Research Symposium

BIO

Caroline Robbins is a second-year student working toward degrees in International Affairs and Political Science, with a minor in Russian at FSU. Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, she now studies in Tallahassee where she hopes to gain invaluable experience in research. Her interests primarily focus on the effect of diplomatic rhetoric on interstate relations and the role of literature in developing sociopolitical movements. Currently, she is involved in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program and the Research-Intensive Bachelor’s Certificate for Political Science. After completing her undergraduate degrees, she hopes to enter a graduate program focusing on international affairs to continue honing her research ability and exploring her areas of interest more thoroughly.

Determining De-Escalation: Effect of International Security Perceptions on the Probability of War

Abstract

Arguably one of the most vital studies within the realm of international affairs is the study of why states go to war. In efforts to preserve peace within the modern era, scholars have fiercely debated several theories of what causes war, desiring to better understand how to reduce the risk of war. Emerging from these studies are three competing hypotheses of the causes of war: the deterrence theory, the spiral model theory, and the steps-to-war theory. Through this study, we hope to find which of these theories is the most effective when explaining aggressive state behavior and public support for war. In order to test this, a survey experiment was developed based on a hypothetical conflict between mainland China and Taiwan where mainland Chinese respondents responded to their perceptions of threat within other states’ behavior. These perceptions were measured in order to determine if military actions from other states [in particular the United States] affected their likelihood to support more hawkish measures in retaliation. In addressing these factors, we hoped to gain a better understanding of the role costly signals play in preventing or instigating conflict and thus reflecting back on which theory of the causes of war provides the most relevant explanation. From these results, we aim to encourage a development of policy which would be consistent with the prevailing theory to reduce the likelihood of global conflict.

Keywords: China, War, Conflict, International Security

BIO

My name is Ashley Slone and I am from Knoxville, TN. I am primarily interested in political science research, specifically political socialization, but I enjoy learning about history as well. After completing my degree in Political Science with a minor in History, I plan on attending law school and becoming an attorney. Outside of school, my hobbies include running, playing volleyball, watching documentaries, reading, and playing with my two Boxers.

Catherine Murat: The Princess of Tallahassee

Abstract

In early 19th century territorial Florida, Tallahassee was a developing and diverse city. Among its prominent first citizens was Princess Catherine Murat, better known as Kate, the leading socialite in Tallahassee widely known for hosting balls and dinners. Considered American royalty by being the grandniece of President George Washington and French royalty by being a princess of France as a result of her marriage to Prince Achille Murat (son of Caroline Bonaparte and nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte), Catherine led quite a dualistic lifestyle as a princess living in frontier Florida, as seen in her frontier style home with bare walls yet furnished with the finest French furniture straight from Paris. In exploring her unique life, this project examined historical documents authored by or related to Catherine Murat to create a more accurate depiction of both her personal life and life in territorial Tallahassee in general. Four pages of recipes written by Catherine were discovered and transcribed, and an analysis of these recipes further shows the duality of Catherine’s life as a princess living in Tallahassee. Traditional Southern foods such as Minced Meat and Cottage Pudding reveal Kate’s Virginian roots while a recipe for plant fertilizer shows her role as a gardener. These documents show not only the foods that Kate would have cooked and potentially served at her parties, but also details about life in 1820s Tallahassee. Further research on southern cooking, specifically in territorial Florida, can contribute to a deeper understanding of lifestyles in the early 19th century.

Keywords: Tallahassee History Murat Florida

BIO

I am from Miami, Florida, with aspirations of going to law school. Involvements include Global Scholars, Professional Development Chair for the College of Social Sciences Student Leadership Council, and PeaceJam Service Chair. Involved with the Women's Student Union, under the 1910 Honorary Society and Women's History Month Committee. Additionally, I am a CARE student in QUEST scholars and in the FGEN Noles Living-Learning Community. My research aspirations are environmental conservation research, after this UROP project, my plan is to conduct independent research on these environmental issues and their relation to public policy, possibly exploring the intersection of media. The goal of this independent research is to promote awareness of these issues and how public policy contributes towards amending them. Through these research projects, I am able to gain a foundation in environmental law for my future career goals, which are to support underrepresented communities which are affected by land use and environmental injustices.

