Research Symposium

BIO

Celina Rodriguez is a Biological Sciences undergraduate at Florida State University. She was born in Cuba and raised in Orlando, Florida, experiences that shaped her passion for serving underserved communities. Celina aspires to become a dentist and is motivated by the goal of improving access to oral healthcare. Her academic interests focus on biology and community health, and she hopes to use her future career to make healthcare more accessible. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering and engaging in activities that support her community.

Connecting Low-Income Communities to STEM through the Neighborhood Camp Fair

Abstract

The involvement of elementary and middle school students in STEAM programs increases students’ GPAs, likelihood of attending college, and interest in STEAM topics. While this correlation is well-known, underrepresented students are often provided far less STEM experiences and opportunities. In light of this, the Neighborhood Camp Fair aims to connect Title 1 school students with local STEAM summer camp and after-school opportunities around Tallahassee. Throughout this past year, we aimed to connect more kids to these programs through hosting STEAM nights. These took place at a total of nine Tallahassee schools in which we were able to assist in increasing attendance at the Neighborhood Camp Fair. Some ways we did this were by creating and passing out colorful flyers around town, engaging with vendors, and coordinating information via email. We also look at the effectiveness of these efforts in actually getting kids involved for free in camps around town. Additionally, we collected feedback from students, parents, and teachers to better understand the barriers that prevent participation, and we are using this data to refine our outreach strategies. By examining what works and identifying challenges, we hope to make the event more inclusive and accessible for all children. Our goal is not only to increase attendance but also to inspire long-term curiosity and engagement in STEAM fields among underrepresented youth. Research we are doing for this event can help its effectiveness and attendance increase, which can in turn be duplicated in similar events, and ultimately impact children's lives for the better.

Keywords: Community Outreach, STEM Education, STEAM

BIO

Jasziel Pagan is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Originally from Kissimmee, Florida, he is a first-generation college student from a low-income community whose experiences have shaped his academic interests. His current research explores how different forms of adversity, such as poverty, can influence entrepreneurial pathways and opportunities. Jasziel is also passionate about leadership styles in business environments and how they shape organizational culture and performance. In the future, he hopes to pursue a Master of Business Administration, become a Certified Public Accountant, and potentially continue research within business-related fields.

How do Entrepreneurs Launch and Scale their Businesses in the Context of Economic Adversity and Poverty

Abstract

Entrepreneurs in low-income and economically challenging environments commonly operate under major constraints such as limited financial resources, weak institutional support, and small opportunity horizons. Regardless, many of these entrepreneurs can launch and scale their businesses despite the challenging conditions. This research explores how entrepreneurs can navigate economic adversity and identify the application of strategies they used to achieve sustainability in their business environment.

The study focuses on topics  such as adaptation of business models, making use of limited resources, creating a network, and leveraging that connection. It also examines the personal experience of resilience, learning, and opportunity recognition and application. By collecting the lived experience of entrepreneurs working under multiple frames of constraint, this research moves beyond conventional growth models that are commonly used to maintain stable economic conditions. The findings are directed at finding insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other organizations seeking to assist business growth in more economically challenged communities.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Adversity, Business

BIO

Hyatt Hershberger is a Senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in General Linguistics. His interests are Slavic languages, phonetics and phonology, and programming. He is presenting research from his Honors in the Major Thesis, which he has worked on for the past year with the guidance and instruction of Dr. Carolina González. Upon graduating, Hyatt plans to pursue a Master's in Data Science at the University of West Florida.

Production of Ukrainian and Russian Syllables

Abstract

The current study aims to study Russian and Ukrainian syllables, in particular, voicing assimilation between consonants in syllable-final and syllable-initial position (for example, in the Ukrainian word просто ['prɔs.tɔ] ‘only’). Voicing refers to the vibration of the vocal folds; in these Slavic languages, adjacent consonants tend to agree in voicing. For example, in Russian the phrase под талией ‘under the waist’ is pronounced [pɔt ˈtalʲɪjɪj] instead of [pɔd ˈtalʲɪjɪj]. Specifically, this study examines the following question:
1) How does voicing assimilation manifest within and between words in Russian and Ukrainian?
In order to answer this research question, I will collect speech data from Native Speakers of Ukrainian and Russian through online databases, such as the Journal of IPA. The data includes recordings of native speakers reading words, phrases, and larger narratives aloud. Utterances containing potential voicing assimilation will be analyzed acoustically via the voice analysis software Praat. Evidence of voicing assimilation will be shown by the contrast, or lack thereof, of voicing between adjacent consonants. This evidence will help determine whether there are phonetic differences between syllable production in Slavic languages.

