Research Symposium

BIO

Avery is a second-year Honors student at Florida State University majoring in Psychology and is on track to begin a double major in Social Work in Fall of 2026. She is a member of various organizations on campus such as the Honors Student Association, Students for Sexual Assault Awareness, and Philanthropy within Alpha Chi Omega. These involvements highlight her passion for advocacy, social work, and education. She has been a researcher on a project about developing a training for mental health practitioners working with parents involved within the Child Welfare System since Fall of 2025. She is grateful to have worked under Marisa Luciano and Katherine Spurling during this time, and hopes to continue expanding her research experience.

Therapists' Perceptions of Parents Involved Within The Child Welfare System: Biases and Experiences

Abstract

Therapists face a variety of clients throughout their career, whether they have training on that specific population or not. This lack of population-specific education and experience could influence their opinions, biases, and beliefs during their clinical work. In this study, we looked at mental health practitioners’ (MHP) experiences, beliefs, and training surrounding the child welfare system (CWS). This study included licensed and pre-licensed social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists. These MHP completed a quantitative survey and optional qualitative interview addressing themes of bias, perception, and stigma. The quantitative results analyze the amount of experience, license type, experience working within the CWS and their bias toward CWS involved parents. The qualitative data bolsters these results providing first-hand experiences and offering clinical implications for mental health practitioners.

Keywords: Therapist, Child Welfare, Social Work, Mental Health, Psychology

BIO

Emily is a second year Biological Science major with a minor in Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is on the pre-medical track with the hope to attend medical school at Florida State University. During her time so far at FSU, she has participated in research at the MagLab with Dr. Jamel Ali and joined several student organizations such as Alpha Chi Sigma, Tri Beta, and Alpha Epsilon Delta. Emily is excited to continue her journey as an undergraduate student in the following semesters as she prepares to take the MCAT and begin the application process to medical school through the support of her mentors and professors.

Observing Cellular Reproductive Anatomy Through Microscopic Bio-Art​

Abstract

The Microscopic Bioart research project is a project designed to discover the artistic possibilities of biological tissues through microscopic photography. Eye-catching biological molecules bridge scientific and artistic mediums to the molecules that create life and allow us, as organisms, to exist. To be more specific, female reproductive cells are the carriers of our genetic information, and are crucial players in the process of beginning new life. Female reproductive cells were viewed through multiple types of microscopy, such as bright field, dark field, phase contrast, and Köhler illumination to capture the complexity of these cells. These photos were then edited through Adobe Photoshop to appear more aesthetically pleasing to the average viewer that may not know anything about biology. Photographs have been submitted to an annual Bioart competition hosted by Nikon, further spreading the works of art that come from human physiological systems. The unique structure of these complex molecules gives the viewer an idea of the impactful abilities they are able to perform. More attention brought to biological structures, such as female reproductive cells open the door for more conversation and engagement with research pertaining to them.

Keywords: Microscopic Bioart

BIO

Mackenzie Haas is a freshman majoring in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience and minoring in Child Development. She is a part of the Honors Medical Scholars program and aims to become a pediatrician.

How Children Learn to Spell Complex Words: Understanding Differences in Spelling Development

Abstract

The abilities to read and write in elementary school students are foundational skills upon which a child’s academic success or persistent difficulties rest (Anderson et al., 1985; National Research Council, 1998). The overwhelming need for sufficient literacy skills extends far beyond one’s school years and has been linked to a person’s quality of life, including access to career opportunities and the ability to participate in the Information Age (Anderson et al., 1985; National Research Council, 1998). According to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which is the United States' biannual indicator of academic achievement, only about one-third of fourth graders in the United States are at proficient reading levels (National Center for Education Statistics, 2023).
Learning to spell in English is even more complex than learning to read (Venezky, 1999). Translating spoken words into their correct spelling requires exposure and experience, as many letters have multiple pronunciations and each of these pronunciations often has more than one spelling, creating what Venezky (1999) describes as a “spaghetti-like tangle” (p. 11). Understanding the variability that defines the English language is crucial for identifying which types of words present children with the greatest difficulty and how instruction can more effectively support their development. The present study examines how individual differences among third through fifth-grade students and the characteristics of specific words with more than one syllable influence spelling, reading, and vocabulary performance.

