florida State University’s NIH Multidisciplinary Learning Disabilities Research Center, utilizes a large-scale meta analysis to establish an evidence-based understanding of the prevalence and underlying mechanisms of dyslexia. The methodology follows a rigorous systematic framework to screen and synthesize decades of global research. Following an extensive literature review of over 3,800 identified studies, researchers applied a standardized codebook and strict inclusionary criteria to exclude methodologically unsound data and refine the sample. Preliminary results have yielded a group of high-quality studies that provide precise effect sizes regarding the cognitive and behavioral markers of this disorder. By aggregating these data, the project is developing a large-scale correlation matrix to identify and weigh predictive neurobiological signs. These findings underscore the importance of treating dyslexia as a specific challenge requiring specialized, evidence-based approaches for diagnosis and intervention. Ultimately, this research aims to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and real-world application by creating a robust scientific foundation for earlier prediction, more accurate clinical diagnosis, and more effective instructional policies. This comprehensive synthesis provides the clarity necessary to improve long-term academic trajectories for all individuals who are currently struggling with these learning disabilities.

Keywords: Dyslexia, Meta-analysis, Learning disabilities

BIO

Loren Wingate is an Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) student for the 2025–2026 academic year. She is a graduate of Pace High School and holds a biotechnician assistant certification. Loren is currently a first year pre-nursing major at Florida State University. On campus, she is involved in Alpha Gamma Delta and Perfect Pair, an organization that pairs college students and older adults together based on common interests and hobbies, in addition to her participation in UROP.

Enhancing Adolescent Sexual Health via Digital Family Communication Activities

Abstract

Access to developmentally appropriate sex education is a key determinant in reducing adolescent sexual health risks. Despite its importance, many parents face significant barriers, including discomfort and a lack of tools when attempting to educate their children. Let's Talk is a digital program that was created to solve this problem by supporting communication and sex education between parents and adolescents ages 10-13. Let’s Talk utilizes a "stepping stone" path aligned with National Sex Education Standards. For the UROP program, my project specifically focuses on the development and refinement of family communication activities within the platform. These activities are designed to translate clinical health standards into engaging, low-pressure interactions that encourage conversations. Working as part of a newly-formed Youth Advisory Board, I assisted in creating new activity modules that center youth voice and foster interactive engagement. This included designing prompts for the family communication journal and developing activities that allow parents and adolescents to share questions and values in a supportive, digital environment. Building on these initial insights, a pilot study with 10 families is scheduled for Spring 2026 to evaluate newly developed content and further refine the platform's utility. By focusing on interactive communication activities, our goal is for the program to successfully strengthen family sexual health bonds and provide a scalable model for digital health interventions.

Keywords: Sexual health, Family, Let's Talk

BIO

Nicolas Santana is a student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Florida State University. He participates in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, where he conducts undergraduate research under the mentorship of Dr. Helene Tigro. His work focuses on biochemical and molecular mechanisms relevant to human health, with experience in protein purification, biochemical assays, and laboratory data analysis.

Nicolas is broadly interested in molecular biology, biochemistry, and translational biomedical research. Fluent in English and Portuguese, he is passionate about understanding the molecular basis of disease and applying scientific discovery to improve human health. After completing his undergraduate studies, Nicolas plans to pursue advanced training in medicine while continuing to engage in biomedical research.

Using Co-Precipitation to Study How Phosphorylation Affects α-Actinin-2 Binding to Cardiac Actin

Abstract

α-Actinin-2 (ACTN2) is a structural protein in cardiac muscle that stabilizes actin filaments at the Z-disc and supports proper contraction during mechanical stress. Structural studies suggest that phosphorylation within the actin-binding domain (ABD) may alter ACTN2 conformation and influence its interaction with actin. However, direct biochemical testing of how phosphorylation-related modifications affect ACTN2–actin binding remains limited.
This study uses a co-precipitation assay to examine how phosphorylation-related modifications influence ACTN2 association with filamentous actin (F-actin). Purified F-actin derived from pig heart tissue was incubated with recombinant ACTN2 variants, including wild-type, phospho-mimetic, and phospho-null constructs. Following ultracentrifugation, pellet and supernatant fractions were separated and analyzed by SDS-PAGE to determine the distribution of ACTN2 between actin-bound and unbound fractions.
Preliminary experiments confirm successful separation of actin-bound and unbound protein fractions and demonstrate co-sedimentation of ACTN2 with F-actin. Quantitative densitometry analysis was used to calculate bound versus free ACTN2 across increasing actin:α-actinin ratios, generating binding curves from multiple independent experiments.
These results establish a functional co-precipitation framework to evaluate how phosphorylation-related modifications influence ACTN2–actin association. Continued analysis will further determine how specific modifications within the actin-binding domain regulate structural protein interactions in cardiac muscle.