Keywords: Slavic, Linguistics, Phonology, Phonetics, Acoustics

BIO

Kaitlyn Allage in a second year biochemistry major while also minoring in mathematics, biology, and psychology. She is expected to graduate spring of 2028 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She has experience working in hospital and clinic centers, but has recently been a part of research occurring on the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory campus exploring visualization of refractive-index gradients arising from spatiotemporal variations in ion concentration and density under the application of a uniform magnetic field with the use of Schlieren-based techniques.
She was on the dean's list her first semester freshman year, been a part of the FSU's professional chemistry fraternity, and has served on the Unconquered Scholars Student Advisory Board for 2 years. In the future, she hopes to pursue more clinical-based research and eventually attend medical school to become a doctor.

Schlieren-Based Optical Visualization of Metal Ion Dynamics under Uniform Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Direct visualization of dissolved metal ion transport in liquid media is inherently challenging because ions lack optically resolvable structures. In this work, we developed an in-house Schlieren imaging system to experimentally investigate ion dynamics under externally applied uniform magnetic fields. Schlieren techniques provide non-invasive visualization of density gradient and refractive index, which, in isothermal dilute solutions, are proportional to concentration gradients through the refractive index increment 𝑑𝑛/𝑑𝐶. This enables indirect, time-resolved observation of ion redistribution in solution.
Experiments were conducted using a glass cuvette positioned between magnet poles to generate a nominally uniform magnetic field. Time-resolved Schlieren images were recorded before and after magnetic field application and processed using custom MATLAB routines to extract intensity variations and estimate concentration evolution. Distinct susceptibility-dependent transport behaviors were observed. Paramagnetic ions exhibited directed migration and preferential accumulation near the top and bottom edges of the magnet, indicating field-influenced redistribution. In contrast, diamagnetic ions moved away from the magnetic field region, demonstrating repulsive behavior and resulting in spatial redistribution toward regions outside the field-dominated zone. Under zero-field conditions, transport was governed primarily by diffusion and natural convection, producing comparatively weaker concentration gradients.
These findings demonstrate that Schlieren imaging provides a useful experimental platform for resolving magnetically influenced ion transport in liquids. The study establishes a quantitative framework for susceptibility-dependent ion dynamics and offers insight relevant to magnetic separation, magneto-fluidic control, and field- driven transport processes.

Keywords: Schlieren, magnetic field, imaging, paramagnetic ions, diamagnetic ions

BIO

Bella Balmer is a second year honors student at Florida State studying Human Development and Family Science on a pre-occupational therapy track. She hopes to work with children in a hospital setting and eventually own her own practice! She loves traveling, running, music, art, and working out. Bella is working under Senior Research Associate Dr. Ilya Litvak at the Magnet Lab and in coordination with the Tallahassee Scientific Society. As a Tallahassee native, Bella enjoyed getting to give back to and engage with her local community through this project!

Connecting Low-Income Communities to STEM through STEM Nights and the Neighborhood Camp Fair

Abstract

The involvement of elementary and middle school students in STEAM programs increases students’ GPAs, likelihood of attending college, and interest in STEAM topics. While this correlation is well-known, underrepresented students are often provided far less STEM experiences and opportunities. In light of this, the Neighborhood Camp Fair aims to connect Title 1 school students with local STEAM summer camp and after school opportunities around Tallahassee.
Throughout this past year, we aimed to connect more kids to these programs through hosting STEAM nights. These took place at a total of nine schools in which we were able to assist in bringing students to the Neighborhood Camp Fair. Some ways we did this were by creating and passing out colorful flyers around town, engaging with vendors, and coordinating information on email.
We also look at the effectiveness of these efforts in actually getting kids involved for free in camps around town. Research we are doing for this event can help its effectiveness and attendance increase, which can in turn be duplicated in similar events, and ultimately impact children's lives for the better.

