Research Symposium

BIO

Avery Provost is a current freshman at FSU majoring in history. She is focused on U.S. history, pursing a History Bachelor and eventually a History Doctorate. Avery has spent the last year investigating the intersection between medical misinformation and civil rights.

Medical Misinformation Surrounding Gender Affirming Care: The Repercussions for the Medical System

Abstract

In the past 10 years medicine known as gender affirming care has come under fire in media and political outlets. HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), a common form of gender affirming care, has become the target of widespread medical misinformation. The increased medical misinformation has led to undermining of the medical community. Understanding how medical misinformation surrounding gender affirming care has negatively affected the public perception of the medical community can help inform the falling trust in doctors.
For this project, I examined reports and documents on gender affirming care, and the process for transgender individuals. I then applied my research on how HRT and broadly gender affirming care works to identify medical reports spreading incorrect information. I traced back claims spread in these documents to official government reports, such as executive order “PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM CHEMICAL AND SURGICAL MUTILATION.”
In recent years trust in the medical industry has fallen significantly. While it is hard to directly link one topic to this loss of trust, I propose that the misinformation surrounding gender affirming care contributes to this metric. To continue this research, I believe surveying patients, and residents in the United States could help paint a better picture of how much medical misinformation surrounding gender affirming care has contributed to this.
My research suggests a possible connection between increased medical mistrust, and medical misinformation surrounding gender affirming care.

Keywords: History, Medicine, Gender-Affirming-Care

BIO

Rudy Santayana is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering with Honors in Civil Engineering at the FAMU–FSU College of Engineering. His research focuses on advancing characterization techniques for modifiers in asphalt binders. For the past three years, he has conducted research with the PRISM Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Elwardany, studying the chemical and rheological effects of modifiers on asphalt binders. He has received several honors, including completing the Honors in the Major research program, the EUREKA Fellowship, and the Undergraduate Research Award (URA). Rudy has also presented his work at Meeting of the Minds, FSU Fall Research Day, and Posters at the Capitol. He plans to pursue a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering, aiming to advance material technologies that improve the resilience and longevity of critical infrastructure.

Mechanistic Evaluation of Reactive Polymer–Binder Interactions Across Asphalt Chemistries

Abstract

To meet increasing pavement performance demands under growing traffic loads, asphalt binders are commonly modified with polymers to tailor their rheological behavior for specific climatic and loading conditions. However, a mechanistic understanding of how reactive modifiers interact with varying asphalt binder chemistries remains limited. This study investigates a polyurethane isocyanate-based reactive polymer and examines its interactions with standardized experimental binders from the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). Using rheological characterization alongside chemical analysis through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), the research evaluates how these interactions influence binder chemistry and performance-related properties, providing insight into the design of more durable, high-performing pavement materials.

Keywords: Asphalt Binders; Reactive Polymers; Dynamic Shear Rheometry; FTIR Spectroscopy; FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry

BIO

Khaled is a second-year student at Florida State University double majoring in Geology and Environmental Science. He has been working under the guidance of research mentors Neda Mobasher and Dr. Alyssa Atwood to develop coral δ18O paleoclimate reconstructions from Kiritimati, Kiribati to reconstruct changes in ENSO over the last millennium. Khaled hopes to pursue higher education after his bachelors, specifically in geochemistry and adjacent fields.

A coral δ18O reconstruction from Kiritimati, Kiribati during the Little Ice Age

Abstract

El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the dominant mode of interannual variability and drives global climate patterns. Paleoclimate proxies from scleractinian “stony” corals can be used to reconstruct past changes in sea surface temperatures and interpret changes in climate variability. Currently, there are many temporal gaps in available coral geochemical data from the Central Pacific, with the last millennium being one of the largest data gaps in the coral record. This study focuses on the Little Ice Age, a period with relatively cooler conditions compared to other time periods within the last millennium. We hope to better understand the extent of ENSO variability throughout this time period.

We present a coral fossil (X15c-35-11) from Kiritimati, Kiribati (1.9° N, 157.4° W) that spans from 1728-1748 CE. 70-105µg sub-samples of coral powder were drilled following a transect on the primary growth axis of the coral and analyzed for δ18O and δ13C using a using a Kiel IV Carbonate Device coupled to a Delta V Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer. Using this method, coral δ18O values were generated during the period of coral growth. Seasonal tie points were assigned to the coral to convert the coral depth into units of time which allowed for the calculation of the coral growth rate and the interpretation of climate variability during the early- to mid- 18th century. We discuss the potential for future studies to expand on this work.

