Research Symposium

BIO

Kevin Patty is a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physics. His academic interests focus on the mathematical foundations of physical theory and the study of modern physics, particularly in areas related to theoretical physics.
Kevin is a participant in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), where he conducts research under the mentorship of Dr. Herschel Chawdhry. Through this experience, he has been introduced to the process of scientific research and has had the opportunity to engage with current problems in physics involving quantum computing while developing skills in collaboration and scientific communication. Outside of academics, Kevin enjoys listening to music, which provides a creative outlet and balance alongside his studies. As he continues his undergraduate education, he hopes to expand his research experience and deepen his understanding of advanced topics in physics, with the long-term goal of pursuing graduate study and contributing to research in theoretical physics.

Noise In Quantum Computers

Abstract

Quantum computers are exciting because they can solve some tasks faster than traditional computers. They achieve this by utilizing quantum effects such as superposition and interference, which allow them to execute many outcomes at once instead of individually. However, current quantum computers are imperfect and are impacted by noise, which limits how accurately they can compute. In this study, we measure and analyze noise within trapped-ion quantum computer simulations. We ran a simple quantum circuit known as the Hadamard test on simulated IonQ quantum computers both with and without hardware noise. Our circuit was run multiple times at different shot levels. We compared measured results to exact theoretical values and used statistical methods to determine whether differences were due to regular measurement fluctuations or because of hardware noise. It was found that at lower shot counts below around 16,000 shots, deviations were in margin with expected statistical noise. However, at shot counts above around 64,000 shots, the differences grow larger than what is accounted for in statistical fluctuations. This shows that hardware noise becomes visible once statistical error is reduced. These results provide a simple and effective method for statistically separating hardware noise and statistical noise in simple quantum circuits. This method can be expanded upon in future studies involving real quantum hardware along with more complex circuits.

Keywords: Quantum Computers, Noise, Physics

BIO

Ta'Nyiah Golson is a Biological Science major with research interests in computational modeling to study how high-gradient magnetic fields can steer and capture drug-carrying magnetic nanoparticles in blood flow. Ta'Nyiah's hometown is in Orlando, Fl and Ta'Nyiah's future career goals are to get into medical school and become a Trauma Surgeon.

Modeling the Targeted Capture of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Vascular Blood Flow Systems under High-Gradient Magnetic Field

Abstract

Targeted delivery of magnetic nanoparticles within vascular systems using externally applied high-gradient magnetic fields offers a promising strategy for localized drug delivery and diagnostic targeting. In this study, we present a computational investigation of magnetically guided nanoparticle capture in a bifurcated vascular model representative of arterial blood flow conditions. A two dimensional stenosed bifurcation geometry was developed to examine the coupled effects of magnetic forces, hydrodynamic transport, and particle–flow interactions on capture efficiency.
Simulation results reveal that magnetic field gradients significantly alter particle trajectories relative to the background flow field. In the absence of magnetic forcing, nanoparticles predominantly follow streamlines through the bifurcation with minimal wall interaction. Upon application of a high-gradient magnetic field, particles exhibit pronounced deviation toward magnetized vascular walls, leading to localized accumulation near the stenosed region and branch junction. Capture efficiency increases with magnetic field strength and gradient magnitude, while flow velocity and bifurcation geometry strongly influence deposition patterns. These findings demonstrate the critical interplay between hydrodynamics and magnetic forces in determining nanoparticle capture within complex vascular geometries. The study provides quantitative insight into optimizing magnetic targeting strategies for biomedical applications, including site-specific drug delivery and minimally invasive therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: high-gradient magnetic fields

BIO

Louis Viart is a first-year Presidential Scholar at Florida State University working towards his Bachelors of Science in Computer Science. Interested in technology, culture, and the arts, he enjoys breaking down complex topics into practical insights to understand systems of various kinds and how they affect their audiences. He is very passionate about learning, helping others, and developing skills that allow him to solve problems and share knowledge with others.

