Research Symposium

BIO

Liam is currently a freshman at FSU studying Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, from Melbourne, FL. As a research assistant in the Kira Lab, Liam hopes to expand his understanding of the field of Neuroscience, combining interests from various disciplines. Liam hopes to pursue a career in research medicine through an MD/PhD program.

Investigating Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Generalization Using a Virtual Reality Paradigm

Abstract

The ability to use past experiences to guide behavior in new situations, known as generalization, is a fundamental brain function, guiding decision-making and adaptation to changing environments. Understanding these neural mechanisms can help support the development of treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions where generalization is often impaired and improve the flexibility of artificial intelligence systems. To study these processes, a virtual reality (VR) navigation paradigm was developed to examine navigation based decision-making processes and the underlying neural activity while in the virtual environment. Movement on the system is tracked by optical sensors and translated into real-time displacement within the VR environment where mice perform behavioral tasks. Further studies will also incorporate two-photon microscopy to measure neuronal activity during behavioral tasks, investigating how neural circuits support generalization across changing environments.

Keywords: neuroscience, learning, VR, generalization, mice

BIO

Scout Ganzer is an undergraduate student at Florida State University studying History with a minor in Philosophy. Her studies revolve around intersectionality, gender studies, and neo-imperialism during American history. She has conducted research on the Philippines, Iran, China, America, and her honors thesis; "California's Dragons and Dolls: The Origins of Chinese Hyper-Sexualization in Nineteenth-Century America", where she analyzes Neo-Confucianism and the American media's role in dehumanizing Chinese women through sexual stereotypes. She is continuing her studies at FSU for her Master's in History degree.

Portrayal and Protest: Interfaith Marriage in Nazi Germany

Abstract

Interfaith relationships between Aryan women and Jewish men received immediate attack from Germanys National Socialist party. Jewish men were portrayed as thieves of Aryan innocence and anti-miscegenation laws were implemented as early as 1935. Characterization, sexual stereotyping, and racial rhetoric was associated heavily with Jewish men. Pre-existing interfaith marriages were put under intense scrutiny by the Regime; men could face imprisonment for their choice in marital partners. The Rosenstrasse protest demonstrated the power that interfaith marriages held during the Third Reich. The Rosenstrasse protest demonstrates the nuance of protest, how everyday social actions participate in a silent revolution.

Keywords: Gender, Women, Nazi-Germany

BIO

Monique Ramos is a 4th year biological science student on a pre-med track. Monique has an interest in exploring how our diet and gut biome impact healthy aging, specifically their association with risk factors for dementia. Monique explores these research topics under the mentorship of Dr. Sheffler.

Subjective vs. Objective Adherence in a Dietary Intervention and the Influence of Baseline Cognitive Function

Abstract

Background. Accurate assessment of dietary adherence is critical for evaluating intervention effectiveness; however, many studies rely on self-reported adherence, which is vulnerable to recall bias and may not align with objective indicators of diet adherence. Older adults may be especially susceptible to reporting inaccuracies due to age-related cognitive changes that could affect monitoring and recall of dietary behaviors.

Methods. This study examined the relationship between subjective and objective measures of dietary adherence and tested whether baseline cognitive status moderates this relationship. Sixty-five adults aged 57-85 were randomly assigned to one of two 10-week dietary intervention arms (Ketogenic or Mediterranean diet) within a group-based nutrition program. Cognitive status was assessed using the phone administered Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA v8.3). Objective adherence to ketogenic diet was measured via daily urine ketone levels, and objective adherence to the Mediterranean diet was derived from 3-day food logs using standardized nutrient and food group criteria. Subjective diet adherence for both groups was assessed weekly across a 10-week intervention period using a self-rating adherence scale (0-10 scale). Hierarchical linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, and race.

Results. There was a significant interaction between cognitive status and subjective adherence on objective adherence to ketogenic diet (b=1.29, p=0.023).

Conclusions. Our findings suggest that impaired memory may reduce the accuracy of self-reported adherence and raise concerns about its reliability in populations affected by or at risk for MCI. Larger studies are needed to determine whether similar patterns occur across other dietary interventions.

