Research Symposium

BIO

Lily Gray is a sophomore majoring in Nursing with a minor in Child Development. She is actively engaged in research focused on leadership development, where she explores strategies to strengthen peer leadership and student success. Through her academic experiences, Lily has developed a strong interest in patient-centered care and advocacy, particularly in supporting children and families. She has also worked closely with her faculty mentor to enhance her leadership and teaching skills, applying these experiences in both academic and practical settings. Lily is committed to continuing her growth in the healthcare field and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with future goals of becoming a registered nurse and advancing her education through graduate study. Her long-term goal is to earn her doctorate in nursing.

Peer Leader Development

Abstract

Florida State University has a program called Gateway to Garnet and Gold. In this program, students are enrolled at Tallahassee State College and take one class at Florida State for the fall semester. The class “Gateway to Garnet and Gold” teaches students how to succeed in college. It is taught by peer leaders, which are FSU students who are trained by taking a class with Dr. Dames. In the spring, they are taught how to be a peer leader, then in the fall, they have a class where they teach students in Gateway to Garnet and Gold. This study examines how leadership skills among peer leaders can be improved through target training. We have observed 80 leaders from the prior fall semester by watching them teach students, having them do a True Colors personality test, and then looked for common traits and themes. With this information, we have decided what needs to be taught to the peer leaders for 2026. 

Keywords: Leadership, Peer development

BIO

Hansini Reddy is a second-year Biomedical Sciences major at Florida State University and a member of the Honors Medical Scholars Program. She works as a research assistant in the Joiner Lab under the mentorship of Sara Prostko, contributing to research based on the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide developed by Thomas Joiner.

In the lab, she studies decision-making in virtual reality models related to suicide risk. Her project focuses on how factors like perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness may affect how long it takes individuals to make decisions in simulated scenarios. Through this, she helps examine patterns in decision-making that may contribute to a better understanding of suicide risk.

Her interest in psychiatry comes from personal, pre-professional, and academic experiences, including her work in mental health research and her exposure to patient care through volunteering at Big Bend Hospice. She plans to attend medical school and pursue psychiatry.

Predicting Decision Latency in Suicide-Related Virtual Reality: The Role of Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Capability

Abstract

Suicide remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with complex and multifactorial psychological contributors. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS) posits that a combination of perceived burdensomeness (PB), thwarted belongingness (TB), and capability for suicide are necessary for a lethal or near-lethal suicide attempt to occur. The present study utilized virtual reality (VR) to examine whether the ITS predicts decision latency during suicide-related VR scenarios. After providing informed consent, participants (n = 39) completed surveys assessing ITS constructs. Then, participants completed four VR suicide scenarios randomized by a Latin balance design. In each scenario, participants chose between a suicide-related option and a neutral alternative, and reaction time was recorded. We hypothesized that higher capability would predict shorter decision times, that higher PB and TB would predict longer decision times for non-suicide choices, and that capability would remain predictive when accounting for PB and TB. Linear regression analyses, including stepwise models, indicated that none of these relationships reached statistical significance. These findings were preliminary and may have been underpowered due to sample size and incomplete data. Further research should increase sample size and control for possible confounding variables such as prior VR experience and demographic differences. Despite these largely non-significant findings, this study demonstrates that VR can be used to measure objective behavioral decision-making processes in suicide-related contexts. The findings also represent a continued need to investigate decision latency as a potential marker for mechanisms involved in the transition from suicidal ideation to behavior.

Keywords: Suicide risk; Virtual reality (VR); Decision making; Behavioral measurement

BIO

Kate Eason is a graduating senior undergraduate student from Kansas City, Missouri, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in English: Editing, Writing, and Media with minors in Spanish and Law & Philosophy. She is a member of the Honors Program and began her research journey in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) before starting on this Honors in the Major thesis, directed by Dr. John Hamman, to gain experience in literature review, data collection, and academic communication.