Keywords: science, children, steam, students, schools

BIO

Lauren Bell is a second-year student from Central Florida pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child Development at Florida State University. She has been working in the Youth Adjustment, Resilience, and Development (YARD) Lab under Dr. Hua Luo and plans to continue as its purpose aligns with her research interests and professional goals. Lauren plans to attend graduate school and use her passion for youth developmental psychology to make an impact in her community. On campus, Lauren serves as the Videography Chair for Best Buddies, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the fall, she will be a volunteer hotline counselor with 211 Big Bend, Tallahassee's mental health crisis hotline. Her research experience and campus involvements have greatly impacted and encouraged her desire to contribute to the youth development field.

Mediating Role of Other Group Orientation on the Associations between Ethnic-Racial Identity Attitudes and Civic Engagement

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical period for identity formation, especially for adolescents of color developing their ethnic-racial identity (ERI; Erikson, 1968; Wantchekon et al., 2021). ERI encapsulates one’s views and attitudes about their own ethnic-racial membership and how they perceive peers outside their group (i.e., other-group orientation [OGO]; Worrell et al., 2019, 2021). Prior research has identified civic engagement as a coping strategy among people of color in response to injustice and is linked to positive developmental outcomes in adolescents (Santana et al., 2024). Research suggests links between positively affirmed ERI and civic engagement; however, little is known regarding the mechanisms linking the two. Existing research focuses on Black and Latinx adolescents with an underrepresentation of Chinese American adolescents (CAA). Therefore, we examine the association between ERI attitudes and civic engagement among CAA, viewing OGO as a potential mediator in this relationship by conducting path analysis (N=133, Mage = 15.57; 60.2% girls). Based on our results, multiculturalism indirectly affected community, helping, and passive involvement. Anti-dominant and self-hatred attitudes directly impacted political and helping actions, whereas Self-Hatred and Miseducation attitudes significantly predicted passive involvement. These results show differences in the drivers for civic engagement and account for CAA, which were gaps in the existing literature. Thus, this study helps us better understand how ERI attitudes influence diverse forms of civic engagement and highlights the importance of culturally specific approaches to supporting youth development.

Keywords: Ethnic-Racial Identity, Civic Engagement, Other-Group Orientation, Youth Development, Social Identity

BIO

Berto Andino is a sophomore majoring in Political Science and Theatre at Florida State University from Jacksonville, Florida. He is currently a research assistant for the Rosenstrasse Foundation with instructors Liam Wirsansky and Nathan Stoltzfus as a part of Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). After undergraduate school, Berto aims to go to Law school.

Civil Courage in Nazi Germany: Telling the Stories of the Rossenstrasse Protestors

Abstract

The Nazi regime is often characterized by its systemic persecution of Jewish people, but its policy relating to Jewish intermarriage and Mischlinge, children of these intermarried relationships, was inconsistent and legally ambiguous. Some Jewish men married to non-Jewish women were protected due to familial advocacy and fear of public backlash, while others faced escalating discrimination, particularly with the passing of the Nuremberg laws, which prohibited new intermarriages. In 1943, the Gestapo began to arrest intermarried Jewish men, leading to their wives protesting to free their husbands at what is now known as the Rosenstrasse protest. In a rare and significant example of successful protest in Nazi Germany, this culminated in the release of their detained husbands. The Rosenstrasse protest is often overlooked in Holocaust scholarship, and this project aims to address that through genealogical research by finding archival records, such as birth and death certificates, on databases such as Ancestry.com, JewishGen, and Arsolen Archives. These documents are analyzed to write biographies about their lives, which are stored in a database where descendants and others can learn and contribute to this research. Through analyzing these individuals' lives, it highlights the way ordinary people faced oppression, through surviving and resisting the Nazi regime.

Keywords: Holocaust, Civil Courage, Intermarriage

BIO

Keanu Parsa is a first-year undergraduate Presidential Scholar and Honors student majoring in Biological Sciences. He hopes to become a Cardiologist, specializing in minimally invasive procedures. His research is currently focused in the Sport Psychology Laboratory under the guidance of Dr. Brady DeCouto, in which he aids in conducting trials that focus on neurofeedback through brain-computer interfaces.