Keywords: Adherence, Cognition, Diet intervention

BIO

Violet Lorish is currently a second-year student studying at Florida State University in the College of Music and the College of Communication and Information. She is pursuing dual-degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication Studies, with a minor in Spanish. In the Spring of 2025, Violet engaged in her first collegiate research, presenting her paper “Rhythm of Reason: Musical Training, Early Childhood Development, and Mathematics” at the Undergraduate Music Research Symposium, hosted by the Society for Musicology at FSU. During the 25-26 school year Violet worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant through FSU’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). She assisted MFA Candidate Amarachi Odimba on her research titled ENFOLD Series, studying the use of "Utilitarian Objects as Metaphor for Movement in Contemporary Artistic Practice”. From this study she developed a personal work titled Metamorphosis which she will be presenting at FSU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium, where she will be a speaker at their Nourishing Creativity Hour. Most recently, Violet was named a Tyler Fellow for the summer of 2026, during which she will be completing artistic research abroad. Violet is from Atlanta, Georgia, and enjoys spending her free time hand embroidering, playing the violin, and spending time with her family and five cats.

Utilitarian Objects as Metaphor for Movement in Contemporary Artistic Practice

Abstract

Growing up, I was surrounded by everyday objects that once felt ordinary but now resemble a transitional narrative, marking my passage from childhood to adulthood, and shaping my memories and identity. This concept guides my inquiry, how can everyday materials be used to convey movement and transition? Under the guidance of MFA candidate Amarachi Odimba, I assisted in the production of her current work titled ENFOLD Series, which explores concepts of movement, material culture, and memory. The work is a mixed-media installation consisting of paintings, sewing, embellishments, and a plastic plaid bag, her personal travel bag, which historically relates to the socio-political history of the expulsion of Ghanaians from Nigeria in the 1980s. While assisting in her studio research through material exploration and literary review, I developed a personal work that reflects on the transition from childhood to adulthood. Drawing inspiration from her work, and skills learned in applied studies of material use, I incorporate a plain blue variant of the bag material she uses whilst incorporating materials from my childhood to create my work, titled Metamorphosis. The ENFOLD Series allowed my work to expand upon concepts of movement and transition, with similar material combinations including woven bags, embellishments, and personal childhood items. Metamorphosis suggests that the act of movement and transition can be exemplified by material culture, and that objects which we utilize every day, provide the basis of personal and collective expression and experience.

Keywords: Art, Embroidery, Mixed-Media

BIO

As a lifelong Tallahassee local, Josh takes special interest in the perspectives of his peers and neighbors. He has developed this interest through his Honors research as part of his Geography B.S. degree, which he will complete this Spring. His work with Dr. Rachael Cofield has employed discourse analysis and semi-structured interviews to help provide an empirical understanding of how exurban residents and the local/county governments in our region dialogue with one another through policy and perception, and where their interests may unexpectedly fail to align.

The Peculiar Relationship of the Exurban Commuter to the Southern City and its Hinterlands

Abstract

Throughout the late 20th century, the urban fringe of many cities across the eastern United States saw a marked shift in the typology of new development. Street patterns became less connected, lots larger, and the (false) sense of coherency and demarcation brought about by urban-suburban contiguity frayed (Boeing, 2020). The primary objective of my research is to uncover patterns in how commuters living along this vague rim of suburbs beyond suburbs, or exurbs, explain their relation to the city they purport not to be part of, as well as to the rural expanse with which they associate their lifestyle.

This research contributes to the body of knowledge on relational place-framing, and specifically expands an underrepresented regional perspective in that literature through its focus on Leon County, Florida. I employ the concept of place-frames from both institutional (Martin, 2003) and normative (Elwood et al., 2014) perspectives to highlight the perceived differences of lifestyle and class between urban/suburban and exurban/rural portions of the region that contribute to the production and reinforcement of anti-urban sentiment and policy preferences among the latter. I also gesture at the broader discussion about the remaking of rural spaces into consumer-focused simulacra (Massey, 2005), in which the meaning of rurality is reduced to an aesthetic performance. Supported by this theoretical underpinning, my research details a relationship of selective permeability, wherein exurban commuters render discursively benign their real and tangible power to shape outcomes in the city.

Keywords: geography, urban, economic, labor, place

BIO

Nina Wallenburg is from Merritt Island, Florida. She is a senior Environmental Chemistry major in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry with a double minor in Mathematics and History. She has been in Dr. Emily Stewart's lab since 2024 and has been a General Chemistry 1 Lab TA in her time at FSU. Her work has been presented at the Triple-Joint Section meeting of the Geological Society of America. She hopes to continue research work involving isotopic analysis and geochemistry in the future.