Keywords: Paleoclimate, Climate, Coral, Geochemistry, ENSO

BIO

Ja’Launa Reynolds is an undergraduate student at Florida State University majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. Originally from Live Oak, Florida, she is passionate about supporting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Ja’Launa currently serves as a UROP Research Assistant on the AI Diary ABCs project under Dr. Vanessa Dennen, where she explores how college students interact with and perceive artificial intelligence. Her academic interests focus on the intersection of healthcare, research, and community advocacy. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant specializing in women’s health, while continuing to promote healing, empowerment, and access to care.

The AI Diary: Active Use, Beliefs, and Casual Encounters

Abstract

With the development of artificial intelligence and the normalization of its’ use among students, it is becoming increasingly important to understand what shapes the guidelines for this use. Existing studies explore what/ how AI is used in an educational context but fail to address how conflicting messages regarding AI use impact the choices students make when using AI.
This study explores how college students experience and interpret misalignments in expectations about AI use across key social and academic contexts.
Research Question: How do college students experience and interpret misalignments in expectations about AI use across their key social and academic contexts, including instructors, peers, institutional policies, and career/ professional norms?

Keywords: AI, Usage, Diary

BIO

Niyle is a first-year student majoring in psychology and minoring in statistics. Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, she is assisting Dr. Maria Cristina Ramos in her research on the cultural meanings of parental identities. Niyle has a passion for research and plans to study psychopharmacology in graduate school after earning her undergraduate degree.

Mapping the Cultural Meanings of Parental Identities

Abstract

This study maps meanings attached to parental identities (mother, father, and parent) as expressed in everyday parenting advice discourse. Grounded in identity theory, we conceptualize identities as the set of meanings attached to social positions by which one can define oneself. These meanings include traits, expectations, and other content that captures what it means to hold a given social position, such as being a mother, a husband, or a student. Using Parenting Stack Exchange (Q&A posts and responses), we identify and code statements that define what mothers, fathers, and parents are like and what they are expected to do. We develop a structured, human- and machine-readable codebook that captures key domains of meaning content (e.g., traits and behavioral expectations) and the normative status of claims (injunctive “what parents should do” vs. descriptive “what parents do”). We use the codebook to annotate the corpus with generative large language models (LLMs) and evaluate performance against a human-coded validation set. As substantive results are still in progress, we focus on the project’s theoretical framework, codebook, annotation pipeline, and validation design, and we outline planned analyses comparing meanings across mother and father identities. We also discuss advantages and limitations of this text-as-data approach for measuring identity meanings.

Keywords: Identity meanings, Culture, Parenthood, Content analysis, Identity theory

BIO

Alyssa Abel is a second-year student at Florida State University, pursuing a dual degree in Political Science and Social Work with a minor in Psychology. Alyssa is currently serving as a research assistant for the Collegiate Recovery Program Descriptive Database under Dr. Chelsea Shore-Miller's mentorship. This database serves as a collection of literature for the field of collegiate recovery and is sponsored by the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE). This project aligns greatly with Alyssa's passions for supportive social welfare programs, and evidence-based practices. Alyssa intends to pursue a Master's in Social Work (MSW) as well as a Juris Doctorate (JD) which will aid her in entering a career in public service, advocacy and macro social work.

Examining Developments in the Field of Collegiate Recovery Through a Descriptive Database

Abstract

Studies approximate that 21% of U.S. college students met diagnostic criteria for substance abuse disorders, giving higher education institutions a unique role in supporting recovery throughout its community. College is a unique environment for those navigating recovery due to a culture of normalized drug use. Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) were created to act as a continuing model of support and community for college students in recovery. The research questions we posed is how is the field of CRPs developing? What trends in research topics and theories have emerged? Our research builds on the existing CRP Descriptive Database (2022) which was created by Dr. Shore-Miller and is sponsored by The Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE). The database is intended to assist researchers, educators, and program administrators in identifying trends, gaps, and best practices, ultimately contributing to the advancement and effectiveness of collegiate support programs. We conducted a literature review of the collegiate recovery field adding 72 articles for inclusion into the database and then coded them by different characteristics such as demographics and methodology. An integrated tagging system allows database users to efficiently filter and analyze studies across thematic areas, methodological approaches, and target populations.To assess how the field of Collegiate Recovery is developing we compared various statistics about the database before and after the articles added by the 2025-2026 cohort. The project aims to strengthen the empirical foundation of CRPs and support the advancement of more effective, evidence-based programming in higher education.