Playing Soccer With the Mind: Analyzing Reponses to Neurofeedback Training in a Soccer-Based Brain Computer Interface

Abstract

Neurofeedback devices such as BCIs (Brain-Computer-Interfaces) are becoming more prominent for the development of cognitive skills such as motor imagery. For example, the use of i-BrainTech: a BCI platform that allows participants to play a soccer program using their brain activity while receiving neurofeedback. For this research, neurofeedback in i-BrainTech was manipulated in groups (present or absent) to test its effects on training and program proficiency through actions like passing, shooting, crossing, etc. We are testing if the guidance hypothesis, where relatively less feedback is usually associated with improved motor skill learning, can be applied to training cognitive skills (e.g., motor imagery). Over the course of 9 days, participants with prior soccer experience completed soccer training trials with neurofeedback using an electroencephalography (EEG) cap to control an avatar and complete tasks. The scores of power and accuracy were taken in addition to their overall success. Pre- and post-test sessions had basketball sessions as well as soccer, which were measured to determine any skill improvement and transfer. Additionally, on the pre- and post-test days, participants ventured outside to shoot a real soccer ball; scores were recorded to assess the “physical performance” aspect. Results are expected to show a difference in performance; however, it is yet to be determined if it is from neurofeedback. However, these results can contribute to the field of sports psychology by giving insight into new and effective training avenues for athletes across all disciplines, as well as unlocking new territory for kinesthetic development in the general population.

Keywords: Sports, Neurological, Psychology, Athletics, Mental

BIO

Alyssa Moodie is a sophomore at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. Originally from Pensacola, Florida, she conducted research in Dr. Brown’s lab investigating denervation in aged rats and its effects on the neuromuscular junction. Alyssa is a member of the Pre-Physician Assistant Club at Florida State University and plans to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. She is also gaining clinical experience as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and will be working this summer as a Patient Care Assistant at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. In addition, she volunteers at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare as a Clinical College Associate Volunteer, supporting hospital staff and assisting patients. Following this program, she plans to continue working in Dr. Brown’s lab as a research assistant.

Disuse-Atrophy Exacerbates Denervation in Aged Rats​

Abstract

Older humans fail to recover skeletal muscle mass and function after muscle loss due to bedrest, which contrasts with young and adult humans, leading to muscle loss and an increase in morbidity and mortality in the aged population. Disorders disrupting the neuromuscular junction, the synapse where motor nerves meet muscles, are associated with age-related muscle atrophy and dysfunction. We hypothesized that periods of disuse-atrophy will exacerbate neuromuscular pathologies in aged rats. 28-month-old rats were hindlimb unloaded, a condition where the rats cannot put weight on their hindlimbs, for 14 days to induce disuse atrophy. 28-month-old weight-bearing rats were used as controls. Muscle wet weights were measured at sacrifice. Via immunofluorescence, we assessed acetyl choline receptor endplate area, acetyl choline receptor endplate fragmentation, and denervation of the neuromuscular junctions. Oxylipins, oxidized lipid signaling molecules, were measured in gastrocnemius muscle. We performed a student’s t-test for statistical analysis. Muscle wet weights were 20-40% lower in rats that were hindlimb-unloaded compared to controls. Acetyl choline receptor area and fragmentation were 20% higher in gastrocnemius from hindlimb-unloaded rats compared to controls. Denervation was 30% higher in the gastrocnemius from hindlimb-unloaded rats compared to controls. The muscle oxylipin profile in aged weight-bearing and adult hindlimb-unloaded rats were significantly altered when compared to adult weight-bearing rats. However, muscle oxylipin profile was not different when comparing aged and aged hindlimb unloaded muscle. These data show that hindlimb-unloading exacerbates neuromuscular pathologies in aged rats. Therapies that protect neuromuscular junctions may help improve recovery following disuse-atrophy in aged subjects.