Black Soldiers in East Florida, 1776

Abstract

On August 21, 1776, Governor Patrick Tonyn of British East Florida wrote to Major-General George Germain, who was in charge of the British colonies at the time, conveying the intent to create a militia to help protect the Province of St. Augustine. It was the era of the American Revolution, a time where many of the colonies were open slave societies, including Florida, which was split between West Florida and East Florida. Previous research shows that having black soldiers wasn’t exactly unseen, but it also wasn’t fully accepted as the thought of arming black people was enough to create anxiety in many. It typically covers the thirteen colonies and how they used black soldiers, but not much is said about Florida. Closely analyzing Tonyn’s letter reveals several points about the Revolutionary War that may not be seen at first glance. Tonyn states that he will raise “four black Companies” in addition to white companies, which will have “double or treble White Officers” in comparison to the white companies. By pulling this analysis in coalition with secondary sources, this project addresses gaps in current scholarship regarding the presence of black soldiers in British East Florida and their necessity, social anxieties there, and the role Florida played in the American Revolution. It is revealed that Florida had lots of black soldiers that were supervised heavily out of anxieties and distrust.

Keywords: Black, Soldiers, Florida, Militia, 1776

BIO

Hello! My name is Christopher Horak. I am a freshman Honors student in the College of Arts and Sciences. Once I graduate, I plan to get a job in Dallas.

Analyzing 3rd- and 5th-Grade Morpheme Types and Tokens

Abstract

Introduction: Word parts called morphemes act as units of meaning in academic vocabulary (Nagy & Anderson, 1986). Studies have shown that morphological instruction improves learners’ ability in decoding and vocabulary knowledge (e.g., Goodwin & Ahn, 2013; Colenbrander et al., 2024). Recently, studies began analyzing the amounts and trends of morphemes across text genres (e.g., Hiebert et al., 2024). However, there are few that contrast morpheme types and tokens across grades which would allow a clearer understanding of how morphological demands change through students’ formative years. To investigate morphological changes occurring as American students begin to independently explore increasingly complex American English Language Arts (ELA) readings, this research compares the characteristics of unique morphemes in 3rd and 5th grade texts.

Methods: In this study, recommended readings from the Florida ELA Best Standards (n = 27 3rd, n = 26 5th) will be combined into a corpus, then broken down into morphemes. Afterwards, we will compare morpheme types and tokens between 3rd grade and 5th grade texts.

Results: We expect to find that type and token frequencies for 5th grade morpheme texts will be greater than those in the 3rd grade texts aligning with prior literature which has shown increases in morpheme types and tokens with increasing reader age (e.g., Dawson et al., 2023).

Conclusion: Findings will inform possible changes in morphological content between grade levels. Knowing these differences has implications for allowing instructors and interventionists to support a student’s transition into higher level texts with greater ease and precision.

Keywords: morphemes

BIO

Connor Smith is a freshman from Sarasota, Florida currently working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, as well as a minor in psychology. After undergrad, he plans to go to medical school with an ultimate goal of working in anesthesiology or cardiology. Connor is a Benacquisto scholarship recipient and an FSU Honors student. Prior to UROP, he had no research experience, but has grown as both an academic and a researcher under the guidance of Dr. Joseph Gabriel.

A History of Public Health and Opposition in the United States: Epidemic Response Across the 20th and 21st Centuries

Abstract

Modern epidemic response in the United States was largely designed by evaluating the problems and shortcomings of responses to previous epidemics and finding solutions to prevent these issues in the future. The 1976 swine flu incident in the United States was especially important in reshaping the response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and is an underlying reason for political caution. By compiling information from government records, citizen accounts, and news articles, this project’s goal in building a timeline of significant changes of policy as a result of the unnecessary response of the 1976 swine flu was highly successful. This timeline traces back to the government’s relaxed response to the 1918 Spanish flu before jumping to intermediate policy changes and government panic leading up to and during the 1976 flu. Important policy changes, shifts in government and public views on pandemic response, and the resulting anti-vaccination argument are also included. This suggests that public policy can benefit from evaluating past mistakes or problems to streamline and improve pandemic responses, as seen in the case of COVID-19. While this project currently consists of a general analysis of the three aforementioned pandemics, future research can be done to look further into possible problems in COVID’s response that can be solved for future pandemics. Further analysis can also be used to evaluate the possible shortcomings of comparing response to flu-based pandemics to that of a different virus, like COVID-19.

Keywords: united states epidemic responses

BIO

Anna White is a 1st-year student at Florida State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Anna aims to be accepted into a Doctor of Audiology graduate program after she completes her undergraduate at FSU and hopes to find herself working in the field of Pediatric Audiology. She is interested in research related to cochlear implants, vestibular/balance disorders, and pediatric audiometry. She hopes to help children who struggle with hearing loss or deafness and their families in any way she can, whether that be through research, her career, or volunteer work.

