BIO

My name is Jacob, and I am a first-year undergraduate student majoring in economics and minoring in philosophy. I was born in NYC and have spent time in Lebanon, Texas, and Gainesville, and I am excited to now be involved in economics research here at Florida State! I am particularly interested in microeconomics and labor economics. In my free time, I love to watch movies, make electronic music, lift weights, and read books. Upon graduation, I plan to enter the B2B software sales profession.

Draft-Dodging: Investigating the Relationship between Income and Vietnam War Draft Statistics

Abstract

In the 1960s and 1970s in the United States, the possibility for young, able-bodied men to be involuntarily drafted into the Vietnam War was non-trivial. Hundreds of thousands of young men across all fifty states and of all socioeconomic backgrounds attempted to evade the draft, so we investigated whether young men in wealthier states were more likely to successfully find exit options from the draft, using per capita personal income as a proxy for socioeconomic status. To investigate our two alternative hypotheses that per capita personal incomes are negatively correlated with induction risk and positively correlated with student deferment rates, we calculated the Pearson correlation coefficients and p-values for each dataset. We did not find a statistically significant negative correlation between per capita personal income and induction risk, but we did find a moderately positive, statistically significant correlation between per capita personal income and student deferment rates by state. This may indicate that young men from wealthier states and higher socioeconomic strata were more likely to achieve student deferments for college in order to avoid the Vietnam War draft, posing important implications for the socioeconomic dynamics of military conscription in the Postwar era.
Keywords: Vietnam War, draft, conscription, college deferment, labor markets, socioeconomics

Keywords: vietnam draft, vietnam war, socioeconomics, economics, per capita personal income

BIO

Marsella Bryanna Munoz is a freshman at Florida State University where she is majoring in Biological Science and minoring in Environmental Science. She is an active student in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). Marsella grew up in Key West, Florida, an island at the southernmost point of the Florida Keys. Conquering her childhood fear of the ocean, Marsella became SCUBA certified with SCUBA Schools International (SSI) through the non-profit DiveN2Life in 2016. Marsella participated in DiveN2Life for five years and held many leadership and mentor roles. She acquired her American Academy of Underwater Sciences Scientific Diver rating through DiveN2Life in May 2021. She was involved and volunteered with organizations including Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration, Coral Restoration Foundation, College of the Florida Keys Aquaculture Lab, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Lobster Research, Virgin Islands Reef Response, and more. In recognition of her passion and involvement in the community, Marsella was the distinguished guest of Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell at the 2020 Presidential State of the Union Address. In the future, Marsella hopes to pursue a career in conserving and restoring coral reefs by continuing to work within and research marine ecosystems.

No evidence of kin competition for food in a filter-feeding marine bryozoan

Abstract

Collecting data on feeding habits of marine bryozoans will provide insight into the effect of kin competition. Genetically related colonies were compared to unrelated colonies. Kin share similar phenotypes that express similar preferences which can cause competition for a specific resource. This study is still in the early stages but will conclude what proximity to siblings affects competition for food in a marine bryozoan. Initial results show that kin competition within a density of three colonies, at the age of three weeks, when competing for 23,553 cells/mL has no effect.

Keywords: kin competiton, marine bryozoan, feeding

BIO

Hello everyone! My name is Teonna McCullum. I am from Immokalee, Florida and I am currently sophomore majoring in psychology here at FSU

Growth Mindsets and Emotions in SLA: A literature review

Abstract

When learning a new language, a multitude of factors can interplay within the acquisition of this new language. Such factors include socioeconomic background or environment, age, personal history, previously known languages, and one’s mindset (Riasati & Rahimi, 2018, pp. 1-2). Through second language acquisition (SLA), these factors can serve as possible hindrances or advantages for language learners. In the field of SLA, the mindsets of language learners can be modified or influenced in various ways to attempt to increase
their overall performance in their SLA (Lou & Noel, 2019, pp. 1-2). Within the studies of SLA, factors such as language speaking anxiety, language speaking confidence, language enjoyment, and overall performance can be measured as indicators of an effective language learning process. To influence these factors, interventions can potentially transform mindsets of second language learners. For example, various researchers have concluded that mindset can predict L2 speaking and, interestingly, reading outcomes and performance (Khajavy & Pourtahmasb, 2021, p. 2). Additionally, manipulative steps such as the face-to-face intercultural exchange between English learning students of similar cultures resulted in increased confidence levels of English learners (Saito et al., 2020, p. 225). Our research aims to evaluate the different factors that can influence growth mindsets and improve the overall language acquisition in second language learners.