Keywords: Actin Actinin Cardiac Protein-binding Biochemistry

BIO

Reagan Panico is a second year student at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Professions through the Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences Program in the College of Medicine. She is also completing the Leadership Studies Certificate through the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. Reagan has consistently earned academic honors during her first two years, including being named to the President’s List for three consecutive semesters and receiving Florida State University’s Student Foundation 21 Under 21 Award. Reagan conducts research under the mentorship of Dr. Patrick Merle in the College of Communication and Information alongside another UROP student, Abbie Sargent. Their project examines how data transparency in professional cycling influences perceptions of trust, credibility, and fairness among athletes, teams, media, and fans. Through interviews with individuals involved in the sport, their research explores how publicly shared performance data shapes narratives surrounding athlete performance and integrity. In addition to her research, Reagan serves as Vice President of Operations for the Iota Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, and as Correspondent and founding board member of the Lambda Chapter of Kappa Gamma Delta, Pre-Health Sorority. She is also involved in Dance Marathon as a Family Relations Team Captain and is a member of the Garnet and Gold Key Honor Society. After graduation, Reagan plans to attend dental school and pursue a career in dentistry, with the long term goal of improving access to oral healthcare in underserved communities.

Strava, Strategy, and Skepticism

Abstract

Professional cycling has a long history of skepticism surrounding performance, honesty, and credibility, making transparency an ongoing point of tension within the sport. As digital platforms such as Strava become more visible to fans, media, and sponsors, athletes’ choices about what performance and training data to share function as a form of communication that can influence public trust. This study examines how transparent professional cyclists are with their Strava data and what that transparency reveals about honesty and trust in professional cycling. Using a mixed qualitative approach, the research combines semi structured interviews with professional cyclists, coaches, and media members, alongside an analysis of Strava activity from the top 100 professional cyclists based on UCI rankings as of September 2025. Preliminary findings suggest a clear divide between athlete and media perspectives, with many cyclists and coaches expressing hesitation toward full transparency due to competitive concerns, while journalists generally view increased data sharing as a way to build credibility within the sport. These results indicate that transparency is shaped more by role and incentives than by a shared definition of honesty. The findings further suggest that Strava functions not only as a performance tracking tool, but also as a communication platform that can shape public perception, even when athletes are not intentionally using it for that purpose. Understanding this disconnect has important implications for how trust is built or undermined in modern professional sport and may inform future conversations around athlete privacy, competitive integrity, and data transparency.

Keywords: Trust, Data Transparency, Professional Cycling, Qualitative Interviews

BIO

Matt Shedd is a Freshman and Presidential Scholar from Chicago, Illinois. At Florida State University, he is pursuing a dual-degree in Finance and STEM Entrepreneurship with a minor in Environmental Science. He is interested in applying financial analysis, market strategy, and data-driven decision-making to sustainability and environmental consulting. Through internship experience in marketing and leadership roles, he has developed strong analytical, communication, and project coordination skills that translate across business functions. He is passionate about helping organizations make financially sound decisions that also create long-term environmental and social value, and he is seeking opportunities to grow in finance, sustainability strategy, or environmental consulting.

Hometown Bias in Auditing

Abstract

This study investigates whether audit partners exhibit hometown bias, which may affect audit quality and financial reporting integrity. Understanding this bias is important for consistent, objective auditing and broader accounting practices. Data were collected on audit partners across the U.S., including Big 4 and Non-Big 4 firms, spanning all 50 states. Information from public people-finder sources was compiled into spreadsheets capturing demographics, education, and professional affiliations. Analyses examined the relationship between auditors’ hometowns and client outcomes: earnings management, restatements, going concern opinions, and internal control weaknesses. Firms audited by hometown partners are more likely to just meet or slightly beat earnings forecasts, with positive coefficients of 0.295–0.383, suggesting leniency. Negative coefficients for restatements indicate these firms are less likely to later correct financial statements. Going concern opinions show minimal effect, likely due to high oversight. Internal control weakness results are mixed, stronger in Non-Big 4 firms, highlighting the influence of oversight. Geographically, California (148) and New York (119) account for ~23% of the 1,160-firm sample, suggesting hometown effects are concentrated in major financial hubs. The findings demonstrate that hometown bias exists among audit partners, influencing earnings judgments and restatement likelihood, while high-oversight judgments remain largely unaffected. This bias underscores the need for careful audit partner assignments and continued research into mechanisms to maintain objectivity, particularly in concentrated regions.