Outside of academics, she is Involvement Chair for the Phi Beta Kappa Society, was President of the Southeastern Greek Leadership Association (SGLA) Student Advisory Board, Vice President of Panhellenic Affairs for Phi Mu Fraternity, Team Leader for the Panhellenic Association, Leadership Coordinator for Dance Marathon, and an active member of the Garnet and Gold Key Honor Society and Order of Omega.

This research project aligns with Kate’s passion for bettering student life at higher education institutions in all facets, including academic, social, and personal health. After graduation, Kate plans to continue her efforts to improve campus life as a Chapter Consultant for Phi Mu Fraternity and through pursuing a career in student affairs.

Name, Image, and Likeness’s Effect on NCAA Team Cohesion

Abstract

The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy was recently introduced in college athletics, allowing student-athletes to receive monetary compensation while maintaining NCAA eligibility. This paper explores the extent to which the ability to earn money in college sports via NIL affects the way student-athletes spend their time and view themselves as a member of their teams. Previous research has shown that the effects on time allocation and team cohesion vary depending on the marketability of the sport, the gender of the athletes, and the value of the deals they receive. The aim of this research is to identify patterns in athlete behavior caused by NIL, in order to help the increasing NIL regulations benefit student-athletes academically, athletically, and personally. To do this, a survey was distributed to every student-athlete at Florida State University, questioning their own time allocation and team identity, as well as that of an NIL-receiving teammate and a non-NIL-receiving teammate. The survey results suggest that NIL deals have a minimal impact on how athletes in smaller market sports allocate their time and identify with their teams. Results are inconclusive for larger market sports.

Keywords: NIL, NCAA, Team Cohesion, Time Allocation

BIO

Kendall Leach is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a secondary major of Human Development and Family Sciences at Florida State University. Originally from Suwanee, GA, Kendall has developed strong interests in child development and mental health advocacy. She has gained valuable experience through coursework and involvement in the NatPAT Research Lab where she has worked under the mentorship of Madison Poisall and Dr. Callie Little. Kendall is particularly interested in exploring the connections between childhood anxiety and accommodation plans and she hopes to contribute to meaningful change in these areas. After graduation, Kendall plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to earn her Master's degree in Social Work, with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker and supporting vulnerable populations.

Understanding Anxiety in Students with 504/IEP Plans

Abstract

Previous research using data from the National Project on Achievement in Twins demonstrated that students with 504/IEP accommodation plans report significantly higher levels of general and reading anxiety compared to students without accommodations. However, it remains unclear whether these differences are from executive functioning difficulties, stress, school environment or from accommodation status itself. The present study will extend prior findings by examining executive functioning, perceived stress, resilience, additional impairment status, and school social environment in relation to anxiety.
Using data from 1,140 twin participants, including 222 students with accommodation plans, hierarchical regression analyses will be conducted to determine whether executive functioning deficits, stress, and school social environment predict anxiety after controlling for family stressors, psychological distress, and additional impairments(e.g., ADHD, ASD, etc.). Moderation analyses will then test whether resilience buffers the relationship between each of the aforementioned variables and anxiety.
We hypothesize that students with accommodation plans will demonstrate greater executive functioning difficulties and stress compared to peers without accommodations. Furthermore, we expect resilience and positive school social environments to reduce the association between executive dysfunction and anxiety.
By identifying risk and protective factors, this study will provide a functional evaluation of accommodation status without making causal claims. Findings may inform school-based interventions aimed at strengthening executive functioning supports and resilience-building strategies.

Keywords: Childhood Anxiety, Accommodation Plans, Executive Functioning, and Resilience

BIO

Priscilla Rodriguez is a passionate first-year Media Communication student from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With the guidance of the Center for Leadership & Service faculty, she is researching community programs and educational empowerment with a focus in development of self-efficacy. Aligning with her interests in communications and community engagement, she plans to continue expanding on this valuable research experience through future academic and professional opportunities in related fields.

