Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Morgan Knipp and I am a sophomore at Florida State University. I am studying Biochemistry and I hope to attend medical school after graduation. I am from Crystal River, FL. My research interests are quite diverse, as I am interested in studying chemical sciences as well as biological sciences. I currently study coral reef communities in the Florida Keys.

Coral Reef Benthic Cover; Comparing Methodologies

Abstract

Coral reefs are amongst the largest biological and most biodiverse structures on Earth. They:
•provide protection to coastlines
•refuge for unparalleled biodiversity
•a bounty of natural resources for local economies and tourism
Unfortunately, these ecosystems are continuously degraded due to many factors, including the presence of certain algal species.

In recent years, coral cover on many reefs has diminished, while the presence of algae has risen. Algal abundance can be indicative of coral reef decline because certain species of algae, especially the calcifying types, damage and outcompete coral, though coralline algae has been seen to enhance coral recruitment. Here, we analyze percent cover of these functional groups, along with sponges and gorgonians, using two different methods; manual and scatter point.

There are many limitations to using percent cover as a proxy for benthic reef community structure. As such, we implement two common methods and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using each method to describe each functional group.

Keywords: Marine biology, biology, coral reef

BIO

I’m a freshman from Cleveland, Ohio. I’m a sociology major and hope to do more research in my field in the future. I plan to work with juvenile inmates as I dive into my future career.

The Black Artist’s Way: Topics in Black Theater and Performance

Abstract

Post George Floyd, the world recognized that there are major social, political, and economic issues concerning racial diversity, equity and inclusion in the United States. Corporations, educational institutions and families desperately searched for ways to close the identified gap in racial equity. Though there have been great gains, this problem persists. In 2018, a Black Theater and Performance Group, the
Essential Theatrical Associates, created a children’s program named Talk Dat Talk; which implemented artistic ways of teaching children about the folklore of
enslaved people. During the abrupt emergence of Coronavirus, ETA decided to present the program virtually; in turn, it became well-known and used to inform public school students about African storytelling and increase diversity in classrooms (Selmore, 2022). The success of this virtual experience has inspired the creation of The Black Artists’ Way, a series of online videos produced to educate students on significant Black women in Black Theater and Performance. The six women researched were Toni Morrison, Billie Holiday, Lorraine Hansberry, Dorothy Dandridge, Zora Neale Hurston, and Nina Simone. This project presents research on the works, lives, and influence of these six women. The goal of this virtual series is to increase equity and diversity in classrooms, give teachers the tools necessary to create impactful lesson plans, and enhance the knowledge students have about African Americans. Through the creation of this online video series, the information will be accessed by a variety of students and educators—from middle schools to universities.

Keywords: Theater, Arts, Black Women

BIO

Hello, my name is Katelyn Fischer and I am from St. Petersburg, Florida. I am a computer science major studying to work in the gaming industry when I graduate.

Generating A Fire Spread Model

Abstract

This project uses two different neural network models to calculate how fire grows and spreads. A computational model is then applied to the neural network to create the fire spread model. The two types of neural network models that are used are a general convolutional model and a UNet model. These models were compared to each other based on their accuracy. The accuracy is measured by the level of error each model generates. It is also based on the accuracy of the calculated fire model versus the neural network generated fire model. Testing multiple models allows us to choose which model would work best for the project and provide the most accurate data on how fire spreads.

Keywords: fire model, neural network, computational model

BIO

Chloe Wain is a second-year student at Florida State University in the Honors Program pursuing a Dual Degree in Political Science, Editing, Writing, and Media, and Economics, with a minor in Spanish. Chloe serves as a Research Assistant to Dr. Crystal Taylor of the DeVoe L. Moore Center to analyze the usage of eminent domain upon a public infrastructure project in Tallahassee, Florida. She will continue research with the DeVoe L. Moore Center as an Honors in the Major and is in-training to become a UROP Leader. Chloe is heavily involved in scholarship, leadership, and service in hopes to advocate for human rights as a public defender. She serves as the Student Representative of the Academic Honor Policy Appellate Committee, a University Ambassador with the Academic Recruitment Organization, Leadership Engagement Specialist of Alpha Delta Pi, and a member of Garnet and Gold Key as well as Garnet and Gold Scholar Society. Chloe will serve as a Legal Intern at Do Campo and Thorton, P.A. in Summer of 2022 and plans to join the Peace Corps after graduation.