Keywords: Auditing, Accounting, Bias, Hometown, Firms

BIO

Daniel Arango is a senior at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in General Business. Daniel has been recognized for his academic achievement, earning placement on the President’s List and Dean’s List.

Daniel has developed research experience through his work as a research assistant with the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement at Florida State University. Under the mentorship of Dr. Mason Marks, he has researched global legal reforms surrounding psychedelic substances and analyzed international drug policy in comparison with United States law and international regulatory frameworks. His research project, Psychedelic Practice in Ancient and Modern China, examines the historical and contemporary role of psychedelic substances within Chinese cultural and legal contexts.

In addition to his research, Daniel has gained extensive public policy and government experience. He currently serves as a Legislative Intern with the Florida Senate, where he conducts research on pending legislation, prepares bill summaries, and assists with constituent communications. He has also served as a Student Senator at Florida State University, worked as an office aide with the Office of Senator Marco Rubio, and previously interned with Americans for Prosperity, gaining experience in political communication, legislative processes, and public engagement.

Following graduation, Daniel plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration to further develop his expertise in policy, business, and public affairs.

Psychedelic Practice in Ancient and Modern China

Abstract

This poster will examine the history of psychedelics usage in China, and how changes in cultural and political environments have redefined these substances from being part of traditional spiritual practices to therapeutic tools used in a secular society. Furthermore, this poster will first discuss the use of psychoactive substances in ancient China that shamans and ritual specialists ‘used’ for healing, divination, and communication with the spirit world. These early modus operandi made changed states of consciousness a part of the religious psyche of ancient Chinese society. Today, psychedelic use in China is no longer framed as a spiritual activity rather is a therapeutic one used in upper-middle-class professionals. With these therapeutic sessions focusing on mental health, finding one's purpose in life, managing emotions, and enhancing performance. Furthermore, this poster will make a broader political and regulatory statement about the implications of this change in approach particularly with regard to China’s secular authoritarian regime and its strict regulation of religion and use of controlled substances.

Keywords: Psychedelic, Ancient, Modern, China

BIO

Sarah Summers is currently a first-year junior at Florida State University, where she is majoring in Criminology and minoring in Business Administration. She is expected to graduate with her Bachelor of Science degree in Spring 2027 and plans to attend law school after completing her undergraduate studies. Sarah is originally from Tampa, Florida, and is interested in pursuing a career in the legal field.

At Florida State University, Sarah is actively involved on campus. She is a member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, where she connects with other students who are interested in law and participates in professional development opportunities. She is also involved in the Inter-Residence Hall Council (IRHC), where she currently serves as the secretary. In this role, she helps organize meetings, keep records, and communicate information to other members, which has helped her develop strong organizational and leadership skills.

During this project, Sarah learned several valuable skills that will help her in the future. One of the most important things she improved on was communication, especially when working with her mentor and collaborating with others. She also gained experience conducting research and learning how to gather and organize information more effectively. Overall, this experience helped her grow academically and professionally while giving her a better understanding of how these skills can be useful in her future career in law.

Dual Enrollment at an R1 Institution

Abstract

Dual enrollment programs are designed to give high school students an early start on college and help them feel more prepared for higher education. Although dual enrollment has been studied in general, there is still limited research looking specifically at postsecondary outcomes connected to a single R1 institution, which this project aims to address. This study examines the postsecondary outcomes of dual enrollment students associated with one R1 institution, with all participant and institutional information reported anonymously to protect privacy. Using institutional enrollment and outcome data, the project explores where these students enroll after high school graduation, paying particular attention to attendance at four-year and selective colleges. By focusing on overall enrollment patterns, the analysis aims to better understand how dual enrollment students transition into higher education. The findings show that dual enrollment students tend to have strong postsecondary enrollment outcomes, suggesting that completing college-level coursework in high school may help students feel more prepared and adjust more successfully to college life. Overall, this study adds a more focused perspective on how dual enrollment programs can support college readiness and early post-secondary success. These results may also help guide future research and provide insight for institutions looking to strengthen pathways that support students as they move from high school into college.