Aspects of Life Impacted by SSDs in Early Elementary Students

Abstract

Speech sound disorders (SSD) affect a significant number of children in classroom settings, yet parents and educators often lack effective, evidence-based strategies to support these students. This research investigates the various areas that contribute to these SSD and identifies an optimal intervention approach. The study is motivated by the widespread impact of SSDs and the nuance to each kid’s diagnosis, and the need for accessible resources to better support affected children. Data collection involves scoring the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP) Memory for Digits sub-test, the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals Word Structure (CELF-WS) sub-test, and the Speech Participation and Activity Assessment of Children (SPAA-C) form. To minimize bias, only the child’s age/grade and identification number are provided to scorers. The APPLES (Academic Progress of Phonological Learning in Elementary Students) framework guides data organization, with the results later entered into RedCAP for analysis. The project is currently in its second year, with scoring ongoing for data collected during the first semester of year two. By the fourth year of the study, the research aims to identify more effective instructional and intervention strategies for children with SSDs. Additionally, this research may serve as a foundation for future studies examining other speech, language, or learning disorders. The findings are expected to inform parents and educators about improved ways to support children academically and emotionally, fostering confidence and reducing negative perceptions associated with learning disabilities.

Keywords: Elementary, Speech Sound Disorder

BIO

Mehna is a Cyber Criminology major at FSU from St. Augustine, Florida. Mehna pland to minor in Data Analytics. Mehna works as an undergraduate researcher under Md. Rakibul Ahasan, with a focus on building and evaluating machine learning models for cyberattack detection in cyber-physical systems, including water distribution networks and EV charging stations. As this research sits at the intersection of cybersecurity and data science, areas Mehna is deeply passionate about and is hopeful to continue down this path of cybersecurity.

Identifying Cyber Attacks in Water Distribution Systems Using AI Models

Abstract

On February 5, 2021, an unauthorized remote access event at a Florida water treatment plant, serving 15,000 residents, resulted in the sodium hydroxide concentration being increased nearly 100-fold; to deathly levels. The operator immediately corrected this, preventing perilous amounts of sodium hydroxide levels in drinking water, but this event underscores the cybersecurity risks, such as denial of service (DoS) and replay attacks, of digitization in water distribution centers (WDS). Many traditional intrusion detection systems struggle with multi-dimensional sensor data and are improperly balanced between classes of a normal operation and an attack scenario. A solution to current problems in WDS is using machine learning (ML) to predict attacks prematurely by using four classifiers: Random Forest, Recurrent Neural Network, and Gated Recurrent Unit. All the models’ AUC and F1-scores dramatically improved after hyperparameter tuning and implementing decision thresholds to the base models. Deep learning models effectively provide insights into WDS cyber attacks by analyzing temporal attack signatures present in sensor data. This methodological structure is also applicable to other domains within cyber-physical systems where a proactive, precautionary approach is preferred over reactive prevention.

Keywords: AI Learning Models, Cyber-Physical Systems

BIO

Laura is a third-year Interdisciplinary Social Sciences major who transferred to Florida State University in Spring 2025. Laura was born and raised in Massachusetts before moving to St. Augustine, Florida during high school. She concentrates in sociology and political science, with a strong interest in how social systems and public policy shape people’s everyday lives. Her research focuses on refugee children, particularly exploring ways schools and communities can better support them as they adapt to new environments. After graduating, Laura hopes to attend law school. She is passionate about understanding how the law influences communities and how it can be used to advocate for those who are often overlooked or underserved. Her academic interests are rooted in a broader commitment to social justice and community support. Through her studies and research, Laura hopes to better understand how institutions such as schools and legal systems can create more equitable opportunities for individuals and families adjusting to new circumstances.