Just Compensation: Capital Cascades Trail Project Segment 3-DB

Abstract

Within large infrastructure projects, state and local governments employ the right of eminent domain to condemn private property for public purposes. To be constituted as legal, the government is required to provide “just compensation” towards condemned properties. As displacement can undermine the social and cultural fabrics of communities, economists continue to examine appropriate levels of compensation for displaced individuals under local, state, and federal requirements. The study examines “just compensation” practices by focusing on the displacement of a historically African American neighborhood, Boynton-Still, in Tallahassee, Florida. As the research team compiled property owner and tenant compensation levels per condemned parcel from a public records request, the study evaluates the appropriateness of compensation payments by calculating totals and averages and comparing results to applicable regulations. Preliminary findings indicate the City of Tallahassee and Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, a joint city-county agency, did not apply minimum federal compensation standards for tenants in conjunction with a federal grant provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. As compensation levels on eminent domain projects can vary based on funding sources, policy-makers should be informed that grant allocation agreements between governments can “trigger” varying compensation standards.

Keywords: economics, eminent domain, compensation

BIO

A sophomore at Florida State University, Cooper Lyon was interested in UROP after hearing about the positive experience multiple of his peers had in the program. The research by Dr. Mehta appealed to his creative interests, and his love for film and design, giving him a unique workspace with almost entire creative freedom. Through this program, Cooper has learned important skills about communication, feedback integration, and organizing and implementing scholarly sources and documents. In the future, Cooper hopes to work in the film festival field as an event programmer.

Documentation and Preservation of the Evergreen Plantation Archaeological Survey via Website and Documentary Short Film

Abstract

Following an excavation of Evergreen Plantation conducted by Dr. Jayur Mehta and his peers in Wallace, Louisiana, I was tasked with gathering large quantities of quantitative and qualitative data, and presenting said data in a website and documentary short film. I worked very closely with Dr. Mehta to ensure all data included was accurate, ensuring a central message of preservation and information. Likewise, I utilized research discussing the importance of digital humanities and virtual dissemination to further develop the value of the research and the project as a whole. For both the website and the documentary, I was given almost entire creative freedom, utilizing many video clips already filmed during the excavation, as well as collecting footage of my own in the form of interviews. Through this project I developed many important skills including communication, feedback integration, and organization and implementation of scholarly sources and documents.

Keywords: Evergreen Archaeological Survey

BIO

Hello, my name is Richard Hilpert and I was born in Potsdam, Germany, When I was 9 years old my parents and I moved to the United States. My research interests include neuroplasticity, anxiety, drug addiction, and many more. My goal is to graduate with my bachelor's degree from FSU in three years and possibly pursue a master's program here and complete that in 1-1 1/2 years. Then I want to get my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and one day open my own practice whilst also teaching a few classes somewhere at a local college.

Growth Mindsets and Emotions in SLA: A Literature Review

Abstract

When learning a new language, many factors can interplay within the acquisition of this new language. Such factors include socioeconomic background or environment, age, personal history, previously known languages, and mindset. Through second language acquisition (SLA), these factors can serve as possible hindrances or advantages for these language learners. In this study, researchers utilized forty-nine peer-reviewed articles; topics included foreign language speaking anxiety, self-esteem self-confidence, second language (L2) speaking confidence, and language mindsets. From the meta-analysis of literature regarding how various factors can affect language learning, it can be predicted that interventions that positively affect individuals' growth mindsets will have beneficial effects on their speaking performance overall through increased self-confidence, an increase in positive emotions, and a decrease in negative ones such as speaking anxiety.