Keywords: Recovery, Substance Use Disorder Recovery, Collegiate Recovery Programs

BIO

I am an undergraduate student from Miami, Florida with strong interests in biomedical research and physician–scientist training. Through my studies and research experiences, I am learning to use computational and molecular approaches to better understand the biological mechanisms that drive disease. I am also completing a Directed Individual Study in the Department of Biological Science under the mentorship of Dr. Qian Yin, where I work on the visualization and analysis of cross-linking mass spectrometry data. I plan to pursue an MD/PhD to integrate clinical medicine with biomedical research, with the ultimate goal of contributing to innovative projects that translate scientific discovery into advances that improve health at the population level.

Transcriptomic Profiling Identifies E2F-Enriched Proliferative Signatures in Basal-like Breast Cancer

Abstract

Basal-like breast cancer is an aggressive molecular subtype characterized by rapid proliferation and poor clinical outcomes. To better understand the transcriptional programs associated with this phenotype, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from the TCGA Breast Invasive Carcinoma (BRCA) cohort were analyzed to compare Basal-like and Luminal A breast cancer subtypes with normal breast tissue. Differential gene expression analysis was performed using DESeq2, and transcriptomic patterns were visualized using principal component analysis and volcano plots. Differentially expressed genes were partitioned into Basal-like–specific, Luminal A–specific, and shared gene sets, followed by Hallmark pathway enrichment analysis using clusterProfiler. This analysis identified 4,220 Basal-like–specific genes and 577 Luminal A–specific genes, indicating broader transcriptional dysregulation in Basal-like tumors. Enrichment analysis revealed strong activation of proliferative pathways—including E2F Targets, G2M Checkpoint, and Mitotic Spindle—in Basal-like tumors, whereas Luminal A tumors showed enrichment of estrogen response signaling pathways. These findings highlight distinct transcriptional programs underlying aggressive Basal-like breast cancer and provide insight into biological pathways associated with subtype-specific tumor behavior.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Basal-like breast cancer, RNA-seq analysis, differential gene expression, pathway enrichment analysis, transcriptomics

BIO

Eros Suarez Dorta is an undergraduate student with a strong interest in interdisciplinary learning across the humanities and sciences. His academic work explores topics in biology, history, culture and ethics, with particular attention to how scientific knowledge and cultural perspectives shape our understanding of the world. Eros has conducted research on biological regeneration in planarians, examining how diet influences regenerative efficiency. Known for his curiosity, analytical thinking, and persistence, he approaches research with careful attention to detail and a commitment to understanding complex ideas. In addition to scientific research, he engages with art history and cultural studies, including projects focused on contemporary Cuban artists. Through his studies, Eros aims to connect scientific inquiry with broader historical, ethical, and cultural perspectives.

Grupo Puré: Cuban art In and Outside Cuba 1986-2026

Abstract

This research explores Grupo Puré, Cuban artistic collective active during the 1980s, to expand scholarly and public awareness of artists whose work reflects the social, political, and ideological tensions of the period. The decade was characterized by limited cultural openness, economic strain, and growing encounters with postmodern ideas, creating restrictive environments for artistic expression. This study examines how the historical context shaped both the collective identity and the individual artistic practices of its members, emphasizing art as a response to lived experience within constrained social conditions.
The methodology is grounded in biographical research and historical contextualization. The primary focus is on the artists Adriano Buergo, Ermy Taño, Lázaro Saavedra, Ana Albertina Delgado, and Ciro Quintana. Their careers are analyzed through scholarly sources, contextual readings, and interviews that situate their work within the broader cultural climate of 1980s Cuba. The research also involves collaboration with a FSU graduate research assistant, the project curator, and UROP mentor, as well as coordination among student researchers assigned to write individual biographies. This collaborative structure allows for a more comparative understanding of the collective.
The results include professionally written biographies that document Grupo Puré’s artistic contributions and the influences shaping each of its five members. These findings provide insight into how personal experience, political pressure, and social limitations informed artistic production. Ultimately, this study contributes to Cuban art history by highlighting a lesser-studied collective and demonstrating how art functioned as cultural reflection, resilience, and critique during a period of historical tension in Cuba.