Keywords: Dual enollment, R1 Institution

BIO

Aditi is a second year student at FSU, with a major in Literature/Media/Culture and pursuing a certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is a 2026 Global Scholar, and plans to continue pursuing refugee-centered research in the future.

Relocation and Resilience: Educational Challenges and Experiences of Refugee Students in Florida Schools

Abstract

Since 2024, over 500 refugees have arrived in Old Town. Strengthening Experiences for Refugee Young People, Families, and Their Teachers in Old Town seeks to understand the lived and educational experiences of refugee people and their teachers and peers in Old Town. Financial burdens, lack of community support, hindrances in language, culture, academic progress, and feelings of isolation are a small portion of the vast amount of issues that refugees face on a daily basis, especially in the United States where no further refugee families will be welcomed.
The study conducts over 80 structured, on-site interviews with refugee children and adults from Afghanistan, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to gain insight on the different perspectives among refugees adjusting to a new life in the U.S. Through certified thematic coding, the study analyzes interview data to generate broad themes emerging about the refugees regarding their attitudes and interconnected experiences at school, home, and work. Highlighted issues include bullying, social exclusion, language barriers, and struggles with identity.
The study’s long-term implications will share vital data about the population, origins, and school experiences of Old Town refugees through an intervention model that will hopefully drive future educational policymaking, inform local stakeholders, and address the social and relational needs of refugee young people and their peers. Through meeting refugee children and young adults in their homes and understanding their experiences, this study hopes to pinpoint places of improvement to strengthen both current and future refugee experiences.

Keywords: Refugees, education, school experiences

BIO

Sophia is a first-year student from Boca Raton, Florida interested in using scientific research to address public health disparities. Through this project studying the role of YBX1 in inflammatory signaling related to Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, she gained experience in molecular biology techniques and developed a stronger interest in applying biomedical research to real-world health challenges. This work helped connect fundamental research to broader goals in biotechnology, particularly in vaccine and drug development. Sophia is grateful to Dr. James Jordan for his mentorship and for the opportunity to work in the Jordan Lab, as well as the graduate and undergraduate students who supported her throughout this project. She plans to pursue graduate school and continue research focused on improving health outcomes.

Generating Hepatic Spheroids to Study the Role of YBX1 in Regulating Inflammatory Signaling

Abstract

Excess fat buildup in liver tissue can cause inflammation by activating signaling between liver and immune cells. This study investigates whether YBX1 regulates inflammatory signaling in hepatic organoids under lipid stress. Human hepatic organoids were cultured and exposed to a fatty acid mixture (oleate and palmitate) to mimic high-fat conditions. YBX1 expression was silenced using siRNA to evaluate its regulatory role. Gene expression was measured using mRNA analysis to assess changes in inflammatory signaling. It is expected that YBX1 silencing will alter inflammatory gene expression in hepatic organoids exposed to fat. This will help determine whether YBX1 plays an important role in regulating liver inflammation. These findings may improve understanding of liver inflammation and help identify new targets for treating fatty liver disease.

Keywords: YBX1; hepatic organoids; lipid stress; liver inflammation; siRNA gene silencing

BIO

Daniela Melamed is a first-year Biological Sciences student at Florida State University, who is originally from San Francisco, California. Aside from research, she is involved in Alpha Epsilon Delta, a pre-health honors society, and Dance Marathon, a fundraising organization for Children's Miracle Network hospitals. After her time at FSU, she hopes to attend graduate school back in California and continue to develop a career in the medical field.

Beyond the Chronological Age: Subjective Age, L2 Motivation, and Perceived Working Memory Among People Aged Over 60 years old​

Abstract

​While Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research increasingly focuses on non-WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) populations, studies of older learners are often based on chronological age alone. This study challenges that convention by investigating age identity (one’s subjective sense of age) as a more accurate indicator of L2 motivation and cognitive perception. Using a mixed-methods design, researchers surveyed 120 L2 learners (aged 60+) from China and the United States. The study measured the relationship between age identity, the L2 Motivational Self System (Ideal, Ought-to, and Anti-ought-to selves), and perceived working memory. Quantitative regression analysis was complemented by semi-structured interviews to capture cultural variations in the aging process. Key findings indicate that age identity outperformed chronological age in predicting both L2 motivation and perceived working memory. Qualitative data further revealed that cultural factors significantly influence how elderly learners manage cognitive challenges and maintain motivation. By advocating for a shift from chronological to subjective age, this paper contributes to the goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDID) in SLA. It emphasizes the need for nuanced, less standardized approaches to adult education that recognize the psychological diversity of the third age stage learner.​