Keywords: Mindset, SLA, Language

BIO

Born and raised in Miami FL, to two Cuban parents. Interested in going to medical school with intentions of becoming an OB/GYN. I personally enjoy subjects such as Calculus, Biology, and Art History.

Statistical Literacy In Social Work

Abstract

Formal quantitative analyses are ubiquitous across the
biomedical (e.g., medicine, nursing biology) and social
sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology). As such, it is essential
that researchers be able to appropriately conduct,
interpret, and report statistical tests. However, little
research has been done to explore the level of
comprehension of social workers who often both assume
the role of consumers and producers of research statistics.
To explore this further, we conducted a survey of social
worker academics and practitioners - providing them with
two case vignettes (one on p-values and one on confidence
intervals) to assess for misinterpretation of reported
findings. The results at this time are preliminary –having
at this time collected data from 33 participants.

Keywords: Social Work, Statistics, Misinterpretation

BIO

Bailey grew up in Melbourne, Florida, and graduated with the class of 2021 at Melbourne High School as an AP Scholar with Honor. Spending her 5 prior years at West Shore Jr./Sr. High School, Bailey was actively involved as a yearbook editor and was a member of numerous clubs including National Honor Society, AATF Société Honoraire de Français and Quill and Scroll Honor Society. In her senior year, Bailey made the choice to transfer to Melbourne High to allow her more academic flexibility as a trainee at Orlando Ballet Company. At Florida State University, Bailey intends to earn a degree in Advertising or Public Relations, while working towards a minor in French Language and Culture. She is a member of FSU's Honors Program, Bryan Hall community, and French Club and she enjoys exercising her creative skills as an actress in students' short films. After graduation, Bailey intends to move to New York City to pursue a career in the Communications and Media realm.

Photographing Science Research at the University of California : An Analysis of Ansel Adams' Work in the 1960s

Abstract

Before the 1960s, Ansel Adams had been made famous for photographing Yosemite National Park, bringing an essence of environmentalism to American photography. In 1963 however, Adams took on a project celebrating the University of California’scentennial year. Named “fiat-lux,” it is translated from Latin as “let there be light.” The college poured millions of dollars into new buildings, equipment, and technology during this time. The community supported this as they paid close attention to the political unrest with Russia amidst the Space Race. Therefore, theUniversity of California became a top institution for scientific research. Adams, who was well known and worked in the California area, was commissioned alongside Nancy Newhall to document such a time. My research mentor, Professor Ronald Doel, supplied these photographs for a book on America’s portrayal of science throughout the 1900s. I was to record where and when Adams took them and who and what the photos were composed of. Adams captured many aspects of the university: from intimate faculty portraits to modern campus architecture to fieldwork highlighting California’s natural landscape. The photographs are displayed throughout the campuses and pulled out every 25 years to celebrate the university. His work can be used as an educational source for understanding university life in the 1960s, from scientific research to student diversity. However, analyzing photographs of another university at the time would be valuable information. This way, student life can be compared across multiple locations instead of isolating our research to one university.

Keywords: Bailey, Adams, California

BIO

Serena Aiken is a second-year student from Oklahoma. She participated in the First Year Abroad Program in Valencia, Spain. She plans to continue in research in social psychology, focusing on how representation in media influences the development of attitudes and bias in adolescents.

Female Representation in Female-Directed in Bollywood Films

Abstract

This project looks at how having a female director in Bollywood films impacts a film and the way women are represented. Representation has been steadily increasing and support of equal opportunity jobs have gained public support due to publication of studies showing the gross underrepresentation of women. Our research finds the number of female characters and how they are shown through the film coding process, with close watching and marking every time we see certain things. Each research member would be paired with one to three other members to watch and analyze one film. The number of all male and female characters would be found and surveys on each female character would be completed and referenced to other members’ surveys. The surveys ask questions about the character’s class, caste, religion, clothing, level of modesty, if and how they are sexualized, accessories, their relationships, and other linked areas. We argue that when the director of a Bollywood film is a woman, female characters are shown closer to reality and are less sexually emphasized.