Keywords: Comprehension, Literacy Development, Elementary Students

BIO

I am Joe Diaz, a sophomore political science major at Florida State. This year I worked with Brendan Lantz and Jack Mills to research the significance of historical sundown towns in the modern day. I have previous experience working at a law firm in my hometown Tampa, Florida and hope to use my degree to go to law school and work as an attorney.

A Narrowed Focus on Sundown America: Making Sense of Modern Racism in Historical Sundown Towns Across Four States

Abstract

There is a growing empirical interest in sundown towns today. Broadly, sundown towns were communities that historically excluded many non-white populations, most often Black populations, from residing in or even entering such towns. Although most existing scholarship often treats these racialized communities as relics of the past, emerging evidence suggests that many historical sundown towns continue to sustain practices of racial exclusion and violence. Understanding why these patterns persist is critical, as it directly affects the safety, mobility and quality of life of minority populations living in or near these communities allowing for more informed and targeted approaches to civil rights policy and community intervention.

Drawing from ongoing research conducted by a Florida State University research team, this project examines hundreds of publicly available reports of racial violence, discrimination, and segregation occurring between 2000 and 2026 in historically identified sundown towns across four states: California, Colorado, New York, and Kentucky. Data was collected through systematic web-based research, drawing from local and national news coverage, public records, demographic data, and community reported incidents. Each report was categorized using a two-stage qualitative content analysis, first identifying individual incidents and then classifying them thematically by racial violence, segregation, or racial non-violent prejudice. Across all four states, we documented recurring patterns of institutional discrimination operating through schools, police departments, and local governments. These findings challenge the prevailing narrative of sundown towns as historical relics of the past instead positioning them as ongoing sites of racial governance with significant implications for modern policy and scholarship.

Keywords: History, Sundown Town, Discrimination

BIO

My name is Ella Cooney, I am from Atlanta, GA and I am currently a sophomore at FSU. My passion is the field of psychology, specifically cognitive psychology, and the widespread effects of trauma on individuals. In the future, I hope to pursue law school.

Maladaptive Beliefs Mediate PTSD/MDD Comorbidity After Interpersonal Trauma

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) frequently co-occur, yet the mechanisms underlying this comorbidity remain unclear.The present study examined whether interpersonal trauma is associated with elevated risk for comorbid PTSD and depression and whether this relationship is explained by posttraumatic maladaptive belief systems, a cognitive framework.
Data were drawn from a large sample of trauma-exposed and non-trauma-exposed adults. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), depressive symptoms were measured with the PROMIS Depression scale, and maladaptive beliefs were evaluated with the Posttraumatic Maladaptive Beliefs Scale (PMBS). Logistic regression, multinomial modeling, and mediation analyses were conducted to examine associations among interpersonal trauma, belief systems, and diagnostic outcomes.
Findings indicate that individuals reporting interpersonal trauma demonstrated nearly threefold higher odds (≈ 2.8) of meeting criteria for both PTSD and depression relative to those with neither condition. Interpersonal trauma significantly predicted higher PMBS scores, and these beliefs were strongly associated with comorbidity. When maladaptive beliefs were included in the model, the association between interpersonal trauma and comorbidity was no longer significant, consistent with full mediation. Multinomial analyses further suggested that interpersonal trauma was more strongly linked to comorbid presentations than to PTSD-only or depression-only.
Together, these results suggest that interpersonal trauma may increase risk for co-occurring PTSD and depression primarily through its impact on core cognitive beliefs. Interventions targeting maladaptive posttraumatic beliefs therefore represent an avenue for reducing vulnerability to trauma-related psychopathology, though additional research is needed to clarify causal processes.

Keywords: PTSD, depression, post-traumatic maladaptive beliefs

BIO

Drew Thorpe is a second year Psychology major with a Minor in Business and an intended Minor in Mandarin, Chinese. She is a member of UROP, SHRM at FSU, and WIB, and intends to get a Juris Masters in Employment Law and HR Risk Management from FSU.