Developing Efficacy Through Leadership Formation: A LeaderShape Case Study

Abstract

In seeking to understand self-efficacy development among college students, this study examined the effectiveness of leadership formation programs. After reviewing existing literature to identify how efficacy and leadership are defined, the Center for Leadership & Service's partnership with the LeaderShape Institute's immersive program was evaluated using 2023-2024 participant feedback. The effects of the program on students' overall sense of leadership capacity were assessed using a combination of Likert scale and open-ended responses. The findings provide additional insight for student support organizations seeking effective solutions for fostering efficacy development in the student body.

Keywords: Self-Efficacy, Leadership, Student Programs

BIO

Courtney Thompson is a senior at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry. She is currently involved in the NatPAT Twin Project, where she contributes to research examining psychological and behavioral outcomes in twin populations. Courtney has gained clinical experience as a medical assistant in a neuro-ophthalmology clinic and through volunteering at the Mayo Clinic and the Alzheimer's Project. She also served as President of the Epilepsy Foundation at FSU and held leadership roles within Kappa Delta throughout her time at FSU. Her research interests include stress, mindfulness, and neurological health. Following graduation, Courtney plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in medicine.

Peer Relationships as a Mediator Between Mindful Attention and Perceived Stress in Children

Abstract

Perceived stress in children is associated with an increased risk for internalizing anxiety and depression. Research suggests that mindful attention (the ability to maintain awareness of present moment experiences) is associated with improved stress regulation and social functioning in children, though the exact process is unclear. The present study examines the association between mindful attention and perceived stress in children, and whether the quality of peer relationships mediates this relationship. Data were collected from twin pairs in grades 4-8 as part of the National Project on Achievement in Twins. Mindful attention was assessed with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale-Children (MAAS-C), perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale-Children (PSS-C), and quality of peer relationships was evaluated using measures of peer affiliation. It was hypothesized that higher mindful attention would be associated with lower perceived stress, mediated by quality of peer relationships. Results are expected to reveal a significant negative association between mindful attention and perceived stress, as well as a significant indirect effect through children's peer relationships. These findings would suggest that mindfulness may reduce stress in children in part through higher-quality peer relationships that provide social support.

Keywords: Mindfulness, children, perceived stress

BIO

Alexis is a graduating senior studying computational science and economics with a minor in mathematics and an interest in computational social science. During her time at Florida State University, her significant involvements have included serving as Chair of the Presidential Scholars Program, Secretary of Student Services on the Student Body President's Cabinet, and currently the Manager of the Devoe L. Moore Institute's Data Analytics Group. She is preparing to defend her Honors Thesis, a decision support tool modeling the Tallahassee Clean Energy Plan. This work leverages many data sources and agent-based modeling to provide a framework for residential policy and product diffusion simulations. Off campus, she has spent her time interning at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where her work was focused on designing automated data pipelines and geospatial analytics workflows to extract, integrate, and visualize information. Next Fall, Alexis is attending Cornell University in the Master's of Systems Engineering Program.

Developing A Decision Support Tool, With Agent-Based Modeling, For Policy Simulations Of The Tallahassee Clean Energy Plan

Abstract

Agent-based models (ABMs) simulate how individual agents interact with each other and their environment, revealing insights and patterns from collective behavior. According to a review paper in Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews, agent-based modeling (ABM) became more prevalent in the field of climate mitigation in 2020, as ABMs account for agent heterogeneity, bounded rationality, and non-market interactions, combining policy analysis and behavioral economics in a microsimulation approach. Tallahassee, Florida has a robust Clean Energy Plan (CEP), with Goal Two of this plan focused on generating an additional 30 to 50 MW of distributed solar capacity in the community by 2030. The CEP names several potential policies to reach this benchmark: rooftop leasing, community solar, incentive programs, information campaigns, etc. This research combines parcel and tax roll data from the Leon County Property Appraiser, sunlight data from Google Project Sunroof, and Census Data, such as geographic mobility information to create synthetic households that are grounded in real data to run agent-based policy simulations. These simulations are ongoing; however, results are expected to reveal insights into the most effective and equitable residential solar policies that can be implemented in the Tallahassee community, with a focus on renters, as Tallahassee has a large renter population. Furthermore, the framework of this research has potential far-reaching implications in other public policy and product diffusion studies by applying these data and methods to other use cases and geographical areas.

