BIO

I'm Talia Lawrence, a second-year student at Florida State University. Computer science is the academic subject I'm pursuing because of its constantly advancing innovations and many different job opportunities . In addition to writing and debugging, I also enjoy reading, exercising, and learning about various linguistic cultures. I value myself as being a person who is extremely ambitious and goal-oriented and who works hard to succeed in all phases of life.

Breaking Down the Code: An Examination of User Feedback on YouTube Programming Tutorials

Abstract

There are thousands of videos on YouTube about a plethora of coding topics, but not all tutorials are made equal. Some may have millions of views but are extremely unhelpful while others may only have a few hundred views and be helpful but not deemed successful by the YouTube algorithm. My mentor and I aim to analyze the factors that contribute to the success or failure of YouTube videos in the software developer and programming tutorial niche. By collecting and analyzing data on viewership, engagement, and other relevant metrics, the project seeks to identify key characteristics of successful videos, such as video length, presentation style, and topic.
Additionally, the project will examine unsuccessful videos to understand what factors may have prevented them from achieving their desired level of engagement. The results of this study will provide valuable insights for content creators seeking to produce high-quality, engaging programming tutorials on YouTube, and may also inform the development of recommendation algorithms that can help viewers discover relevant and valuable videos. Ultimately, the project will contribute to the ongoing effort to improve the quality and accessibility of software engineering/programming tutorials, making it easier for people to learn and grow in this field.

Keywords: Computer Science, YouTube tutorials

BIO

Hi! my name is Allison Karski, and I am from Longhill, New Jersey. I am a student here at Florida State University majoring in Biology, and I am on a Pre-Medical track.

Initiatives to Promote Aging-in-Place in Local Communities: An Evidence Based Toolkit

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to design an evidence-based resource Toolkit to aid community leaders in instituting their own local Aging-in-Place initiatives.
The population of elderly adults over age 65 in the United States (U.S.) is growing precipitously and straining the resources of our healthcare system. Research findings demonstrate that clinical outcomes are superior in aging-in-place communities compared to nursing homes.
The Toolkit addresses a gap in community resources by designating the most effective ways in which older adults may be supported if they decide to remain in their own homes, as they age. To develop this Toolkit, research literature on Aging-in-Place was reviewed, relevant organizational web resources were examined, and interviews were conducted with research experts and community leaders of Aging-in-Place initiatives. Since the original work was completed in 2021, an updated literature review was conducted up to 2023 and recent resources were added to the Toolkit. The literature highlighted components such as the availability of skilled healthcare professionals, home environment modifications, the importance of social engagement, and the sustainability of Aging-In-Place initiatives. Addressing key concerns and highlighting fundamental elements of successful Aging-in-Place initiatives grants the Toolkit the unique ability to help guide community leaders in Tallahassee, interested in supporting their own initiatives. Creating a safe environment for adults to age in their own homes as they age, potentially benefits not only the quality of life of aging citizens but also buffers the abundant strain on the local healthcare system in Tallahassee.

Keywords: Aging-in-place

BIO

I am a freshman currently working on my Bachelor's in Psychology. Some of my hobbies include reading, drawing, writing, photography, playing the saxophone, running, and drinking tea. One day I hope to have my own business based around one of my hobbies. Until then, Psychology will have to do.

Documenting Historical Homes in Thomasville, Georgia

Abstract

In southwest Georgia, about thirty minutes from the Florida-Georgia border, there lies a town named Thomasville. Thomasville, Georgia was founded in 1826. It is a small town packed with a rich history. In the 19th century and early 20th century, there were distinct economic areas of the community with the different structures representing the availability of resources or the lack thereof. From dilapidated sheds to majestic mansions owned by wealthy politicians, Thomasville has been home to all types of people and stories. Over the last several months, as a part of an internship through the Thomasville History Center, I have been documenting historical homes and other structures by means of photography. There are nearly 400 houses and buildings that have been recognized by the Thomasville Historical Society. Many of the houses in Thomasville are 100 years or older, with some even pre-date the Civil War. Today, although many houses are adorned with a sign including the date it was built and the name of the previous owners, there is still no formal record of each of these structures. My role in this project was to ensure that this history is well-preserved and organized for future generations, as well as to create a foundation for further research. Through my documentation, researchers will be able to explore the architectural history of Thomasville for years to come.

