Research Symposium

BIO

Sofia Gasbarro is a second-year student originally from Chicago. She is studying International Affairs with a concentration in Spanish and Political Science with a minor in Anthropology. Sofia is interested in social and political affairs, and has volunteered with political and non-profit organizations for issues she is passionate about. She is pursuing a career where she will be able to specialize in international research regarding humanitarian matters. Sofia hopes that through this project she has been working on with Ms. Hines and her co-presenters, will promote further research on the topic of reading comprehension focused for multilingual students .She is an advocate for Florida adopting more intersectional curriculums that are representative of all its constituents, encouraging equity in the classroom.

An Analysis of Microstructure Features in Emergent Spanish-English Multilingual Learners

Abstract

This study’s purpose was to analyze the microstructure features of English Oral Narratives produced by Spanish-English Emergent Multilinguals in K-2. This was done through conducting narrative retells along with standardized assessments with 15 K-2 students to evaluate the microstructure features. The microstructure features coded for included MLU, Number of Different Words (NDW), Number of Total Words (NTW), Subordinate Index, Errors, and Morphological Diversity Index. When assessing the microstructure features of the oral narrative retell, it appears that students in kindergarten students produced less morphologically complex narratives while second grade students produced more lexically, morphologically, and syntactically diverse oral narrative retells as suggest the MLUw, NDW, and SI.

Keywords: Microstructure, multilingual, oral narratives, narrative discourse

BIO

Fabiana is an undergraduate student at Florida State University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Education. She serves as an undergraduate research assistant for the Collegiate Recovery Program within the Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness under Chelsea Shore. She is interested in destigmatizing mental health and addiction while providing support to people in recovery. She plans on attending graduate school and obtaining an Ed.S in School Psychology to develop harm reduction programs in school settings and provide trauma-informed practices to students.

Using Challenge Course Education in Recovery Ally Programs

Abstract

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

Keywords: Collegiate Recovery, Health and Wellness Initiatives, College Student Initiatives

BIO

Hello! My name is Olivia Watson, and I am a second-year student. I am majoring in Media and Communication Studies and minoring in Criminology while following a pre-law path. My interests include social justice, creating cultural awareness within society, and using the resources I have been provided to help others in need. Additionally, I have been interested in exploring the racial disparities in the healthcare system and the stigma that affects minority families' access to healthcare services. One of my goals is to reduce such racial disparities and stigma that exist to help minority families or caregivers raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder access the proper services and resources to enhance their child's success. I also hope to create more awareness of Autism, especially in minority communities, so that individuals with ASD are supported within society.

Exploring the Experiences of Black Parents and Caregivers Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

While there have been improvements in systems and services to better support children or individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, parents and caregivers still experience various stressors related to raising a child with ASD. To better understand such stressors and the experiences of parents and caregivers raising a Black child with ASD, a comprehensive literature review was conducted for this study. Articles were analyzed for common themes, such as parents lacking proper services, feeling fearful for their children, and feeling unsupported. Further themes include racial disparities in the healthcare system and stigma concerning ASD. Additionally, an interview was conducted with an advocate for ASD, and a web survey was distributed to parents and caregivers located in the Tallahassee area. The data collected from the articles, the surveys, and the interview illuminate strategies that need to be implemented to mitigate stressors or other factors experienced by the parents of Black children with ASD.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Black families, Minority families, Autism Awareness

BIO

I am a second-year undergraduate student at Florida State University from Orlando, Fl seeking a degree in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences on a Pre-Medical track. My ultimate goal is to get into medical school after my undergraduate studies. My current interests include internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics.

Protective and Harmful Factors Influencing Diarrheal Illnesses in Rural Honduras

Abstract

Diarrheal illnesses are one of the leading causes of death in the pediatric population in rural villages located in Honduras. Factors such as clean water, the lack of latrine usage, and poor water filtration contribute to the high incidence of diarrheal illness. This research study explores diarrheal-causing factors, improvements in sanitation infrastructure, and the consumption of different types of water in hopes of curating an effective and culturally sensitive intervention to reduce the mortality of pediatric diarrheal illness.

