BIO

Aloha, my name is Thomas Lockhart, I am from Hilo, Hawaii, and I am currently a sophomore at Florida State University as a chemical engineering major. Through the UROP program, I was able to take part in a research project as a research assistant to Kylie E. Van Meter and was exposed to the numerous components of research from experimenting, data processing, and presenting. This experience inspired me to continue participating in undergraduate research and pursue a future graduate degree in chemical engineering. I enjoy exploring what Tallahassee and Florida have to offer in my future in both education and career. Although Florida is far from home, the beaches and the outdoors have never ceased to remind me of home.

The Effects of Substrate Bias Voltage on the Tribological Properties of Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer-Deposited Nitride Thin Films

Abstract

Plasma Enhanced-Atomic Layer deposition (PE-ALD) is a method of creating thin films (<100 nm) through self-limiting chemical surface reactions. During the deposition process, parameters such as substrate bias voltage can have a significant impact on the material properties of the films. The purpose of this project is to determine the correlation between the radiofrequency voltage applied to the substrate during deposition and the films’ tribological properties. The samples used in this project are Titanium Vanadium Nitride films (TiVN) layered onto a silicon wafer substrate. It was predicted that the higher the voltage used, the smaller the wear rate up until the properties plateau, as seen in other material systems. The samples were created using radiofrequency plasma at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 Volts. These samples were tested in a linearly reciprocating tribometer in a Nitrogen gas environment to limit any potential chemical reactions with the atmosphere. Friction data was recorded via tribometer, while the wear rate was calculated using surface scans. The data reflects that the 5V and 10V samples had fairly high wear rates and friction coefficients, while the 20V sample had the lowest steady-state wear rate and the second-lowest friction coefficient, the 30V sample reflected slightly higher properties than the 20V, the 40V sample had the highest steady-state wear rate yet the lowest friction coefficient. While this result does align with earlier predictions further research is required to determine why radiofrequency voltages above 20V negatively affect the friction coefficient and wear rates of PE-ALD TiVN thin films.

Keywords: Thin Films, Tribology, Material Science

BIO

I am a sophomore majoring in biology and I am working towards becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. I'm originally from Fort Pierce Florida. I hope to present the research that my group has conducted in a professional manner.

Post Traumatic Growth and Mental Health after Cardiovascular Events and Procedures

Abstract

Background: Depression is a well-established comorbidity of heart disease (HD) and is more prevalent in women than in men. Few studies have examined the gender effect on depression in patients with advanced heart disease prior to open heart surgery (OHS), controlling for cardiac indices. Previous studies indicated the health benefit of optimism but often lacked adjustment for medical confounders. This interdisciplinary study investigated gender differences in pre-OHS depression and the role of medical comorbidities and strength factors. Method: Two waves of survey data were collected from 481 patients (mean age = 62, female 42%) along with medical indices in the Society of Thoracic Surgeon’s (STS) national database used by all US cardiac surgeons. Results: A t test showed significantly higher levels of pre-OHS depressive symptoms in women than in men. Depressive symptoms linked inversely with dispositional optimism and positively with medical comorbidities and religious/spiritual struggle, but not with any cardiac indices. A mediation analysis supported the role of comorbidities in the gender difference. Conclusion: Women with heart disease were more depressed, but the gender difference may be partly explained by multiple comorbid conditions that could complicate disease burden. Reinforcing the literature, optimism, but not other strength factors, appeared to counteract depression after adjusting for health and cardiac conditions. The finding suggests that health providers should be more attentive to overall health of women with heart disease and to the positive expectations of OHS patients.

Keywords: Mental Health, Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Surgery

BIO

I am from Jacksonville, FL, and am a Criminology student, with a minor in Child Development. I hope to get my Masters after undergrad, and then work within the juvenile justice field. My research interests include incarceration, policing, and children's issues.

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, Geography, Policy Analysis, Criminology

BIO

My name is Kaitlyn Ritt and I am a freshman at Florida State University from Tampa, Florida. I am majoring in exercise physiology on a pre-dental track and I am so excited to present the research that I have assisted with this year!

Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Improves Microvascular Blood Flow But Not Glucose Homeostasis in Response To A Meal

Abstract

Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to several health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The harmful effects of hyperglycemia are mainly due to the elevation of oxidative stress in the form of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can negatively impact cellular function and overall health. Previous studies have used indirect surrogates to assess oxidative stress; however, a novel microdialysis technique was used in this study to measure in-vivo production of ROS. Methods: A pre-post study design was implemented to determine if five days of 20 grams of CM supplementation could reduce the risk factors associated with endothelial dysfunction at rest and in response to a high carbohydrate or fat bolus in a range of individuals. Results: There was a significant increase in ROS concentrations after consuming a high carbohydrate or fat bolus post CM supplementation compared to pre. However, one participant with obesity displayed significant reductions in ROS concentrations post CM supplementation. Baseline and peak interstitial glucose were not different after CM supplementation than pre-CM supplementation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that CM supplementation may serve as a potent intervention to reduce ROS concentrations in a diseased population but not a healthy population.

Keywords: Creatine, Microvascular, Glucose

BIO

Hello everyone! My name is Jaime A. Garcia-Oliver, I'm from Miami, Florida and I am a student majoring in Biochemistry on a pre-medical track at Florida State University. During my time with the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, I worked alongside Dr. Michael Shatruk and Govind Sasi Kumar on their project of Hybrid Materials Based on 2D Materials and Molecular Magnets.

Investigation of the Structure and Properties of NbFeTe2 – A Layered Precursor to 2D Materials

Abstract

Magnetic 2D materials have strong potential for applications in next-generation spintronics and integrated circuits. Layered chalcogenides of niobium and tantalum have been well studied due to their exotic applications in superconductivity, anisotropic electrical conductivity, charge density waves, etc. In the present work, we focus on the ternary tellurides of niobium and tantalum with 3d transition metals. We investigate different aspects of these compounds, including their structure, magnetism, intercalation chemistry, and the influence of dimensionality on their electronic and magnetic properties. In this contribution, I demonstrate the synthesis of NbCoTe2, NbFeTe2, and NbCo0.6Fe0.4Te2, their crystal structures, and physical properties, as well as the influence of substitutions of other transition metals on the magnetic behavior of these materials.

Keywords: 2D Materials, Magnetism

BIO

My name is Sarah Bass and I am a Freshman at FSU majoring in Biology. I am from Highland Park, IL in the Chicago Area. My research interest is genetics; in particular I am interested in therapies for genetic disorders and cancers. My other research interests lie in Environmental Science and Evolution.

The Rosentrasse Protest: Interfaith Couples in Nazi Germany

Abstract

Between February and March 1943, a non-violent protest, known as the Rosenstraße (or Rosenstrasse) Protest, took place in Berlin, Germany. In 1943, the Gestapo was set on arresting the remaining ten thousand Jews left in Berlin, but two thousand of those Jews were married to non-Jewish people. In attempt to stop the arrest of their Jewish spouses, non-Jewish wives organized a protest outside of the building of the collection center on Rosenstrasse street, seeking for their husbands release. The demonstration caught the attention of the Reich Minister of Propaganda, Joseph Goebbels, who in attempt to regain public trust, ordered for the release of protestors’ loved ones. The protest was one of few examples of civil courage and widespread opposition to the Nazi regime during the Holocaust, showing the tenacity and bravery of these individuals. Such protest serves as a reminder of the complicated connections and circumstances that pervaded Jewish homes as well as specific dynamics within the Nazi regime that relied on public approval. To understand the complexity of Jewish identity during the Holocaust, and specifically the Rosenstrasse protest, it is important to research the lineage of the intermarried Jews and their families. Consequently allowing us to recognize those impacted by the Holocaust, especially those that are disregarded in conventional accounts. This research can then be used to highlight their families’ story.