Keywords: Agent-Based Modeling, Policy Simulations, Energy Policy

BIO

I am a current freshman at Florida State University from Miami, Florida. I am pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and a minor in Child Development. I am hoping to eventually attend graduate school and earn a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice in order to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. My current research interests include Psychology, Biology, and Chemistry.

Project Bound for Reading

Abstract

When examining the structure of words, complex words can be defined as multisyllabic words with instances of letter-sound irregularity. More specifically, these can be divided into two categories: monomorphemic or polymorphemic."Bound-only complex words" is a term that describes polymorphemic complex words that do not include a base word with significant meaning (Dozier, 2025). The primary question of our research investigates whether bound-only complex words have a more significant variance than polymorphemic complex words with a base word when controlling for frequency, transparency, and context diversity. Because recent reading trends display that about 30% of students are at or above proficiency in their reading levels, we hope to gain insight into the main factors that affect reading development (NAEP Reading: Reading Results, 2022). Data was collected from 75 students at a middle school in the southeastern United States across a variety of assessments that examine different skills related to reading. The data will be run through a coding platform to determine what kinds of words are more challenging to students. We expect that bound-only words will have an increased complexity rating due to the lack of a meaningful base word morpheme that provides important context to readers. The findings of this research could be significant in determining what hinders and what methods improve reading development, particularly for older students who typically are not the subject of reading literacy research.

Keywords: Reading, Adolescents, Polymorphemic, Bound Only

BIO

Julia is an Economics student from Pembroke Pines, FL. She has minors in Information Technology and French, and is passionate about Data Analytics. She hopes to attend graduate school for Economics.

Artificial Intelligence Hallucinations in Urban Economics: Fabricated Citation Comparative Analysis​

Abstract

Once an experimental novelty, Generative AI (GenAI) models, such as ChatGPT, are quickly becoming a critical part of research and writing. A 2024 Centre for Economic Policy Research study found that nearly 40% of Americans ages 18-64 report using GenAI. Today’s Large Language Models (LLMs), a subset of GenAI, generate text by predicting linguistic patterns based on massive datasets (Toner, 2023). However, this innovation faces a significant roadblock: “AI hallucinations,” convincing yet incorrect content produced due to GenAI’s lack of consciousness and subjective awareness (Ozer, 2024).
To understand these hallucinations, this research prompts AI models to examine extrinsic and intrinsic hallucinations. Extrinsic AI hallucinations are unverifiable, fictional information generated by LLMs unfaithful to users’ input (Ji et al, 2023). Intrinsic hallucinations are outputs that contradict the source content (Ji et al, 2023). This research asks: “To what extent, if at all, do LLMs fabricate academic citations when prompted for urban economics research?”
This research aims to provide a comparative performance diagnostic framework to predict, categorize, and minimize hallucination inaccuracies. Researchers prompted five AI models with the input: “Provide 10 peer-reviewed empirical papers from 2015-2020 on the effect of short-term rentals on urban rent prices. Include DOI.” The LLMs’ responses will then be saved and graded on their reliability, including invented references, fabricated DOIs, fake titles, and incorrect details. By analyzing these trials, preliminary results show the reliability of different models and how the design purpose influences hallucinations. Future research should continue with various prompts to guide further real-world AI applications.

Keywords: AI, Hallucinations

BIO

Tyler is a pre-medical neuroscience major in his third year. He has worked in multiple social psychology labs and hopes to pursue a career in drug treatment and research.