Keywords: Growth mindsets, Speaking Language Anxiety

BIO

I am a Biological Science major from Tampa, FL. I am primarily interested in Biomedical Sciences, Cellular Biology, and Marine Biology. I plan to continue exploring my research interests throughout my Undergraduate career. In the future, I aspire to earn my PhD in clinical research with a focus on Virology or Oncology. Additionally, I hope to conduct research on coastal ecosystems and organisms living within them.

Size Variability of Microplastics Pollution in St. Andrews Bay, Florida​

Abstract

This research project explored the relationship between the study sites’ proximity to wastewater treatment plants, and the spatial variability of the microplastic pollution found in the St. Andrews Bay system. This research is critical because the amount of microplastics present in our oceans is on the rise. Wastewater treatment plants are major import pathways of microplastics to the ocean, and microplastic research in the literature focuses on pollution within the water column, even though MPs will end up in the sediment due to biofouling. It is difficult to quantify the amount of microplastics in the ecosystem because due to their varying densities they may either remain suspended in the water column or sink to the seafloor, where they mix with the sediment. The samples of the microplastics collected were from five different sites: two of which receive inputs from wastewater treatment plants, and three with no direct contamination. The microplastic samples were visually identified for color and particle type and imaged under stereomicroscopy. Microplastic dimensions were measured in triplicate using ImageJ and then averaged and the size of each sample (s) was measured with the length (l) being represented as the longest dimension and the width (w) as the shorter dimension: s= √lxw. The results suggested that there is no significant correlation between the direct contact with wastewater treatment plants and the spatial variability of the microplastic pollution found in St. Andrews Bay.

Keywords: microplastic pollution, size variability,

BIO

Jessica Valyou is in her second year at Florida State University and is a Biology major with an interest in medical research. During the past year, she worked with Dr. Zhe He as a UROP student and worked on two projects: use of social media for HIV/AIDs clinical trial recruitment and PRECIOUS (a project focusing on the improvement of lab results comprehension). In addition to this, she enjoys working as a lab assistant for a fly lab at the Kings Life Building on campus as well as being the Membership Recruitment and Retainment officer for the French Club at FSU. After her undergraduate studies, she aims to go into an Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD) combined degree in order to pursue medical research focusing on genetics.

Social Media and Clinical Trial Recruitment for HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Clinical trials rely on the recruitment of participants, and social media could help attract and increase viable participants. Social media presents a unique opportunity for targeting specific groups (HIV positive and high risk) because applications like Facebook or Reddit have group features as well as easy sharing ability. Moreover, the algorithms of these types of apps curate posts and advertisements towards audiences with an invested interest. Thus, social media advertising is potentially more targeted than in-person methods of recruitment (posters, billboards, pliers, etc.). In order to collect information on effective strategies for social-media-based clinical trial recruitment, literature reviews were conducted on relevant articles that examined social media recruitment in a variety of study types focusing particularly on HIV studies. Other factors of social media such as demographics, marketing techniques, and cost effectiveness were collected and examined. Applications like Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram show a high potential for recruitment due to the relevant Facebook groups for HIV and the high percentage of 18–29-year-olds on Instagram. In addition, the cost-per click averages demonstrated Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter a higher price as opposed to dating or hook-up apps like Grindr. When utilizing social media for recruitment, a proper background check is required to avoid duplicate or fraudulent accounts. In addition, the campaign or advertisement should follow marketing strategies in order to maximize their effectiveness and lower the predicted cost per participant. Limitations of these platforms included: inability to reach individuals without accounts and in rural areas due to the app’s geological demographics.

Keywords: HIV, Clinical Trials, Social Media

BIO

Hello! I am Alex Boreham, a meteorology major here at FSU. While I find all meteorology interesting, my time living in South Florida has given me an appreciation for the tropics. In turn, my research interests are generally all things tropical meteorology.