Keywords: Art, Biographical, Bilingual

BIO

I’m Charles, a sophomore Biology major. I’m from Tallahassee and my research focuses on how patients’ perceptions of insurance affect medical decisions. I work as a Chemistry Learning Assistant for Dr. Judy Clark and do research with PhD candidate Matilda Vevera. I’ve been on the President’s List every semester and hope to pursue a career in dentistry.

Doctors, Patients, and Insurance Relations

Abstract

This research examines how insurance coverage influences patients’ perceptions and choices during healthcare decision making. While insurance is a central part of the American healthcare system, previous studies have focused mostly on economic effects, leaving its role in shaping patient and provider decisions less understood. Using a multi-method approach, the project began with qualitative coding of interviews to capture perspectives from both patients and doctors. These insights informed the design of a formal lab experiment, which examined how insurance information affects the set of medical treatments considered for final choice. Preliminary results show that access to coverage information leads participants to consider more suboptimal medications and fewer optimal ones, while the total number of options considered stays the same. These findings suggest that insurance perceptions can strongly influence patient decisions beyond cost and highlight the importance of evaluating its role in healthcare choices.

Keywords: Insurance perceptions, Patient choices, Healthcare decisions, Doctor-patient relations

BIO

Sabri Hanley is a first-year Presidential Scholar majoring in Modern Languages and Linguistics. He has worked with Dr. Matthew Patience throughout this project and, through this mentorship, has been able to learn a great deal about research within the field of linguistics. He is hoping to pursue graduate school and eventually a Ph.D. with future career plans involving academia.

Speech Motor Skill in Indigenous Language Acquisition

Abstract

A primary focus in L2 pronunciation research is the significant variation in how successfully adults acquire non-native phonology. While existing studies, such as Saito et al. (2020), suggest that perceptual acuity is a key driver of this variance, the influence of general speech motor skills remains unexplored. This study investigates how these underlying skill differences affect L2 pronunciation, specifically within the context of adult learners of Hul’q’umi’num’, a Canadian Indigenous language characterized by its intricate phonological structure. The study was part of a larger project focused on contributing to the revitalization of Hul’q’umi’num’.

Eighteen participants were given an articulatory precision task (used as a measure of speech motor skill) in English, their first language, and a pronunciation task in Hul’q’umi’num’. The English task consisted of saying 40 target words in a carrier sentence (I say _____ to my friends), first at a normal pace and then as fast as possible. Stimuli consisted of three contexts: coda voicing (e.g., coat-code), s-sh (e.g., seat-sheet), and intervocalic voiced stops, which are often lenited in rapid speech (e.g., bubble). We acoustically analyzed the sound files in Praat. Participants who maintained the largest contrast in the fast condition were considered to have the strongest articulatory precision. The participants also produced 17 Hul’q’umi’num’ words that included difficult contrasts such as /k-q/. Correlation analyses were then used to determine the effect of speech motor skill on the pronunciation accuracy of Hul’q’umi’num’. Data analysis and results are in progress.

Keywords: language, linguistics, Canada, indigenous, speech

BIO

Sophia Bell is a sophomore from Wausau, Wisconsin pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. She is interested in the human body and the ways that diet and exercise influence overall physiological function, health, and performance. Through her coursework and academic experiences, Bell has developed a strong interest in understanding how lifestyle factors affect the body and how this knowledge can be applied to improve health outcomes.
Sophia previously participated in the Florida State University Introduction to Scientific Diving Research class. During this experience, she learned techniques used to conduct underwater scientific research and gained exposure to field-based data collection methods. She also had the opportunity to assist graduate students with their underwater research projects, allowing her to observe the research process and contribute to scientific investigations. This experience helped her develop an appreciation for hands-on research and collaboration in scientific environments.
In addition to her interests in exercise physiology, Bell is interested in research related to psychology, particularly learning disabilities and cognitive differences. From her own experience being diagnosed with ADHD, she hopes to contribute to research that increases understanding of learning differences and helps develop better strategies for supporting individuals with ADHD and related conditions.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Bell plans to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant to provide compassionate and effective care while continuing to learn about the ways biological and psychological factors influence overall well-being.