Keywords: History, Holocaust, Protest, World War II

BIO

I am a freshman honors student at Florida State University majoring in pure mathematics with a minor in physics. I enjoy learning new math as well as learning about the pedagogical process of math education. I hope to earn a Master's and PhD in math and to be a professor at a research institution in the United States or Europe. I work in the Office of the Provost as part of the Accreditation Analytics team. I volunteer with USARKFL for the promotion of reptile keepers' rights.

Tiling Deficient Squares With L– and T– Tetrominoes

Abstract

We examine a subset of the tetrominoes that includes all rotational and reflective symmetries of L- and T-tetrominoes, and square regions with one square missing, called deficient square regions. We show that all deficient square regions of size n × n are tileable when n ≥ 7 and n is odd. We also show that some cases of deficient 3 × 3 and 5 × 5 regions are untileable with the chosen tile set.

Keywords: Math Tiling Tile Region Deficient

BIO

Hello, my name is Steven Johnson! I am a Tallahassee local who really enjoys science. I was drawn to optics when studying in physics and was delighted at the opportunity UROP created to join Dr. Ni's lab. I hope to excel in the area of optics for future use as an MD/PhD. This would allow me to combine my love for physiology, organic chemistry and physics. I would really like to eventually study better medical treatments for Endocrinology specifically in the pancreas whether that be cancer based or diabetic based. Since both have effected many of my family members lives, this and a desire to save lives have fueled my passion.

Nanoimaging of Superconductors

Abstract

In this lab, we will be using various nanoimaging, cryogenics, absorption, and photo conducting instruments to test three samples. The samples are bismuth bromide, bismuth Iodide, and tellurium oxide to test the superconductivity at very low, near 1 Kelvin temperatures. We know the bismuth bromide is a superconductor under high pressure Bi4Br4 which stabilizes the bond structure (Xiang Li, et al.). In our project we will try to see if electrons from our FIR laser will stabilize the bond structure instead of the high pressure. To continue on to their experiments we will see if bismuth iodide will work as well by studying the resistivity in the STM under cryogenic and low pressure conditions with the high current as well as bismuth bromide. We also decided to test the oxide of tellurium to see how it relates to aluminums’ oxidized state which acts as a buffer protecting the aluminum structure. Meanwhile in iron, the oxidation will erode the structure. The instruments we will be using are STM, TEM, FIR laser, and FTIR. This will allow us to view the structure, conductivity, and absorbance of light of our samples. By finding these more practical ways to create superconductors we can then get closer to a broader use for more efficient energy transfer.

Keywords: STM, nanoimaging, optics, physics

BIO

My name is Mariana Dos Santos and I am a junior majoring in International Affairs and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. In the future I plan to go to law school to study international law in hopes of becoming a humanitarian lawyer. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela but live in Miami, Florida.

Understanding the Influence of Governance on Higher Education Performance in Florida

Abstract

This study researches the influence of government in second education institutions in the state of Florida. By using data from the Postsecondary Education Data System, which includes information from the twelve public universities in Florida, this study examines the relationship between institutional performance and governance. Since Florida does not have a specific governance system, but rather a hybrid one, each public university has a unique governance structure which allows us to study their governance process. Additionally, by using Florida as a case study, it allows us to examine how the change in governmental structure in different universities affects the institutions' performance. This paper examines governmental processes and structure in order to see which is more effective in terms of performance. It also discusses which processes are more effective including top down, horizontal, or bottom-up governmental processes. By studying these structures of the government process, we are able to narrow down the efficiency of each structure. This paper is meant to provide theoretical contributions to the field of governmental studies by expanding literature to include the structure and processes of government. It also is meant to discuss government influence in terms of organization and its influence on institutions in the state of Florida.

Keywords: governance, influence, education

BIO

I am a first gen Colombian American undergraduate student from Deltona Florida. I am majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and am interested in a career in pharmaceuticals.