Keywords: Thomasville, historical houses, photography

BIO

Samantha is an art history major from Jacksonville, Florida. She is interested in research involving history and photography, and enjoys drawing and painting in her spare time.

Representations of Spirituality in Postcards

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to utilize cards available in the FSU card archive to analyze the ways different forms of spirituality are presented. While depictions of Christian faiths are most common, I aimed to focus on the less popularly depicted belief systems to compare and contrast them with one another. To do this, I searched the archive using many terms that were related to different religions. After finding a sizeable body of cards, organized them into different categories and noted the different qualities of each one. I was able to find cards related to Buddhism, Christianity, Mormonism, Judaism, Taoism, and the practices of the Hopi people. After organizing the cards, I found that many of them utilized similar conventions even if depicting different faiths, provided that the subject matter was similar. Cards that were certifiably made for an American audience focused on the differences between Americans and these other cultures, often referenced in the captions on the back of the cards. Postcards are a very limited medium because they cannot capture many of the nuances of spirituality, but they are useful in depicting the spectacle of religion.

Keywords: postcard, religion, history, photography

BIO

Amber Losicale is a hardworking and accomplished person with a strong background in computer science and music. She is currently pursuing a major in cyber-criminology at Florida State University with a GPA of 3.7 and is working towards a Global Citizen Certificate. In addition to her academic achievements, she has gained valuable work experience in customer service and sales. As a Foundation Ambassador for the FSU Engagement Center, she used her skills in marketing, networking, fundraising, and sales negotiations to secure $500+ in pledges. Additionally, she is a first-generation college student involved in the CARE Quest Scholars and the FGEN Living Learning Community. Though her research project is unrelated to her major, she has taken it upon herself to undertake an exciting research project inspired by her extracurricular activities as a saxophonist in the Marching Chiefs. While Amber’s career is in the technology field, she is balancing her love for music with her future career aspirations in cyber-criminology.

A Century of Jazz: Postcard Visusalization of Race, Place, and Jazz Venues in Three American Cities

Abstract

This project aims to interpret the correlation between jazz cards throughout history regarding African American musicians and the racial prejudices and perceptions they faced. I used three cities with the most prominent jazz pretense as case studies for this research; those being New York City, Chicago,
and New Orleans. My findings from my observational data and supplemental research proved to diverge into various outcomes. Each card can be analyzed and determined on its level of opulence; however, without an understanding of what was occurring at either the postmark date or data of content, it can not
be explained why the results are what they are.
Dixieland jazz was created in the early 20th century in New Orleans. With the genre being an African American-created genre, there was a prejudice towards the music in the south, illustrated in the cards. As a result, the Great Migration occurred, causing those musicians at the time to move to Chicago and New York City. Based on the cards when the musicians originally moved, those New Orleans
influences are visible in the beginning. However, as decades passed, it was remodeled for a wealthier crowd. This was visible in the New Orleans cards as well; it appears how jazz was represented separately into this ‘refurbished’ version and the original Dixieland jazz, with the types becoming more polarized as time passed.

Keywords: Music, Jazz, Postcards, Archive

BIO

I am a Compuational Biology student who loves arthropods and reptiles. I hope to be able to pursue a career in research and continue working with the species I love.

A Diet Analysis of the Hentz Striped Scorpion Using DNA Metabarcoding

Abstract

Analyzing the diet of invertebrates is made incredibly difficult by their small size, reclusive habits, and the absence of morphological characteristics present in fecal samples. Due to this nature of invertebrate predators, DNA-based approaches provide us with one of the only concrete methods to analyze their diet. The usage of DNA metabarcoding helps us to explore the dietary composition of these animals by allowing us to extract and analyze samples of prey DNA found in the digestive tract. The Hentz striped scorpion (Centruroides hentzi) is a species endemic to the southeastern United States. In this project we use the process of DNA metabarcoding to analyze the diets of C. hentzi. For the analysis 104 individuals, 50 males and 54 females, were collected from the Leon county region of northern Florida. Each individual was then dissected to remove gut tissue and from this prey DNA was extracted. Two primer sets, a universal set and a taxon-specific set, were used for the separation of short prey DNA sequences. These extracted sequences are specific to prey taxa and can then be analyzed to discern the dietary makeup of the individuals. Through this methodology we are able to investigate the ecological relationship between C. hentzi and other invertebrates within the same habitat.