Keywords: Muscle, Denervation, Neuromuscular Junction, Muscle mass, Rats

BIO

Jordan De Masi is a freshman at Florida State University pursuing a double major in Advertising and Sports Management. She is born and raised in New Jersey, and is a part of SMSA, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, a marketing intern at the Rosenstrasse Foundation alongside UROP. In the future, Jordan strives to work in sports marketing.

Who cares? Gender Representation in Childcare Product Advertisements

Abstract

The present study will explore advertisements of baby care products from Newsweek's Top Trusted Brands of 2025 and 2026. Through a quantitative content analysis methodology, the authors seek to answer research questions about who is represented in baby care advertisements in terms of gender and race, and whether there are any observable differences in these representations in the last decade. Through a social learning theory and social cognitive theory lens, the authors will discuss important implications of gendered representations in baby care advertisements.

Keywords: Advertisements, Communications, Gender Representation

BIO

Maria Kavan is a first-year student at Florida State University pursuing a major in biology on the pre-medical track. She is currently building a strong academic foundation in the sciences while developing the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for a future career in medicine, with the long term goal of becoming a cardio-thoracic surgeon. Maria previously attended high school in Gainesville, Florida after moving from her hometown of Eden, South Dakota during her sophomore year. Growing up in a small rural community and later transitioning to a new environment helped shape her adaptability, work ethic, and commitment to pursuing higher education.
• Prior to attending Florida State University, Maria was involved with the Frazer School, where she helped set up and organize the school during its early development and helped teach the Buchholz High School math team summer camps. Through this experience, she gained organizational and leadership skills while contributing to the creation of an educational environment designed to support student learning.
• At Florida State University, Maria is currently involved in undergraduate research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, where she works as a research assistant in the lab of Dr. Marcos Müller Vasconcelos. Her research focuses on quorum sensing in bacterial networks, where she helps model bacterial communication systems and analyze how signaling molecules influence population behavior and biofilm formation. Using computational tools such as MATLAB and Python, she contributes to numerical simulations and compares theoretical models with experimental microbiology literature to refine biological predictions.

Bacterial Quorum Sensing & Network Dynamics

Abstract

Quorum sensing is a key biological process that enables bacteria to communicate
through chemical signals and coordinate collective behaviors based on population
density. This research examines how the study of quorum sensing has advanced our
understanding of bacterial communication and coordinated behavior, particularly in
relation to biofilm formation, virulence, and antimicrobial production—processes that
have major implications for human health and disease management. To address this
question, a structured literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed scientific
articles focused on quorum sensing mechanisms and their role in microbial systems.
Relevant studies were analyzed through thematic synthesis, with findings organized into
major categories including signaling pathways, collective behaviors, and the use of
mathematical modeling to describe microbial communities. Preliminary results suggest
that quorum sensing is central to bacterial coordination, allowing populations to act as
unified systems rather than isolated cells. These findings highlight the importance of
quorum sensing research in explaining complex microbial behaviors and in supporting
predictive modeling approaches in microbiology.

Keywords: Quorum Sensing, Bacterial Communication

BIO

Gabriella Vega is a first-year senior pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs and Finance. She is an honors student and holds an Associate of Arts degree. Her academic work focuses on the intersection of public policy, international trade, and economic development. Gabriella complements her studies with hands-on experience in government and research. It has been a milestone for her to be working as a research assistant under Professor Chris Gahagan, for his research centered around the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement's effects on Mexico's labor market.

Gabriella’s interests include public policy, government, economic development, wealth management, and applied research. She plans to pursue a career in law and is particularly interested in areas that connect economic policy and legal frameworks. Gabriella aims to continue expanding her professional network while gaining practical experience in policy and legal institutions.

Enforcement, Displacement, and Informality: Labor Market Adjustment under the USMCA's Rapid Response Mechanism

Abstract

Designed to be at the vanguard of enforceable labor rights in trade agreements, the USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) was conceptualized to protect collective bargaining rights and strengthen labor standards in Mexico. This project examines the cumulative impact of RRM investigations on wages, employment composition, and job quality across Mexican states and cities, leveraging facility-level case variation and quarterly labor data. The findings reveal a sequential adjustment process, rather than immediate, uniform gains for workers. In the short term, enforcement of the RRM appears to increase worker displacement reflected in an immediate decline in permanent or unionized employment contracts and a subsequent rise in non-agricultural informal employment. However, over longer post-treatment periods RRM enforcement correlates with improvements in reported job-quality indicators, including gains in non-mandated employment benefits. These patterns plausibly suggest the recognition and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements central to the RRM.