Meta - Analysis of Dyslexia Indicators

Abstract

Developmental Dyslexia is a multifaceted neurobiological learning disorder that is characterized by a large array of symptoms that vary in severity from case-to-case. Primarily caused by phonological deficits, which has a significant effect on word level reading and spelling; though secondary deficits are also observed in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and background knowledge that could be traced to the foundational phonological deficit. With this study, our research question is how does the prevalence of the traits of dyslexia correlate with one another? This research is vital to provide an improved common understanding of the disorder, as well as identify deficits that correspond with one another for easier identification of developmental dyslexia in children for early intervention. Utilizing the program Covidence, a model-based meta-analysis will be done using research articles and dissertations sourced by PRISMA. Sorting through approximately 9,000 papers, screening first distinguished appropriate abstracts, then full text review was done. Currently 2155 studies are approved for data extraction to be used for the model-based meta-analysis, but due to how expansive this study is, results have yet to be established. Expected results are the correlations of the prevalence of dyslexia symptoms to one another. This study in the future will provide a clearer understanding of symptom correlation with developmental dyslexia, which in turn can improve the diagnosis of dyslexia, as well as reading intervention programs that aid in improvement in observed deficits.

Keywords: dyslexia, learning disorders, meta-analysis

BIO

Stephanie Villafuerte is from Broward County. She is a sophomore double majoring in Statistics and English with a concentration in Editing, Writing, and Media. On campus, she is part of the FSU Student Data Collective and Connecting Girls to STEM. She plans on beginning Honors in the Major in English and pursuing a career in technical writing.

Exploring Recent Fertility Predictors in the U.S.

Abstract

This research project aims to find predictors and patterns of fertility in American Community Survey (ACS) microdata to address the decreasing fertility rate in the United States. We have analyzed the descriptive statistics for the dataset, conducted a bivariate (two-variable) analysis and basic logistic regression analysis, and visualized the ACS microdata. The results show those with high or low levels of income have higher levels of fertility, while those who have a middle-class income have lower levels of fertility. This indicates that fertility levels based on income have an inverse normal distribution. Further studies could explore why education is negatively correlated with fertility and why the middle-class population has lower fertility than populations with low or high income. Finding predictors of fertility could provide an explanation for why fertility rates have been decreasing in the US and allow people to create policies accordingly.

Keywords: demography, fertility, statistics, census, sociology

BIO

Taylor Schultz is a second-year student at Florida State University. Taylor is originally from a small town in Montana, but Taylor loves the warm Florida weather! Taylor is majoring in International Affairs, and plans to attend law school following graduation. Taylor is also pursuing a certification in U.S. Intelligence Studies. Taylor enjoys playing tennis, travelling to new places, and spending time with Taylor's closest friends and family. Taylor is working with my research mentor, Hashim Malallah, to conduct research relevant to the international community. The primary focus of this project is the United Nations, but Taylor looks forward to exploring several focuses throughout my academic career. Although Taylor has a few years until law school begins, Taylor is most interested in international or national security law. Taylor's dream law school is Georgetown Law in Washington D.C., but Taylor is excited to see where research will take Taylor.

Global Resolutions: How Regime Types Affect the United Nations General Assembly

Abstract

The United Nations, an international peacekeeping organization, has played a major role in shaping the current geopolitical environment. Leaders within the UN bring forth resolutions for the advancement of human rights and global security. As leaders propose resolutions, they often reference past General Assembly resolutions.
Current understandings of referencing demonstrate that leaders are likely to reference resolutions that are in alignment with their beliefs surrounding a particular issue or policy. However, very little research exists to explain why particular regime types reference differently than others. This project was created to better understand why certain leaders may reference at different rates and how particular regime types affect referencing. Based on current research, the projected result is that democratic leaders reference at a lower rate than autocratic leaders. Qualitative findings will aid in understanding why referencing rates vary across regime types.

Keywords: United Nations, International Affairs

BIO

Karolina Zagula is a pre-dental student majoring in Pre-Clinical Professions in the Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences program at Florida State University. She is passionate about science and research and is currently involved in undergraduate research examining the impact of catastrophes across the United States on health and dental insurance enrollment, with a focus on understanding how public health and policy influence access to care.