Strengthening School Experiences for Refugee Young People, Families, and Their Teachers in Florida

Abstract

Refugee children’s resettlement into the United States frequently correlates with significant levels of trauma that place them in higher risk for emotional, behavioral, and developmental difficulties compared to their non-refugee peers. This leaves these individuals in need of critical support early into their resettlement to be able to support their long-term adjustment and well-being. This research aims to analyze the understanding and enhance the educational experiences of Tallahassee's refugee youth by recording their difficulties and experimenting with new cooperative strategies to foster inclusion among their classmates. It also aims to better understand the challenges facing Tallahassee educators and to offer information for specialized guidance and assistance. Interviews were conducted in refugee family’s homes, where the qualitative data was collected and then interpreted utilizing a coding software. Children and adults were interviewed individually to share their experiences regarding their reasons fleeing, assimilation, and in specific their experiences regarding their education. This study contributes to understanding the larger programmatic and policy work of refugee support in the city, with a focus on opportunities and challenges for refugee-serving organizations.

Keywords: education, refugee, Cultures

BIO

Sheryl Daniel is a first-year student at Florida State University majoring in psychology with a minor in linguistics. After undergraduate studies, she intends to pursue graduate-level education in psychology, possibly with a focus in neuroscience. She has been working as a research assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Laura Widman, working to incorporate youth voice into Let's Talk, a digital platform for family-based sexual education that aims to increase parent-adolescent communication about sexual health topics.

Q&A Library Expansion of Let’s Talk: A Digital Platform for Family-Based Sexual Education

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical developmental period for shaping long-term sexual health and relationship outcomes. Access to comprehensive, developmentally appropriate sex education during this time is associated with lower rates of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV. Although many parents express a desire to educate their children about relationships and sexual health, they often report feeling uncomfortable or unprepared to initiate these conversations.
Let’s Talk is a digital family communication program designed to address the need for improved family-based sex education. The program is structured as a two-user platform for parents and adolescents ages 10–13, a developmental stage when many youth begin puberty and become increasingly curious about relationships and sexuality. Let’s Talk is organized as a self-paced pathway in which families move through interactive “stepping stones” that cover a range of age-appropriate topics. A feature of this program is the Q&A Library, which provides evidence-based answers to specific questions that adolescents may have, especially ones that they may feel embarrassed to ask, or need extra clarification.
As a member of the Youth Advisory Board, I contribute to ensuring that youth perspectives are centered in the program’s current development. Current work focuses on expanding the Q&A Library to enhance engagement and inclusivity. This includes reviewing existing materials and developing evidence-based responses that prioritize clarity and inclusivity when answering questions related to puberty, relationships, identity, and more.

Keywords: sexual health, family health, adolescent health, teenager, digital health, sexual education

BIO

Fallon Kimbler is a first year junior majoring in Clinical Professions and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. She plans to attend medical school after completing her undergraduate studies. Fallon is passionate about patient advocacy and has participated in several cancer support and women's health initiatives, being an active member of AMWA , facilitating blood drives on campus, and working very closely with Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida by volunteering, participating in their ASPIRE program, and shadowing doctors at the hospital. She is also apart of the QUEST program on campus.

The Influence of Individual Characteristics on Children’s Detection of Inconsistencies

Abstract

Students come into school with different factors that may affect their learning, such as their vocabulary, age, and the amount of schooling they’ve had. Research suggests that kids with strong vocabulary also tend to have strong comprehension monitoring skills, which is important because it promotes active reading. As kids get older, these skills usually improve, but there isn't much information on how students under age eight actually comprehend stories in listening contexts. Most research focuses on older students who are already reading, which doesn’t apply to young children’s developing minds. We believe individual characteristics- vocabulary, age, and amount of schooling - are key to understanding a student's ability to detect inconsistencies in a story. This information is important because it could help fill the gaps between how teachers teach and what students actually understand. In our study, we focused on elementary students who are eight years old or younger. We used three assessments: an extensive vocabulary test with pictures, a working memory test where they put objects in size order, and a series of stories. Half of the stories had inconsistencies, and we asked the students to tell us if the story made sense. Our hypotheses were that higher vocabulary, older age, and more days in school would all correlate with better inconsistency detection scores. By quantifying these results, we can see trends, like whether a certain vocabulary level leads to more inconsistencies in stories being identified incorrectly.