Keywords: L2 Motivation, Age Identity, Learning

BIO

Evelyn Bernal is a second year student at Florida State University majoring in Biological Sciences while pursuing minors in Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Science. She is interested in understanding how biological and social factors influence health and learning, which has shaped both her academic and research experiences. Evelyn has conducted research with Dr. Wawire on a project examining reading difficulties in students from the perspectives of parents and teachers. This work explored how family and educational environments influence literacy development and highlighted the importance of considering multiple perspectives when studying learning challenges. Through this experience, she developed skills in research analysis and gained a deeper appreciation for how scientific inquiry can help address real world problems. Additionally, Evelyn has completed internships in both a hospital setting and as a medical front office assistant, where she gained exposure to patient care and the daily workings of healthcare environments. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree, Evelyn plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician.

Language Practices and Learning Experiences of at-Risk Learners from Kenya: Parent and Teacher Perspectives

Abstract

Youth literacy rates in Kenya are severely low compared to the global average, creating lifetime educational and economic hindrances. Our research examines the language experiences/practices of children at risk of reading failure in Kenya and the barriers faced by parents and teachers in supporting children with reading difficulties. By understanding these experiences, we can identify how to provide a supportive learning environment and help future generations avoid reading and comprehension difficulties. Our team interviewed 70 parents and teachers in Kenya using Key Informant Interviews that gathered in depth information about their learning settings, home and school language and literacy practices, challenges and barriers, and support of learners. Interviews are currently being analyzed using the Dedoose Software guided by a codebook designed for this research project to identify data trends. Although data analysis is ongoing, several trends have appeared. Many parents and teachers acknowledge students face reading challenges, exacerbated by economic and resource constraints. This research - when shared with education stakeholders - can help find solutions such as educational programs supporting literacy development and suggests the need for future research on intensive schooling programs and targeted resources.

Keywords: Language, Reading, Kenya, Qualitative

BIO

Brandon Bonamarte is a Mathematics and Music Performance dual-degree student at Florida State University. He specializes in the design and interpretation of machine learning models, with a focus on making "black-box" algorithms understandable. His award-winning work research from optimizing ASD diagnostic accuracy with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to quantifying complex biological movement in the DuVal Lab. Brandon is a frequent presenter at research symposia and is dedicated to the advancement of explainable AI and mechanistic interpretation.

Interpretable Machine Learning to Understand Variation in Manakin Display Types

Abstract

Mating displays are key interactions that directly determine individual reproductive success. The lance tailed manakin, Chiroxiphia lanceolata, is a small tropical bird that forms long-term cooperative alliances for elaborate courtship displays. While the general outline of such displays has been well defined, examination of variation across alliances and individuals, and how that might affect mating success, is ongoing. This research aims to leverage powerful machine learning tools, such as classifier neural networks, with videos of male behavior to address (1) whether there are display components that reliably distinguish performances by different male pairs, and (2) which components of display performance relate to success. First, videos are processed in DeepLabCut, which produces numerical pose estimation data from raw video. Then two models are created to make predictions using this pose estimation data. To determine the existence of unique distinguishing factors across dances performed by different mating pairs, the first model is trained to predict whether a specific mating pair is performing the dance or not. To identify key moments and traits in female mate choice, the second model is trained to classify dances as successful or unsuccessful. Following the training of these models, interpretive machine learning methods as well as several measurements of performance are used to evaluate and provide insight into the mathematical reasoning of the models. This research aims to illuminate the fine scale variation in complex behavioral interactions, and specifically how that interacts with mating success – something that currently lacks significant quantification.

Keywords: Machine Learning, Animal Behavior, Complex Movement, Explainable AI

BIO

My name is Abigale Lee, and I am currently in my first year at FSU. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. My participation in UROP is my first experience with research. I hold a strong interest in cognitive psychology and psycholinguistics, hence my choice of research project.