Keywords: Biology, Genetics, Invertebrates

BIO

I'm an undergraduate student double majoring in Psychology and Criminology. My research subject falls into these two categories as it is centered around domestic abuse of women in South Asia. During the 2022-2023 UROP year, I've been working with my research mentor, Pooja Ichplani, M.S. There have been seven months of researching different qualitative and quantitative journal articles and organizing the results. My past have future plans of becoming a forensic psychologist in Florida case management.

Social Learning of Intimate Partner Violence: Examining cultural barriers to disclosure in India and Sri Lanka.

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 3 women around the world faces intimate partner violence (IPV), a public health problem. There is a specificity to the types of interpersonal violence that take place, the prevalence of IPV is “strikingly high in South Asia, particularly with regard to spousal violence, early marriages, honor-killing (HK), forced sex, and sex trafficking” (WHO, 2005). This paper highlights cases of India and Sri Lanka to emphasize the community values that perpetuate the cycle of abuse in households. The purpose of this poster is to raise awareness about the social conditioning of victims as well as perpetrators of IPV in these countries using Bandura’s social learning theory. Drawing from peer-reviewed journal papers, quantitative and qualitative data focusing on the issues faced by women who have suffered IPV assault, and opinions from subject-matter experts, it is argued that cultural norms and beliefs around gender roles and expectations, as well as limited communication between partners and external support networks, can exacerbate the severity of IPV. These findings also suggest the need for targeted interventions that consider the unique cultural contexts of South Asia and work to address the specific barriers women face in seeking help and social support. To sum up, prevention and mitigation efforts to ameliorate the impact of IPV on women in Sri Lanka and India must be grounded in a better understanding of sociocultural factors.

Keywords: Domestic abuse, Intimate Partner Violence, College of Communications

BIO

Hi! My name is Jennifer Light, and I am a first-year finance major. Initially, I am from Maryland but recently moved to Gainesville, Florida. I developed an interest in joining research because I enjoy learning high-level concepts to help contribute to reaching a newfound conclusion. My career goal is to become an investment banker, as I am interested in learning more about financial analysis and valuation modeling. Outside of academics, I enjoy exploring nature, biking, knitting, and going to the beach!

Texas Tort Reform and Commercial Auto Liability Litigation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Texas Tort reform on litigation and settlement trends with a broader context of social inflation. Throughout the decades, Texas tort reform underwent various drastic changes. Insurance companies left the state due to increasing average cost of claims and litigation costs, resulting in caps on non-economic damages being proposed and debated. Eventually, a non-economic damage cap of $250,000 was implemented in 2003, but there is no cap on actual damages that were incurred by patients. Analysis was done on written premiums, earned premiums, and direct losses incurred using data obtained from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC,) which was sourced from S&P Capital IQ. The preliminary results demonstrate that the Texas Loss Ratio decreased heavily after 2000, and remained stagnant from 2003 to 2011. There has been a significant increase from 2012 until 2021. There is preliminary evidence that tort reforms had some impact on company profitability, but the magnitude and relevance require further research.

Keywords: Commercial Auto Liability

BIO

I am a sophomore meteorology major from West Union, Ohio. I have been fascinated by weather since a young age and am aiming to become a forecaster at the National Weather Service. I am most interested in the best ways to communicate weather and its impacts. I work for Intramural Sports and am involved in the N. Florida Chapter of the American Meteorological Society on campus.