Effect of Depth on Metamorphic Decarbonation in the Sierra Nevada Batholith: Isotopic Analysis of Carbon and Oxygen

Abstract

CO2 degassing in metamorphic environments is shown to be a significant input flux in the global carbon cycle, having critical environmental implications and perturbing Earth’s climate (Stewart et al, 2026). The Sierra Nevada batholith is a compelling area to study as the existing calcareous rocks underwent contact metamorphism in its expansive region (Kerrick, 1970). While we know that metamorphism releases CO2, it remains unconstrained if and how the amount of CO2 released depends on the depth of metamorphism. In the southern part of the Sierra Nevada batholith, different depths of igneous emplacement (from >8 kbar - 3 kbar according to Nadin and Saleeby, 2008) are exposed at the surface. This makes the Sierra Nevada batholith an ideal place to study the effects of depth on CO2 release.

We aim to test the hypothesis that as rocks undergo metamorphism at greater depths, the amount of CO2 degassed is smaller, as more of the CO2 is trapped. Through analysis by mass spectrometry at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and geochemical techniques, we will report the 13C and 18O isotope values across a range of samples from different depths (3 kbar - >8 kbar). We will compare the isotope values between samples and literature values, interpreting that samples with higher positive isotope values degassed less CO2 and/or experienced less interaction with magmatic fluid. We hypothesize that the samples that underwent metamorphism at deeper depths (>8 kbar) will record higher positive isotope values than those that underwent metamorphism at shallower depths (3-5 kbar).

Keywords: Chemistry, Geology, Metamorphic Petrology, Geochemistry, Isotopes

BIO

Now a third year student, Savannah is a double major in Finance and Risk Management with a minor in English. Her professional focus is centered on the intricate world of underwriting and proactive risk management, with a long-term goal of navigating the intersection of business and corporate law. Currently, she works as a Dean’s Office Administrative Assistant at the FSU College of Business, where Savannah supports support high-level operations and the college’s mission of academic excellence. Her commitment to leadership and community is further reflected in her roles as Vice President of Finance for Women in Business and Treasurer for the Vietnamese Student Association. Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Savannah is deeply engaged in service and creativity. She actively participates in advocating for community health and sustainability. When she is not analyzing market trends or helping plan club events, she enjoys exploring creative outlets such as drawing, dancing, cooking, and traveling. Savannah is driven by a desire to combine her technical expertise in risk with a compassionate approach to advocacy and leadership.

Legislation’s Impact on Mental Health Benefits in the Worker’s Compensation Market

Abstract

Worker’s Compensation (WC) varies significantly across the United States, particularly regarding the treatment of mental workplace injuries. Traditional WC models were designed around physical trauma. However, there has been documented growth in mental health-related illnesses and those resulting from occupational stress (Workplace Safety Survey, 2025). Understanding this growth is important because mental claims often bring higher costs and longer disability durations compared to standard physical injuries.

States like Texas and Georgia maintain their historical statutes, requiring a proven physical injury to qualify for coverage (Texas Labor Code § 408.006; SBWC Georgia Guidelines, 2026). Others like New York and Illinois expanded their definition of compensable injuries to include trauma that lacks a preceding physical trigger (New York State Senate Bill S755, 2025; SCoIL Pathfinder Co. v. Industrial Com., 1976). While statutes delineate WC liabilities for employers, these employers typically transfer liability through the purchase of WC insurance from insurance carriers. Legislation dictates the boundaries of this risk transfer, and consequently, affects the supply of WC liability coverage.

While the shift in carrier valuations reflects the market's sensitivity to changes in legislation (RPS Market Outlook, 2026), the current literature overlooks the friction between the law’s intent and its application across contexts (WCRI, 2025). I will begin by investigating the legal differences across states using WC benefit schedules, focusing on mental health benefits. Then, I will examine whether differences across states affect the supply of WC insurance.

Keywords: Worker’s Compensation, Mental Health, Benefits, Legislation, Finance

BIO

Dale Naylor is a second-year undergraduate student at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry on the pre-medical track. He is interested in chemistry and its role in medicine.

Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), Dale conducts research under Dr. Mohd Bilal Khan investigating the magnetophoresis of paramagnetic and diamagnetic nanoparticles. His work examines how magnetic fields influence particle behavior, with potential applications in biomedical technologies such as targeted drug delivery. This experience has strengthened his laboratory techniques, data analysis skills, and scientific reasoning.

In addition to his research, Dale is a certified pharmacy technician, where he gains hands-on experience in patient care, medication management, and healthcare communication. These experiences have reinforced his goal of attending medical school and pursuing a career as a physician.

Clustering and Magnetophoretic Transport of Oxide Microparticles under Uniform Magnetic Fields

Abstract

The magnetically driven transport of microparticles in liquid media is governed by
the interplay between magnetic forces, hydrodynamics, and interparticle
interactions. In this study, we experimentally investigate the magnetic response of
manganese oxide (Mn₂O₃, 5 µm) and zinc oxide (ZnO, 5 µm) microparticles
suspended in aqueous media under externally applied uniform magnetic fields up to
0.7 T using a yoke magnet configuration. Manganese oxide particles exhibit directed
migration toward the applied magnetic field and progressively form field-induced
aggregates. At later stages, the particles organize into web-like network structures
rather than classical dipolar chains, indicating the dominance of collective
interactions and hydrodynamic coupling over simple head-to-tail dipole alignment.
The absence of linear chaining suggests that particle–particle interactions, finite size
effects, and local flow recirculation influence the clustering morphology under
uniform field conditions.
Unexpectedly, zinc oxide particles, nominally diamagnetic, also demonstrate
migration toward the magnetic field region instead of repulsion. To resolve this
discrepancy, structural and magnetic characterization was performed. X-ray
diffraction analysis indicates the presence of impurity phases, while magnetic
response measurements reveal a weak paramagnetic signature consistent with
unpaired electronic states. These findings suggest that trace paramagnetic impurities
or defect-induced magnetic moments significantly alter the effective magnetic
susceptibility of the ZnO microparticles. The results highlight the sensitivity of field-
driven particle transport to intrinsic material properties and microstructural defects.

Keywords: Magnetophoresis, magnetic field, nanoparticles

BIO

Dina is a sophomore at Florida State University. She is majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Biomedical Physics. She plans on going to medical school after she graduates and hopes to become a doctor.

The impact of different forms of crosslinking on sulfonated polystyrene

Abstract

Ion exchange polymers are membranes that can be used in water filtration. Studying them is important since we can use plastic to be able to clean and provide water in a way that is cost efficient. Polymers can be made by covalent and ionic crosslinking. By comparing two forms of polymers: covalently crosslinked Sulfonated Polystyrene divinylbenzene (PSS-DVB) and ionically crosslinked Sulfonated Polystyrene Calcium (PSS-Ca), we can see advantages and disadvantages of both forms of polymers. We will test water uptake, filtration and ion exchange capacity using titration techniques and gravimetric analysis. Based on literary analysis we can hypothesize that the PSS-DVB will be stronger and have better measurements of water uptake and ion exchange, while the PSS-Ca will have greater permeability, but less selectivity. These results could mean that we are able to develop ways to filter water that is long lasting and efficient. Since both polymers are expected to have positives and negatives, moving forward we can combine both ionic and covalent crosslinking to create the most ideal polymer. Further research that can be done can involve changing other aspects of the polymer. We can change the percent of sulfonation, the mediums we test the polymers in, and even what we specifically crosslink the polymers with.

Keywords: Polymer, Crosslinking, Calcium, DVB

BIO

Ellyn Cross is currently a sophomore at Florida State University achieving a Bachelor's of Music in Music Therapy with a Psychology and Child Development minor, and is currently under the research mentorship of Dr. Lori Gooding and Dr. Dawn Iwamasa. As a Music Therapy major, she is aware of the multitude of different interventions coming from many different fields, practices, and minds that can make a life changing impact on many populations around the globe. However, these practices can not be established, respected, refined, or utilized to the best of their ability without proper research. Through research one can not only discover what does and doesn't work, but also observe new phenomena that may not have been considered before, that can lead us into an endless cycle of further research. Through research, we are able to equip diverse populations through many different dimensions, and foster a community of support for various practitioners and clients. Ellyn holds leadership positions in Alpha Mu Alpha (the music therapy student organization), Disabled Student Union, is the president-elect of SER-AMTAS, and is a member of Psi Chi and Pi Kappa Lambda. Ellyn hopes to pursue a career in music therapy while continuing to perform, and to eventually go to graduate school for music therapy and art therapy.