Effects of Perceptual, Cognitive, and Speech Motor Skills on Spanish Pronunciation Development

Abstract

The acquisition of pronunciation is highly variable for learners of a second language (L2). In this ongoing study, our goal is to understand how individual skill differences contribute to the pronunciation development of native English-L2 Spanish speakers. This study builds on previous research showing that cognitive skills such as working memory and inhibitory control (Simard et al., 2025; Darcy et al., 2025), as well as auditory acuity (AA) (Saito, 2022) and speech motor skill (SMS) (Patience, 2025), play a role in L2 acquisition. Participants were Florida State University students enrolled in SPN1120. They performed a series of tasks to establish their skill levels: a backward digit memory span task and a lexical retrieval inhibitory control task (cognitive); DDK-type tasks (e.g., Icht & Ben David, 2014) and tongue twisters (SMS); and various speech perception tasks to test sensitivity to small differences in pitch, duration, or formants, as well as tasks encoding rhythm and melody (from Saito, 2022). Participants’ Spanish pronunciation ability was obtained from students’ coursework across three semesters of Spanish. We will run statistical analyses to determine which skills were the best predictors of Spanish pronunciation ability and development over time. We expect that students who demonstrate stronger performance in the areas tested will show greater proficiency in Spanish pronunciation than those who score lower. Through this research, we aim to better understand how these skills influence L2 acquisition and how this knowledge may help improve the teaching and learning of a second language.

Keywords: spanish, linguistics, psychology

BIO

Arianna Rockefeller is a freshman from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree on the pre-medical track and plans to attend medical school after completing her undergraduate studies. In recognition of her academic achievement, she earned President’s List honors during the Fall semester.

Arianna has a strong interest in the life sciences and is particularly interested in the relationship between biology, chemistry, and human health. She plans to pursue a career in medicine with the goal of specializing in psychiatry or pediatrics, where she hopes to work with children and adolescents and focus on both physical and mental health.

During her undergraduate studies, Arianna hopes to gain research experience in the biological sciences and work with faculty mentors to further develop her knowledge and skills in preparation for medical school.

Exploring the Diagnosis Process and Educational Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Visual Impairment​

Abstract

This national study investigates the processes behind a co-occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and visual impairment (VI) diagnosis in school-age children through parental-reported experiences. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving developmental outcomes and ensuring access to appropriate resources and support services (Okoye et al., 2023). To examine this relationship, we worked on a Qualtrics survey aimed at collecting both numerical and descriptive data on the assessment, diagnosis, and service provision of ASD and VI across the 50 states and Puerto Rico. A distribution list was compiled, including medical and educational professionals, hospitals, clinics, schools for the blind,
and state deaf-blind projects to help reach eligible families. The survey included an invitation for respondents to volunteer to participate in follow-up interviews. Data collection is ongoing. The findings aim to show typical diagnostic steps, reveal possible obstacles, and highlight patterns in accessing services. The results aim to inform healthcare providers, educators, and families about opportunities to improve early identification and collaboration.​

Keywords: Autism, Visual Impairments, Children, Diagnosis

BIO

Millicent Fox is a sophomore undergraduate student majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry and Spanish. She is from Jacksonville, Florida and is on the pre-med track with experience as a Medical Assistant and two Obstetrics and Gynecology offices, works as a media manager for one of those offices, and works as a respite care provider in Tallahassee. She has done research projects in middle school and high school about surgical site infections. She is a member of the Honors Program and a recipient of the Bright Futures and FSU Vires Scholarship. She works alongside her mentor, Laynie Thompson, PhD student, and Dr. Robert Hickner.

Impact of Exercise on Physiological and Psychological Indicators of Sleep Quality in Pre-Diabetic Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Menopause is an inevitable life stage impacting over half of the population, leading to significant mental and physiological changes. This study is ongoing and investigates the feasibility of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for the treatment of symptoms in post-menopausal women with obesity and prediabetes. In our research, four participants were randomly assigned to resistance or endurance training groups. To measure objective sleep parameters, such as heart rate and distinct sleep stages, participants also wore an Oura Ring 4 throughout the six weeks. Furthermore, participants’ subjective sleep quality and menopausal symptoms were evaluated via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). We hypothesized that exercise would cause an increase in time spent in deep sleep and would improve perception of sleep quality. With a small sample size and the study still ongoing, we can only posit that our preliminary results indicate a trend towards improved strength, enhanced subjective sleep quality, and potential reductions in menopausal symptoms following the six-week exercise program. Further participant recruitment is necessary to enhance the statistical power to confirm these effects, yet our findings are promising in the potential application of exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy to improve sleep and menopausal health in this population.

Keywords: Sleep, Post-menopause, exercise