Keywords: film analysis; bollywood; gender roles; female representation

BIO

Jessica Dambra is a fourth-year Environmental Science and Policy student from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, with a passion for coral reef ecology and conservation. Her interest in these diverse ecosystems developed when she became a recreational diver where she observed, with admiration and sadness, the beauty and decline of reef ecosystems throughout the Caribbean. She aspires to utilize the skills and knowledge gained through her undergraduate studies to conserve and protect coral reefs worldwide. Jessica hopes to delve into the field of coral restoration post-graduation and contribute to the growing research surrounding Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease.

Temporal changes in fish diversity in correlation to corals affected by stony coral tissue loss disease within the Florida Reef Tract

Abstract

The Florida Reef Tract is the largest coral reef ecosystem in the continental US spanning roughly 360 miles from the Dry Tortugas near Key West to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County. Since 2014, stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has rapidly spread throughout the Florida Reef Tract and the Caribbean, killing many reef-building coral species. Since coral reefs sustain such a diverse range of marine life, particularly reef fish, the purpose of this study is to better understand how SCTLD affects reef fish diversity within the Florida Keys. We hypothesize that reef fish diversity has declined overtime after the first detection of SCTLD, likely as a result of decreased live coral cover. We analyzed changes in fish diversity in relation to coral infection status by examining coral reef fish survey data provided by the NOAA National Coral Reef Monitoring Program. Reef fish diversity was calculated using the Shannon diversity metric for three distinct regions along the Florida Reef Tract (Key Biscayne, Key West, and Dry Tortugas). Temporal trends in diversity with respect to SCTLD were investigated from 2014 to 2018 using linear regression. The results of this study indicate that the decline of reef fish diversity is associated with the detection of SCTLD. We found a significant decrease in reef fish diversity at Key Biscayne where SCTLD was first detected in 2014. Comparatively, there was no significant change in reef fish diversity at Dry Tortugas National Park where SCTLD had not yet been detected.

Keywords: SCTLD, Coral, Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas, Reef fish, Diversity

BIO

Daniel Zuniga is an emerging scientist, and educator originally from Colombia. After immigrating to Florida, Daniel attended Palm Beach Gardens High School where he graduated with honors in one of the state’s top medical magnet programs. As a prospective physician, Daniel is passionate about helping minority students achieve their goals of pursuing a career in medicine. His efforts have led to the creation of academic mentoring and summer enrichment programs for high school students in Florida. Daniel has participated in service activities during his time at Florida State University, where he serves as an emergency medical responder, a note-taker for students with disabilities, and a volunteer as a medical assistant. At the FSU College of Medicine, he is involved in academic research in biomedical sciences, while also serving fellow students as a mentor and learning assistant for the Biological Sciences department. In addition, he was a Truman Scholarship semifinalist, and a Goldwater nominee by Florida State University. His current research interests include space medicine, neurodevelopmental disorders, public health, and the education of minority students.

Long-term Effects of Simulated Spaceflight Exposure to the Coronary Artery

Abstract

Research on the cardiovascular system has shown how it adapts to extreme conditions, such as spaceflight. Spaceflight environment includes extreme temperature variations, exposure to deep-space radiation, and disruption of normal behavior. Human physiology is exposed to abnormal environmental stimuli in space, increasing the crew's risk to develop medical conditions. Some of these risks include space radiation, gravity differences, and the psychological effect of long-term isolation. To assess these risks and how they may affect the cardiovascular system, we conducted a study of the long-term single and combined effects of deep space radiation and microgravity exposure on rats. Our hypothesis includes studying changes in blood vessel structure and function, as well as biochemical pathway changes (e.g. endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS], oxidative stress), that may provide clues of any potential increased risk of astronauts developing cardiovascular disease. Biological samples of the rat coronary artery have been collected and are processed by cryostat sectioning to conduct immunofluorescence protein analysis for the following protein markers: CD31, SM22A, and eNOS markers. As more people travel into space, we have much to discover about the effects of space flight on the cardiovascular system, in particular as we return to the Moon through our Artemis Program. Findings from this study will increase our overall knowledge in the field of space medicine and life sciences as well as improve life on Earth through advancements made in medicine and health.