Keywords: Education, Children, Vocabulary

BIO

Martina Nemia is a second-year Nursing major with a minor in Psychology from Wellington, Florida. She has pursued her passion for mental health through research with Dr. Setor Kofi Sorkpor and Dr. Yijiong Yang at Florida State University’s College of Nursing, focusing on demographic and socioeconomic factors that affect self-reported physical and mental health among women aged 45 and older with chronic pain and cognitive impairment. Martina also contributes to the Neuromodulation Lab at Florida State University, participating in a directed individual study under Dr. F. Andrew Kozel and Dr. Kevin A. Johnson on transcranial magnetic stimulation for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. She has earned placements on the Dean’s and President’s lists for academic excellence and remains active in student organizations, including Realizing Everyone’s Need for Emotional Wellness (RENEW) and Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED). Martina aims to leverage her experience in mental health and nursing to become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Social Determinants of Physical and Mental Health Among Women ≥45 Years With Chronic Pain and Cognitive Impairment Using the All of Us Research Program

Abstract

Chronic pain and cognitive impairment often co-occur in older adults and are frequently managed with prescription opioids. However, little is known about how health outcomes differ across demographic and socioeconomic subgroups of women with both chronic pain and cognitive impairment. This study examined factors associated with self-reported physical and mental health among women aged 45 years and older. his cross-sectional study used electronic health record and survey data from the All of Us Research Program. The sample included insured U.S. women aged 45–64 years (n = 1,841) and 65 years and older (n = 662) with documented cognitive impairment or dementia, chronic pain, opioid exposure or related conditions, and completion of the PROMIS Global Health-10 questionnaire. PROMIS physical and mental health T-scores were the primary outcomes. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and generalized linear regression models evaluated associations between age group, race, education, employment, income, marital status, and self-reported health. Women aged 65 years and older reported higher physical health (β = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.15–1.87) and mental health scores (β = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.55–2.34) than women aged 45–64. Higher education and income were associated with better physical and mental health, while unemployment and inability to work were associated with poorer outcomes. Married women reported slightly lower mental health scores than unmarried women. Education, employment, and income were strongly associated with self-reported health, highlighting the importance of addressing social determinants of health in pain management for aging women with chronic pain and impairment.

Keywords: Menal Health, Chronic Pain, Females, Opiods

BIO

Zaya is earning her Bachelor of Science in neuroscience, with psychology and chemistry minors, in May of 2026! She is completing her Honors in the Major thesis in the Hermiller Lab and is presenting her research from the project here. She hopes to eventually earn a PhD in neuroscience and become a full-time researcher.

Understanding memory through the lenses of imagination and familiarity

Abstract

Imagination and memory are strongly tied together, and ultimately are controlled by similar brain regions. This includes the medial temporal lobe and broader hippocampal cortical network. Understanding how memory and imagination are similar, but also how they differ, can lead to a deeper understanding of how we engage with and form memories for encountered stimuli. To test these variables, healthy young adult participants were prompted to create first-person memory-based mental creations and third-person imagination-based associations, incorporating cued background scenes, a verb associated with an item, and a person (either self or another character). Following the creation of these associations, participants were tested on their recollection of both the scenes and the verb. We hypothesized that accuracy for self-based associations would be significantly stronger than those imagined for other characters, and that the verbs would be recalled significantly greater than scenes. Our preliminary results suggest that participants had nearly identical accuracy when recalling the correct scene, both from self-based creations and character-based associations, while the same was found in the identification of the accurate action. Participants also were more likely to accurately identify the scene rather than the verb they incorporated. Moving forward, we could further test this hypothesis by having participants physically do the action, as opposed to visualizing it in their mind. Understanding how imagination- versus memory-based scenario formations are later retrieved may provide insight to memory impairments and inform future efforts to diagnose and/or treat disorders.

Keywords: Memory, Neuroscience, TMS, Behavior

BIO

Janiyah Sharp is an undergraduate student at Florida State University majoring in Psychology on the pre-law track. Her research focuses on the experiences of transfer students and the factors that influence their academic and social transition at Florida State University. She is particularly interested in issues related to student success, institutional support systems, and access to higher education. After graduating, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in law.

Looking Beyond the Eye: Transfer Student Narratives on Opting out of IDS30003

Abstract

Transfer students often face challenges in fully integrating into university life, which can impact their sense of belonging and engagement on campus. IDS3003 is an optional course at Florida State University designed to support transfer students by fostering connections, introducing them to campus resources, and encouraging participation in the broader campus community. Despite these intended benefits, enrollment has been lower than anticipated. This research project aims to explore barriers preventing transfer students in the 2025 cohort from enrolling in IDS3003, as well as their perceptions of the course. To address these questions, two focus groups were conducted, each consisting of ten undergraduate transfer students, to gather qualitative insights regarding scheduling conflicts, course awareness, perceived relevance, and other potential factors influencing enrollment decisions. By analyzing these discussions, the study sought to identify actionable strategies to improve enrollment and participation, such as offering the course at alternative times or enhancing communication about its benefits. While the study is exploratory, it is anticipated that findings will provide a nuanced understanding of transfer students’ experiences and inform targeted interventions to better support this population. Ultimately, this research contributes to improving program accessibility and engagement, ensuring that transfer students have equitable opportunities to integrate into campus life and benefit from the resources IDS3003 offers. The outcomes of this project will guide future course planning and support evidence-based strategies to enhance student engagement and success.