Understanding the Onset and Demise of the West African Summer Monsoon 

Abstract

The West African Summer Monsoon (WASM), its onset, demise, and seasonal total rainfall has considerable societal and economic importance for West Africa (WA). It has significant impact on agriculture, which contributes to a large amount of the region’s gross domestic product. Hence, the ability to anticipate the seasonal total rainfall of WASM could be extremely useful. In this study, we aim to estimate the onset, demise, seasonal length, and seasonal rainfall for 20 WASM seasons by using 20-year high-resolution Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Mission version 6 (IMERG) rainfall data. This study found that an earlier onset date foretells a long WASM and above normal seasonal total rainfall, and a preceding or developing El Niño event may lead to a below normal WASM.

Keywords: monsoon, west africa, el nino

BIO

I am a freshman majoring in Exercise Physiology at Florida State University with the goal of working in the health field. As a pre-health student, I am inspired to be an understanding and caring professional to my patients. Additionally, I am interested in understanding the nutrition and functional food compartment of human science through hands-on work and the application of textbook knowledge.

The effect of mango consumption on glycemic indices, cardiovascular health, and body composition in overweight and obese individuals with prediabetes.

Abstract

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016), at least 100 million adults in the United States are diagnosed as pre-diabetic or Type 2 diabetic. With the number of cases steadily increasing in this population, healthcare costs have subsequently increased for both the patient and the health care system. To date, there are few studies (limited to animal models and obese Type 2 diabetic humans) that have examined the health efficacy of mangoes. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to examine the effect of fresh mango on glycemic indices, body composition, and vascular health measures. Upon favorable outcomes and with more definite evidence from human studies, mangoes can potentially be implemented in America's diet to help mitigate the advancement and diagnoses of pre and Type 2 diabetes and, as a result, aid in a reduction of healthcare costs. The current study is a 24- week, randomized, controlled experiment including 40 overweight or obese, pre-diabetic men and post-menopausal women aged 50 to 70 years with no diagnosed chronic diseases. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1) one fresh Tommy Atkins mango (120 g) or 2) an isocaloric granola bar. Visits will include various examinations and measurements to analyze biomarkers related to glycemic control and lipid profiles, vascular measures, and body composition. We hypothesize that daily consumption of one mango per day for 24 weeks will improve the indices of glycemic control, cardiovascular health, and body composition in overweight and obese individuals with prediabetes.

Keywords: Mango, Pre-Diabetics, Glycemic Indices, Cardiovascular, Body Composition

BIO

I am a second-year student from South Florida, born and raised in Connecticut. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience, on the Pre-Med track. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I hope to attend medical school and while there, continue my research involvement. Ultimately in my career, I would like to marry my interests in clinical and research medicine as a neurologist.

The relationship between binge eating and neuroinflammation

Abstract

Studies involving pre-clinical animal models have shown that chronic consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) promotes an inflammatory response in the hypothalamus that may play a causal role in obesity. Whether intermittent binge eating is also sufficient to promote neuroinflammation is currently unknown. To explore this question, we used a rodent model of binge-like eating to determine whether intermittent consumption of large (binge-like) meals promotes inflammation in hypothalamic brain regions that control food intake. Female rats were given continuous access to chow and HFD (control group) or continuous access to chow with intermittent access to HFD every fourth day (binge group). After 12 days, rats were perfused and brain tissue was collected and processed via immunohistochemistry for the presence of microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells. Preliminary findings suggest that intermittent exposure to HFD promotes binge-like eating. Analysis of brain tissue is ongoing. We hypothesize that intermittent binge-like eating in female rats will promote neuroinflammation as quantified by an increase in the number of microglia in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Such a finding would provide new evidence that intermittent overconsumption of HFD is sufficient to promote inflammation in brain areas that control food intake.

Keywords: neuroinflammation, binge eating

BIO

My name is Charu Gopal, and I am a freshman at Florida State. I was born in northern India, but I currently live in Keller, Texas. In terms of research interests, I would like to explore the relationship between human behavior and Economics. I would also love to continue the research I am currently conducting to further investigate more socioeconomic variables as an influential factor for changes in Democracy. Some of my current goals entail pursuing honors in the major for Economics, with a double minor in Statistics and Music. In the future, I hope to expand my skill and knowledge in this field and go to graduate school to continue research and advance my education.