The Relation Between Socioeconomic Status, Anxiety, and Math Achievement in Early Elementary Students

Abstract

This study examines how socioeconomic status correlates with general and math-specific anxiety and math achievement in children. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face academic challenges, but the emotional factors that contribute to these struggles are less understood. Anxiety, both general and math-specific, may be one way that family background affects early learning. This study examines whether free or reduced-price lunch eligibility, parent education, and parent occupational prestige relate to child general anxiety, math anxiety, and math achievement.
Participants included 3.018 students from public elementary schools in Florida. Data were collected with two cohorts, each contributing to two waves of data collection. Parent surveys gathered demographic information, including free or reduced-price lunch status, education level and occupation. Occupational prestige scores were assigned using the Standard International Occupational Prestige Scale (SIOPS). Students completed a math anxiety measure in the classroom along with a standardized math test, the Elementary Mathematics Student Assessment. A smaller subset of approximately 600 second-grade students also completed a general anxiety measure.
Multiple regression models assessed the contributions of lunch status, parent education, and occupational prestige to general anxiety, math-specific anxiety, and child math performance. We ran separate models for each outcome. We found that all measures of socioeconomic status uniquely predicted math performance, but only free or reduced priced lunch predicted general anxiety, and SES had a small relation with math anxiety, primarily for parent education. These results suggest all socioeconomic status indicators matter for math performance, but results are less consistent for general and math-specific anxiety.

Keywords: anxiety, math learning, children

BIO

Alyssa Leon is a first-year Honors student and Presidential Scholar pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Political Science and Bachelors of Arts in History, with minors in Law and Philosophy and General Business. She is from Hialeah, Florida, and is passionate about practicing law, especially in intellectual property, business, and constitutional law, while also exploring the possibility of legal academia.

Her current research focuses on legal studies, and she is involved with the Undergraduate Law Review as an editor for a short-form article on trademark law. This year, Alyssa joined the Undergraduate Research Symposium program through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, building on her high school experience conducting independent civic education research based in her home county, Miami-Dade, for her Advanced Placement Capstone project, which earned her a Capstone diploma.

Alyssa is driven by a desire to use the law to support innovation, creativity, and policy reform while addressing society’s needs and keeping people informed. She looks forward to continuing to explore legal research and contributing to meaningful scholarship throughout her undergraduate career.

The Deference Dilemma: Disability Accommodations in Law Schools

Abstract

This project investigates the administrative and pedagogical structures of academic accommodations within American legal education, specifically examining the alignment between centralized university models and the professional demands of the legal industry. Employing an empirical methodology, the research utilizes a 16-question survey distributed to accommodations administrators at all ABA-accredited law schools to evaluate institutional decision-making authority, the prevalence of professional skill-building interventions, and administrator concern levels regarding current accommodation frameworks. Preliminary data from 73 institutions indicates a significant trend toward administrative centralization; almost half of surveyed law schools defer both eligibility and scope determinations to non-law university units. The survey results further document institutional concern regarding a potential “licensing cliff,” identified through the perceived disparity between classroom accommodations and the rigid standards of state bar examinations. Furthermore, the data evidences a notable absence of integrated executive functioning or resilience training across the sampled schools. Ultimately, this survey identifies systemic trends in the administration of academic accommodations at law schools, providing a quantitative baseline for analyzing the relationship between institutional structure and the perceived professional readiness of accommodated law students.

Keywords: Law, Law Schools, Disability, Accommodations

BIO

Antonio Ponzio is a sophomore from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Antonio is a double major in finance and accounting and one day hopes to become a financial advisor. Antonio has gained experience through various clubs, classes, and studies in his field and hopes to further his experience in his research he is conducting now.

Adapting UFLI Foundations in ESE Classrooms

Abstract

University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundations is a program designed for K-2 students, in which teachers are provided with instructional materials that follow a step-by-step structure. This format assists young students in grasping critical reading foundations such as decoding, phonemic awareness, spelling, and linguistic comprehension (UFLI, 2022). This project aims to examine how Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers are modifying the dosage of UFLI Foundations in their unique contexts and to consider factors that teachers describe as influencing these adaptation choices. The focus remains on ESE students, who may need more individualized support than is provided through UFLI’s specific structure. Still, foundational reading is relevant to all students, as reading skills and linguistic knowledge factor into all later subjects and determine future academic success. Through two-day classroom observations in a local school district, data were collected on the dosage of instruction from five ESE teachers. Consensus data were then entered into REDCap to organize the observational findings regarding each ESE teacher’s potential adaptations to each step of the UFLI structure. While there are no final results presently, this project could enhance understanding of levels of educational need in ESE classrooms and inform how foundational reading is taught under these conditions. It could also offer insights for other special education teachers who may have similar struggles teaching children with diverse needs and accommodations. Future studies may complement this research by observing implementation fidelity and the impact of effective teacher methodology on ESE students’ learning within the UFLI structure.