Reassessing How the Media Covers Climate Change and the Environment

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, polarization regarding environmental issues has caused political division between U.S. political parties. Beliefs regarding climate change have become a marker of political affiliation with generalizations made concerning conservative or liberal perspectives. Past media coverage has demonstrated conservative media is more likely to be on the opposing spectrum when tailoring towards the environment than liberal or mainstream media. Yet, there is no answer to the degree to which they differ or reach a consensus. This leads to important implications for members of society, specifically environmental communication scholars who search for methods to grow public support for climate change. Additionally, providing a better understanding of the phenomena of how environmental support remains high despite conflicting opinions from media coverage. In this study, as a research assistant team we hand-coded transcripts between 1990 and 2020 based on various key variables to assess the tonality of news coverage (CNN and Fox News). Among others key variables include whether media coverage addresses the issue on a factual or opinionated basis and the overall support level demonstrated throughout the transcript regarding specific environmental issues. For example, preliminary findings have found Republican news coverage supports climate change in the intensity support level variable (Dnt_Int), though they may also broadcast unsupportive messages. Exploring the frames of how partisan-leaning media targets its viewers’ opinions is crucial to overcoming confirmation bias and revealing effective communication strategies for politicians and educators alike to increase support for political action on environmental issues.

Keywords: Media, Environmental Issues, Climate Change

BIO

I am a first-year student from Lake Wales, Florida and I am currently a research assistant within the psychology department at FSU. Philosophy is my main academic interest and I hope to pursue a career in law. I am also highly interested in the fields of social work, sociology, and education because I enjoy learning about human behavior and how we interact with one another. With such broad interests, I look forward to furthering my experience with research and absorbing as much information as possible.

Group Cooperation and Punishment

Abstract

Across our evolutionary history, punishment has been shown to be a useful mechanism for increasing group cooperation and deterring selfishness. Little is known, however, about the psychological and cognitive processes driving such behavior – is punishing others something that people decide to do relatively quickly and automatically or is punishing others something that people do only after careful deliberation? The current research tests two competing hypotheses about the psychological processes driving punishment behavior – (1) punishment relies on relatively automatic and “gut-level” processes versus (2) punishment relies on relatively deliberative and purposeful processes. To test these hypotheses, we conducted a study where participants played the role of punisher in a group task in either a time pressure (intended to cause reliance on relatively more automatic processing) or time delay (intended to cause reliance on relatively more deliberative processing) condition. Results show that, on the first-trial of decision-making, individuals in a time pressure condition punished more than those in a time delay condition. Across all eight trials, however, this effect went away. These findings suggest that initial, first-impression costly punishment decisions can be made relatively quickly; when individuals make many decisions, and/or deliberate and think about these decisions, they may actually make less punishment choices (thus allowing the uncooperative behavior of a selfish individual go unchecked). Punishment can be a costly but necessary decision, and in everyday life there may be individual and situational factors that afford individuals the opportunity to make those choices.

Keywords: cooperation, punishment, selfishness

BIO

I'm Sarah Toole from Tallahassee, FL! I'm a Public Health major and African American Studies minor interested in epidemiology and emergency management! In the next few years, I hope to earn my Bachelor's and Master's degrees and then move to Orlando!

Concede or Resist? Experimental Evidence of U.S. Local Officials

Abstract

Do local officials oppose and resist preemption at higher rates when an out-party governor does it? Contact information and demographics of local officials throughout the U.S. were collected using spreadsheet software. Results confirm that local officials are generally opposed to preemption, but are substantially more opposed to preemption when they learn that an out-party governor is in office than when there is a same-party governor in office. Moreover, local officials are more willing to take action to resist preemption – including legal action, refusing to comply, initiating a resolution, and advocating for more autonomy – when they learn that an out-party governor is preempting them. Opposition and resistance were especially pronounced among Democratic local officials who learned a Republican governor was preempting them. Results from the survey have important implications for how local and state governments interact with one another and represent their constituents.