Keywords: Trade, Economy, Labor

BIO

Delena Johnson is a second-year senior majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Psychology. Upon completion of her degree, she plans to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist. Currently, she is working under Dr. Shengli Dong conducting research on the factors that affect the sense of belonging among college students with disabilities. Through reviewing existing research and analyzing key themes, Delena explores how institutional support, campus resources, and inclusive environments can impact students' academic success and overall well-being.
Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), Delena has developed and strengthened her analytical, adaptability, and critical thinking skills, which have enhanced her academic work. She remains actively involved on campus through several organizations and leadership roles. Delena participates in the University Honors Program and serves as the Community Service Chair for Kappa Psi Psi Healthcare Sorority, Incorporated. She is also Miss Purple and Gold, dances with the Next Level Dance Troupe, volunteers at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in the Surgical Care Unit, and serves as the Event Coordinator for the Multicultural Association for Pre-Health Students. Previously, she served as Vice President for JRB Hall Council under the Inter-Residence Hall Council. Through her academic and research experiences, Delena hopes to continue advocating for inclusive support systems while preparing for a future career in medicine.

Sense of Belonging in College Students with Disabilities

Abstract

This research is being conducted to determine the sense of belonging amongst college students with disabilities. Sense of belonging has been attributed to mental health and academic success, however students with disabilities continuously face barriers that can limit their sense of inclusion. This qualitative literature review examines existing research to understand the experiences of college students with disabilities related to sense of belonging.
Using a qualitative synthesis approach, this study examined phenomenological, case study, and qualitative research focused on postsecondary students with disabilities. Articles were reviewed and analyzed to identify recurring themes related to student experiences. Key themes emerged related to the institutional climate, faculty interactions, accessibility of accommodations, and the social stigma surround disability. Findings indicate that inclusive campus environments, supportive faculty and peers, and consistent access to accommodations contribute positively to students’ sense of belonging. On the other hand, ableism, lack of understanding, and social isolation undermined belonging and engagement. These affected students’ social integration as well as their academic persistence and well-being.
This synthesis highlights sense of belonging as a vital yet often overlooked component of disability inclusion in regard to higher education. This findings underscore the necessity for institutions to go beyond material-based accommodations and more toward holistic, inclusive practices that foster belonging for students with disabilities with intention.

Keywords: Belonging, Disability, College Student

BIO

Janie Nguyen is a sophomore at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management Information Systems, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA and earning a place on the President's List since her first semester.
Her work sits at the intersection of business and data analytics. As a Research Team Lead at FSU's Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement, she leads a 7-member team studying hometown bias in audit partner decision-making, building automated data pipelines and translating complex datasets into insights for senior stakeholders. Her technical toolkit spans Python, SQL, Excel, and Power BI, applied across audit internship work and academic research.
Passionate about turning raw data into meaningful business decisions, Janie is actively exploring how her dual expertise in accounting and information systems can shape her career – whether in analytics, advisory, or a field yet to be discovered. Outside the classroom, she tutors over 50 students weekly in accounting and quantitative reasoning, reflecting her commitment to her academic community.

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: Hometown Bias, Audit Quality, Earnings Management, Accounting, Business

BIO

Angel Pierre is a second-year student at Florida State University studying chemistry with a minor in mathematics. She is a proud member of the Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness Healthy Noles organization. As a Health Nole she has helped educate other FSU students on the importance of wellness. Angel also works as an event planner for the Askew Student Life Center, FSU's on-campus movie theater. She plans to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Is It All Just Jumpscares

Abstract

Horror video games are a niche media that often evoke fear amongst their players. However, horror video games are not widely studied within the persuasive realm of communication studies. This study investigates how, through the lens of the Elaboration Likelihood Model theory, decision-making can be effective within horror video games, as well as set the foreground for the researcher’s future studies. According to the model, persuasive information is collected and processed by the brain in two ways: central and peripheral routes. Where the peripheral route examines information on a surface level, only looking at explicit stimuli, the central route calls for a deeper analysis of the provided information to discover its implicit details. Through a content analysis of the video game Soma this phenomenon can be observed. Individually, two coders analyzed the same one-hour cut of the game, and a reliability score was assigned based on the subjectivity of the element and the agreement between both coders. The data collected will be examined to determine whether central or peripheral cues are more prevalent in the game. From there, conclusions can be drawn on which type of cue is utilized more by game developers in comparison to two other games: Until Dawn and Resident Evil 7.