Keywords: UFLI, dosage, education, phonics

BIO

Leticia Falcao (Florida State University) is an undergraduate marketing student at Florida State University. Her academic and professional interests include digital branding, consumer behavior, and cultural trends in media. During her time at FSU, she has been actively involved in student organizations, producing biweekly articles and social media content as a staff writer and media staff for Her Campus at FSU. She’s also a social media intern for the FSU Career Center.

Consumer Perceptions of Authenticity in Brand Campaigns

Abstract

In increasingly multicultural markets, brands face growing scrutiny over how they represent and engage with culture, yet marketing research lacks a clear definition of cultural credibility distinct from traditional source or brand credibility. This study conceptualizes cultural credibility as a socially constructed consumer judgment grounded in perceived authenticity, shared values, cultural understanding, and relational alignment rather than surface-level representation. Drawing on cultural identity theory and social identity frameworks, the research examines how consumers interpret visual, narrative, and relational cues in brand campaigns and how they distinguish between cultural appreciation, appropriation, and exploitation.

Keywords: consumer, culture, brand, credibility

BIO

Jean-Luc Cruz is a 4th year student at Florida State University who will be graduating in May with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, and a minor in Humanities. He was a member of the 2025 Global Scholars cohort and obtained funding from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program to study abroad in Prague, Czechia with FSU’s International Programs in the summer of 2025. He is grateful to Cary Wall and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement for supporting his research! Upon graduation, Jean-Luc intends to pursue a master’s degree and go on to work in government, policy, and law!

From Restricted to Revolutionary: The Trajectory of Human Rights Expression in Czechia

Abstract

In the summer of 2025, I conducted Global Scholars research while I participated in a study abroad program in Prague, Czechia through FSU’s International Programs. This 5-week program centered in on human rights, specifically through a course on “International Human Rights” and a special topics course titled “Human Rights Violations and Genocide in 20th Century Europe”. Through this program and these two courses I was able to explore human rights as my community-based interest, particularly how human rights have been expressed throughout Czechia’s history as a Communist nation in the 20th century and a democracy since the early 1990s. On a personal note, I also view human rights as central to building a more just and equitable world for all which also motivated me selecting this topic as my community-based interest. Ultimately, I was trying to answer a research question pertaining to the ways human rights are envisioned and exercised under different forms of governance using two lenses of analysis, political monuments in Prague and the growth of the civil society sector in Czechia. Through observational and interview based research, I found that the increase of human rights expression in Czechia coincided with a substantial decrease in the presence of Communist memorials in the city as well as a significant increase in NGOs and other civil society institutions operating in the city and the country at large.

Keywords: Human Rights, International Affairs, Study Abroad, Communism

BIO

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Audrey is a junior studying Media and Communications with a minor in International Affairs. She studied abroad her freshman year at FSU London and is involved in the FSU Honors Program. She is pursuing a career in corporate communications post graduation.

Innovative or Inauthentic?: AI’s Role in Global Brand Storytelling

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes global content creation, multinational brands face a tension between production efficiency and perceived authenticity. Using a comparative case study of Coca-Cola’s 2024 and 2025 holiday advertising campaigns, this research examines how global corporations can employ AI generated content without diminishing consumer trust and identifies the point at which AI shifts from being perceived as innovative to inauthentic.

Drawing on Source Credibility Theory, the study analyzes how the transition from human-led production to AI generated imagery influences perceived messenger reliability. Additionally, it integrates Hall’s High-Context and Low-Context Culture Theory with Robertson’s framework of glocalization to assess whether AI facilitates or constrains culturally specific brand messaging. This theoretical framework highlights the tension between AI’s global scalability and the demand for emotionally resonant, culturally relevant imagery.