Political Confidence and Its Effect on Democracy

Abstract

Public confidence in democracy is on a consistent decline in East Asia. Specifically, South Korea seemed to
have a successful transition from an authoritarian government to democracy in the late 1980s, but many are
labeling South Korea as a flawed democracy in its current state. In this study, we are looking for some
possible explanations for this conclusion through the relationship between 3 distinct variables: quality of
government performance, confidence in government organization, and general trust of South Korean
residents. Does government performance affect public confidence in democracy? Does the conduction of
major government organizations affect public confidence in democracy? Do these variables provide evidence
for South Korea’s flawed democracy? To investigate these research questions, we will conduct a large-scale
empirical investigation with the data from South Korea over a span of two decades (1995-2020). To operate
this study, we will collect global-level data using cross-national surveys measuring people’s trust, how people
view various issues regarding government performance, and level of confidence in political organizations.
After we obtain enough samples of data, Excel will organize these variables according to the date of
collection, allowing us to analyze how these variables change and predict what factors influence these
developments. Finally, we will transform the data in excel into a 5-number summary to examine our
theoretical expectations. This research is ongoing, but we hope to prove that there is a direct correlation
between political confidence and trust in the Democratic Political System.

Keywords: Public Confidence, Global Data, Democracy

BIO

My name is Anna Jacoby and I am a geography major from Jacksonville, but I am originally from Illinois, specifically north of Chicago. In the future, I hope to get a job working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or as a geographer, writing reports or making maps. Outside of research, I like to listen and collect vinyl records, paint, pet my kitty, do crosswords, longboard, and generally be outside. This summer, I hope to renovate and paint an old, large dollhouse, as well as get a job at Krispy Kreme. I hope you like my project.

Quantifying the Effect of Sediment Organic Matter on Oyster Shell Dissolution

Abstract

The oyster population is waning and to regrow the population, dead oyster shells must be dumped in oceans and estuaries for live oysters to then reproduce on top of. However, when researchers did this, they were not found again. Furthermore, we put oyster shells in five different groups of mud and water to see if this eroded the shells enough for that to be the reason that they disappeared. It was found that some shell dissolution occurred, and although the whole shell was not gone, this could cause larvae to not breed in certain shells if they sense any sort of erosion.

Keywords: Oyster, Shell, Dissolution, Sediment, Biology

BIO

Hi, my name is Kennesha. I am from Jacksonville, FL and I am currently a sophomore majoring in Applied Mathematics. My goals for after graduating is to go to graduate school to receive my Masters in Applied Mathematics. Moreover, after receiving my Masters I hope to become an Operations Research Analyst.

Analyzing Tallahassee's Historical Climate Data to Understand Climate Trends

Abstract

​

This project involved becoming familiar with sources of climate data and plotting and analyzing this data. This included downloading and formatting station data for Tallahassee, Florida, including temperature and precipitation data. Next, I utilized Excel to plot and describe the distribution of precipitation data and general trends for Tallahassee over the period of record from 1940-2021 explored the data further using statistical techniques to describe significant trends, variability, and correlations. Finally, an analysis will be conducted using Python, a powerful general purpose computer programming language commonly used in climate and meteorology research. ​

Keywords: Historical, Climate, Trends

BIO

I am a second-year meteorology student born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I hope to attend graduate school to earn my Ph.D. in meteorology. My research interests include tropical meteorology, climate science, and how those two topics are intertwined. After completing my education, I intend on working in the public sector.

Spatial patterns of macroalgal dominance in the lagoons of Moorea, French Polynesia

Abstract

Understanding how shifts to macroalgae-dominated states in historically coral-dominated ecosystems occur has been a vital concept to the field of ecology in recent years. As we see more and more drastic phase shifts to macroalgal states take place, it has become increasingly important to improve our understanding of when and where these shifts will occur. We have chosen to specifically focus on four 15x15m sites within the lagoon of the island Moorea, French Polynesia, which span a gradient of coral vs. macroalgal dominance. The objective of our project is to understand if the size and quantity of structure habitable to macroalgae in an area is correlated with the proportion of macroalgae present. Our methodology for this project included creating orthomosaics for each of our sites then using an image annotation software program to identify where habitable structure and Turbinaria ornata are located within these images. Once the locations had been identified, we then used R to read the spatial data to analyze the distribution of algae across and within sites. Across sites, we found no significant correlation between the amount of structure and amount of algae present, but within sites, the strength of the relationship between the size of individual pieces of structure and the proportion of macroalgae present varied. This leads our group to believe that there are other variables aside from habitat availability affecting the dominance of macroalgae, such as levels of herbivory and fishing practices, yet we plan to continue these analyses across more sites.