Beyond academics, Karolina is an active member of the Florida State University Cheerleading Team and participates in the Pre-Dental Society, where she connects with peers who share her interest in dentistry and healthcare. She also works as a lifeguard, where she is responsible for maintaining safety and responding to emergencies. Her involvement in research, campus organizations, employment, and clinical shadowing has reinforced her commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare.

Karolina plans to earn a Bachelor of Science degree and aspires to attend dental school. Her goal is to become a dentist and provide the same compassionate, high-quality care that made a lasting impression on her growing up.

The Impact of Catastrophes on Health and Dental Insurance Enrollment

Abstract

Natural disasters and major catastrophes can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial strain on individuals and communities. These events often disrupt access to healthcare while increasing medical needs, making health and dental insurance an important form of protection. Despite this, limited research has examined how catastrophic events influence individuals’ decisions to obtain insurance coverage. This research paper investigates the impact of major catastrophes on health and dental insurance enrollment in the United States, focusing on how large-scale disasters shape decisions to seek coverage. Enrollment and demographic data were obtained directly from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace and therefore reflect only states participating in this database. Catastrophe data including disaster type, economic loss, total injuries, and fatalities from 2018 to 2025 were obtained from the Spatial Hazard Events and Losses Database (SHELDUS). The data was organized in Excel and analyzed using STATA-18 SE, where datasets were coded, merged, and statistically examined to compare enrollment patterns before and after major disaster events. The analysis revealed that health insurance enrollment increased by approximately 16.05%, while dental insurance enrollment increased by about 3.64% following major catastrophes. These increases suggest that individuals may become more aware of health and financial vulnerabilities after disasters and are more likely to seek insurance coverage as a form of protection. Overall, these findings indicate that catastrophic events shape public perceptions of risk and preparedness, influencing long-term healthcare decisions. This research highlights the importance of policies and outreach efforts that improve access to coverage in disaster-affected communities.

Keywords: Catastrophes, Health insurance, Dental insurance, Insurance enrollment, Disaster policy

BIO

Greyson is a first year, pre-law student at Florida State University majoring in Philosophy. Greyson has research experience working with quantitative data and conducting descriptive data analysis from participating in the AP Capstone program.

The Effectiveness of Affordable Housing Policies and Initiatives in Tallahassee, Florida

Abstract

Homelessness in Tallahassee and Leon County remains a persistent and growing challenge, entrapping society’s most vulnerable groups. As contemporary research on homelessness continues to evolve, affordable housing initiatives become increasingly recognized as essential policy tools. Despite these efforts, Leon County continues to face significant challenges, including rental costs, a limited supply of affordable units, and increasing demand for supportive services. Additionally, there has been limited evaluation of how effective these initiatives are in improving housing stability and reducing the number of individuals experiencing homelessness. This study employs a mixed-method approach combining descriptive data analysis with qualitative data gathered through first-person accounts. Although final results are still pending, the research anticipates identifying substantial structural barriers that prevent individuals from accessing affordable housing in Tallahassee. The findings aim to provide evidence-based insights to guide policymakers, service providers, and community stakeholders in strengthening affordable housing strategies, improving program design, and ultimately reducing homelessness.

Keywords: Homelessness, Housing Policy, Tallahassee

BIO

I am a senior at Florida State University majoring in Public Health with a minor in Social Work. I am someone who loves to challenge myself academically and continually push toward growth. In my free time, I enjoy reading and traveling. I cherish my loved ones and family every day, and my research is dedicated to them—they are my motivation and the heart behind my work. I hope to continue my career in Public Health with a concentration in Health Behavior and Promotion.