Methodologically, the study employs a qualitative comparative case study approach, combining an academic literature review with digital sentiment analysis of audience responses on X (formerly Twitter) to Coca-Cola’s 2024 and 2025 campaigns. Comparative analysis indicates that critiques labeling the 2024 advertisement as “soulless” contrast sharply with more favorable responses to the 2025 campaign, which emphasizes audience diversity. The study argues that AI’s effectiveness in global marketing is contingent upon its integration into culturally specific, human-centered storytelling, positioning AI as a viable tool for brand glocalization only when it reinforces authentic brand identity.

Keywords: AI, Authenticity, Credibility

BIO

Sydney Carlson is a senior pursuing a degree in Biological Science. She is actively involved in research in Dr. Vincis lab under the supervision of Dr. Odegaard. She is planning to apply to medical school and continue pursuing a career in healthcare.

Investigating neural connections between the mouse gustatory cortex and mediodorsal thalamus

Abstract

Our eating decisions depend on how food tastes and the reward we experience while eating. This information travels from the oral cavity to the brain through interconnected, gustatory-related regions, many of which have been extensively studied in rodent models. Recently, the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (MD), which is not part of the canonical taste pathway, has emerged as a region responsive to taste quality, intensity, and expectation that shares connections with the gustatory cortex (GC). To investigate the extent of how MD activity alters behavioral responses and cortical taste-related neural activity, the ability to selectively manipulate MD projections to GC without affecting other thalamocortical or MD circuits is a key challenge. We addressed this using an intersectional viral strategy: retrograde AAV2/11 delivered to GC combined with Cre-dependent markers in MD. Our current results showed that we reliably and selectively labeled projections from both the MD and VPMpc, the canonical thalamic nucleus in the taste pathway used as a control, to GC, establishing the foundation for targeted circuit manipulation. Our ongoing analyses aim to determine how MD suppression impacts gustatory-related neural activity and associated behavioral outcomes. Together, this work highlights the utility of advanced imaging and quantitative analysis tools for probing thalamocortical contributions to taste processing and provides a framework for assessing the functional role of MD in ingestive behavior.

Keywords: neuroscience, taste processing, mediodorsal thalamus

BIO

Brock Bole is a freshman Presidential Scholar at Florida State University pursuing a degree in finance. He is from Tampa and participates in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), where he is developing his research and analytical skills.

Bright Future award retention dynamics: Event history analysis

Abstract

This project examines how the loss of the Bright Futures Award affects college students’ ability to remain enrolled and complete their degrees. Because many students rely on Bright Futures funding to cover tuition and other educational expenses, losing this support can create significant financial strain that may disrupt academic progress. Understanding not only whether students leave school, but when they are most at risk after losing the award is central to this study. To address this question, we use event history analysis, a method designed to examine changes in risk over time. This approach allows us to analyze the timing of enrollment disruption following the loss of Bright Futures funding and identify critical periods when students may be especially vulnerable. In addition, we conducted a review of existing research on financial aid, merit-based scholarships, and student retention. While prior studies consistently demonstrate that financial aid improves persistence, fewer focus specifically on the timing and dynamic effects of losing merit-based aid. By combining prior research with event history methods, this project aims to better understand the retention dynamics associated with Bright Futures Award loss and its impact on students’ pathways to graduation.

Keywords: Bright Futures, Event History Analysis, Literature Review

BIO

Isabela de Andrade is a Behavioral Neuroscience student at Florida State University. Isabela's research focuses on a divergent naming task comparing humans and artificial intelligence to measure creativity and differences in decision-making. Isabela is interested in cognition and neuroscience and plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in medicine.

Divergent naming task and creativity in humans vs. artificial intelligence

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems increasingly perform tasks that resemble human perceptual processing, yet differences remain in how visual information is interpreted. Prior research suggests that humans rely primarily on global shape features when categorizing objects, whereas Al systems often rely more heavily on texture-based features.