Keywords: Transfer Students, IDS3003

BIO

My name is Yoonho Hwang, and I am a first-year student majoring in Exercise Physiology. I am currently on the pre–physical therapy track with the goal of becoming a physical therapist in the future. While providing physical treatment is an important part of healthcare, I believe that understanding patients’ emotions and building trust are equally essential for effective therapy and recovery.This perspective led me to choose a project related to student–teacher interactions through the Teaching Through Interaction Framework. By studying how supportive communication and meaningful interactions influence learning environments, I hope to better understand the role how empathy and communication play in helping others to succeed.

Large Class Pedagogy: Teaching Through Interactions Framework

Abstract

Large class sizes are a significant challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, where rapid population growth and limited government support strain educational systems. In countries such as Malawi, and Kenya average classrooms are considerably larger than typical American schools, creating barriers to effective instruction and equitable access to quality education. Despite the prevalence of large classrooms, limited research has examined effective large-class pedagogical practices within this regional context.
This study aims to explore educators’ perspectives on large-class pedagogy, identifying perceived barriers and instructional strategies used to promote student engagement and learning. Participants were sampled from 6 Teacher Training Colleges, and 9 Teacher Training Schools, representing urban, peri-urban and rural schools. Patterns of instruction were observed in these classroom settings, and organized into four categories: Positive Climate, Negative Climate, Teacher Sensitivity and Regard for Student Perspectives.
Future research should assess the effectiveness of instructional strategies on student outcomes and inform policy support for large-class environments.

Keywords: Teaching, Large Class, Interactions

BIO

Emily Perez is a third-year Psychology major at Florida State University with a strong interest in psychology and human behavior. She is originally from Miami, and her background has helped shape her curiosity about why people think, feel, and act the way they do. During her time at FSU, she hopes to explore a variety of research opportunities within psychology and gain hands-on experience that deepens her understanding of the field. Emily's research interests include areas such as human behavior, mental health, and the psychological factors that influence decision-making and behavior. She is especially interested in how psychological research can be used to better understand individuals within both social and clinical settings. In the future, Emily plans to pursue a PhD in either clinical or social psychology. Her long-term goal is to contribute to research and professional practice that can enhance mental health interventions and deepen our understanding of disorders and behavior as a whole.

Social Cognitive Processing of Gratitude Expressions

Abstract

Although past research has shown many benefits of gratitude in facilitating and maintaining social bonds, less is known about how gratitude expressions influence first impressions. The purpose of the current study is to examine both implicit and explicit evaluations of gratitude expressions, focusing on attitudes, selective memories, perceptions, and preferences toward individuals who express gratitude compared to those who remain neutral. We predicted that individuals would show more positive evaluations of grateful targets than of neutral targets, both explicitly and implicitly. We also predicted that individuals would demonstrate selective memory for details expressed by grateful targets. To test these predictions, nearly 100 Sona participants read four fictional bios from other ostensible student participants (targets) they believed they might interact with later in the study. Two of these targets expressed gratitude in their bios, while the other two remained neutral. Currently, we are analyzing data and coding memory responses for overall and gratitude-specific accuracy. We are also exploring whether relevant individual difference variables, such as personality, dispositional gratitude, and power-attainment strategies, influence the social processing of gratitude.