Keywords: macroalgae, ecology, coral, phase shifts

BIO

Hello! My name is Luis Wong and I'm both a senior and transfer student from the FSU-Republic of Panama campus, majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience. My career goal is to get into perfusion school to become a certified cardiovascular perfusionist. This research project piqued my interest because it will help to further elucidate on the topic of second language learning, and it relates to my personal experience as a second language learner. I have always been curious about language learning since I have had the pleasure to study abroad in several countries throughout my life (Panama, China, and The States), along with learning their respective languages.

Learning A Second Language Unconsciously

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the bearing of 3 different implicit language aptitude scores [LLAMAD, Artificial Grammar (AG), and Passive Priming (p)] on L2 speech performance. It was hypothesized that all three of these implicit aptitude scores would have significant positive correlations with L2 speech performance. 250 speech samples were recorded by Chinese college student English-L2 learners and rated on comprehensibility and accentedness. The averaged ratings were then compared to the students’ corresponding LLAMAD-, AG- and p-scores resulting from separate tests. It was found that LLAMAD-scores had a significant positive correlation, AG-scores had no significant correlation, and p-scores had a significant negative correlation with L2 speech performance. These results have a bearing on L2 education at large; L2 education traditionally centers on conscious (explicit) language-learning and scholars have called into question the exclusion of unconscious (implicit) language-learning. This data suggests conflicting support for the inclusion of unconscious language-learning streams into L2 curriculum.

Keywords: language learning, unconscious, language aptitude

BIO

A second-year undergraduate student from Naples, Florida on the pre-medical track and pursuing a BA in English Literature. Research interests include topics in the fields of chemistry, medicine, and literature.

Isotopes and the Analysis of the Diet and Environments of Mammoth Species

Abstract

The analysis of isotopic composition has been a leading source of research material and methods in the field of geochemistry. This research paper is an analysis of the Carbon and Oxygen isotopes present in enamel samples of both Pygmy and Columbian mammoths. The goal of analyzing these enamel samples and their isotopes is to paint a clearer picture regarding their diet and how diet, climate, and environment shaped their lives. Two sets of samples from each type of mammoth were used to graph the relationships between the types of isotopes digested by these animals. The isotopic values allow us to estimate the dominance of C3 and C4 plants in the mammoths' respective environments. Furthermore, the types of plants present during the animals' lives serve to help us more accurately learn about the earth's past conditions at given points in time. The findings of past studies are compared with the results of this one to compare the relative accuracy and precision of lab procedures.

Keywords: Geochemistry, Carbon Isotopes, Oxygen Isotopes, Diet, Environment

BIO

I am a sophomore currently attending Florida State University, majoring in Marketing. As a marketing major, I am enthusiastic about the method of appealing to the consumer and I am always looking at different ways of improving my sales performance, by participating in the American Marketing Association and Seminole Solution, a student-run marketing association at school. Some of my research goals when joining the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program were developing a good connection with my mentor and growing interests in a different field than my major. Therefore, I chose to research for the Black Men in Tech Program. This program is meant to recognize and solve the issue of
why there is a decreasing amount of African American College Students studying technology majors. During this program, I researched African American high schoolers interest in technology and if we could possibly increase it with specific programs educating them about different aspects of technology.