Undergraduate Honors Project and Reflection: Medicaid Access and Chronic Disease Outcomes for Rural Hispanic Populations

Abstract

This poster session will highlight the findings of an undergraduate research project examining how Medicaid access influences healthcare access and outcomes for Hispanic populations in rural U.S. communities. Over the course of this year-long project, the student developed foundational research skills, including conducting a comprehensive literature review and applying quantitative methods through an independent samples t-test in SPSS. The project was completed as part of the Honors in the Major Program. By combining statistical analysis with a thematic policy review, the student gained experience in integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to better understand complex public health issues.
The goal of this project is to determine whether there are measurable differences in healthcare access and chronic disease outcomes specifically diabetes and cardiovascular disease between rural Hispanic populations in a Medicaid expansion state (Nevada) and a non-expansion state (Florida). Medicaid expansion has been shown to improve insurance coverage and access to preventative services, but barriers such as immigration status, language, and provider shortages continue to limit its effectiveness in rural Hispanic communities. Preliminary findings suggest that Hispanic residents in non-expansion states face higher uninsured rates and worse chronic disease outcomes, while expansion states show improvements but still struggle with structural inequities. The implications of these results include the need for more culturally competent care, targeted policy reforms, and expanded access to preventative services in order to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for vulnerable rural populations.

Keywords: Public Health, Hispanic, Medicaid, Rural communities

BIO

Tamarine Penland is from Fairfax, Virginia, and is a second-year undergraduate student at Florida State University majoring in Public Health with a minor in Chemistry on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. She is an active student on campus and is a member of the Honors Program. Tamarine has also been recognized on the President’s List for multiple semesters for her academic achievement. She is particularly interested in research in clinical and psychological fields, especially studies that explore mental health and evidence-based clinical interventions. Under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Wagner, Tamarine has participated in dyslexia research, which closely aligns with her interest in understanding learning differences and the role of cognitive processes in education and mental health. Through this work, she has developed a strong interest in research that can strengthen clinical practice and improve outcomes for individuals with learning and psychological challenges. Tamarine plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree and continue on to Physician Assistant school.

Multi-Variable Predictors of Dyslexia : A Meta-Analysis​

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence and factors regarding individuals that have dyslexia or other neurobiological learning disabilities. Utilizing the model-based meta-analysis, MASEM, our research team reviewed and extracted previous research. The primary database for inclusion/exclusion of relevant full-text articles was Covidence. The search string from Covidence included previous research from APA PsycInfo, ERIC, Pubmed, and Dissertation & Theses Global. Researchers analyzed data based on specific inclusion/exclusion criteria to narrow down the intended population for data extraction. While 9099 studies were screened for review, only 3571 full-text studies were successfully assessed for eligibility. After the exclusion process, 1515 studies were included in the meta-analysis, containing constructs such as orthographical processing and phonological awareness. Future research will analyze correlational and group-difference data to determine certain predictors of dyslexia. These findings may show promising approaches that can help guide educational practices, early intervention, and clinical support.

Keywords: dyslexia, meta-analysis, psychology, Covidence, learning disability

BIO

Rachelle Brouillette is a second-year junior at Florida State University, majoring in Environmental Science and Policy. Rachelle is currently working in the Atwood Lab, assisting her mentor, Neda Mobasher, in developing coral-based paleoclimate reconstructions in the tropical Pacific. She is passionate about understanding environmental issues and the relationship between science and governmental policy. After graduation, Rachelle plans to enter the workforce and pursue a career where she can contribute to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.

Rapid-screen 14C age distributions of coral fossils from Floreana, Española, and Isla Gardner in the Galápagos Islands

Abstract

Scleractinian “stony” corals provide a detailed record of past climate and ocean conditions because of their well-preserved skeletal structure, in which geochemical variations reflect changes in their environmental conditions. Corals from the eastern equatorial Pacific are especially beneficial in reconstructing past climate and can be used to understand how climate variability has evolved over the mid-to-late Holocene, 0-5,000 years before present (BP). This study presents a range and distribution of rapid-screen 14C ages for corals from Floreana, Española, and Isla Gardner to better understand the availability of coral fossils in the southernmost Galápagos Islands.

Approximately 50 corals were analyzed to reconstruct their geologic ages and spatial distribution throughout the Galápagos Islands. Coral chips were drilled, cleaned, and ground into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle on a clean, aluminum-foil-covered surface. Prepared samples were run on an accelerated mass spectrometer at the Keck Carbon Cycle AMS Facility (KCCAMS) at UC-Irvine, then sent for X-ray diffraction to determine the percentage of calcite in the coral skeleton. Raw 14C ages were calibrated in the CALIB 14C Calibration Program to the marine20 calibration curve. Floreana corals were calibrated to a median probability age between 0 to 4,000 BP, Española corals between 0 to 3,000 BP, and Isla Gardner corals between 2,000 to 3,000 BP. Mapping the distributions presented in this research can help accurately pinpoint areas for generating climate reconstructions and increase understanding of the age baseline for available coral fossils in the Galápagos Islands.