Stutter Articulation in Brass Instruments

Abstract

Throughout the past thirty years, there has been little research on issues related
to stutter articulation (also referred to as musical stuttering). Existing literature
references the Valsalva maneuver, warm-ups to work through stutter
articulation, case-studies of ‘musical stutterers’ and initial surveys with no
statistical analysis or established significance. However, current research on
defining and exploring causes of stutter articulation is limited. To further define
and explore stutter articulation, this project utilized semi-structured video
interviews of undergraduate music students which were later transcribed, with
questions on stutter articulation experience, what the body and mind is doing
during stutter articulation, utilized successful or unsuccessful strategies, and
impact on practice and performance. After being interviewed, the interviewees
reviewed transcripts for accuracy and provided additional context to their
statements. Transcripts are currently being analyzed. Although this project is still
in process, preliminary results reveal themes of discussion around stutter
articulation including: freeze, tension in throat, entrance/first note, anxiety/worry,
analysis paralysis, anticipation, high stakes performance, occurrence of the issue
later in musical career, and improvement upon cognitive reframing, and
reference points (like a metronome). Further research could examine the
differences in how speech language pathologists and musicians differ in
defining and considering solutions to stutter articulation, and the deeper
pathological or physiological devices behind the phenomenon.

Keywords: Music, Brass, Stutter, Instrument, Instruments, Musical, Articulation

BIO

Natalia Corral is a sophomore Cell and Molecular Neuroscience Major on the pre-med track. She has been working as a research assistant in the meta-analysis project on predictors of dyslexia since the Fall of 2025. She hopes to continue working in this project for the rest of her undergraduate career, and continue learning more effective ways of predicting, diagnosing, and treating such a common learning disability. Natalia has been honored to work as a research assistant under the faculty members of the Department of Psychology who are conducting this research; Dr. Dorota Kossowska-Kuhn, Dr. Richard Wagner, and Dr. Fotena Zirps, who have been incredible teachers and mentors. Additionally, she is an active member of Phi Delta Epsilon, a pre-medical fraternity and works as a medical scribe for Baptist Hospital Urgent Care. She plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience in the Spring of 2028 during her senior year, and begin Medical School in the Fall of 2028.

Dyslexia Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Dyslexia is defined by the International Dyslexia Association as a neurobiological developmental learning disorder that is characterised by having trouble decoding, recognizing, and spelling words. As much as this form of neurodivergence is common, the mode of diagnosis for developmental dyslexia seems to often fall short of its interventive power. Because previous research suggests that no single predictor works well for complex phenomena such as dyslexia, this project aims to analyze common predictors of dyslexia using a model based meta-analysis (MASM) of the current literature in the field. This meta-analysis seeks to consolidate thousands of articles from scholarly sources and scientific journals to further strengthen the idea that three predictors of dyslexia— phonological processing impairment, poor response to intervention, and family history of dyslexia— are reliable modes of early prediction and diagnosis. Facilitated by a team of several reviewers, each article is title and abstract screened, full text reviewed, and extracted to create a proportional model to illustrate the statistical relevance each factor has in relation to the prediction and diagnosis of dyslexia. Though still in progress, the meta-analysis has now advanced to the extraction phase and is working towards a definitive result.

Keywords: Meta Analysis Dyslexia Predictors

BIO

Kyla Grogan is a second-year sophomore from Miami, Florida, double majoring in History & Human Development and Family Sciences. Her academic interests focus on the intersections of historical context and family systems with particular attention to how social structures and policies shape individual and family experiences over time.

She plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a family law attorney, with a focus on working with children and advocating for their well-being within complex legal systems.

Paraprofessionals Supporting Early Literacy

Abstract

Paraprofessionals are defined as trained staff members who assist and provide specialized support in classrooms; most often to students with special needs. However, many paraprofessionals receive limited preparation or professional training in early literacy strategies, which may affect their confidence and effectiveness in supporting children’s language and literacy growth. We will conduct a qualitative study. It will explore how paraprofessionals perceive their roles and responsibilities in promoting emerging literacy among in children in Tallahassee. They will survey and interviewed about their current classroom experiences and how they view their role. In this project, we will also examine the challenges paraprofessionals encounter when implementing early reading and language-building practices, as well as the types of training and experiences that help them feel prepared in their work.

