BIO

Hello, my name is Alyson Martinez and I am a second year Psychology student here at Florida State University. I am from Boca Raton, Florida. My research interests include different aspects of social psychology such as attitudes, relationships, group interactions and stereotyping and prejudice. My career goals include becoming a lawyer, either in criminal or family law.

Civil Courage in Action: Identifying the Courageous Women in the Rosenstrasse Protest

Abstract

During the time of the Nazi regime, interfaith marriages, especially between Jewish men and non-Jewish women, were outlawed. As the Gestapo increased their power in the city of Berlin, over 7000 Jewish men were arrested. At the end of February and beginning of March of 1943, hundreds of non-Jewish wives initiated the Rosenstrasse Protest, in an act of civil courage to save their Jewish husbands from being deported and killed. This protest continued for several weeks as women to fought for their husbands’ release. Because of the overwhelming growth and power of the protest, the detained Jewish men were eventually released. The courageous acts of their wives and family members have often gone unspoken about and their genealogical pasts are forgotten. To commemorate these courageous acts and bring to light the familial connections, our research team has assembled a genealogical database accompanied by a series of biographies. This database begins with protesters from the Rosenstrasse Protest, cases of intermarriage, civil courage, and women’s resistance. Their connections are built as the rest of their genealogy and family history are compiled. Once completed, the comprehensive database and the accompanying biographies will (a) be used to further contribute to the historical studies of Germany during the Nazi regime and (b) serve as an online resource for descendants to find lost family records and build their own genealogical history.

Keywords: Resistance, Rosenstrasse Protest, Civil Courage, Women, Hitler and Nazi Germany.

BIO

As a computer science student, I have always found interest in the ways that technology can push society forward to achieve bigger and better goals. A few of the areas that I strive to learn more about are the growing field of artificial intelligence, computer graphics, as well as general high-efficiency programming. Outside of technology, I love to express myself creatively through video editing and other creative efforts. One of the ways I believe technology could aid society is by creating more powerful tools for artists to express themselves more clearly.

Artificial Intelligence As Tools for Artists

Abstract

The use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) image synthesis has developed rapidly within the past few years. Our goal in this study was to understand whether or not these new technologies are a necessary skill for future artists to utilize and understand. We employed Stable Diffusion, a recently developed model that utilizes generative adversarial networks to produce high-quality images based on text or image prompts. Our study further explored how the generated images can be utilized in more complex production chains. This included generating holographic animations with a Looking Glass device as well as stereoscopic imagery for virtual reality headsets. We were able to produce visually pleasing results through our use of these various technologies that would have been incapable without their existence. However, we found that the generated imagery is heavily dependent on one’s ability to create thorough prompts tailored towards each model. Apart from that, the generated images provide lots of utility as inspiration or reference material for artists’ other creative ventures. Overall, we feel that A.I. image synthesis has vast potential as a versatile tool that artists can use to achieve various artistic goals. As well, that prompt engineering is a skill that many artists should learn to utilize effectively moving forward.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Image Synthesis, Stable Diffusion, Art

BIO

I grew up exploring Florida's central-western coast and have since had a love for all things marine. I am now a junior double-majoring in Environmental Science and Geography and minoring in Psychology and, since coming to FSU, have become a member of WIMSE (The Society of Women in Math, Science, and Engineering), vice president of FSU's Seminole SCUBA Club, and an AAUS-certified scientific diver. I have talents and experience in lab- and field-based research, SCUBA, and science communications. I have fed and trained sea turtles in an aquarium, measured gas exchange in the beaches in the Florida Keys, and run tracer dyes through columns of sediment to understand the movement of organic matter in sands. I am interested in many different aspects of ocean science, ranging from the coasts to the big blue open water. I hope to one day combine my skills in SCUBA and research and my passion for science communications to contribute to ocean conservation and teach others about the wonderful world of water.