Climate Change in Leon and Wakulla Counties: Exploring and Presenting the Data

Abstract

Climate change poses a distinct threat to communities across the Big Bend of Florida. Understanding and educating others about how the climate is changing is crucial. The best way to demonstrate climate change at a community level is to present specific data about climate change in local communities. The National Centers for Environmental Information’s Climate at a Glance offers quality-controlled temperature data at several spatial and temporal resolutions, including the Big Bend for over a century. Using this dataset, the changing climate of Leon and Wakulla counties can be demonstrated with several different parameters (e.g. temperature and precipitation). Examining and presenting climate trends in an understandable and audience-specific way can enhance climate and science literacy in affected communities. This data can be used to simply, yet completely explain how the climate is changing to educators, students, and the public. Climate data can bridge the gap between people’s observations about a changing climate and science. Using climate data on a local scale will allow residents of a community to understand how the complicated nature of a changing global climate is affecting them. The data shows that Leon and Wakulla county temperatures are trending upward over the last century which can be seen in overall and minimum temperatures, especially in the summer months. This trend affects communities in a myriad of ways, all demonstrating the importance of understanding climate change. This is important for motivating and encouraging communities to take action to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Keywords: climate change, education, community

BIO

Hi! My name is Alex, and I'm a second-year undergraduate at FSU originally from St. Louis, MO. I love going outside in my free time and enjoying nature. Also, I play soccer, volleyball (both sand and indoor), and run whenever I can spare some time. After my time at FSU, I plan to go back home, take a gap year working in the clinical setting to gain experience, and then hopefully start medical school in fall of 2025.

Using Correction Factors and a Photoionization Detector (PID) to Investigate Amines' Vapor Concentration

Abstract

Olfactory studies frequently utilize liquid dilutions to manipulate the vapor-phase concentration of volatile odorants. However, the relationship between liquid dilution and vapor concentration is dependent upon the solvent and can significantly deviate from predictions based on ideal gas laws. In other words, a 10-fold liquid dilution rarely results in a 10-fold decrease in the number of molecules present in the vapor phase. Instead, the relationship between the liquid and vapor-phase must be empirically determined. Our laboratory has developed a photoionization detector (PID) based approach (Jennings et al., 2022) to measure vapor-phase odorant concentrations. This technique relies on odorant-specific correct factors, which allow the user to quantify the vapor concentration of each odorant while only using a single calibration gas (i.e., isobutylene). The correct factor functions as a multiplicative factor between the isobutylene concentration at a given PID output and the concentration of the target odorant at the same PID output. The goal of this project was to measure correction factors for several commonly used odorants. Correction factors were determined by directing a vaporized odorant sample of known concentration to a calibrated PID. This method resulted in correction factors that were overall similar to those published online. These data will allow olfactory researchers to more accurately measure vapor-phase odorant concentrations in their own laboratories and aid in more accurate comparisons across studies.

Keywords: Neuroscience, Olfaction, Vapor, Photoionization

BIO

I am Lauryn Fox from Saint Petersburg, Florida. Growing up in this beautifully stormy part of Florida and a love for math is what guided me to studying meteorology. I hope to continue my pursuit of research into my career.

Potential Atmospheric Reanalyses for Improving Research Vessel Data Quality Control

Abstract

Having access to long-term, widespread, and accurate weather data is a staple of climate studies. The purpose of the Shipboard Automated Meteorological Oceanographic Systems project is to publish quality-assured weather data over the oceans to provide accurate values to a diverse research community. SAMOS receives data from 44 research vessels on which it runs automated quality control processes, which places flags on unlikely values. The values that are a standard of plausibility come from a climatology, which comes from a historic atmospheric analysis. The current one used for the SAMOS project by Da Silva, only uses in situ measurements and is becoming outdated compared to current technology, so a new reanalysis could be a better asset to the SAMOS quality control process. Each atmospheric reanalysis has its benefits and limitations for the sake of the project, so each must be tested and compared. The ERA5 reanalysis seems to be a promising option that is worth comparing the results of a climatology test between it and the existing Da Silva climatology. By assigning flags to the implausible values when comparing a year of SAMOS observations to the ERA5 climatology, and examining the results of the same year with the current SAMOS climatology, the two can be evaluated and compared.

Keywords: Meteorology, climatology, reanalysis, atmosphere

BIO

My name is Isabella Gomez and I am second year student majoring in Psychology and on the pre-med track. I hope to go to medical school after getting my Bachelor's degree and become a physician. I am minoring in child development and enjoy working with kids so I have a great interest in Pediatrics.