Black Men in Tech: Increasing Interest from High School to Career

Abstract

Technology is becoming more relied upon to find efficient solutions to challenging problems. While this is the case, specific students have struggled in being retained in some computing and technology majors. Compared to other groups, African American men are considered underrepresented in technology majors across the nation. One major reason for this is the lack of exposure to these majors in high school. At the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, research is being conducted for these research questions: Does black high school men’s interest in technology change when we introduce hands-on activities pertaining to Web Design, Game design, and Videography? Also, how do these men’s parents view these technology aspects and does that relate to their child’s interest? To explore Black high school student’s technology engagement, Florida State University is partnering with four high schools in Leon County, with each a population of greater than 50% African American, in a program called “Black Men in Tech – the iHub experience”. This program engages Black high school students through information hubs and multimedia in videography, web design, and game design. These iHubs will allow educators to assist students and let them collaborate in IT-related projects using hands-on multimedia. In addition to this, the beliefs of guardians will also be explored to identify whether there are differences between parents’ perceptions of technology and their children. Findings will provide insight into the role of multimedia engagement on increasing the number of young Black men who are interested in pursuing majors in computing.

Keywords: Black Men in Tech

BIO

Hello, I am Rain Bellamy and UROP was my first interaction with research. As a first-year Sport Management major with aspirations to become an Entertainment Lawyer, I have been exposed to few research opportunities directly in my field, however, this has given me the opportunity to work in a field that I am interested in and desire to know more about.

“What’s in a Pronoun?”: Identity and Hiring Practices

Abstract

Pronoun signposting is a way of publicly indicating ones’ personal gender pronouns. Although the practice has become more popular in recent years, there is still much debate as to if people should include their pronouns on their resumes. Due to the lack of theory addressing employers’ reactions to pronoun signposting, the aim of this ongoing exploratory study is to develop a theory on how the use of pronouns on resumes impacts hiring and selection decisions. This presentation will cover the initial thirteen participants, participants who are required to: be full-time employees with hiring experience, proficient in English, work in the U.S., and utilize Zoom. Thus far, some participants are informed of what pronouns are and possess a rudimentary understanding of why people use pronouns on resumes, however, there is much more education needed.

Keywords: Pronouns, hiring practices, resumes

BIO

Hello my name is Roneesha Peltier and my research is on FMRP regulation in total protein synthesis with a focus in synaptic proteins. I like to do research on the brain and immunology. I also love to hike and explore nature. I also like to travel to exotic places and try new things.

Age- and Region- Dependent FMRP Regulation of Protein Synthesis in Central Nervous System

Abstract

Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is a RNA-binding protein, which selectively regulates the translation of a series of mRNAs. Loss of FMRP, caused by the transcriptional silencing of FMR1 gene, leads to fragile x syndrome (FXS), a leading inherited form of intellectual disability and autism. But it is unclear how FMRP regulates the protein synthesis across different ages. In our study, we are examining how FMRP regulates the total protein synthesis and the expression of specifically synaptic proteins in multiple brain regions across different ages.

To address these questions, we compared the brain protein synthesis between wild type (WT) and Fmr1 KO mice at different ages. In vivo protein synthesis was detected by injecting puromycin into mouse body, which then labels newly synthesized peptides. Puromycin signal was quantified by western blotting in two brain areas (neocortex and brainstem) at two ages, postnatal day 10 (P10) and young adult (2 months or P60). As a result, at P10, Fmr1 KO mice showed significantly lower puromycin signal compared to WT mice in the cortex. But at P60, Fmr1 KO mice showed significantly higher puromycin signal than that in WT group in both cortex and brainstem. These results suggest a region-specific and age-specific role of FMRP in regulating protein synthesis. In the next step, we will continue to the underlying mechanisms by examining the pathways that involves in protein synthesis. Furthermore, we will examine how FMRP regulates the expression of specific synaptic proteins at different ages

Keywords: FMRP, brain, biomedical

BIO

I was raised in Boynton Beach, Florida and I am a pre-medical student who has a great interest in social science. I hope to research the effects of societal structures on people's health one day. Overall, I hope to become a physician that will help others' health.