Keywords: Preemption, Political Science, Local Government, State Government, Federal Government

BIO

Allison Matula is from the suburbs of Chicago and is currently an undergraduate student at Florida State University. She is majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minoring in Child Development. Allison has a passion for sign language and Deaf Culture, which inspired her to pursue a career as a pediatric audiologist. Allison is currently working in two research labs, including the General Curriculum Access Lab and the Hearing and Aging Research Laboratory. Allison is involved in Signing Seminoles American Sign Language Club, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, the Student Academy of Audiology, and Chi Omega. In her free time, Allison enjoys exercising, reading, and listening to podcasts.

 Teacher-delivered Modified Schema Based Instruction Targeting Problem Solving of Middle School Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Small Group Instruction

Abstract

Recent research has identified modified schema-based instruction (MSBI) as an evidence-based instructional practice for teaching mathematical concepts to students with intellectual disabilities. MSBI teaches students with intellectual disabilities to use a problem-solving heuristic to recognize the problem structure when applying mathematics skills. While all studies evaluating MSBI have resulted in positive findings in the increased mathematics skill level of individuals with intellectual disabilities, additional research is warranted to evaluate the intervention when delivered by natural interventionists (e.g., teachers) within the real-world classroom environment. This study aimed to investigate the impact of teacher-delivered modified schema-based instruction targeting problem-solving of middle school students with intellectual disabilities in a small group setting.

Keywords: Education, Teaching, Disability, Math, Schema-based

BIO

My name is Ellie Lewis, and I am currently in my first year at Florida State University pursuing a major in nursing. My long-term goal is to attend FSU's nursing program and eventually become a travel nurse, gaining valuable experience in different medical environments. After a few years of travel nursing, I aspire to attend graduate school and specialize in the field of anesthesia as a nurse anesthetist.

Examining the Relationship Between Ketosis and Sleep Quality in Older Adults

Abstract

Sleep quality is vital for the overall health and function of the human body, and has been associated with normalized blood glucose levels. Emerging evidence suggests that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet has beneficial effects on various factors, including sleep and HbA1c, but little is known about the relationship between these three factors. Data were obtained from a community of older adults (N=59) aged 60-85, with subjective or objective evidence of mild cognitive impairment. Ketosis was evaluated using at-home urine ketone level test strips. HbA1c was collected using point of care tests, and blood glucose was evaluated using a Piccolo Xpress chemistry analyzer. To measure sleep quality participants provided self-report through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). We expected to find a positive correlation between levels of ketosis and improvement in sleep quality. For participants reporting higher ketone levels, we also expected for blood glucose to be in the normalized range in relation to better sleep quality as self-reported by the PSQI. After analyzing the data we found no direct effect between levels of ketosis and improvement in sleep quality, as well as blood glucose. Examining the relationship between ketosis, sleep quality, and blood glucose levels in older adults is critical for understanding how specialized nutrition may benefit important indicators of health in older age.

Keywords: Ketosis, Sleep Quality, Blood Glucose, Older Adults

BIO

My name is Ryan Henderson. I was born in a town right outside of Atlanta. I moved to St. Petersburg when I was young, and I've lived there since. I enjoy playing chess, debating politics, and travelling. I am extremely interested in law, and I'm working an internship in Atlanta this summer. My research project is on the effects of federal preemption on local or state government.

Concede or Resist? Experimental Evidence of U.S. Local Officials

Abstract

Do local officials oppose and resist preemption at higher rates when an out-party governor does it? Contact information and demographics of local officials throughout the U.S. were collected using spreadsheet software. Results confirm that local officials are generally opposed to preemption but are substantially more opposed to preemption when they learn that an out-party governor is in office than when there is a same-party governor in office. Moreover, local officials are more willing to take action to resist preemption – including legal action, refusing to comply, initiating a resolution, and advocating for more autonomy – when they learn that an out-party governor is preempting them. Opposition and resistance were especially pronounced among Democratic local officials who learned a Republican governor was preempting them. Results from the survey have important implications for how local and state governments interact with one another and represent their constituents.