Chronology of COVID-19 and Healthcare

Abstract

This is a historical chronology of the way the federal government, Florida government, and medical field handled the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The implied question behind this asks how these bodies reacted to the pandemic via laws and policies. I am investigating this question because understanding how an international event like the COVID-19 Pandemic was responded to from a a human resources or lawmakers' perspective can give people insight into how things could be handled differently in the case of similar scenarios in the future (on a smaller scale or otherwise).
I have studied multiple peer reviewed articles and news articles discussing Federal policy, Floridian policy, and medical professions demands during the pandemic. I analyzed this data by summarizing each article and picking out dates when different policies were established, then creating a chronology of each date to better view events and establish some correlation and causation between each of the three portions of study.
This method established a clear chronology of policies and laws made in response to the pandemic from a federal, state, and medical perspective, and highlighted public responses to said findings. This historical study establishes what policies and laws will be effective in similar situations in the future and those on a smaller scale and will allow for governments and medical professionals to be better prepared and informed.

Keywords: COVID-19, Florida, Healthcare

BIO

Molly McKenna is a second-year student at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. Her academic interests include clinical, cognitive, and social psychology, particularly in clinical disorders and trauma-related psychopathology.
She has conducted research on how emotion regulation difficulties moderate the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and dissociation, under the mentorship of Jaime Quiles, M.S., and Dr. Brad Schmidt. Through this work, she has developed an interest in understanding the cognitive and emotional processes underlying trauma-related disorders. In addition to her research, she has been the Events Director of the Honors Student Association, the Induction Ceremony Coordinator of Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society, a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, and is currently completing training to serve as an Honors Colloquium Leader.
Molly has been recognized for her academic achievements through the President's List and by earning the Capstone Diploma. After graduating, she plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with the goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist and conducting research on clinical disorders and trauma-related mental health outcomes.

Lack of Emotional Clarity Uniquely Buffers the Effect of Dissociation in PTSD Symptoms

Abstract

This study examined the relationships among dissociation, emotion regulation difficulties, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Prior research has linked dissociation to trauma-related psychopathology and emotional difficulties (Irwin, 1998; Shim et al., 2024). Although recent studies have focused on dissociation as a mediator between emotion regulation and PTSD symptoms, less is known about whether emotion regulation difficulties may function as a moderator, influencing the strength of this association. The present study investigated whether emotion regulation difficulties moderate the relationship between dissociation and PTSD symptoms. A trauma-exposed sample (N = 583) completed the Dissociative Experiences Scale–Brief (DES-B), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale–16 (DERS-16), and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Linear regression analyses were conducted in RStudio, followed by analyses examining whether specific facets of emotion regulation interacted with dissociation to predict PTSD symptoms. Results indicated that emotion regulation difficulties did not moderate the overall relationship between dissociation and PTSD symptoms. However, emotional clarity significantly buffered the association between dissociation and PTSD symptoms. Greater difficulty identifying emotions weakened the relationship between dissociation and PTSD. This finding suggests that when individuals struggle to understand their emotions, dissociative experiences may be less likely to be interpreted as trauma-related or distressing. These results highlight the clinical importance of prioritizing emotional regulation and stabilization before emotional clarification in interventions with dissociative individuals to reduce symptom severity and functional impairment overall.

Keywords: psychology, trauma, emotion regulation, dissociation

BIO

First year psychology major from Safety Harbor, Florida. Currently working as an Undergraduate Research Opportunity (UROP) assistant in the Attraction and Close Relationships Lab at Florida State University, run by Dr. Andrea Meltzer. Future professional goals include attending a PHD program in psychology and working as a Clinical Psychologist.