Keywords: Soma, horror video games

BIO

Hudson Khan is a freshman at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He is a member of the Presidential Scholars Program and participates in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. Hudson is actively involved on campus through organizations specifically in the Finance Society. After college, he plans to pursue a career in investment banking.

Understanding the Range of Mentorship Within the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program

Abstract

Mentorship is an integral piece of the undergraduate research experience (URE). The quality of mentorship can impact the outcomes of a URE. At Florida State University (FSU), hundreds of undergraduate students enter the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) every year and conduct research by partnering with a mentor. Mentoring is a complex practice that not only impacts students' academics, but drives their careers. However, poor quality mentorship has the capacity to undermine students' performance and motivation. To mitigate this, the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Excellence (CRE) hosts mentor training for graduate students to raise awareness about effective strategies to foster positive mentoring relationships. This research examines both sides of mentoring relationships and their impact on students' outcomes, with an aim to understand and improve mentoring relationships throughout FSU. The literature shows that high quality mentorship stresses open communication and flexibility with mentees. On the contrary, absenteeism and unreasonable expectations can be characteristics of poor-quality mentorship. In our research, we used a qualitative approach, using data from UROP mentoring philosophies, and coded them to observe the trends of positive and negative mentoring practices. We also analyzed paired student and mentor evaluations to understand how submitted philosophies are related to student satisfaction and growth in research outcomes. Our analysis includes documenting the frequency of different mentoring strategies and identifying patterns. Our findings will be used to enhance the current research mentor training curriculum and develop workshops for all research mentors.

Keywords: Mentorship, mentoring, Students

BIO

Vanessa is a pre-law student from Barranquilla, Colombia, majoring in Political Science and International Affairs. Her interests include international law, diplomacy, and global governance. Growing up in a culturally vibrant coastal city sparked her curiosity about how political systems and legal frameworks shape societies. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in international law or diplomacy.

Career Decision Making in Latino Students

Abstract

The research question is are there significant differences between career outcome metacognitions (COMS-P and COMS-N) and perceptions of school climate (teacher-student relationships, peer interactions, school safety) between Latino and non-Latino adolescents. I am investigating this question because it is important to explore how the experience of latino students and culture plays a role in navigating career choices. This research is relevant as it explores how schools could better support students during a life-deciding period of their life. In my research I have analyzed data, tracked participants responses in their data files, and cleaned coded data. The framework utilized is methodological method involving real world data. The main results of this experiment are still being determined. The results of this study and implications are still being determined. This contributed to my field of study because it explores the overall psychological decision-making sphere of knowledge.

Keywords: Psychology, career, latino

BIO

Ashlynn Richards is a first-year psychology major from Orlando, Florida. She has a particular interest in film and sociology, especially in how the film industry depicts society through its treatment and development of characters. She enjoys analyzing the ways movies reflect social issues, cultural values, and human behavior. In the future, she hopes to continue exploring the connections between psychology, media, and society.

Framing the Feminine: Exploring and Examining Female Characters in Bollywood

Abstract

Cinema is an important cultural artifact that both reflects and influences the society from which it originates. This research project analyzes the portrayal of female characters in Bollywood, a popular film industry in India, where society has traditionally held misogynistic views towards women. This research specifically focuses on how female film directors portray their female characters. Through a research method known as “film coding,” research assistants of this project gather quantitative and qualitative data. This method collects data of female speaking characters in selected films regarding their physical appearance, behaviors, and other indicators exhibited by these characters. However, preliminary findings showcase a trend of female directors defying traditional gender norms and expectations in their characters. An increased number of women are seen in professional careers and exhibiting socially taboo behavior, such as dating and drinking. Notably, 58% of female characters coded engage in taboo behaviors without as much scrutiny as before. In the future, the findings of this project will hopefully be useful to improve filmmakers’ representation and treatment of Indian women, both on and off the screen.