Social Media and Clinical Trial Recruitment for HIV/AIDS

Abstract

t
Clinical trials rely on the recruitment of participants, and social media could help attract and increase viable participants. Social media presents a unique opportunity for targeting specific groups (HIV positive and high risk) because applications like Facebook or Reddit have group features as well as easy sharing ability. Moreover, the algorithms of these types of apps curate posts and advertisements towards audiences with an invested interest. Thus,social media advertising is potentially more targeted than in-person methods of recruitment (posters, billboards, pliers, etc.). In order to collect information on effective strategies for social-media-based clinical trial recruitment, literature reviews were conducted on relevant articles that examined social media recruitment in a variety of study types focusing particularly on HIV studies. Other factors of social media such as demographics, marketing techniques, and cost effectiveness were collected and examined. Applications like Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram show a high potential for recruitment due to the relevant Facebook groups for HIV and the high percentage of 18–29-year-olds on Instagram. In addition, the cost-per click averages demonstrated Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter a higher price as opposed to dating or hook-up apps like Grindr. When utilizing social media for recruitment, a proper background check is required to avoid duplicate or fraudulent accounts. In addition, the campaign or advertisement should follow marketing strategies in order to maximize their effectiveness and lower the predicted cost per participant. Limitations of these platforms included: inability to reach individuals without accounts and in rural areas due to the app’s geological demographics.

Keywords: HIV, AIDS, Social Media, Clinical Trial

BIO

Hello, my name is Carsyn and I am a senior majoring in psychology at Florida State University. I plan to further my education with the goal of attending graduate school for a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a research intern on the SMAHRTeam and am interested in the connection between mental health of adolescents and social media.

Associations between Parental Technology Rules, Adolescent Technology Interactions, and Mental Wellbeing

Abstract

Over three-quarters of adolescents use social media, and some previous studies have found associations between social media use and mental wellbeing outcomes among adolescents. The role of parents in influencing adolescent technology interactions and mental wellbeing remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to understand associations between parental technology rules, adolescent technology interactions, and mental wellbeing. A secondary analysis will be conducted using data from a cross-sectional survey. Adolescent-parent dyads were recruited through Qualtrics panels. Adolescents and parents completed separate survey sections including the Adolescents’ Digital Technology Interactions (ADTI) scale (parents and adolescents), the Internet-Specific Parenting Practices (ISPP) scale (parents only), the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being (SWEMW) scale (adolescents only), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; adolescents only). Two regression models will be run where the first model will have ISPP treated as the predictor, ADTI as the mediator and SWEMW as the outcome. The second model will treat ISPP as the predictor, ADTI as the mediator and PHQ-9 as the outcome. It is hypothesized that stricter tech rules will be associated with greater importance placed on adolescent technology interactions and poorer mental wellbeing. Findings will inform pediatric providers guidance about mental health risks with parental technology rules.

Keywords: adolescents, social media, mental health

BIO

I’m an undergraduate Sociology major with a minor in Psychology. I’m currently in my last undergraduate semester and will be graduating this spring 2022. I love everything there is about the social sciences and enjoy applying it to psychological concepts. Research has also been a passion of mine for a long time and I hope to keep pursuing research in the future.

Development of a Brief-Web Based Intervention: TI Psychoeducation

Abstract

Tonic immobility (TI) is a natural response to threat adaptive under certain circumstances,
however, TI in a traumatic event can lead to increased guilt, shame, and posttraumatic stress
symptoms (Andrews et al., 2000; Dutra et al., 2008; Held et al., 2011; Street et al., 2005; Wilson
et al., 2006). Therefore, the research team developed a new TI focused psychoeducation (TIP) intervention and assessed the acceptability and feasibility of it. TIP is a 45-minute web-based
intervention that addresses emotions and maladaptive conditions associated with TI,
which involved practice exercise, vignettes, and self-ratings scales. Participants (N = 6) were
recruited from the SONA subject pool based on prior TI exposure and elevated PTSD symptoms.
Participants read and signed the informed consent, followed by a pre-survey, TIP intervention,
and post survey. The results from the study showed great promise with 100% of the participants
reporting the presentation was easy to understand and follow, and 100% of participants reporting
they were either “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to recommend the presentation to a friend.
On average, participants rated guilt 23% lower at post compared to pre-intervention (t(5) = 3.40,
d = 1.39, p = .019 ) and shame 21% lower at post compared to pre-intervention (t(5) = 1.95, d =
0.80, p = .109). However, the study is limited by its small student sample and lack of a control
condition. Research is currently in progress to examine effects of the refined TIP intervention
compared to an active control condition in a larger community sample

Keywords: Psychology, anxiety, PTSD, trauma intervention