Studying Attraction Through Virtual Speed Dating

Abstract

Romantic selectivity and factors influencing initial attraction are poorly understood given the methodological challenges in observing early relationship formation. To enhance understanding, studies have employed speed dating events to examine associations between an individual’s basic romantic preferences and their relationship outcomes in a controlled, naturalistic setting. Participants aged 18-24 at Florida State University (N = 66; 33 female, 33 male) were enrolled in a virtual speed dating paradigm. These Zoom events consisted of 8 to 12 brief speed dates for each participant and surveys measuring partner interest were administered after each date. In pairs with reciprocated interest, virtual first dates were held, and follow-up surveys of partner satisfaction were administered over the next four weeks. Four speed dating events were hosted from October 6, 2025 to November 4, 2025. Across events, 42 total matches were formed, averaging 10.5 matches per event with 41 participants having at least one match. Both genders were about equally selective, as 21 females had at least one match (63.6%), while 20 males had at least one match (60.6%). These findings diverge from prior research suggesting women are more selective in identifying romantic partners, as both genders demonstrated about equal selectivity. These findings contribute to ongoing research on romantic attraction and suggest the value of virtual speed dating events for studying early relationship formation. Future research using virtual speed dating should extend beyond educated young adult samples and examine same-sex relationship formation.

Keywords: Psychology, Social Psychology, Evolutionary Psychology

BIO

Isabella Mynatt is a first-year student at Florida State University, majoring in Economics (Bachelor of Science) with minors in Mathematics and Religion. In high school, she completed the International Baccalaureate program. Through this, she conducted independent research on religious syncretism and class-based practice in medieval Ireland, writing a four-thousand-word research paper on the subject. She is currently conducting undergraduate research through UROP, under the mentorship of Matthew Goff in the Department of Religion. Her academic interests focus on the intersection of economics, religion, and their intersection. After graduating, Isabella plans to pursue a PhD in Economics. Isabella hopes to work in organizations such as the United Nations or the European Union, focusing on macroeconomic policies, or to continue her research career within academia.

Revealing Race, Racing Revelation: Exploring the Intersections Between Race and Apocalypticism

Abstract

Apocalyptic beliefs have been a mainstay of Western religious cultures for centuries, and cultures fighting against Western imperialism. This study has focused on understanding how apocalyptic ideologies have helped create certain racial groups, the appropriation of apocalyptic beliefs, and the conceptualization of race found in historical apocalyptic literature. Apocalyptic beliefs can help the modern world better understand definitions and categories of race from antiquity to the present. Research on this topic is currently being conducted by various academics worldwide, drawing on ethnographies, religious texts, and literature reviews. The framework of the research was thus theoretical. From this, the relationship between religion and race in antiquity has been discovered to have been quite varied; various religions, from Mormonism to Native American practices, have all included some form of apocalyptic beliefs, and race has shown a continued effect on religious interpretations. These results suggest that race and religion are deeply intertwined. In the broader context, this means that more consideration must be taken when studying the effects and interactions with race. Further studies may seek to reveal connections between differing apocryphal beliefs. This research is still ongoing.

Keywords: religion, apocalypse, race

BIO

Keyse Kelly Ferraz is an undergraduate honors student at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences on the pre-medical track. She is currently in her second year and is involved in undergraduate research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). Originally from Brazil, Keyse later moved to Orlando, Florida, where she developed a strong interest in science and medicine.
Her research focuses on analyzing structural changes in cardiac muscle proteins associated with mutations in ACTN2, using computational tools to examine differences in domain organization that may contribute to cardiac disease. She conducts this research under the mentorship of graduate researcher Rhiannon Crawford. In addition to her research, Keyse is actively involved in campus organizations and community engagement initiatives. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician while continuing to contribute to research that advances human health.

Analysis of the alpha-actinin-2 actin-binding domain using AI programs

Abstract

Sarcomeres are the fundamental contractile units of cardiac muscle cells, and their structural organization is essential for proper force generation and heart function. Disruption of Z-disc proteins, particularly α-actinin-2 (ACTN2), has been strongly associated with cardiomyopathies and altered cardiac mechanics (Wadmore et al., 2021; Noureddine et al., 2025). Because protein function is tightly linked to three-dimensional conformation, even single amino acid substitutions may alter structural positioning and binding interactions within the sarcomere.
We hypothesize that certain disease-associated mutations in ACTN2 promote a more open conformation of the actin-binding domain, increasing binding accessibility and activity at the Z-disc. This conformational shift may contribute to altered sarcomere mechanics and provide a potential mechanistic explanation for abnormal cardiac growth observed in cardiomyopathy.
To investigate this, we used AlphaFold to generate structural predictions of wild-type and mutant ACTN2 proteins. Predicted structures were aligned and analyzed in ChimeraX to quantify conformational differences, including Cα root mean square deviation (CaRMSD) and domain orientation changes. These structural comparisons allowed us to evaluate whether specific mutations shift the protein toward a more open configuration. While AI-based tools such as SarcAsM provide powerful approaches for quantitative sarcomere analysis (Härtter et al., 2025), the present study focuses on structural modeling to establish a molecular basis for mutation-induced sarcomeric dysfunction.