Keywords: Women, Film, Bollywood

BIO

Kotone Turner is a sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences from Yokosuka, Japan. After completing undergraduate school, she plans to attend medical school. She is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Eke and Dr. Horne throughout this project as they have been great mentors throughout the entire process of research and continue to be. Outside of research, Kotone is a Learning Assistant, Illuminate Ambassador, and a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, Phi Delta Epsilon, the Japanese Student Association, and Health Educated Asian Leaders.

Scoping Review of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Abstract

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease where inflammation occurs within the esophagus, and it has had an increase in diagnoses in recent years as research on the topic has also increased. This rise in research led to a scoping review being conducted regarding EoE. Literature was searched through databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. This scoping review identified over 500 records of EoE when using MESH terms such as “eosinophilic esophagitis” and “health outcomes”. Many articles addressed EoE and discussed the varying determinants associated with patients who had been diagnosed. These findings raise questions and can lead to further research to better understand the disease and help improve the quality of life in patients diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis.

Keywords: Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Scoping Review

BIO

Emma Schlotthauer is a freshman at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in cell and molecular neuroscience with a minor in chemistry. Her academic interests include the gut biome interaction with health and pathology, as well as biological and neurological sciences.

At Florida State University, Emma has been actively involved in undergraduate research and scholarly initiatives. She currently conducts research under the mentorship of Cole Patoine, M.S, RDN, and Dr. Ravinder Nagpal, PhD in the Gut Biome Lab, where her work focuses on examining the effects of ultra-processed food intake on gut, oral, and metabolic health in young adults. Through this experience, Emma has developed skills in methodology formulation, data collection, and analytic techniques, while exploring broader questions related to microbiome diversity and gut interactions.

Emma has been recognized for her academic achievements through honors including selection as a Presidential Scholar, participation in the honors program, and recipient of the Seminole Scholar award. She has also directed and implemented a project evaluating resilience in child victims of maltreatment. She participated in a pediatric trauma surgery and nephrology internship, and shadows a gastroenterologist, which has further strengthened her commitment to studying dynamic interactions in the gut and investigating the complex associations between the gut microbiome and systemic health.

Following completion of her Bachelor of Science degree, Emma plans to attend medical school to become a physician. She hopes to continue contributing to translational research and innovation in academic medicine.

The Effect of Ultra-processed Food Intake on Metabolic Health in Young Adults

Abstract

Objectives: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial food products formulated for convenience and shelf stability and are typically high in refined sugars, fats and sodium, while low in fiber and micronutrients. Diets high in UPFs are increasingly common among young adults and have been associated with metabolic dysregulation through excess energy intake, reduced satiety, inflammation, and impaired glucose regulation. However, data examining metabolic effects of UPF intake in young adults remain limited. This study evaluated associations between UPF intake, body composition, and metabolic health in young adults.

Methods: This cross-sectional utilized a single study visit to assess metabolic health in 51 young adults. Dietary intake was evaluated using 3-day diet records, and UPF intake was classified according to the NOVA system. Long term glycemic control was measured using fingerstick blood analyzed with an Afinion HbA1c analyzer. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Associations were evaluated using ANOVA across UPF intake quartiles and FDR-corrected Spearman correlations.

Results: Higher UPF intake was associated with poorer diet quality, including greater total energy, fat, and added sugar intake (all p<0.01) and lower vegetable intake (p<0.01). UPF intake was positively correlated with body weight and body mass index (p<0.05). Extracellular fluid volume differed significantly across UPF quartiles (p<0.05). No significant associations were observed between UPF intake and blood pressure, HbA1c, or waist to hip ratio.

Conclusions: Higher UPF intake was associated with poorer diet quality and greater body mass, though clear metabolic dysfunction was not evident in this young adult population.

Keywords: Ultra-processed Foods, Metabolic Health, Microbiome, Nutrition, Diet