Keywords: Space Medicine, Cardiovascular System, Radiation

BIO

Hello, my name is Trey Woodall. I am originally from Winston Salem, North Carolina, and came to Florida State University through my family. I am majoring in history with a minor in philosophy, and intend on going to law school in the future. In the field, I plan on specializing in constitutional law or perhaps international law if my plans end up changing. I have a huge amount of passion for the field of history, and this project helped me explore that passion while introducing me to new concepts and ideas I hadn't encountered within the major.

The Undergraduate History Syllabus

Abstract

In this study, the primary goal was to formulate an adequate syllabus for an undergraduate history course, rooted in readings applicable to weekly topics. The project was directed at the course titled “World History to 1500” and involved analyzing primary and secondary sources to construct a syllabus around them. Because of the early time period, findings for topics such as African Prehistory and the origins of humanity were restricted to archaeological or anthropological research. The syllabus itself consisted of assignments that were based around these readings, particularly the primary sources. Students will create three short essays that answer a prompt revolving around the source. They will also draft a final paper that satisfies Florida State University’s “Cross Cultural Studies” requirement. While it may seem superficial, the research here is incredibly significant because many history courses today are taught in the same way covering the same trivial topics. A more in-depth analysis into what makes up our vast history can allow these classes to be more creative, interesting, and engaging. Additionally, for those who are pursuing the history major (as this course is a prerequisite), the primary source analysis skills are crucial to build early on, as it is something that will be used heavily in the future.

Keywords: History, Classwork, Syllabus, Undergraduate

BIO

I am Franco Angeles, and I am a first-year student at Florida State University. I am from Lake Placid, Florida, a little town in central Florida. I was a part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme during high school and obtained the IB Diploma in 2021. I am planning to major in Finance during my time at FSU and hope to obtain a master's degree in finance in the future. I have many hobbies that I do in my free time, such as being a violinist, practicing visual arts and 3D arts, and reading through history.

La Historia Mysteriosa de Antonio Proctor

Abstract

This project focuses on a remarkable, but largely unknown historical figure who played an instructive role at many pivotal points in Florida’s history. This remarkable historical figure is none other than Antonio Proctor. Due to little being known about him, this project attempts to answer two main questions: Who was Antonio Proctor? What can documents from Spanish Florida tell us about his life and character?
Antonio Proctor (c. 1743-1855) was born a slave in Santa Domingo. He traveled through Canada and the United States as a body servant to a British soldier during the Revolutionary War. He then became a Free Black citizen of Spanish Florida, acted as an interpreter and Indian agent for both the Spanish and American governments.
Because Antonio Proctor never learned to write, he produced no autograph personal accounts. However, primary documents offer insight into his character, his talent as a communicator, and his family life preserved in Spanish and American archives. This research focuses on transcribing and translating Spanish documents about Antonio Proctor that date to 1818.

Keywords: Florida History, Theater with a Mission, Antonio Proctor, Spanish Florida, 1818

BIO

My name is Rogelio Baucells. I am currently a Senior at Florida State University majoring in BioChemistry on the Pre-Medical track. I have done several research projects in the past, with my current research involving the building and testing of a brand new Scanning Tunneling Microscope built by hand. For this particular project we made several power supplies, an Isolator, AC/DC Convertor, and an Amplifier. Apart from testing these instruments, all that s left is to fully assemble and connect all the pieces to create the STM. For the future I hope to continue to work on similar projects that are outside of my field of interest to gain a greater understanding of all the possible research projects out there to explore. I hope to also get involved in some way with research pertaining to the medical field.