Keywords: Paraprofessionals Childhood Literacy

BIO

Taras Chornyy is a sophomore at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He is involved in Alzheimer’s disease research in the Wilber Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Aaron Wilber, where he studies mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Originally from Orlando, Florida, he plans to pursue a career in emergency medicine.

Investigating spatial navigation impairments in a TgF344-AD rat model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that drastically affects an individual’s memory, learning and spatial navigation. Egocentric and allocentric are two spatial reference frames that get disrupted as this disease progresses. Egocentric is perceived to be a body-centered type of navigation, while allocentric is world-centered. Combining these two types of spatial navigation contributes to how we perceive and navigate in the world. The parietal (PC) and the retrosplenial (RSC) cortex are known to encode and transmit information between these reference frames. The PC and RSC are also brain regions that become impaired in adults with AD and rodents with genetics that mimic Alzheimer’s Disease. This study aims to examine the effects of learning and spatial navigation abilities using TgF344-AD and littermate control rats. These rats undergo several pretraining stages, at 3, 5, 8.5 months old, and an action-orientation task, followed by a sodium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scan at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) when they turn 10 months old. Once the animals return from the NHMFL, they are then perfused and undergo an extensive immunohistochemistry procedure. This process is used to analyze the behavior results, neuroimaging findings and visualize the pathological changes (plaques, amyloid deposits, phosphorylated tau tangles, etc.) in the brain. The findings that we will collect from the current study will shed additional insight on how the cognition and brain regions of these animals are affected from Alzheimer’s Disease.

Keywords: Alzheimers, TgF-344AD, spatial navigation

BIO

Lanie Klein is a second-year student at Florida State pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in Business. This is her first year participating in the UROP program under research mentor Trey Wood, but she plans to continue doing research in the years to come. After graduation, Lanie hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology with hopes of becoming a Clinical Psychologist.

An Investigation of the Relationship Between Personality, Self-Talk, and Quiet Eye in Target Performance

Abstract

In target sports, accuracy is heavily dependent on the "Quiet Eye" (QE) period—the final fixation on a target before the initiation of a motor response. While QE is a known marker of focus, the psychological precursors that influence its duration remain under-explored. This study investigated how self-talk and personality traits (the Big Five) impact QE duration and performance accuracy. Participants completed three primary assessments: a demographic survey, the Big Five Inventory (BFI), and the Automatic Self-Talk Questionnaire for Sports (ASTQS). Performance was measured through 3 sets of 12 dart throws under varying conditions: control condition, positive self-talk, and negative self-talk. To capture gaze behavior, participants wore mobile eye-tracking glasses. Data were processed using Tobii software and analyzed through SPSS to correlate QE duration with personality scores and performance proximity to the target. Preliminary analysis indicates that positive self-talk significantly increases QE duration compared to negative or control conditions, suggesting a more stabilized focus. These findings advance the field of sports psychology by highlighting how internal dialogue and personality profiles can be leveraged to optimize gaze behavior. Understanding these relationships offers practical applications for coaches and athletes to refine skill development programs through targeted psychological interventions.

Keywords: Psychology, Performance, Personality

BIO

Katya is from Jacksonville, Florida, and is currently pursuing a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience with the aspiration to attend graduate school. She is very interested in neurodegenerative diseases and developmental disorders and have hopes to continue doing research in those fields. Outside of academics Katya am passionate about working out, reading, photography, and spending time outdoors.

Meta-Analysis in Determining a Comprehensive Prediction Criteria for Developmental Dyslexia

Abstract

Dyslexia affects individuals worldwide, impacting their capabilities to read fluently and hindering literary understanding. Developmental dyslexia is the primary form of this disorder, stemming from a combination of genetic and environmental features that display the severity of symptomatic portrayal. There are various criteria that reflect the possible causes of developmental dyslexia. However, no single analysis is effective in prediction. Our study analyzes trends in overarching causes of dyslexia to create a comprehensive prediction model through a meta-analysis style study.
To resolve conflicting definitions of dyslexia and contradicting criteria for the causes a large-scale examination of relevant publications is comprised through literary review. The study functions through the technological applications Covidence, eliminating irrelevant articles to create a finite multifactor dyslexia prediction model. These articles are eliminated based on an established external criterion, created within the lab, and outlines the preferred metrics and topics to be included.
The study remains ongoing, screening hundreds of articles weekly. The expectation amongst the papers alludes to the expansion of predictors of development dyslexia. While not fully developed some of the overarching factors include educational upbringing, phonetic exposure, reading programs, and others. Additionally, genetic predisposition holds its own imposition for development dyslexia.
These preliminary results suggest that many individuals should seek out early screening for dyslexia with caregivers following the guise of the typical causes and predictors. Whilst an agreement has not been made regarding the criteria for dyslexia, this study produces very relevant results that aims to bridge that gap.