Keywords: Computational Biology, Cardiac Muscle, Mutation

BIO

Brooke LeBoeuf is a second-year undergraduate student from Plantation, Florida. She is pursuing a major in Biological Science with a minor in Chemistry. She hopes to go to graduate school to become a Physician Assistant, and getting further engaged with patient care. Brooke's research, under Dr. Joseph Gabriel, is about the utilization of inoculation against smallpox in the mid 18th century in the American colonies.

Battling Disease: The Inoculation Campaign Against Smallpox in Revolutionary America

Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to investigate smallpox in the late 18th century United States, the inoculation campaign led by George Washington, and how the public reacted to this response. Inoculation is the practice of infecting one individual with the pus from a smallpox sore of another person. The decisions made in Washington’s inoculation campaign—and the broader acceptance of the practice of inoculation— is important because it established a precedent for how the public reacted to later government public health orders.

My research revealed far more intimate details about how the smallpox outbreak was initially handled by the colonies, such as by quarantine, and later how inoculation was handled and delegated by the colonies. I found that there was much discourse surrounding inoculation between those for and against it. What these findings demonstrate is that public health in America has always been met with public backlash towards the protective measures that have been implemented, or suggested, by the government.

Keywords: History, Disease, Medicine, America, Biology

BIO

Nicole Gonzalez-Pena is a second-year student studying Political Science and plans to pursue a dual degree in Management Information Systems. Her academic interests center on the intersection of public policy, law, and data-driven decision-making. During a policy fellowship, Nicole conducted research on Florida’s court debt policies and developed recommendations focused on promoting fairer and more effective outcomes, including alternatives to driver’s license suspensions for nonpayment of court debt. Nicole is interested in continuing to combine policy research with information systems to improve public sector decision-making and outcomes.

The Effect of Input, Output, and Proficiency on L2 Spanish Clitic Acquisition

Abstract

Second language learners have presented a significant challenge in learning grammatical structures. This is especially present when native English speakers learn Spanish because grammatical orders in sentences differ. Spanish direct object pronouns are also difficult for learners because they must process meaning and grammatical forms at the same time. Understanding how learners acquire Spanish grammatical forms is crucial for improving instructional methods. Prior research has shown that Processing Instruction (PI) and Meaning-Based Output Instruction (MOI) support the acquisition differently, but their effectiveness is still unclear. College students enrolled in basic-level Spanish courses were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: PI, MOI, or a control group. Each group completed a pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest, each test being exactly 1 week apart from the previous. Data was collected using 4 assessment tasks which measured comprehension and sentence production: self-paced reading, picture matching, elicited imitation, and sentence completion. Data analysis and final results for this study are still in progress and not available yet. The analyses will compare and score participant’s performances amongst all tasks and proficiency levels. Results will help determine the effectiveness of PI and MOI, and evaluate the teaching methods used in the classroom and instructional effects vary depending on proficiency levels. These findings have the potential to identify strategies that help create methods to further support second language learner comprehension. Further research can examine the long-term retention of instructional effects. Overall, this research emphasizes the importance of aligning proficiency levels with specific instructional methods for second language learners.

Keywords: Spanish, language acquisition, proficiency, input, output

BIO

Alexandra is a first-year philosophy major with an interest in applying to become a double major in classical civilizations. On the pre-law track, she is intending on attending law school upon completion of her bachelor's degree, wanting to become an attorney. She is a member of the Presidential Scholars Program, Honors Program, and the Women in Pre-Law Society, to name a few organizations.