Project PEEL: Purpose and Engagement in Everyday Life

Abstract

The purpose of this study, Purpose and Engagement in Everyday Life (PEEL), is to obtain a better understanding of the relationship between daily cognition and a sense of purpose in life. This presentation specifically looks into a relationship between exercise and life satisfaction and cognition in adults aged 65 and older. Data collection, for each participant, includes a baseline survey regarding their health and well-being, an interview in which they are given cognitive tasks, daily assessments of their mood and well-being as well as additional cognitive tasks, and a final survey including cognitive tasks, and questions on well-being in 2-3 years. Preliminary results, only including the baseline survey and interview data, in the 15 participants analyzed so far, show adults aged 65 and older who exercise (to any extent) perform better on cognitive tasks than those who do not exercise. There is no clear distinction between cognitive function and the amount to which a participant exercises or type of exercise (e.g. plays sports everyday, walks once a month, etc.). Regarding life satisfaction, there is no clear correlation between exercise and how satisfied participants are with their lives. Results are preliminary, and a substantial increase in sample size will be needed in order to better determine if exercise, and possibly to different extents or types of exercise, is linked to cognitive function and satisfaction of life in adults aged 65 and older.

Keywords: cognition, old adults, life purpose

BIO

My name is Constanza Cescato, and I am a freshman majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience as a pre-medical student. I was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina. I have always enjoyed school, especially when it came to science classes. I have a huge passion towards the human body, and I am intrigued by the human brain. My research interests are starting to incline towards language and its relationship to personality and the brain. Child development and learning is also sparking an interest in me; I am currently a mentor in an Elementary School and spent the last year in an internship with Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization that seeks to change children's lives for the better. I aspire to be a physician in the future. In the meantime, I hope I can make the most out of my undergraduate studies by continuing to explore the healthcare field with an open mind, and meeting inspiring people along the way.

Changes in Experimental Pain Sensitivity from Using Home-Based Remotely Supervised Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) involves a directed low-amplitude electrical current to affect the activity of the motor cortex and supraorbital region in the brain. Increasing ranges of literature supports that mindfulness-based meditation (MBM) assists in providing analgesia-like effects for pain. In this study, 30 subjects with chronic osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain aged 50 to 85 years utilized self-administered tDCS and performed meditative exercises to treat their pain symptoms. Combining MBM and tDCS has rarely been studied, despite knee OA being the most prevalent joint disease. On every weekday for two weeks (10 days), subjects remotely participated in 20-minute sessions of tDCS at a constant current intensity to the motor cortex and supraorbital regions along with MBM exercises. Researchers measured the subjects' heat, pain, and pressure tolerances using a visual analog scale, pain questionnaires, quantitative sensory testing, and current stimulation devices for 3 days within 10 days, in addition to their pain symptoms. Pain levels and OA symptoms were measured using a Numeric Rating Scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. The results indicated improvement in osteoarthritis pain symptoms and sleep quality, no effect on anxiety or depression, and no adverse effects caused by tDCS. Self-administered tDCS monitored remotely was found to be successful with older patients. tDCS combined with MBM decreased results on the Numeric Rating Scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index.

Keywords: transcranial direct current stimulation

BIO

Noah Kunkel is a sophomore at Florida State University. He is majoring in Economics, with a minor in Urban and Regional Planning. Outside of research, Noah is involved in the CapitILL State dance group and volunteers at Second Harvest of the Big Bend. He also enjoys running, going to concerts, and reading.

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, Job Satisfaction, Activities, Involvements, Interviews

BIO

I am a sophomore at Florida State University, majoring in psychology and completing my minor in general business. I am currently apart of "The Omnipresence of Black Joy” research project under research mentor Mrs. Chris Omni, MPH. This project was centered around the pillars of Black Joy is a Statement, Stride, Permission, Pride, a form of Resistance, and a form of Rest. Within this project we created a survey distributed to Black FSU students and organizations, and created a website centered around Black Joy. I hope to continue this collaboration in future projects during my time as an undergraduate student. After concluding my bachelor's degree, I would like to complete my master's in business and go on to work in the field of psychology and business.