Keywords: developmental dyslexia, meta-analysis, predictors

BIO

Sophia Celeste Depena is a 3rd-year pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry. She is a lab assistant at the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR), where they work on a project focused on children’s academic and emotional development, with a particular interest in COVID-19, reading anxiety, and AI.
Her academic interests focus on childhood trauma and its impact on psychological development, especially how early experiences can shape emotional regulation and academic outcomes. She is also interested in biology, with a growing interest in cancer research and the broader biological mechanisms underlying disease. She is interested in using research to better understand these patterns and apply them in clinical settings.
Sophia plans to attend medical school. She is also fluent in Spanish and is interested in providing more culturally competent care to diverse populations.

Frequent Technology Use and Reading Anxiety: Examining School Social Environment using a Twin Sample

Abstract

Reading is foundational for long-term development and academic success, making it important to understand factors that contribute to reading-related stress. Rapid enhancement has made technology easily accessible and integrated into children’s lives. Although digital tools can support learning and communication, concerns have emerged about the impact of frequent technology use on children’s cognitive and emotional abilities, including attention regulation, academic engagement, and symptoms of anxiety. An under-researched outcome is reading anxiety, feelings of stress, worry, or discomfort during reading tasks. In addition to technology use, children’s school social environment may shape how they respond to academic demands, particularly peer support and sense of belonging. This study examines whether frequent technology use is associated with higher reading anxiety and whether school social environment moderates that relationship.
Data was collected from twin pairs in kindergarten through sixth grade using child and parent self-report questionnaires. Technology use was measured by frequency of digital engagement, and reading anxiety was assessed through items capturing children’s emotional responses to reading tasks. School social environment was assessed through students’ reported peer support and sense of belonging. Regression analyses will predict reading anxiety from technology use frequency, testing school social environment as a moderator. Analyses will control for the nested nature of twins within families.
We hypothesize that greater technology use will be associated with higher reading anxiety, but this relationship will be weaker among students with a more positive school social environment. These findings clarify how technology use and school environment can shape emotional and academic development.

Keywords: Reading Anxiety, Technology Use, Child Psychology

BIO

I am an undergraduate student at Florida State University (FSU) majoring in Biological Science. I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and developed an early interest in science through curiosity about human health and molecular biology. At FSU, I have gained hands-on experience in biochemical research, focusing on protein expression, purification, and enzymatic analysis.

My current research involves studying human guanylate-binding protein 5 (GBP5), where I use techniques such as affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, size-exclusion chromatography, and malachite green assays to investigate protein function. Through this work, I have developed strong laboratory skills and a deeper understanding of protein biochemistry.

I plan to continue building my experience in research and apply my scientific background to future career opportunities in science and health-related fields.

Biochemical Characterization of Human GBP5

Abstract

Guanylate-Binding Protein 5 (GBP5) is an interferon-inducible GTPase involved in innate immune signaling, including inflammasome activation and host defense against intracellular pathogens. This study aimed to establish a robust expression and purification workflow for recombinant human GBP5 to enable downstream functional and structural analyses.
Human GBP5 was expressed in Escherichia coli using a pET-28a(+) system and purified through sequential affinity, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography to obtain pure, tag-free protein. Protease-mediated tag removal and metal chelation ensured elimination of residual contaminants and catalytic interference. The final preparation yielded soluble GBP5 suitable for biochemical analysis.
SDS-PAGE and chromatographic profiles confirmed purity and homogeneity.This purification framework provides a foundation for future studies investigating GBP5 GTPase activity, oligomerization dynamics, and its role in membrane-associated immune signaling.