The present study examines differences between human participants and Al outputs in the interpretation of abstract visual stimuli lacking recognizable real-world meaning. Abstract two-dimensional images were presented to college-aged participants via a Qualtrics-based survey platform. Participants generated novel names and perceptual ratings for each image. Al systems separately produced names for the same stimuli using structured prompts. Responses will be evaluated using quantitative creativity scoring and statistical comparisons. This study aims to provide insight into perceptual and generative differences between humans and AI, specifically in cases of zero and few-shot learning (in which prior training data is sparse or non-existent.)

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, creativity

BIO

Isaac Watzman is a physics major at Florida State University, from Orlando, with interests in classical and theoretical physics. Isaac aims to pursue a career in particle physics research in a laboratory setting and is passionate about mathematical frameworks to study how the universe operates.

High-Gradient Magnetic Separation of Magnetic Nanoparticles Using Elliptical Shaped Wire

Abstract

High-gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) is an effective technique for
manipulating and separating weak magnetic particles in fluid media. In this study,
we investigate the influence of collector geometry on magnetophoretic particle
capture by comparing circular and elliptical wires under identical magnetic field
conditions. A finite element–based COMSOL Multiphysics framework was used to
solve the coupled magnetic field, laminar flow, and convective-diffusive transport
equations governing particle motion.
Magnetic flux density and magnetic field gradient distributions were analyzed for
different aspect ratios to quantify their effect on local field amplification and particle
capture efficiency. The results show that elliptical wires significantly modify the
spatial distribution of magnetic flux density and enhance magnetic field gradients
near the wire surface compared to circular geometry. The intensified magnetic field
gradients near the surface of the elliptical collector, particularly at its sharper
curvature regions (the major-axis tips), lead to stronger magnetophoretic forces and
improved particle accumulation. Time-dependent concentration profiles further
demonstrate that aspect ratio plays a critical role in determining separation
efficiency, with elongated geometries promoting faster and more localized particle
capture.
This study provides fundamental insight into the role of collector shape in high-
gradient magnetic separation systems. The findings highlight the potential of
geometry-driven optimization to enhance separation performance in applications
such as mineral processing, wastewater treatment, biomedical engineering, and
environmental remediation.

Keywords: Physics, Chemistry, Simulation

BIO

Ella Vizzini is a senior at Florida State University majoring in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Business. She began as a student researcher through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) during her sophomore year, joining the Integrative Vascular & Metabolic Physiology Laboratory. There, she contributed to studies investigating the effects of creatine monohydrate on cardiovascular health, sparking her passion for cardiometabolic research. Ella continues to pursue projects at the intersection of exercise and health. As a premedical student, Ella is actively engaged in a number of pre-professional and service organizations, including Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity, the FSU Medical Response Unit, Order of Omega Honor Society, Who We Play For, and Alpha Phi Sorority. Beyond her academic and extracurricular commitments, she enjoys running and exploring new recipes in the kitchen. Following graduation, Ella plans to take a gap year to gain additional clinical experience while applying to medical school.

Impact of Exercise on Physiological and Psychological Indicators of Sleep Quality in Pre-Diabetic Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Menopause is an inevitable life stage impacting over half of the population, leading to significant mental and physiological changes. This study is ongoing and investigates the feasibility of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for the treatment of symptoms in post-menopausal women with obesity and prediabetes. In our research, four participants were randomly assigned to resistance or endurance training groups. To measure objective sleep parameters, such as heart rate and distinct sleep stages, participants also wore an Oura Ring 4 throughout the six weeks. Furthermore, participants’ subjective sleep quality and menopausal symptoms were evaluated via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). We hypothesized that exercise would cause an increase in time spent in deep sleep and would improve perception of sleep quality. With a small sample size and the study still ongoing, we can only posit that our preliminary results indicate a trend towards improved strength, enhanced subjective sleep quality, and potential reductions in menopausal symptoms following the six-week exercise program. Further participant recruitment is necessary to enhance the statistical power to confirm these effects, yet our findings are promising in the potential application of exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy to improve sleep and menopausal health in this population.

Keywords: Exercise, Menopause, Women, Melatonin, Cortisol