Keywords: coral, fossil, geochemistry, age dating, ocean, radiocarbon

BIO

Aenon Tsahakis is a junior at Florida State University majoring in the Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in International Affairs. He is actively involved in the university’s Mock Trial program, where he has developed a strong interest in the legal process and courtroom advocacy. Through this experience, he has gained a deeper understanding of litigation strategy, evidence presentation, and the role of legal institutions within the justice system.
Aenon’s academic and research interests focus on issues surrounding Juvenile Justice, particularly juvenile incarceration and the broader corrections process. He is also interested in how Public Policy and legislative research influence the development and reform of criminal justice systems. Through his studies, he aims to explore how policy decisions and institutional practices impact youth within the justice system and shape long-term outcomes.
Motivated by a passion for justice and legal analysis, Aenon seeks to further examine the intersection of law, policy, and corrections in order to contribute to informed reform and effective criminal justice policy.

Understanding Bias's

Abstract

Hate crimes and bias-motivated victimization in U.S. K–12 schools remain persistent and disproportionately impact marginalized student populations. Although federal reporting requirements increased transparency, responsibility for prevention and enforcement lies with individual states, resulting in substantial variation in anti-discrimination policies. This study uses a mixed-methods comparative framework to evaluate whether stronger state-level policies are associated with reduced hate-motivated victimization.
- Marginalized racial, ethnic, gender, and LGBTQ+ students experience disproportionate victimization.
- States vary in policy scope: detailed, enumerated protections vs. minimal statutory language.
- Policy efficacy is shaped by political, demographic, and socioeconomic context.
- Underreporting and reporting inconsistencies limit understanding of school-based hate incidents.
- Hypothesis: Southern states would demonstrate weaker policy strength compared to Northern states.

Keywords: Legislation, Public Policy, Hate Crime

BIO

Evan Thomas Safi is a first year student at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience on the pre medical track. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and is actively involved in undergraduate research through the Florida State University Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. Under the mentorship of Dr. Jaesung Hur in the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Evan contributes to a systematic literature review examining the role of webcams in synchronous online learning environments. His work focuses on identifying instructional strategies, benefits, and challenges associated with webcam use in virtual classrooms.

Beyond research, Evan is involved in several service and campus organizations. He volunteers with Big Bend Hospice, where he works with patients in palliative care settings and gains experience supporting individuals and families during difficult stages of illness. Outside of academics, he is also involved in campus life through student organizations and Greek life, which allow him to stay connected to the university community while balancing his academic and research commitments.

Evan is particularly interested in neuroscience, human behavior, and the intersection of technology and learning. His long term goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician while continuing to engage with research that explores how biological and social factors shape human health and performance.

Systematic Literature Review on Webcams

Abstract

This study aims to examine the perceptions and experiences of students and educators regarding webcam usage in virtual learning contexts. Over the years, online learning has become increasingly popular, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated its growth. Prior research has found mixed opinions regarding webcam usage. Some studies highlight that videoconferencing allows students and instructors to engage in real-time discussions, eliminating the need for in-person contact. Other studies indicate that many students and educators have also felt overwhelmed and hesitant about using their webcams. Based on these findings, it is important to review additional literature to gain further insight into the role webcams play from both a learner’s and instructor’s perspective to provide data for future research designed to improve webcam usage in teaching and learning environments. To conduct this study, our team located articles from three different education-focused databases that discussed the different teaching approaches taken in virtual environments. We then screened articles and only included articles that specified the use of video-conferencing tools or webcams in teaching and learning environments and summarized key themes. Based on our current articles, there was a common trend: many students and instructors believed webcams promoted engagement and social presence, while others reported exhaustion and expressed privacy concerns related to revealing personal spaces, background environments, and noise. These results suggest that webcams may be useful in online learning, but additional data is needed to help future researchers develop instructional strategies that instructors can use to improve webcam experiences in online classes.

Keywords: Online Learning, Webcam Use in Education, Student Engagement, Video Conferencing in Education, Systematic Literature Review