Chromatographic Separation of Dissolved Organic Matter in Water-Saturated Tidal Beach Sands

Abstract

Coastal nutrient enrichment causes massive macro- (Sargassum sp.) and microalgae (e.g. Karenia sp.) blooms that are washed onto Florida sandy beaches where they impair shore ecosystems and coastal economies. The algae is soon buried in the sediment, eventually degrading. During the decomposition process, a variety of dissolved organic substances are produced. When transported by tidal porewater flows through the beach sand, these organic substances interact with the sediment mineral matrix, which may lead to different transport velocities depending on the chemical characteristics of the organic substances. Such differences can lead to separation and concentration of dissolved organic substances, accelerating degradation. Since this process has not been investigated, we conducted an experiment to better understand the movement of the dissolved substances through beach sands.
The set-up consisted of two sand-filled columns: one fine silicate, the other fine carbonate. The columns were connected to an infusion pump that pumped water at defined fluid front velocity (5mL/h) through the sands. A first run with water containing organic dye revealed dissolved organic substance penetration velocity ranges for the two sand types. After all dye had exited the column (twelve 5mL samples/column, run time 11h), samples were run through a spectrophotometer to determine the peak times of absorption of dye. Findings show that red dye separated into pink and blue dye fractions while passing through the sands. The next step is to repeat this process using natural pigments.

Keywords: algae, coastal, spectrum

BIO

My name is Ashley Dempster and I am currently a sophomore here at FSU. My hometown is Panama City, FL. I am also currently minoring in Communications and Law & Philosophy with hopes to continue on to law school.

Representation of Women in Female-Directed Bollywood Films

Abstract

Movies are a form of cultural production that not only represent the environments they come from, but also influence cultural conceptions and understandings themselves. Therefore, the way in which female characters are represented reflects on both Indian society at large as well as the changing dynamics of the film industry. Compared to their male peers, female directors are underrepresented in Bollywood, and as a result, there may be differences in how female directors portray gender on screen. This study explores whether women directors influence how female characters are portrayed in film by analyzing the representation, presentation, and presence of female characters in Bollywood films directed by women. However, investigating a subject of the such scope needs to be broken down in order to draw more concrete quantitative data. Using a method known as “coding”, this project went through each speaking female character in selected Bollywood films, noting things such as their demographic makeup, clothing, gendered behavior, and the way they interact with other women. The coding process was done multiple times per character to ensure the reliability of the data. Although the study is still ongoing, the investigation of films completed so far has resulted in notable preliminary results. 

Keywords: film, Bollywood, female directors, female representation, India

BIO

Sofia is a sophomore at Florida State from Miami, Florida who has been working alongside mentor Dr. Sindy Chapa as UROP student for the past school year. She is involved in the College of Business where most of her interests lie, but finds a creative outlet through research on topics she finds interesting that do not necessarily go hand in hand with what she is studying. Along with two other UROP students, Sofia has been able to explore the affects of Hispanic Marketing campaigns targeted towards Hispanic consumers and learn more about the future of the industry and this market in specific.

Calculating the Effectiveness of Integrated Hispanic Marketing Campaigns

Abstract

The research project explores which type of Hispanic-targeted advertisements, digital or televised, are more effective on Hispanic consumers. Three (3) integrated marketing campaigns that specifically target Hispanic consumers were examined: Mcdonald's, Mattress Firm, and Walmart. Concurrently, interviews with account planners, account directors, and creative teams were performed. Preliminary findings suggest a positive relationship between Hispanic consumers' responses to Hispanic advertisements that utilize different modes of media versus just one, as it emphasizes the importance of using cultural cues and bilingual elements. In addition, companies that employed and prioritized a social media aspect in their campaigns were more effective in connecting with Hispanic consumers; thus, companies that highlight the convenience and efficiency of the shopping experience process of the brand tend to perform more profitably. As well as increasing engagement, social media reaches the gap between accessibility and economically feasible advertisements.

Keywords: Hispanic, Marketing, Consumers

BIO

My name is Patrick DeMarco. I am a first-year Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Major.

Resistance Training Modulation of Fat Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women with Obesity

Abstract

- Participants will undergo 12 weeks of either resistance or endurance training and both their regional lipolytic activity and whole-body fat metabolism will be assessed before and after the exercise training.
- Our study hopes to yield results that will have implications on improving health guidelines to prevent diabetes and other metabolism related disorders in postmenopausal women.
- Our hypothesis is that both resistance and endurance training will have positive impacts on fat metabolism by increasing lipolytic flexibility.

Keywords: Resistance Training, Obesity, Fat Metabolism, Postmenopausal

BIO

Anna Nguyen is a senior majoring in Public Health. Her hometown is Rockledge FL, located in the Space Coast of Florida. As a Public Health major, her passions lie in research that reduces health disparities in underserved populations. Currently, her research focuses on mental health within the collegiate population, which is a personal topic to her and many of her peers. In the future, Anna would like to further her education by obtaining an MPH/JD degree, with her long-term career goal being to work in health law and conduct public health law research.