Keywords: Preemption, political science, local government, state government, federal government

BIO

I am a transfer student from 5 hours south of Tallahassee, from a small town called Bradenton. I am a Biochemistry major and am pre-veterinary student hoping to pursue a DVM-PhD degree in Veterinary Medicine. I am interested in biomedical/veterinary research intended to help humans and animals and contribute to the One-Health approach to the scientific community - where the environment, human beings, and animals are all equal contributors to the health of one another.

Novel Antibiotic-Resistant Genes in Goose Microbiota

Abstract

Along with the ever-expanding world that we live in, antibiotic-resistance grows and adapts with us. Although the discovery of antibiotic resistance is nothing new, the discovery and horizontally-transmitted resistance genes capable of conferring resistance against last-resort antibiotics, namely colistin, has been a recent one in the past decade. Discovery of novel resistance genes and mechanisms is crucial in measuring the degree of dissemination throughout the international community to attempt to curb this spread.

Keywords: Antibiotic, Resistance, E.coli

BIO

Ana Pereira is a second year undergraduate student at FSU. In addition to their commitments as a physics major and as a laboratory assistant under Dr. J. Kennemur's lab, they are also a tour guide for FSU's Honors Program Academic Recruitment Organization, an FGSLAMP scholar, and a tutor for general biology, chemistry, and physics courses at the Academic Center for Excellence. Earlier this year, Ana presented the progress of this research at the American Physical Society's Regional Conference for Undergraduate Women (and Underrepresented Minorities) in Physics at the University of Central Florida.

Plastics from Pine Sap: Insight into the Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization Thermodynamics of Monoterpenes

Abstract

Monoterpenes are a class of organic molecules that comprise most of the volatile components within the sap of conifer trees. Due to their abundance and ability to be harvested non-destructively, value-added use for these renewable chemical feedstocks, such as precursors to new plastics, are being investigated as potential alternatives to petroleum–derived polymers. Many monoterpenes feature unsaturated cyclic or bicyclic structures, making them candidates for ring–opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). α-Pinene is the most abundant monoterpene produced yet long-standing attempts to transform it into polymers via ROMP have proven unsuccessful. The Kennemur Group recently utilized a two-step synthetic modification of α-pinene to produce its isomer, δ-pinene, and discovered this transformation leads to successful ROMP with high fidelity. This presentation will discuss insight into the thermodynamic requirements that can optimize the success of this polymerization. In addition to experimentation, density functional theory (DFT) has been employed to further our understanding of both α-pinene and δ-pinene derivatives and how they behave under varying conditions during ROMP. Determining optimal conditions for the ROMP of these terpene monomers is highly crucial: they each have relatively low ring strain, complicating the thermodynamic favorability of the polymerization due to simultaneous loss of entropy. These findings allow for improved predictability of the ROMP reactivity of different cyclic olefins, furthering potential replacements over petrochemicals as the dominant feedstock in plastics manufacturing. Polymer synthesis and ROMP thermodynamics will be discussed in addition to some basic thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting plastics.

Keywords: chemistry, polymers, thermodynamics, renewable

BIO

I am a Cuban American immigrant from Miami, Florida. I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in History while working on an Undergraduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. I am interested in researching voting behaviors amongst Latin American communities in the United States, potentially pursuing a project for Honors in the Major. I hope to attend law school and eventually pursue a career as a civil litigator.