Impacts of Female Directors on Women’s Representation in Bollywood Films

Abstract

It is important to know how women are viewed and portrayed in the media that we consume from a cross-cultural perspective. To do so in my research, I ask what the impact of female directors on female character representation in Bollywood films is. I am investigating this question to better understand how women are portrayed in films with different cultural expectations than in America. I conducted my research by watching a series of movies that I was assigned and accounted for each female character that was a “speaking character,” a character that spoke at least one distinct line in the film. Data was compiled into qualitative surveys which noted aspects such as how often the woman was a love interest, when she was the subject of a dream or a dance, or if she displayed any qualities that were culturally linked to traditionally feminine roles. These surveys were then compared to others’ surveys and edited after peer review for accuracy. In my results, I found that there is still more work to be done to reach a comprehensive conclusion. The next step is to continue reviewing more Bollywood films that are directed by women. This suggests that this is an ongoing process that will continue to reflect and observe the impact that gender inclusivity has on film. This implies that cultural shifts throughout time never have a concrete ending and can always be improved.

Keywords: Women, Bollywood, Film

BIO

Graham Heisel is a Freshman working on a major in psychology and a minor in law and philosophy. He is working under Dr. Dorota Kossowska-Kuhn on critical research into Alzheimer's disease. He aspires to enter law school and become a licensed attorney and to eventually return as a professor.

Cognitive Skills Model for Predicting Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition in which individuals experience cognitive decline beyond what is expected with normal aging, while still being able to complete most daily activities independently. MCI is often viewed as an early stage that may precede Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and provides an important opportunity to identify early indicators of neurodegeneration, though not all individuals with MCI progress to AD. Because of this uncertainty, identifying reliable predictors of Alzheimer’s disease within MCI populations remains an ongoing challenge. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in domain-specific cognitive performance, including spatial navigation, between individuals with MCI and cognitively healthy older adults and to determine which cognitive areas show early decline. We started by importing 1,824 studies into the Covidence program, which were sorted through and screened for admission to the database. We then screened the articles based on title and abstract to roughly narrow the studies, and finally, we completed a full-text review to bring our final number of studies to 600 articles to be extracted. Results show that individuals with MCI perform worse than cognitively healthy older adults across several cognitive domains, including spatial navigation and memory. This shows the connection between spatial navigation tasks and older adults with MCI while highlighting the need for further measures of spatial navigation in screening. The connection proven by our study can be used to modify the current screening procedures in MCI and help better the methods for detecting cognitive decline during that critical early period.

Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Meta-Analysis, MCI

BIO

Gracie is a second year Geography student at Florida State University. She is minoring in urban planning, and has interests in furthering her skills in GIS. She is currently training to continue her work in UROP to be a leader next semester.

Dangers of the White Savior Complex: An analysis of how attempts to defend the Seminoles in the Everglades were harmful

Abstract

Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, Everglades drainage efforts caused the removal of Seminoles from their homelands. Different groups of people had varying opinions on how the Seminoles were being affected. This study focuses on those who had a "white savior" attitude towards the Seminoles and contributed to their demise while trying to do the opposite. For this project, the words and actions of May Mann Jennings, Minnie Moore-Willson, and Episcopalian missionaries are analyzed. To do this, data on what these groups of people said, believed, and fought for was collected and ordered causally to get a view of how efforts to help the Seminoles truly affected them. Consistently, it was revealed that the help imposed upon the Seminoles was largely unwanted and unwarranted. Had the Seminoles been consulted about whether they wanted help or what they thought was best, a better outcome that was more in line with their desires could have resulted. It is important to give attention to this area of history, as it is not largely talked about when discussing the Everglades National Park, nor are the effects of these key players who believed they were doing what was best for the Seminoles. This opens a new conversation about what "help" truly is when it is imposed on a group of individuals who live differently from the source of aid. More research can be done on how aid has affected the Florida Seminoles, and this idea can be studied in many other fields as well.

Keywords: Seminoles, Florida, Everglades

BIO

Yali Chen is a sophomore pursuing a degree in Bachelor of English Education. She exhibits interests in the field of education, teaching method, cognitive development, and effective communication. She joined the UROP program and started to do the research in her sophomore year, focusing on the narrative ability of preschool children.