Differences in Telehealth and In-Person College Counseling

Abstract

The 2019 COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to declines in collegiate mental health and caused changes in how universities operate their campus counseling services, with most universities’ counseling centers switching to telehealth delivery methods (Reay et al., 2020). The aim of this project is to examine the typical treatment dosage of two different campus counseling delivery methods: in-person counseling and telehealth counseling. It will also aim to determine the differences in collegiate mental health outcomes between patients who received treatment in person, and those who received treatment via telehealth. Data will come from a large southeast university’s counseling center, from two different time points: Fall 2018 (n=1,328) and Fall 2020 (n=1,080). Treatment dosage data will be examined by analyzing how the frequency clients came to the university counseling center. This study will also utilize The Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-34 (CCAPS-34) test scores from counseling center clients to compare student mental health outcomes. Based on early analysis there were more students seeking in-person campus counseling services prior to COVID-19 during Fall of 2018 (n=1,328) when compared to seeking telehealth services during COVID-19 of Fall 2020 (n=1,080). Overall, the goal of this paper is to aid and support universities in their efforts towards positive collegiate mental health, as they decide the best counseling delivery methods to implement in their institutions.

Keywords: public health, mental health, counseling

BIO

My name is Taylor Waddell, and I am a second year honors student at Florida State University. I am majoring in economics and political science, with an interest in pursuing a law degree. I am from Panama City, FL where I enjoy their beautiful beaches, and in my opinion, the best sunsets in Florida. I enjoy working out, hanging with my friends, cooking, and reading. Here at FSU I am a member and sisterhood chair of the Delta Zeta sorority, the social chair of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, I work with Forward FSU, I am in the Honors Program, and I have an internship with the Chief Financial Officer of Florida. My research is on exploring perceived benefits of incarceration among a sample of incarcerated men with substance abuse.

COLLATERAL BENEFITS? EXPLORING PERCEIVED BENEFITS OF INCARCERATION AMONG A SAMPLE OF INCARCERATED MEN WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Abstract

This research study works to understand the perceived benefits of incarceration, in dealing with inmates who suffer from substance use disorders (SUD). Substance abuse is defined as the overindulgence in or dependence on addictive substances, especially alcohol, or drugs. The US has the highest rates of incarceration among countries, with extremely high rates of recidivism as well. Recidivism is defined as the tendency for a convicted criminal to re-offend. Contributing to recidivism is SUDs, which around 65% of incarcerated individuals have. Counter to popular stigmas, what are-if any- benefits to incarceration that prisoners with SUDs perceive? In-depth, interviews were conducted with 88 incarcerated men, who all struggled with SUDs. Through iterative team-based coding, using the software NVivo, common themes regarding the prisoner’s experiences were identified within the transcripts. Early themes that have emerged such as that the prisoners were able to have extended time sober/abstinent from drugs, their ability to clearly reflect and think on their life choices, their time to develop relationships within the friendships, the time to keep up with their outside world relationships, and to overall be able to work on themselves. It is important to understand these perceived benefits of incarceration as they shed light on the challenges that these men faced prior to their incarceration. Incarceration provides resources, relationships, and time that inmates would not have received if they had not been incarcerated. These perceived benefits give us insight into how we can work to better our prison systems and in turn reduce recidivism rates.

Keywords: criminology

BIO

Michaela Galligan is a first-year student at Florida State University with a major in political science and a minor in communications. She is from Clearwater, Florida and has a strong passion for political and media research and one day hopes to have a career in political media and correspondence.

Reassessing How Media Cover Climate Change and the Environment

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, polarization regarding environmental issues has reflected growing political divisions 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 studies work have demonstrated that conservative media is more likely to be on the opposing spectrum when tailoring towards the environment compared to 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 significant issues such as 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, we hand code transcripts between 1990 and 2021 based on various key variables to assess the tonality of news coverage (e.g. CNN and Fox News). 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. Exploring the frames of how partisan-leaning media targets its viewers’ opinions is crucial to overcoming confirmation bias, as well as revealing effective communication strategies for politicians and educators alike to increase support for political action on environmental issues.  

Keywords: political science

BIO

My name is Lara and I am originally from Brazil, but I currently live in the Tampa Bay area. This is my first year at FSU and I am studying political science, and I am considering minoring in sociology or philosophy. I am part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity program here at FSU, which has allowed me to work as a research assistant in Dr.McCreary's "Can 8 Wait? A Review of Police Use of Force Policies in Florida" research project. I love being involved in research, and I am definitely interested in continuing my involvement in research at FSU and later completing Honors in the Major.