Mentor Resources and Training in Undergraduate Research Programs

Abstract

Mentorship is an important part of undergraduate research, allowing students to be guided at the start of their research careers. Programs and individual students seek out research projects regardless of the mentor's previous experience. As a result of this, sometimes there is a lack of mentors with training or previous experience mentoring undergraduate students. Some undergraduate research offices including The College of New Jersey and UWA La Crosse have online tools available to research mentors, however, this is not the standard. While many colleges with undergraduate research programs have won awards such as the Campus-Wide Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments (AURA) it is not a reflection of their effective mentorship training. Many schools that have received the AURA award have provided examples of mentor training, which we analyze and discuss. Even so, an estimated 33% of the colleges covered in this study have no explicit tools or resources for their mentors available on their websites. The goal of this research is to learn about the resources available for research mentors and determine future steps to improve and support undergraduate research mentors at FSU.

Keywords: Mentor Resources, Undergraduate Research, Mentoring Experiences

BIO

Sarah Brophy is a sophomore at Florida State University majoring in History and Political Science from Weston, Florida. Along with her research, she is currently interning in the Florida House of Representatives in the Minority Office. When she isn't studying or interning, she enjoys playing guitar. She hopes to join the US State Department as a diplomat after she graduates.

The Shogun's Grand Niece

Abstract

The Shogun’s Grand Niece aims to capture the intricacies of a Japanese immigrant family living between two identities in the United States during the early-to-mid twentieth century. The family’s former status as rural samurai is taken into account when their only daughter is courted by a Japanese nobleman overseas right before WWII. This research focuses on the historical background and geographical setting of the family to better understand the elements and obstacles they faced. Ultimately, a Japanese family that gains prominence in Los Angeles is at the mercy of tense relationships and war between Japan and the United States while also grappling with the daily challenges for Japanese immigrants making the US their home. The presentation starts in 1920s Los Angeles and follows leftist, progressive activities in the area and the larger Japanese community, and the family’s possible intersection with it. It examines the successful business of Japanese produce distributors and the devastation of relocation to internment camps after the Pearl Harbor Attacks. The family, who owned a lucrative produce business, was stripped of assets and their patriarch was sent to Ft. Missoula for internment. Eventually, the couple’s daughter chose to live in relative obscurity in a predominantly white, right-leaning rural Oregon town, where she recently decided to share her story. Government documents, journals, news sources, and books revealed that the success and distinct culture of the Japanese-American community were the main causes behind the vitriolic societal and governmental response to the Pearl Harbor Attacks.

Keywords: history, japan, politics

BIO

My name is Presley Santiago, I am from Palm Beach, Florida. I am majoring in Biology and have a minor in chemistry. My research interests are environmental chemical research and pharmaceutical chemical research. My future goal is to obtain a dual DMD and PHD degree, and my career goal is to become a dentist and hopefully further my research interests while practicing dentistry.

Synthesis and Characterization of Elastomers Using VT-ROMP

Abstract

Humans everywhere utilize plastic products everyday as they are convenient for busy, on the go lives of people today. This includes rubbers, glues, and styrofoams. Behind the convenience lies collateral damage to our planet. This is because a lot of polymers are not depolymerizable at all. This is the drive behind our research. We are using a chemical which can be synthesized using a unique method called VT-ROMP, turning our chemical into rubbers and plastics which can be depolymerized.

Keywords: Polymer, Chemistry, Elastomeres

BIO

McKenna Oakley is a first-year student at FSU majoring in Creative Writing. McKenna is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, but now lives in Fernandina Beach, Florida. She enjoys taking her dogs to the beach, reading thriller novels, and watching sitcoms in her free time. McKenna is interested in learning more about poetry technique, creative writing pedagogy, and book publishing during her undergraduate and possibly graduate studies at FSU.

How can postcards be applied to understanding the history of ethnic diversity in the American fashion scene?