Keywords: GBP5 Protein Purification GTPase Activity Size-Exclusion Chromatography Recombinant Protein Expression

BIO

Olivia Davey is currently a sophomore Public Health major, who is also seeking a minor in Chemistry. She is on the Pre-Med track and hopes to attend Florida State's Masters in Public Health program and medical school.

Colorism and Mental Health

Abstract

• Colorism is differential treatment based on skin tone within and across racial/
ethnic groups and reflects phenotype-based stratification rooted in colonial and
racialized hierarchies.
• Unlike broad racial discrimination, colorism operates through within-group
and between-group social valuation of skin tone, shaping lived experiences in
distinct ways.
• Growing evidence suggests colorism may function as a chronic psychosocial
stressor associated with depression, anxiety, lower self-esteem, internalized
stigma, and identity-related distress.
• These effects may accumulate across the lifespan through repeated exposure to
appearance-based bias, social exclusion, and devaluation.
• However, the literature remains fragmented across disciplines, with
inconsistent definitions, limited measurement standardization, and uneven
representation across populations.
• This lack of conceptual and methodological consistency limits the ability to
draw firm conclusions about the mental health burden of colorism and slows
development of targeted interventions.

Keywords: Colorism, Mental Health

BIO

I am a physics major with an interest in theoretical physics, particularly relativity. My current research focuses on polymer systems using computational simulations, where I study how local interactions along polymer chains affect their collective behavior. I enjoy combining physics with coding to model complex systems and explore emergent phenomena.

Effect of Chain Rigidity on Ordering of Diblock Copolymers

Abstract

Semiflexible polymers show structural behavior that depends strongly on chain stiffness and intermolecular interactions. In this project, we use hard-particle simulations of discretized wormlike chains to understand how an imposed angular bending potential controls the effective persistence length and how that stiffness influences chain ordering. Bending rigidity is implemented through an angular potential between adjacent segments, which allows us to systematically vary stiffness within the model. At fixed concentration, we measure the resulting persistence length by analyzing bond–bond orientational correlations along the chain. This provides a practical calibration between the angular potential strength and the resulting chain rigidity, giving us direct control over the flexible-to-rodlike crossover in the simulations.

We extend the model to study amphiphilic AB copolymer systems that include hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. These interactions promote self-assembly into ordered structures, including lamellar phases. We are particularly interested in how varying chain stiffness affects the stability and alignment of these ordered domains. By systematically connecting bending strength and segment-specific interactions to the structures that emerge, this work aims to clarify how mechanical rigidity influences directed self-assembly. A better understanding of these relationships is relevant for polymer-based materials design and nanoscale pattern formation, with potential applications in templating and lithographic processes.

Keywords: Polymer, Wormlike Polymer, Ordering, Lamellar crystal

BIO

Hello! My name is George McMaster, and I’m a freshmen majoring in exercise physiology looking to pursue a doctor of physical therapy post undergrad. Outside of UROP, I’m currently involved in Presidential Scholars, ODK and the Student Athletic Training Association.

Coping, Connecting and Critiquing: How Teachers Use Humor on TikTok

Abstract

Teacher turnover has increased above pre-pandemic levels, undermining instructional quality, student achievement, and district budgets. Often driven by challenging working conditions, including managing student misbehavior, turnover reflects the daily realities teachers navigate. Current and former teachers use TikTok to share and process their professional experiences, often through humor, offering insight into how they make sense of challenges that can contribute to attrition. While prior research has examined humor in instructional contexts, less is known about how teachers use non-instructional humor. We ask, how do current and former teachers use humor to describe their experiences on TikTok?

This study uses a qualitative, grounded theory approach to analyze publicly available TikTok videos from self-identifying current and former U.S. teachers. From each account, we analyzed roughly 30 videos, examining verbal & non-verbal communication. Data were coded iteratively, beginning with deductive codes drawn from humor theory and Merrill’s (2021) teacher working conditions framework, followed by inductive coding to more fully capture teachers’ experiences.

Preliminary analysis reveals that for many teachers, humor functions as a coping mechanism and as a way to connect with other teachers who understand the realities of the job. For others, humor was used to express dissatisfaction and disappointment with the profession, such as the lack of administrative support in addressing student misbehavior. By examining humor as a way to cope, connect, and critique, this study illuminates how teachers process working conditions that may shape decisions to remain in or leave the profession.

Keywords: TikTok, Humor, Teacher Turnover, TWC