Keywords: Social, Evolutionary, Psychology, Gratitude, Impression formation

BIO

Chronic and post-operative pain are commonly managed with pharmacological interventions, while non-pharmacologic approaches such as mindfulness-based therapies remain underutilized in many clinical settings. Although pain medications play a critical role in symptom control, reliance on pharmacologic treatment alone may overlook the complex psychological and neurological components of pain perception. Emerging pain-management research demonstrates that pain perception is shaped not only by physical injury, but also by stress, anxiety, attention, and thought patterns. As healthcare systems seek safer, patient-centered alternatives amid concerns about opioid dependence and medication side effects, mindfulness-based strategies warrant further investigation. This study explores the potential role of a brief, audio-recorded mindfulness intervention in supporting patients experiencing chronic and/or post-surgical pain. Mindfulness-based therapies aim to cultivate present-moment awareness, reduce stress reactivity, and modify cognitive responses to discomfort. By addressing both physiological and psychological contributors to pain, such interventions may serve as a practical adjunct within acute care environments. Findings from this study indicate that patients reporting elevated levels of pain and anxiety experienced reductions in both measures following participation in the guided mindfulness session. These results suggest that structured, brief mindfulness interventions may offer measurable short-term relief and represent a feasible complementary strategy in hospital settings. The long-term objective is to incorporate brief mindfulness interventions into routine clinical care for patients managing chronic and post-operative pain.

Nonpharmacologic Pain Management: The Impact of Mindfulness Interventions on Postoperative Recovery

Abstract

Chronic and post-operative pain are commonly managed with pharmacological interventions, while non-pharmacologic approaches such as mindfulness-based therapies remain underutilized in many clinical settings. Although pain medications play a critical role in symptom control, reliance on pharmacologic treatment alone may overlook the complex psychological and neurological components of pain perception. Emerging pain-management research demonstrates that pain perception is shaped not only by physical injury, but also by stress, anxiety, attention, and thought patterns. As healthcare systems seek safer, patient-centered alternatives amid concerns about opioid dependence and medication side effects, mindfulness-based strategies warrant further investigation. This study explores the potential role of a brief, audio-recorded mindfulness intervention in supporting patients experiencing chronic and/or post-surgical pain. Mindfulness-based therapies aim to cultivate present-moment awareness, reduce stress reactivity, and modify cognitive responses to discomfort. By addressing both physiological and psychological contributors to pain, such interventions may serve as a practical adjunct within acute care environments. Findings from this study indicate that patients reporting elevated levels of pain and anxiety experienced reductions in both measures following participation in the guided mindfulness session. These results suggest that structured, brief mindfulness interventions may offer measurable short-term relief and represent a feasible complementary strategy in hospital settings. The long-term objective is to incorporate brief mindfulness interventions into routine clinical care for patients managing chronic and post-operative pain.

Keywords: mindfulness, health, medicine

BIO

Natalie is a first year student who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a focus on Literature, Media, and Culture on a Pre-Law track. She is also pursuing a minor in Law and Society. Last semester, she was on the Deans List and is being mentored by Yui Tim Timothy Yu for her work in his American Roots Music course.

Bob Dylan’s 1965 Newport Performance: Defying the Secularness of the Folk Music Revival by Going Electric

Abstract

Bob Dylan’s 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance marked a pivotal turning point in American music by changing the definition of what the attendees of the festival considered to be “folk” music and how it defied their sacred space. Dylan challenged these traditions that the attendees described as sacred by defying this holy and political space with the use of electric instruments and a rock band. Since the Newport Folk Festival functioned as a “bastion of folk authenticity” where folk music was treated with the utmost importance, often being treated as sacred and morally serious, his use of an electric set during his performance of “Maggie’s Farm” and “Like a Rolling Stone” became a threat to this special treatment of music by being perceived as a betrayal of these traditional folk values. Previous study of this festival has framed it as a religious space and Dylan’s electric performance disrupted the sacredness and purity that acoustic folk music has. Dylan’s “going electric” created a reaction from the audience that has been described as harsh. This reaction was not simply disapproving of artistry, but it instead an expression of their feelings that this performance was a kind of secularization that conflicted with the “religious” foundation of the event. This research encourages reflection on the fluidity of the definition of religion in the United States and if fandoms of music artists now could be considered a "religion".

Keywords: music, folk, religion

BIO

Shellsea Ibarra Carreón is a first-year computational biology major from Mexico. After graduating, she hopes to pursue higher education in bioinformatics. As an undergraduate researcher, she studies how post-translational modifications influence protein structure and function in cardiac muscle proteins. Her current project investigates phosphorylation-induced conformational changes in the actin-binding domain of α-actinin-2 using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and computational modeling tools.