The Correlation Between Coloration and Aggression in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Genomes and their composition have many unknown characteristics but by using study systems such as Drosophila melanogaster, our lab has worked on expanding the knowledge of pleiotropy and applying that knowledge to expand on the concept of genetics. Analyzing the genetic correlation between behavioral aggression and melanin production amongst male Drosophila bridges the gap between genetics and color morphology, uniting genetics and its effects on behavior. By understanding the genetic pathway of the production of melanin and its inhibiting nature on the production of dopamine through melanogenesis leads to the hypothesis that darker pigmentation in Drosophila equates to higher levels of aggressive behaviors. Methods in our study include the conduction of behavioral trials testing for aggressive behaviors such as fencing, boxing, and lunging over multiple generations. Once trials have been conducted by utilizing image software such as ImageJ, our lab analyzes the color pigmentation of the model systems, interpreting the mean scale value of black and white pigmentation of the Drosophila thoracic trident; data collected is used to run statistical tests. Our results so far have shown a generational increase in melanin levels and aggressive behaviors. As we continue our studies in order to reject or fail to reject our hypothesis, we apply our findings to better understand psychological disorders in other organisms as well as the nature of pleiotropic traits.

Keywords: Pleiotropy, Genetics, Behavior

BIO

I immigrated to United States from Ukraine in 2015. My passions include playing rugby, volunteering as an Emergency Medical Responder for FSU Medical Response Unit, and doing research related to psychology. My career goal is to become a physician and specialize in family medicine or ophthalmology.

Loneliness, Commitment, Well-being, and the Role of Shared Time in Close Relationships

Abstract

In married heterosexual couples we can expect to see the following trends:
Wives who experience more stress spend less time with their husbands. However, the amount of stress experienced by husbands seems to be less correlated with the amount of time they share with their wives.
Wives who feel more satisfied with their marriage will likely spend more time with their husbands. On the other hand, husband’s satisfaction with the marriage has a lesser correlation with increased shared time.
Spending more time with their spouse can lead to lesser feelings of depression for women. Shared time seems to have the same effect for men, although the correlation is weaker.
In general, wives who experience depression will be less satisfied with their marriage. Husbands expressed a weaker correlation of the same trend.
Surprisingly, husbands who are more satisfied with their marriage tend to experience less anxiety. This also applies to wives, but to a lesser extent.

Keywords: Commitment, Loneliness, Shared Time, Well Being, Relationships

BIO

My name is Richard Gonzaga, and I am currently a freshman at Florida State University with an intended major in Nursing. An active member of the Honors program, Service Scholars program, and UROP, my goal is to graduate with a BSN and eventually earn an MSN at FSU.

Sounds of the Wonder City

Abstract

Across the world, music is a part of our lives. The sonic environment plays a big role in our whole environment, and this presence of "sonic environments" poses a question: How does sound affect the individual experience? "Sounds of the Wonder City" is a case study that builds upon this question with a great focus on how the city center of La Paz, Bolivia has fostered a sonic relationship with its residents. Along the way, research and literature review has revealed that behavioral, cognitive, and many other patterns exist in individuals exposed to music or specific sounds. Our project relies on ethnographic, musicological, and sound studies research to explore the relationship between an individual's sonic environment and their own personal values, choices, and identities.

Keywords: Sounds, Music, Environment, Bolivia

BIO

Zach Zimmerman is a first-year student at Florida State University and is from St. Charles, Missouri. He decided to move to Florida to further pursue his passion for the environment, especially aquatic life, hence his major being Environmental Science. He is interested in research that involves conservation and remediation of the environment but has a bias towards marine environments. He has felt gravitated towards the field of conservation since he was a kid, helping any insect or animal trapped in his house or injured in the wild. He has not yet decided exactly what career suits him best but is between conservation, high school education, and astronomy.