Building Ultra-Low Noise Control Systems for Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Abstract

Nano-imaging the elementary excitations observed within the Terahertz range in solid materials permits observation of phase transitions and identification of topological surface states. By coupling an Edinburgh Instrument FIRL100 gaseous far-infrared laser source to an in-house constructed optical microscope, we analyze the alpha to beta phase transition of Bi4I4 in an attempt to capture signatures of the surface state changes that parallel this transition. Utilizing the laser source requires identifying distinctive laser lines via the installation of a proper detector for THz (far-infrared) light. To identify the power lines, we first transition Deuterated methanol (CD3OD) from a liquid to a gas and then analyze various lines based on the results of this chemical until the most powerful line is discovered. The second step of the process—performing nano-imaging—relies on the information gathered from the scattered light that results from the nano-tip’s interaction with laser light and the sample itself. The information collected from this, as well as scanning the XY dimensions of the sample, permits us to develop a detailed image of the sample. This research is still in the process, but thus far we have discovered the most powerful laser line to have a line designation of 10R24, a wavelength of 10.220, a drive reading of 4106, and a power output of 49W. This is still under experimentation due to some machinery complications. Thus, we have not yet been able to proceed towards the process of nano-imaging.

Keywords: STM, Nano-imaging, Material,

BIO

Mariela is a sophomore at Florida State University majoring in computer science B.S with a minor in math. Her interests include math, technology, and robotics. She currently serves as the Women in Computer Science Mentee-Mentor program Co-Director. Mariela's career goals include applying her CS degree to a field that will make a positive change in the world and she hopes that she can encourage more young women to enter STEM fields.

Determining an Optimal Speed for a Bipedal Robot on Rough Terrain

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to determine the optimal speed at which a bipedal robot can navigate through rough terrain. This project is significant as we would like robots to travel where humans cannot such as through heavily wooded areas or the rough terrain of Mars. For this project, the optimal speed for a bipedal robot is the speed at which the robot is stable for over the largest range of slopes. To determine the optimal speed, we first created a compass gait biped using the dynamic equations of motion for a double pendulum and an additional equation to account for the instantaneous transfer of energy from swing to stance leg when the swing leg hits the ground. The equations were solved using Euler’s method for ordinary differential equations, and to account for the rough terrain the slope upon which the compass gait walked was increased by intervals of 0.0001. The compass gait was tested at different speeds, and the results were recorded as the number of increments to the initial slope until it collapsed from the terrain. From this experiment we found that speed 0.3929, is the most efficient speed, as it had the largest range of slopes at which it was stable.

Keywords: Robotics, STEM, Mathematics

BIO

I am a freshman at FSU, and I am majoring in Nursing with a minor in Social Work. I am from Delray Beach, Florida, and I enjoy working out, reading, and cooking. Some activities I am involved with on campus include the Nursing Living Learning Community, the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, and Relay for Life.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Meditative Exercise for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) involves a directed low amplitude electrical current to affect the activity of the motor cortex and supraorbital region in the brain. In this study, subjects with chronic osteoarthritis knee pain utilized self-administered tDCS and performed meditative exercise to treat their pain symptoms. Researchers measured the subjects' heat, pain, and pressure tolerances over several months, in addition to their pain symptoms. The results indicated improvement in osteoarthritis pain symptoms and sleep quality, no effect on anxiety or depression, and no adverse effects caused by tDCS. Self-administered tDCS monitored remotely was found to be successful with older patients.

Keywords: tDCS, osteoarthritis, neuroscience

BIO

I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. My research interests include Alzheimer's disease, political socialization, and eating disorders. I'm not exactly sure what my career aspirations are yet, but I'm considering law school or something in the field of Psychology.