Correlations Between Macrostructure Narrative Skills Exhibited by Pre-school Children

Abstract

Past research has identified a general tendency: children’s narrative ability aligns with their cognitive and learning development. One study found more frequent use of attempt than consequence descriptions in children when retelling narratives, possibly indicating that consequences are a more challenging element for children to include (Schachter & Craig, 2006). This research aims to examine the relationship between macrostructure elements in children's oral narratives exhibited by 3-5 years old preschool children. We hypothesize that children tend to focus more on macrostructure elements (e.g., attempt and consequence), since these elements often reflect a cause-and-effect relationship. The children are shown a series of cartoon videos, and then tasked to retell the story. We coded narratives using Diehm et al.’s (2020) scheme, including character, setting, plot, initiating events, reactions, attempts, consequences, and ending. Each element was scored 1 if present, 0 if not. The results indicated that producing more of one story-grammar element was generally associated with greater production of others, suggesting that macrostructure skills tend to cluster rather than develop in isolation. The strongest links involved core components of causal structure and character information, indicating that children who produce richer narratives in one area often produce richer narratives overall. Equipped with this insight, educators can gain a deeper understanding of young learners’ developmental needs, and subsequently design more targeted instructional strategies to support narrative skill growth. As this is a longitudinal study, further investigation will be required to better determine the children’s narrative macrostructure, capturing their growth.

Keywords: preschool children narrative trajectory

BIO

Cassie Amitrano is a second-year at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry on the pre–Physician Assistant track. Originally from New York, she moved to Orlando, Florida, and now to Tallahassee, Florida to continue her education and pursue opportunities in research and healthcare. Her research interests focus on behavioral neuroscience, public health, and nutrition, and she is currently exploring research related to ADHD and spatial orientation, examining how attention-related disorders may affect the way individuals perceive and navigate their environment, alongside Dr. Dorota Kossowska-Kuhn and Ms. Amelia Bush. Cassie hopes to continue gaining research experience during her undergraduate years and plans to apply to Physician Assistant programs after graduation. Her long-term goal is to work in healthcare where she can combine her scientific background, clinical skills, and dedication to community service to improve patient care.

ADHD and Spatial Orientation: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This study evaluated spatial orientation abilities in individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) compared to neurotypical controls. ADHD is defined in the DSM-5-TR as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity interfering with functioning or development. Spatial orientation refers to the ability to perceive, interact with, and maintain awareness in a three-dimensional environment through integration of multisensory information. Spatial orientation has been associated with learning disabilities specific to geometric and mathematical reasoning. While prior research has studied spatial orientation and ADHD independently, their relationship has not been examined. Understanding this relationship may expand the scope of understanding of ADHD-related cognition and inform treatment approaches. This study holds importance as it examines under-researched aspects of neurodevelopment, addressing a significant gap in the existing literature. To investigate this relationship, a meta-analysis was conducted to review literature across databases using Covidence. The study began with 165 articles at the title and abstract stage, with 36 advancing to full-text review. Inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 18 articles being selected for extraction. Multiple reviewers were involved in the screening process, with consensus between two reviewers required for inclusion. Conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer to ensure reliability. Afterwards, relevant data were extracted and analyzed, providing a comprehensive overview of existing research on spatial orientation in ADHD. Expected results include ADHD groups exhibiting poorer spatial orientation abilities than neurotypical controls. Implications of these results will widen the scope of the current understanding of ADHD’s influence on cognition.

Keywords: ADHD, Psychology, Spatial Orientation

BIO

Gavin Paul Miles is a first-year undergraduate at Florida State University studying Political Science and Economics, with future aspirations to work in higher education. He is deeply involved in academic research and is currently co-authoring a paper on algorithmic political bias in artificial intelligence, among several other projects. Prior to his research work, Gavin was active in competitive debate, earning medals at FCDI and Incubate tournaments across Florida. He can be reached at gavinpmilesbusiness@gmail.com for inquiries.