Can 8 Wait? A Review of Police Use of Force Policies in Florida

Abstract

The project seeks to answer the question, does the presence of '8 Can't Wait' policies in law enforcement protocols decrease incidents of police use-of-force? This project conducts a systematic review of police use-of-force policies across different city and county police jurisdictions in Florida, collected via email and public records requests. It evaluates which jurisdictions have adopted the “8 Can’t Wait” policy proposals, as well as an additional policy mandating the provision of emergency medical services in the event of physical harm. Once this systematic review is complete, an analysis will be done for possible statistical correlations between policies and reported incidents of police use-of-force, as well as any demographic trends in the areas where policies have been adopted.

Keywords: policing, justice, geography

BIO

Hey guys, I am a freshman accounting major from Chicago, Illinois. I have done and enjoyed doing research regarding the accounting industry, technology, and environmental pollution. I hope to continue learning more about the accounting industry as I continue doing research. I hope to graduate in three years and start early on my master's degree in accounting. Then, I will work to get my CPA certification and attain a partner level in a big firm.

After Integration – The Career Progression of Females and Minorities in Accounting

Abstract

Prior research has shown that there is currently a shortage of accountants and less diversity in accounting than in other business professions. In this study, we take the prior research further by focusing on diversity in accounting as well as other majors, allowing us to compare the two. There is currently very little research on this topic, so we want to look at why the accounting major has less diversity than other business majors. We will be gathering information about academic career choice, initial job choice, and career progression of accounting and other business school alumni through a survey that will be sent to alumni of FSU and other business schools. The data we collect will allow us to test our hypotheses and answer our research question “Do the career choices and progression of female and minority accountants differ from those of white male accountants and those of female and minority business professionals other than accounting?” We are still in the process of creating the survey we intend to send out and will be sending it out in April.

Keywords: Accounting Minorities Women Careers

BIO

I'm currently a sophomore studying finance with an internship lined up in Jacksonville. I am also a Seneff Scholar, a member of the COB SLC, and an intern for the consulting group.

The effect of signage language upon customer opinion in commercial business

Abstract

Background: The subconscious effects of signage is a topic that has yet to be studied. Through the fluctuation of grammar and writing mechanics, signs were developed to convey a certain message. Implementation of signs has been shown to affect customer attraction; however, it is unknown as to why and how signage impacts customer opinion. Understanding the implications of how signage is perceived is instrumental in creating signs in an efficient manner.
Methods: To analyze how people react to different signage and signs, a survey was created on Qualtrics to be sent out to 100 students. Dr. Brady’s intro to marketing class has a required section where all students must have completed three online surveys to receive full credit. Our survey will be a part of many surveys sent out to FSU business students within the next following months. The survey will include photos of different signage and participants will have to give there honest feedback between the options provided. There will be multiple-choice options and the survey won’t take longer than 5 minutes. The participant’s name, age, gender, and major will be asked at the end of the survey.
Results: With over 100 possible data points, we are presuming that there will be a sign that is favored by majority respondents. With the data given, we will be able to see how Gen Z reacts to or listens to better signage.

Keywords: Signage, Customer Opinion, Surveys

BIO

My name is Elias and I am a psychology major. I plan to attend graduate school but I have not narrowed in on a Ph.D. program. My academic interests within the field of psychology range from mental health, education, social psychology, and prejudice. I am eager to gain experience and am interested in pursuing further research at the undergraduate level.

Examining Cultural Sensitivity for Mindfulness Meditations for Chinese American Youth

Abstract

The rise of Asian hate has exacerbated already existing distress among Chinese American Adolescents (CAA). Research has demonstrated the positive impact of mindfulness meditation on adolescents. However, there exists a gap in research surrounding cultural sensitivity and mindfulness meditations in CAA. Cultivating a culturally sensitive meditation (either brief meditation or long meditation), means facilitating specific cultural, linguistic, and developmental characteristics within the meditation. By examining cultural sensitivity in CAA we hope to strengthen mindfulness meditation for CAA as well as apply new ways to further define cultural sensitivity for other cultural groups. We surveyed 20 CAA ages 14-18 from the Boston area and Florida panhandle and encompassed different socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants were asked to review a series of mindful meditation videos (What is Mindfulness, Hello Breath: Listen, 3-Minute Breathing Space, Feel Calm and Relaxed, Experience Mindfulness) and were asked questions pertaining to cultural sensitivity, age-appropriate content, colors, music, and narration. Results indicated a mostly positive response from the CAA participants in the categories of culturally sensitive content, colors, narration, and music. There was a slightly negative response within some of the videos surrounding age-appropriate content as well as characters. Reviewers were given an opportunity to suggest improvements to each video, which were used to better refine cultural sensitivity within the context of this study. The results of the study are being used to develop the RRE (Relax, Reflect, Empower) app. This mobile application will help combat stress and depression amongst CAA.