40 Hz light flickering as a possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is devastating for both the individual and society. It is characterized by aggregation of Amyloid beta (Ab) plaques and Tau tangles. The Ab and Tau proteins build up around and inside neurons, causing deficits in cognitive function. Prior research driving gamma rhythms at 40 Hz frequency with sensory stimulation (flashing light at 40Hz) shows a reduction in Ab and tau aggregation. This has been shown in both auditory and visual stimulation (sound clicking and light flashing at 40Hz) Here, we are assessing visual-only stimulation so we can better understand the effect of a visual-only stimulation on clearing Ab and tau aggregation in the visual cortex and parietal cortex in the 3xTg mouse model of AD. These mice have been genetically modified to express Amyloid-beta aggregation and tau pathology. We are using only visual stimulation to figure out how the results change if only one sensory system is stimulated. We expect the 40hz light flashing to decrease levels of Ab and tau relative to no stimulation. We are still counting Amyloid and tau aggregation, and completing data analysis, but our preliminary results are promising. If this research provides the results we expect, it would be a great step for the scientific and medical communities toward finding a way to combat this vicious disease.

Keywords: Alzheimer's, 40hz, treatment

BIO

Hello! My name is Philipp Belyaev, and I come from the city of Pompano Beach, FL. Currently studying accounting, I am also very passionate about the spheres of history and economics. I've greatly enjoyed my time working on our project and I cannot wait to share!

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, labor market, deferment

BIO

Hometown: Miramar, Florida
Interests: medicine, psychology, creative writing (poetry), and art (drawing, sketching, painting)
Career Goal(s): becoming a neurosurgeon and developing skills needed for my future occupation and life.

The Black Artists' Way: Topics in Black Theatre and Performance

Abstract

Post George Floyd, the world recognized that there are major social, political, and economic issues concerning racial diversity, equity and inclusion in the United States. Corporations, educational institutions and families desperately searched for ways to close the identified gap in racial equity. Though there have been great gains, this problem persists. In 2018, a Black Theater and Performance Group, the Essential Theatrical Associates, created a children’s program named Talk Dat Talk; which implemented artistic ways of teaching children about the folklore of enslaved people. During the abrupt emergence of Coronavirus, ETA decided to present the program virtually; in turn, it became well-known and used to inform public school students about African storytelling and increase diversity in classrooms (Selmore, 2022). The success of this virtual experience has inspired the creation of The Black Artists’ Way, a series of online videos produced to educate students on significant Black women in Black Theater and Performance. The six women researched were Toni Morrison, Billie Holiday, Lorraine Hansberry, Dorothy Dandridge, Zora Neale Hurston, and Nina Simone. This project presents research on the works, lives, and influence of these six women. The goal of this virtual series is to increase equity and diversity in classrooms, give teachers the tools necessary to create impactful lesson plans, and enhance the knowledge students have about African Americans. Through the creation of this online video series, the information will be accessed by a variety of students and educators—from middle schools to universities.

Keywords: educational, black theatre, art

BIO

My name is Rian and I am from Jacksonville, Florida. I am majoring in Biology because of my interests in science and medicine. I am currently involved in of a social science project because I am passionate about problems regarding humanity, but I also take on research dealing with hard sciences in a lab.. What piques my interest the most is molecular and cell biology. Eventually, I hope to become a medical doctor doing what I love to help people who can't help themselves.

Perceptions of Place: Black Students at Florida State University

Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to try to understand the effects
of African American students at Florida State University. The way
we would be collecting data is through interviews of African
American students on campus. At the beginning of this research
study, we were tasked to recruit students and ask for the emails of
those students on campus that we knew or were comfortable with
asking questions. We have not
completely got into our research but this semester we the research
assistants are supposed to be interviewing students in order for the
student to not feel primed to answer certain questions in a
certain way as opposed to if they were interviewed by our mentors.
We want the students in the study to feel as comfortable as possible
while they answer our interview questions to ensure the answers they
give are totally up to them. We expect that a lot of students will feel
uncomfortable on campus but there are certain groups that they may
be involved in that allow them to experience That sense of
belongingness.

Keywords: Black Student Union