The Omnipresence of Black Joy

Abstract

Often in the media and the news, Black people are painted in a negative light. This research project aims to redefine these negative stereotypes and offer positive narratives that are associated with Black people and Black joy. To redefine the understanding of the Black experience, the researchers of this project first used the cumulative knowledge from academic based literature reviews to create a website that disseminates research and stories of Black Joy. While using the Kujima Theory of Collective Self-Motivation, this platform plans to include surveys completed by Black students at Florida State University to better understand what Black Joy means to them. Finally, by synthesizing information from academic literature, people's lived experiences, music, and the previously mentioned surveys, this project will be used to inform the development of a new curriculum used in public universities. This curriculum will be focused on Black Joy as a path to physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. The research method for this project is ongoing, as the researchers continue to gather academic literature and garner responses to their survey.

Keywords: Black Joy, Omnipresence

BIO

Hello!
My name is Olivia; I am a third-year undergraduate student studying biochemistry. I am originally from Upstate New York but came to Florida five years ago and reside in Panama City Beach. I want to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry one day and work in a lab somewhere. For lab work/research, I would love to be a part of finding alternative medicines for women with Perimenopause ER+ (positive for Estrogen Receptors) breast cancer.

The Photochemistry of Cholesta-5,7,9(11)-trien-3-ol in a Medium that Mimics Biological Conditions.

Abstract

Cholesterol (CHOL) is essential for membrane structure. It can determine the membrane's permeability, trafficking, and signal transduction, among other functions. It is challenging to study cholesterol directly, so most derivatives are used as probes to determine how CHOL works in the cell. This research concerns cholesta-5,7,9(11)-trien-3-ol (CTL) that differs from CTL by only two double bonds. Although CTL has been used as a fluorescent probe to study CHOL tracking in vivo, its photochemistry in biological or biomimetic media is unknown. What was established in our laboratory is that CTL gives rearrangement and addition/reduction photoproducta in aprotic and protic solvents, respectively. Whether these products form in biomimetic media is not known, nor is their possible toxicity. For initial measurements we selected multilamellar vesicles (MLVs) as the biomimetic medium with CTL and HOCTL incorporated in the membrane. Previous studies in our laboratory lead us to expect that we should be able to follow the product evolution by UV and fluorescence spectroscopies.

Keywords: Photochemistry, Photophysics, Biochemistry

BIO

Hello! My name is Michelle Gunn and I am currently a dedicated student at Florida State University. Originally from Orlando, Florida, I am an International Affairs major with a concentration in Public Administration. My interests are marginalized in global politics and the Public Administration field. I aspire to one day own a non-profit organization aimed at solving the issues amongst the Black Diaspora. I initially wanted to join this research project because I liked that it wanted to redefine the image of Black people through the lens of Black Joy.

The Omnipresence of Black Joy

Abstract

Often in the media and the news, Black people are painted in a negative light. This research project aims to redefine these negative stereotypes and offer positive narratives that are associated with Black people and Black joy. To redefine the understanding of the Black experience, the researchers of this project first used the cumulative knowledge from academic-based literature reviews to create a website that disseminates research and stories of Black Joy. While using the Kujima Theory of Collective Self-Motivation, this platform plans to include surveys completed by Black students at Florida State University to better understand what Black Joy means to them. Finally, by synthesizing information from academic literature, people's lived experiences, music, and the previously mentioned surveys, this project will be used to inform the development of a new curriculum used in public universities. This curriculum
will be focused on Black Joy as a path to physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. The research method for this project is ongoing, as the researchers continue to gather academic literature and garner responses to their survey.

Keywords: Black people, Joy, Community, Resistance, Pride

BIO

My name is Jenesis Rodriguez and I am Cuban first-generation college student from Miami, FL. I am currently studying Psychology and Human Development and Family Sciences in hopes of one day becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My primary goal within this field is to help parents navigate the daunting task of family planning and raising children, and provide them with support as they work through the difficulties that arise within the family unit. As for my research goals, I am very interested in how our culture impacts our beliefs, values, and behaviors, and specifically how these cultural influences impact the lives of children both at home and at school.