Assessing Phosphorylation-induced Conformational Changes in the α-actinin2 Actin-binding Domain Through Analysis of Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) Data

Abstract

α-Actinin-2 (ACTN2) is a sarcomeric protein essential for maintaining cardiac muscle structure and contractile function. Dysregulation of ACTN2 is associated with cardiomyopathies. Phosphorylation is thought to regulate ACTN2 interaction with actin, but its structural effects remain unclear. Particularly within the actin binding domain (ABD). AlphaFold3 predictions visualized in ChimeraX suggested that phosphorylation may induce a large-scale “opening” of the ABD. We therefore hypothesize that phosphorylation promotes conformation expansion of the ACTN2 ABD in solution.

To test this hypothesis, recombinant human ACTN2 wild-type and phosphomimetic ABD constructs were expressed in E. coli and purified using affinity and ion-exchange chromatography. Purity (>98%) was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and colorimetric assays. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) data was used to characterize solution-state structural differences between variants. Global structural parameters, including radius of gyration and molecular envelopes were modeled and analyzed using BioXTAS RAW and the ATSAS software suite.

Preliminary results indicate that phosphomimetic variants exhibit increased structural expansion relative to wild-type, supporting the hypothesis that phosphorylation alters ACTN2 ABD conformation. These findings provide insight into how post-translational modification may regulate sarcomeric architecture and contribute to cardiac disease mechanisms.

Keywords: cardiomyopathy, protein conformation, structural biology

BIO

Elizabeth Yu is a 1st year majoring in Exercise Physiology. She is from Miami, Florida and has lived there all of her life! She is in the Honors Program and is pursuing a career in medicine. Elizabeth is currently doing research with Dr. Celia Reddick based on refugee children, with a focus on their educational system experiences. She is also interested in potential research involved in kinesiology and athletics.

Strengthening School Experiences for Refugee Young People, Families, and Their Teachers in Florida

Abstract

Refugee children’s resettlement into the United States frequently correlates with significant levels of trauma that place them in higher risk for emotional, behavioral, and developmental difficulties compared to their non-refugee peers. This leaves these individuals in need of critical support early into their resettlement to be able to support their long-term adjustment and well-being. This research aims to analyze the understanding and enhance the educational experiences of Tallahassee's refugee youth by recording their difficulties and experimenting with new cooperative strategies to foster inclusion among their classmates. It also aims to better understand the challenges facing Tallahassee educators and to offer information for specialized guidance and assistance. Interviews were conducted in refugee family’s homes, where the qualitative data was collected and then interpreted utilizing a coding software. Children and adults were interviewed individually to share their experiences regarding their reasons fleeing, assimilation, and in specific their experiences regarding their education.

Keywords: Refugee, education, displacement

BIO

Alexus LaPlante is Neuroscience major pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant at Florida State University. She is both a licensed Pharmacy Technician and a Certified Medical Assistant, with hands-on experience in clinical and patient focused healthcare settings. Alexus is deeply committed to improving patient care and expanding access to medical services through compassionate, team-based practices and research.
On campus, Alexus is highly involved in the Medical Response Unit (MRU), her favorite organization, where she is dedicated to service, training, and emergency prepardness. She is passionate about the MRU's mission and values the opportunity to serve her community.
Upon graduation Alexus hopes to work in a field where she can make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.

An Analysis of Stress, Quality of Life and Emotional Support among USVI Adults

Abstract

This study investigates how isolation, stress, and alcohol consumption influences quality of life in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Understanding the quantitative relationships between these factors and life satisfaction is crucial in identifying causes of poor mental health within underserved communities. The USVI was chosen as our data supply because of its designation as an NIH health disparity population, due to high poverty rates and inadequate access to medical and behavioral health services. By identifying key factors for a reduced quality of life, this research focuses on identifying potential mental health interventions needed to improve accessibility for these services in the USVI. A literature review was conducted to identify gaps in existing research, specifically culturally and geographically contributors to life satisfaction. Survey data collected from USVI residents were analyzed to determine the association between reported stress levels, alcohol consumption, social isolation, and overall mental health outcomes. A statistical analysis was performed to identify significant indicators of decreased life satisfaction. Initial findings suggest that significant stress will signify a negative association with mental health, however alcohol consumption may not have a statistically significant relationship. Future research will be needed to examine adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as additional predictors of long-term mental health outcomes in the USVI.

Keywords: Stress, United States Virgin Islands, Quality of Life