Environmental quality in the Fenholloway River, characterized by historic cellulose mill pollution and remediation

Abstract

The Fenholloway River, located in North Florida, has received cellulose mill effluent since the 1950s. Following remediation measures that improved the wastewater, the effluent discharge point was moved from upriver to the mouth of the river near the Gulf of Mexico coastline, potentially influencing the coastal system. Sediment samples were taken along the mouth of the river (and in the nearby Econfina River system as control) and into coastal habitats with the purpose of assessing changes in sedimentary ecosystem health in the summers of 2019, 2021, and 2022. Nematodes (roundworms) and copepods (a type of crustacean) are both microscopic organisms that live in aquatic systems worldwide and have demonstrated use as bioindicators. Nematodes and copepods were counted and their biomass was assessed; the nematode: copepod ratio was then used as an ecological index to assess spatial and temporal patterns. In addition to gathering biological data, environmental data (dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity) were extracted from the National Water Quality Monitoring Council for stations along both the Fenholloway and Econfina Rivers, to assess temporal and spatial patterns and variability which may have influenced the biota. While there was abundant abiotic data on the river system, there was a paucity of data for the mouth of the Fenholloway River (below 30 degrees North), highlighting the urgent need for environmental and biological monitoring of the river mouth and coastal systems now subject to industrial effluent.

Keywords: nematodes, copepods, abundance, environmental quality

BIO

Hi, my name's Ethan Yoon, and I'm a second-year political science major. This research project expanded my interest in environmental law, and I'm planning on getting a Master's in International Affairs here at FSU before going to law school. In law school I plan on studying international environmental law, and I hope to help create environmental legislation on an international scale in the future.

Ecosystem-Based Management Practices in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

This study examines the application of ecosystem-based management within resource management practices in the Gulf of Mexico by analyzing responses from the first dissemination of the NOAA RESTORE Science Program (hereafter referred to as the Science Program) “State of Resource Management Practices in the Gulf of Mexico” survey. The survey was distributed from February-May 2021 to 54 resource managers in the United States (U.S.) Gulf of Mexico region (hereafter referred to as the Gulf region) to gauge their familiarity with, and application of, ecosystem-based management (EBM). The goal of administering this survey is to develop a baseline understanding for how EBM is used and applied by resource managers in the Gulf region. Our effort provides foundational information on the application of EBM in the Gulf region and on the progress made towards the Science Program’s goal of improving the use and uptake of EBM throughout Gulf region resource management institutions.

Keywords: Gulf, Ecosystem, Environmental Management

BIO

Hello! My name is Eva Hasenhuttl and I am a senior here in the Honors College at Florida State University. I am majoring in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences, Clinical Professions, as well as completing a certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Outside of academics, I have been a research assistant for the past three years in a human science research lab, a medical assistant at TMH's Southern Medical Group for the past year, and an internal member of Dance Marathon at FSU for the past four years. After I graduate this coming August, I will be returning back home to Palm Beach, Florida to spend time with family, apply to Medical School, and participate in international aid abroad.

Correlations between glycocalyx quality, adipose tissue NOX activity, and adipose tissue microvascular blood flow

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in America. On the biological level, researchers have identified endothelial dysfunction as playing a key role in CVD development. Lining the interior portion of endothelial cells (ECs) are glycocalyx proteins, which protect the ECs from hyperglycemia and excessive shear stress from red blood cells. A low density of glycocalyx proteins has been associated with CVD, although low glycocalyx density may also occur in metabolic diseases. A main cause of endothelial dysfunction in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is high reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, it remains unclear if glycocalyx quality correlates with ROS production and markers of T2D risk other than increased blood glucose, such as plasma insulin and glycerol concentrations. In addition, glycocalyx function studies remain limited in humans.
Methods: We recruited young, healthy males and females between the ages of 18-45 years for testing. The Glycocheck system, a camera and computer analysis software duo, was used. The Glycocheck camera, placed sublingually, allowed for assessment of glycocalyx quality and capillary function through the measurement of red blood cell velocity and glycocalyx density. These microvascular assessments were performed first under fasted conditions and repeated during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Simultaneously, local ROS concentrations and interstitial glycerol (an indicator of fat metabolism) in adipose tissue were measured by utilizing microdialysis.
Data is being collected and analyzed in our laboratory to determine the correlations between glycocalyx density and markers of cardiometabolic disease risk.