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity, Mental Health

BIO

I am a second-year Biological Science and Environmental Science student from Clearwater, FL. My research interests include intertidal coastal and estuarine ecosystems and their connections with the human communities that interact with them. I am excited to continue working with the Breithaupt lab and work to investigate the current state of intertidal oyster reefs within Apalachicola Bay in the future.

Cross Coast Comparison: How do intertidal oyster reefs in Apalachicola Bay compare to live, dead, and restored reefs in Mosquito Lagoon, FL?

Abstract

The Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) acts as a keystone species within Apalachicola Bay fulfilling roles ranging from habitat creation to nutrient cycling. Intertidal oyster reefs within the region have starkly declined over the past decade; however, the effects of this decline on their functionality as biogeochemical hotspots has been minimally studied. This preliminary investigation aims to determine the concentrations, or stocks, of key chemical constituents that comprise intertidal oyster reefs within East Cove, a site in Apalachicola Bay containing 217,405 m2 (or 54 acres) of intertidal oyster reefs. A 55 cm core was collected and sectioned into 1 cm depth intervals to determine sediment stocks (calcium carbonate, organic matter, nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus). The concentrations from East Cove were then compared with healthy, restored, and live reefs from Mosquito Lagoon, FL. Preliminary results indicate that the concentrations of these constituents are low (TN=0.656 mg g-1, OM=29.3 mg g-1), but comparable to those found in dead reefs in other regions (TN= 0.775 ± 0.53 mg g-1, OM= 61.8 ± 31.9 mg g-1). However, the bulk density of the sampled reef (BD = 0.331 g cm-3) was dramatically lower than all Mosquito Lagoon Reefs (BD = 1.126 ± 0.775 g cm-3). Bulk density describes the quantity of reef sediment in a given area; therefore, it is crucial to understand the factors influencing these differences in potentially similar reefs. Explanations for these differences in bulk densities require further investigation and core samples from East Cove and other sites within Apalachicola Bay.

Keywords: oyster, bay, biogeochemistry, Apalachicola, FSU-CML

BIO

I am a second-year student planning to graduate this summer, 2023. I am going to complete my master's in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling here at FSU College of Education over the next two years and I plan to focus my research on non-traditional approaches to therapy. I specifically want to research early-life trauma and family-related trauma, and how those experiences can affect a person later on in life. I expect to apply to Doctoral programs upon the completion of my Master's and open up a private practice.

Sexual Scripts and Affirmative Consent

Abstract

This pilot study includes a sample from the emerging adult demographic and tests a series of hypotheses that investigate the relationship between social/sexual script use and adherence to affirmative consent standards. Specifically, this study aimed to distinguish between the general tendency to use scripts and the use of a particular script (Traditional Social Exchange Ideology). Exploratory analyses were also run regarding attitudes toward hooking up. There were two statistically significant findings from this research: A negative direct relationship between Traditional Social Exchange Ideology and Affirmative Consent Adherence and a positive, direct relationship between Cognitive Flexibility and Affirmative Consent Adherence.

Keywords: Script, Consent, Hookup, Cognitive flexibility, Social Exchange

BIO

Kaylee Parizo is a 2nd-year student at Florida State University from Miami, Florida. She is majoring in criminology and biochemistry. After undergraduate school, she plans on going to graduate school and eventually pursuing a career in forensic science.

Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide on Corpus Cavernosum Function following Testosterone Deprivation​

Abstract

Testosterone plays a major role in penile structure and function. As men age, many experience a decrease in testosterone production, which correlates to an increase in Erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection satisfactory for sexual performance.4 It is often associated with other underlying health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is the inability of the testes in producing testosterone.4 Research has found that lowered levels of testosterone can lead to an increase in oxidative stress which then decreases nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels.1,2 These two are important gasotransmitters that mediate relaxation. Current research has shown H2S has vasorelaxant properties and its production is stimulated by testosterone.2 However, there is no evidence of its effects on ED in a model deprived of testosterone.Our research project aims to assess penile function following treatment with two H2S-enriched diets in mice deprived of testosterone via castration. Function will be measured through myograph experiments with various dilators and constrictors. We hypothesize that H2S treatment in mice deprived of testosterone will experience more relaxation and less constriction than the non-treated castrated group.

Keywords: testosterone, endothelial function, Hydrogen sulfide

BIO

Florida State University CO'25

The effect of signage language upon customer opinion in commercial businesses

Abstract

Background: The subconscious effects of signage is a topic that has yet to be studied. Through the fluctuation of grammar and writing mechanics, signs were developed to convey a certain message. Implementation of signs has been shown to affect customer attraction; however, it is unknown as to why and how signage impacts customer opinion. Understanding the implications of how signage is perceived is instrumental in creating signs in an efficient manner.
Methods: To analyze how people react to different signage and signs, a survey was created on Qualtrics to be sent out to 100 students. Dr. Brady’s intro to marketing class has a required section where all students must have completed three online surveys to receive full credit. Our survey will be a part of many surveys sent out to FSU business students within the next following months. The survey will include photos of different signage and participants will have to give there honest feedback between the options provided. There will be multiple-choice options and the survey won’t take longer than 5 minutes. The participant’s name, age, gender, and major will be asked at the end of the survey.
Results: With over 100 possible data points, we are presuming that there will be a sign that is favored by majority respondents. With the data given, we will be able to see how Gen Z reacts to or listens to better signage.

Keywords: Signage, Customer opinion, Retail marketing

BIO

Kayla Patel is currently a junior majoring in Marketing with a minor in Psychology. She is currently working working on the 4th Edition of the Hispanic Marketing Textbook under Dr. Sindy Chapa to explore how different marketing techniques/ campaigns have an affect on the Hispanic community.

Calculating the Effectiveness of Integrated Hispanic Marketing Campaigns

Abstract

The research project explores which type of Hispanic-targeted advertisements, digital or televised, is more effective on Hispanic consumers. Three (3) integrated marketing campaigns that specifically target Hispanic consumers were examined: Mcdonald's, Mattress Firm, and Walmart. Concurrently, interviews with account planners, account directors, and creative teams were performed. Preliminary findings suggest a positive relationship between Hispanic consumers' responses to Hispanic advertisements that utilize different modes of media versus just one, as it emphasizes the importance of using cultural cues and bilingual elements. In addition, companies that employed and prioritized a social media aspect in their campaigns were more effective in connecting with Hispanic consumers; thus, companies that highlight the convenience and efficiency of the shopping experience process of the brand tend to perform more profitably. As well as increasing engagement, social media reaches the gap between accessibility and economically feasible advertisements.

Keywords: Hispanic Marketing Campaigns

BIO

Hi! My name is Sabrina Somai and I am a sophomore majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience. I am originally from New Jersey, but currently live in Ocala, FL. I am very interested in pursuing medicine in the future. My research interests involve mild cognitive impairments in older adults, aging, and neuroscience.

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, diet, sleep, older adults

BIO

Hi! My name is Josh Briley and I am from Palm Bay, FL. Outside of conducting research I often enjoy practicing my trumpet or going for a run. Last semester I was lucky enough to be a part of the Marching Chiefs and perform at every home football game!

I hope to one day be able to work in data science or ML technology in tandem with performing and teaching music.

Predicting Fire Dynamics Using a Convolutional Neural Network

Abstract

This project seeks to create a Machine Learning (ML) model using a Convolutional Neural Network that can accurately predict fire spread and fire dynamics. A physical model to predict fire dynamics was created on MATLAB as a control/comparison to the ML model that was created and run through a Python Script and TensorFlow. Datasets were created using the MATLAB model that was then submitted to the High-Performance Computing center to create 6,000 datasets. These datasets were then divided into 85% to be used for training the ML model, and 15% being reserved for testing the model. While testing and alterations to the model are ongoing, it has been proven that (to a certain degree of accuracy) a ML model can predict fire dynamics and spread. Therefore, with this knowledge it is reasonable to assume that a further developed ML model could more accurately predict fire dynamics on a large-scale, aiding in decisions on evacuation and fire extinguishing plans.

Keywords: Machine Learning Fire Dynamics