Abstract

This project is a microhistorical visual analysis exploring what postcards from the early 20th to 21st centuries visually communicate about ethnic diversity in the American fashion scene. The project utilizes inductive coding methods to visually analyze the fashion of pictured subjects in the postcards. The research was conducted through Florida State University’s Digital Card Archive, an online postcard repository created by Dr. Michael Neal. This project derives its meaning from approaching fashion as a “symbolic system,” meaning a social construct that represents how people perceive their social status through visual symbols; ergo, fashion encompasses identifiers such as ethnicity and becomes an easy site for bias (Crane 1). Thorough research has been conducted on this sociological aspect of fashion. However, these studies are mostly confined to using physical dress garments (Aspers and Godart 171). This project supplements the existing body of research by exploring fashion through the lens of a secondary art medium: the postcard. Each postcard reflects the values and social norms of its cultural origin, picturing the “best” that a person, place, or thing was perceived to offer. Each pictured subject is chosen for a postcard because they--and their dress--were believed to be the ideal embodiment of their ethnic community. Understanding this insight, this project visually analyzes relevant postcards to help illuminate the history of ethnic diversity in American fashion. These postcards ultimately indicate a narrative of white cultural dominance with varied oppressions and few social progressions, which can be witnessed through specific fashion examples, like the “afro” hairstyle.

Keywords: fashion, representation, ethnicity, postcard, history

BIO

My name is Elaina Huerta and I am from St. Petersburg Florida! My main focus in research is helping children with communication disorders, and I am planning on becoming a Speech Language Pathologist! I am currently doing research with Dr. Farquharson with coaching teachers in language elicitation strategies and using print referencing in the TALES 2.0 lab. I wish to gain as much knowledge as possible through research and furthermore use it within my field.

Training Assistants in Language Elicitation Strategies (TALES)- Print Referencing for Pre-school Children with Speech and Language Delays

Abstract

Have you ever wondered why children with disabilities fall behind in reading? This question is very universal in today's world, and nobody knows the true answer. It can vary between each child, and what kind of disability they have. However, one way to enhance the improved of understanding print while they read is the teachers themselves reading to the child in class. Emphasizing print and word knowledge can furthermore increase reading comprehension with significant results. Another way in engaging a child with a disability to learn is through the teacher's interactive behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine how teachers engage in reading through print referencing and to train them on language elicitation strategies with preschool children with language delays. Language elicitation is defined as obtaining knowledge of language from another person. Print referencing is simply referencing the difference in print in a book to an audience while reading aloud. After further examination, we can positively say that there is a significant increase in the children's reading ability and language abilities as well. This is due to the teacher increasingly getting better each time she read and practiced by helping recognize print and word knowledge with children.

Keywords: elaina, speech, language, books, print

BIO

Ben is a first-year student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience at Florida State University. He serves as an undergraduate research assistant for the recovery ally program within the Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW). As a research assistant within the CRP, he has gained insight into the importance of peer support during recovery and the need to destigmatize recovery. Throughout his undergraduate experience, he plans to continue to work to end stigmas about substance use and recovery among college students. His career goals include becoming a physician where he can continue to serve as an ally for the recovery community.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Recovery Ally Programs: Preliminary Evidence From a First Year Pilot

Abstract

Students engage in risky and unhealthy behaviors involving substance (mis)use that can negatively impact their lives. Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) combat this by promoting supportive environments. Living Intentionally, Finding Togetherness (LIFT) is the CRP at Florida State University (FSU) designed to support students in recovery from addiction or substance use disorders, including dismantling stigmas surrounding recovery. Individuals in recovery experience stigma which brings them feelings of shame in a time of need (Luoma et. al, 2007). The Recovery Ally Program (RAP) is an outreach pathway by LIFT that teaches self-monitoring around addictive behaviors and addresses stigmas about the recovery community by encouraging conversations regarding substance (mis)use among peers. This presentation describes our implementation process using a student-centered approach, evaluation, and directions for scaling.

Keywords: health and wellness, collegiate recovery

BIO

Allison Bloski is a Junior majoring in Social Work! She hopes to work in child welfare in the future. She is interested and substance use and misuse and the systems that affect people in recovery. Currently, she is a research assistant with the LIFT Program, Assistant Director of Events for the Student Alumni Association, Community Outreach for the Student Association of Social Workers, and on FSU Club Softball.