Keywords: lipolysis, NOX, ROS, glycocalyx, cardiometabolic disease

BIO

I am from Tampa, Florida, interested in researching all things animal related! I fell in love with the fauna of Florida at a young age, catching lizards, snakes, frogs - even a squirrel - with my bare hands. More recently, I’ve taken care of abandoned ducklings and released them back to their ponds. Although birds are my forte, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals all peak my interest. My career goal is to become a wildlife conservationist!

Heterospecific disruption and display success in Lance Tailed Manakins

Abstract

A part of interspecific interactions is interspecific competition. Although it is difficult to measure, an instance in which interspecific competition can be shown is when the presence of one species decreases the dispersion and/or competition of another (Dhont 2012). The migratory bird, Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus), tends to breed in northern boreal forests in the summer, wintering in South America, and migrating between the two during fall and spring. While stopping in the Republic of Panama during migration in April/May, videos have been taken of Swainson’s Thrushes on the mating perch of a breeding, resident bird - the Lance-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata). A previous study on the interspecific competition for food in breeding Blue and Great Tits found that the breeding success in Great Tits was negatively correlated with the density of Blue Tits (Minot 1981). This raised the question: Does the presence of Swainson’s Thrushes affect the display success of Lance-tailed Manakins? With my research, I am predicting that breeding success in Lance-tailed Manakins will be negatively correlated to the density of Swainson’s Thrushes. While previous research has investigated space and food competition, here I will study how the presence of a non-breeding species affects the success of a breeding species, providing new insight into how migratory species interact with and influence the lives of resident birds. 

Keywords: Birds, animal behavior, biology, ecology

BIO

My name is Natalie and I am from Bradenton, Florida. My favorite thing about being a biological sciences major is that I get to learn more about unique organisms and where they come from. Because I have always been interested in genetics and evolution, my dream career would be related to genetic or evolutionary research. However, I really enjoy working with live animals as well which I had the opportunity to do with my research for this symposium. I will be graduating this spring and my post-graduation plans are to work for a year or two and then continue my education with either a masters or PhD program.

Mate Recognition in the Simultaneous Hermaphrodite Sea Slug Doto chica

Abstract

Mate choice and mate recognition have been thoroughly studied in separate sex animals. The present study, however, explores potential ways in which aquatic hermaphrodites recognize potential mates, as their methods differ from those of separate sex animals. In this study, I studied mate recognition in the sea slug Doto chica, an aquatic hermaphroditic gastropod that leaves behind energetically costly mucus as a result of locomotion. This mucus is likely also used to communicate with others. In two treatments of choosing between a living adult or no adults, or choosing between mucus or no mucus trails D. chica may be better at locating potential mates using a mucus trail.

Keywords: hermaphrodite, signalling, recognition

BIO

My name is Olivia and I'm a second year majoring in Computer Science. I enjoy problem solving, learning about random topics that interest me, and traveling/experiencing new things. Although I’m planning on entering the tech industry as a software engineer in the near future, I hope to start my own business one day in an unrelated field.

Color Your Commute: A Guide to Colorful Transit Lines

Abstract

Transit maps are a useful tool in navigating transportation. Despite its necessity, many
maps, including the FSU bus system, are difficult to read and especially inaccessible to
those with color vision deficiencies. As a result, we produce a program that can
dynamically generate a set of colors. Our program generates n colors that are different
from each other; these colors are different for both the average population as well as for
colorblind individuals. To produce an optimal set of colors, we used a perceptually
uniform color space, Oklab, to accurately maximize the minimum Euclidean distance
between any two colors from the set of colors for those with deuteranopia. After
accounting for a common color vision deficiency, we further optimize our color set for
normal vision and then integrate our color generating program into a functional
website, giving users the opportunity to interact with our code. When we compare our
program’s generated colors to FSU’s transit map, we perceive a noticeable improvement
in color contrasts.