AI-Generated Memes and Political Bias

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent, AI-based media-generation services have rapidly developed and expanded. These tools are now also used to create memes, leading to the emergence of AI meme generators.
AI meme generators may reproduce political bias, especially when trained on biased data, but they have not been explored extensively. In this regard, we seek to discern whether, and to what extent, AI meme generators demonstrate political bias. grounded in theoretical frameworks of media bias and internet memes.
Our research questions are:
To what extent is political bias observable in AI-generated memes, and how does it manifest across (a) format-level features and (b) stance-related features?
How does political bias vary across topics between or within AI meme generators?

Keywords: AI, Memes, Political Bias

BIO

Brianna Zapata is a first-generation Colombian student from Miami, FL. Brianna's academic journey reflects her passion for sustainability, urbanism, and the environment, evident in her pursuit of a dual degree in Environment and Society and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. Brianna hopes to pursue a career focused on urban policy and community development, in which she can help create more equitable and environmentally responsible cities. Outside of academics, Brianna enjoys staying active through Pilates, yoga, and dancing, and spending time cooking, baking, and caring for her plants and her cat, Pachito.

Bridging the Gap: Understanding Nonprofit Evaluation Needs in Tallahassee

Abstract

Collaboration among nonprofit organizations is increasingly important for addressing complex social challenges, such as affordable housing and community development. Many housing and service organizations work toward similar goals, yet limited research exists on how these organizations collaborate and what barriers prevent effective partnerships. This research examines nonprofit collaboration in the housing and community development sector, focusing on how organizations coordinate resources, share information, and collaborate to support communities.
Using a mixed-methods approach, this study collects data through a survey distributed to nonprofit organizations involved in housing, community services, and social support programs. The survey explores factors such as partnership experiences, communication practices, organizational capacity, and perceived barriers to collaboration. Preliminary findings suggest that while many organizations recognize the value of partnerships, challenges such as limited funding, poor coordination, and difficulty identifying appropriate partners often limit deeper collaboration.
Understanding these barriers can help nonprofits strengthen partnerships and improve service delivery to communities in need. By identifying strategies that strengthen nonprofit collaboration, this research aims to contribute to more effective coordination among organizations working to address housing and social service challenges.

Keywords: Nonprofits Housing Collaboration Community Partnership

BIO

Megi Gvinjilia is a junior at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She has been recognized on the Dean’s List for her academic achievement and is actively involved in the university community through research and professional organizations.

She is a participant in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and a member of Women in Accounting (WIA) and Beta Alpha Psi (BAP). As an aspiring Certified Public Accountant, Megi is eager to continue gaining experience and expanding her knowledge over time. She is committed to building a strong foundation in accounting and pursuing long-term growth in the field.

Do Nonprofits Benefit from Being Audited by Issuer Audit Partners?

Abstract

Nonprofit organizations often prioritize auditors with nonprofit expertise, but many audit partners also serve public-company (issuer) clients, which may enable them to transfer best practices across sectors. This study examines whether nonprofits audited by issuer partners have stronger internal controls and greater operational efficiency than those audited by non-issuer partners. This question matters because nonprofits operate under resource constraints, and improvements in controls and efficiency can free more funds for mission-related activities.

The study begins with semi-structured interviews with 10 nonprofit executives subject to Uniform Guidance (Single) audits and 10 issuer audit partners. These interviews provide insight into auditor selection and mechanisms through which issuer experience may influence nonprofit outcomes. The archival analysis uses Uniform Guidance audit data from 2015–2019, identifying issuer partners by matching partner names to the PCAOB Form AP database. Internal control quality is measured using material weakness notifications, while operating efficiency is evaluated through management expense ratios and program ratios. The analysis incorporates robustness tests, including entropy balancing, audit partner changes, and client fixed effects.

The findings show that nonprofits audited by issuer partners are less likely to receive material weakness notifications and exhibit more efficient operations, reflected in lower management expense ratios and higher program ratios, than nonprofits audited by non-issuer partners. These benefits are stronger when issuer partners have more extensive public-company experience, consistent with cross-sector knowledge transfer. One trade-off is longer audit report lags, although audit fees are not higher. Overall, the evidence suggests issuer partners can help nonprofits improve controls and efficiency.

Keywords: Accounting, Nonprofit, Audit