Using Challenge Course Education in Recovery Ally Programs

Abstract

The Recovery Ally Challenge Course was delivered to students in a fraternity at a large southeastern public 4-year institution.
The program provided participants with an experiential learning activity with debrief questions that connected the process of recovery to physical activity in an effort to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery.
The activity in this project focused on supporting students to develop skills needed for assessing their substance-using behaviors and forming recovery-friendly environments through critical self-reflection and problem-solving activities.
This presentation will report on the implementation process, evaluation methods, and directions for scaling.

Keywords: collegiate recovery, challenge course education, recovery ally programs

BIO

I'm an international student from Turkey and a sophomore at Florida State University. My major is Advertising, and my research interests include culture, the media and its impacts, as well as what contributes to post-graduation and career success.

Landing That Job: A Study of Communication Graduates, Contacts, and Careers

Abstract

The time period following college graduation marks a significant transition in an individual’s life and often involves searching for full-time employment. Beyond simply finding a job at all, an important aspect of someone’s job search involves finding a career that they love. By reviewing literature in the field and conducting interviews with recent college graduates, this project defines what is considered to be a “great job” and examines the factors that lead to success in securing one. The factors explored fall into four areas: academic performance, extracurricular activities, networking, and internships or part-time employment. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling method (all were graduates of Florida State University’s School of Communication) and were asked a series of questions regarding their satisfaction with their current job, involvements in their undergraduate career, and what they thought helped them stick out to employers the most. Our findings consistently showed that internship experience provided the most relevant experience for their respective career paths and was also viewed as the most important area (of those studied) for landing a job.

Keywords: Communication

BIO

I’m a Florida native from St. Petersburg with a special interest in wildlife biology. Through my research, I learned a lot about the field of animal behavior specifically sexual selection and the wide range of factors that influence this process in Lance-Tailed Manakins. In the future I envision myself studying animal behavior further in other systems and ultimately helping with research that will inform conservation policy and management. Additionally, I envision myself applying the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired to study Marine Megafauna, do fieldwork in biodiverse regions such as Central and South America, and help to educate the general public.

Female Lance-Tailed Manakin Behaviors: Bill Swipes and Copulation Solicitation Displays

Abstract

Courtship displays are a behavior exhibited by males of many species to
attract females. Studies on passerine birds such as the Brown Headed
Cowbird have utilized a behavior known as copulation solicitation displays
(CSDs) to study female interest in specific courtship stimuli (O’Loghlen et. al.
2012). To investigate whether female interest in male courtship displays
predicts their likelihood of copulating with the male, I recorded copulation
solicitation displays by female lance-tailed manakins. The aim of this study
was to test whether copulation solicitation displays predict successful
copulations. We found that copulation solicitation displays were rare in this
system but most copulations are preceded by copulation solicitation
displays. This project helps us to better understand how female lance-tailed
manakins communicate with male lance-tailed manakins during courtship
displays.

Keywords: animal behavior, mate choice, sexual selection, ecology

BIO

My name is Mario Velo, I am a third year Biochemistry major from Miami, FL. I plan on attending medical school after graduating. Fun fact about me, I'm a big Real Madrid fan and hope to attend a match at the Santiago Bernabéu one day.

CO2 production and O2 consumption of the nuisance macroalgae Sargassum on the beach and in nearshore waters

Abstract

The macroalgae Sargassum sp. threatens Florida and Caribbean sandy beaches where it accumulates in large piles, polluting beach and water and deterring tourists. This research aims to quantify the rate at which sargassum degrades through gas dynamics in moisture-saturated air (as on the beach surface) and air-saturated seawater (as in the nearshore waters). The working hypothesis was that the degradation rates in air and seawater are low but similar. To test this hypothesis, two laboratory experiments used air- and water filled gas-tight reaction jars, with known volume, respectively, were conducted to determine the degradation rates through changes in the oxygen consumption rates and carbon dioxide production rates. The results reveal relatively high degradation rates, with rates in moist air exceeding that in air-saturated seawater. Coastal managers can use these rates for planning clean up procedures suitable to best protect the environment and coastal economies.

Keywords: degradation Algae CO2 O2 consumption