Keywords: transit, map, color

BIO

Haley Hodges is a freshman attending Florida State University, majoring in biochemistry. Raised in Tampa, Florida, she has had first-hand experience observing the effects of pollution across the Tampa Bay area. Due to this, Haley has a passion for creating awareness and driving change towards sustainability efforts. Currently, she is assisting in a research lab that has a focus on developing chemically recyclable elastomers that could replace the elastomers that litter our planet. In the future, Haley hopes to continue research focusing on sustainability efforts, utilizing her research and lab experience.

Chemically Recyclable Elastomers

Abstract

This experiment focuses upon the recyclability and functionality of polycyclopentene (PCP). The structure of cyclopentene, a cycloalkene molecule consisting of 5 carbons, has low ring strain energy. In comparison, norbornene, a commonly used bicyclic cycloolefin monomer, has a high ring strain energy. Due to this, polynorbornene is depolymerizable, meaning it cannot return to monomer via metathesis reaction. However, due to the low ring strain energy of cyclopentene, the reaction can be depolymerizable, which allows it to be recycled. Utilizing the process of Variable Temperature Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (VT-ROMP), we can achieve a low dispersity and high molecular weight of PCP. To perform VT-ROMP, we initiate cyclopentene with a G1 catalyst (ruthenium type) at ~40°C, following it with a cold propagation at ~0°C. This method, when compared to Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP), allows us to achieve the targeted molecular weight with low dispersity that is necessary for the resulting polymer to remain stable. For the determination of molecular weight, characterization of PCP using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) will be utilized.

Keywords: polymers, chemistry, recyclability, sustainability

BIO

Hello! My name is Connor Krassel. I am a Sophomore Biological Sciences Major and UROP student here at Florida State University. Since I was young, I have always been interested in the 'why' behind how things in the natural world work and specifically interested in how the natural world not only makes up, but effects the human body. This deep passion to understand the unknown drove me to seek out the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program at FSU and is what gave me the opportunity to be a Research Assistant in the College of Health and Human sciences in the Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology. The opportunity to involve myself in research at FSU has be an amazing experience where I was able to meet some truly dedicated and intellectually curious people while also being able to broaden my skill set to better prepare myself for my future goals. I hope everyone gets to have an experience in research and gets the same great experience that I did!

Impact of Creatine Supplementation on Cognitive Performance and Mental Health in Geriatric Adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Creatine monohydrate supplementation is associated with improved ATP turnover rates and energy metabolism. This pilot study assesses the impact of creatine monohydrate supplementation on neuropsychological performance in geriatric populations, a group at high risk of neurological diseases. METHODS: Twelve older adults (M = 5, W = 7; Mean ± SE: 66 ± 1 years) randomly consumed creatine monohydrate(CM) or placebo (PL) for 4 weeks. Both pre- and post-supplementation, participants completed The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, a comprehensive evaluation of 5 cognitive domains. Some participants completed questionnaires: Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). After 4 weeks, independent samples t-tests (p < 0.05) were used to assess group differences in score changes. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in mean delta change in scores for Immediate Memory, with CM group improving more drastically than PL group (CM = 15.33 ± 2.42, PL = -2.67 ± 3.81), t (10) = 3.99, p = 0.003. Similar improvements were noted for Language (CM = 9.67 ± 1.73, PL = -3.33 ± 2.75, t (10) = 4.001, p = 0.003) and Total Score (CM = 12 ± 3.4, PL = -0.67 ± 3.48, t (10) = 2.61, p = 0.026). No significant differences were found for other subcategories or questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that 4 weeks of CM supplementation shows promise in alleviating cognitive decline in geriatric populations, capable of enhancing cognitive disciplines including immediate memory, language, and overall cognitive performance.

Keywords: Creatine, Cognitive Performance, Mental Health, Geriatric Patients, Nutrition and Integrative physiology