A Systemic Review of 20 Years of Culturally Responsive Classroom Management Research

Abstract

Teachers may be struggling to manage their rapidly diversifying student population. Scholars have conducted an array of culture and classroom management studies attempting to ameliorate this concern. Across these studies, Culturally Responsive Classroom Management (CRCM) has remained a prominent theoretical model suggested by researchers for teachers to equitably manage their diverse classrooms (Milner, 2019). However, in the 20 years since the introduction of the CRCM model (Weinstein et al., 2003, 2004), there has not been systematic review of the literature and a focus on synthesizing this literature to further iterate on this model. This has resulted in limitations for researchers using the CRCM model to describe the CRCM phenomenon and may have limited teachers using this model to manage their diverse classroom. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to conduct the first systematic review of the CRCM literature and to develop a new parsimonious iteration of the CRCM model.

Keywords: Culture, Classroom Management, Culturally Responsive

BIO

Ely Nieves is a dedicated and driven undergraduate student from Kissimmee, Florida, with a passion for healthcare and helping others. Currently studying exercise physiology at Florida State University, Ely is committed to gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve his future goal of becoming a Physician Assistant.

The Effects of NADPH Oxidase on Reactive Oxygen Species and Adipose Tissue Lipolysis

Abstract

Background: Rapidly increasing rates of cardio-metabolic diseases have become a major health concern in recent years due to high mortality rates and physiological complications. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Nox) is an enzyme present in adipose cells that has been previously correlated with the development of insulin resistance in mouse models of obesity. It is possible that the effects of Nox on changes in metabolism occur through increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipolysis, which is the breakdown and release of triglyceride stores in adipose cells. Dysregulated lipolysis has been linked to several cardio-metabolic complications. However, it remains poorly understood how Nox influences lipolysis and cardio-metabolic health outcomes in human participants. The overall goal of our study is to research the correlations between Nox and lipolysis in the human body, analyzing the pathways in lipolysis that are stimulated by Nox.

Methods: Microdialysis and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedures were conducted in young, healthy males and females to collect in vivo data on local ROS production, microvascular blood flow, and lipolytic rates in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue.

Results: Preliminary results have demonstrated that ROS levels were significantly lower when the local Nox-inhibitor apocynin was introduced, suggesting that Nox stimulates increased ROS production in humans. Moreover, Nox seems to contribute to the increase of lipolysis through its β-adrenergic signaling pathway. Further experimentation will investigate if raised Nox levels in obese individuals diminish insulin’s anti-lipolytic effect and change microvascular function.

Keywords: Cardiometabolic diseases, Exercise Physiology, Physiology

BIO

My name is Carter Strode, and I'm a Biological Sciences major from Johnson City, Tennessee. Ever since I was young, I've been fascinated by marine life and the natural world. As I've grown older, my curiosity has only deepened, and I've become more and more interested in the complexities of marine biology. I am interested in studying the ways in which marine organisms interact with their environment. I am also interested in understanding how these creatures have evolved over time to adapt to the challenges of life in the ocean. By studying the intricacies of marine biology, I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the field and help protect our oceans for future generations.

Meta-Analysis: How Temperature and Inbreeding Levels Affect Fitness in Offspring

Abstract

As global warming becomes an increasingly pertinent threat, its warming of oceans may have extreme effects on the organisms that live there. One specific area that requires more research is how these increased temperatures may affect inbreeding, and in turn, the fitness of inbred offspring. My research aimed to explore this correlation as it exists in the literature today. In my research, I analyzed 48 papers that manipulated temperature and inbreeding levels to further investigate the correlation between environmental temperature and inbreeding depression. The literature analyzed presented findings that suggested that temperature leads to high levels of inbreeding among many different species. These high levels of inbreeding and temperature stress led to a decrease in fitness across species. However, there was a taxonomical gap noticed as a majority of studies were on Drosophila melanogaster. More research must be done to explore the effects of temperature along with inbreeding on the fitness of inbred offspring in marine environments.  

Keywords: Marine Biology, Biological Science, Marine Sciences