Keywords: Healthcare, Medicine, Honduras, Prevention

BIO

I am a Latina first-generation student, I was born in Caracas, Venezuela but currently reside in Orlando, FL. This is my first year involved in research and plan to continue for the next few years. My long-term goal is to become a physician and I’m currently in a pre-medical track.

Characterization of Deep-Sea Habitat Distribution on Two Seamounts of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Abstract

Biodiversity is essential for processes that support life on earth, without this one a large range of organisms would not be able to have ecosystems that provide essential sources to sustain human life. Our research showed the difference among seamounts that each one supports the diversity of ecosystems. Corals are an essential system of our oceans, they provide homes, food, and overall support for the well-being of marine life. Corals are common in transects with deeper depths and a higher presence of cobbles and boulders (Mortensen and Mortensen. 2004). Southeast Hancock would be more likely to sustain a coral ecosystem due to the higher levels of rugosity. While other types of organisms thrive in habitats with low rugosity and smaller substrate composition, where Brooks Bank has an advantage over these organisms. The Hawaiian Ridge and the Emperor Seamount Chain stretch across the North Pacific and support vast biodiversity. However, there is no legal mechanism that provides protection for some of these areas which are critical to the survival of these areas that are being harmed by human activity like trawling. The overall goal of our project as well as many other scientists is to determine the location of these patches to bring up to the United Nations to include as part of areas where human activity is not allowed to be able to protect such critical organisms.

Keywords: Seamounts, characterization, substrate

BIO

I am a second year junior from Tampa, FL. I am majoring in criminology and political science. I want to continue my research on veterans and education but also investigate a relationship between veterans and crime.

Comparison Education Attainment among Active Military and Veterans

Abstract

Academic literature has shown that when veterans pursue and complete higher education, they have an easier time reintegrating into society and have more economic success. In recent years, veterans have had greater access to higher education than ever before. The current study compares how the education benefits from the Veteran’s Administration (VA) has influenced the education attainment level of those who are currently serving and those who have finished their service. The data is being collected through interviews and participants will be interviewed again in five years' time to measure their progress and any changes. Due to the ongoing nature of this study, conclusions cannot yet be drawn.

Keywords: Education, Veterans

BIO

My name is Sylvia Long and I am a second-year undergraduate. I have doing research with the Atwood Lab since May 2022. My research interests range from climatology to marine biology and ecology. I am currently becoming certified as an AAUS Scientific Diver to engage in future underwater research.

Developing the PAGES Seawater Database for Studying Past and Present Hydrology

Abstract

The stable oxygen isotope ratio of seawater (delta-18O) is a useful tracer of the hydrologic cycle. Because of its lighter mass, oxygen-16 evaporates more easily than oxygen-18 and condenses more slowly. This partitioning allows scientists to track the flow of water in the ocean and the atmosphere. Studying seawater delta-18O provides insight into ocean-atmosphere interactions and processes such as ocean upwelling. Despite the significance of delta-18O, most seawater delta-18O data are not publicly available; many are either published in tables of scientific articles or dispersed in various public data repositories. To support current and future research, the PAGES (Past Global Changes) CoralHydro2k project is creating a publicly accessible database of observational seawater delta-18O data complete with essential metadata that scientists can use for a myriad of research applications. In addition to modern analyses, the database will be useful for creating paleoclimate reconstructions and for evaluating data from climate models. The data is pulled from scientific articles, other databases, and submissions from researchers. In total, the database currently boasts over 19,000 data points. The database is machine-readable and compliant with findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability standards and it is rich in metadata (including depth, salinity, temperature, analysis technique, and reference standard), which allows the database to be versatile and informative. After more than a year of development, we are now quality-controlling the database and comparing the observational data with model data.

Keywords: marine, coral, isotope

BIO

My name is Lorenzo Lindquist, and I am a sophomore at FSU double majoring in actuarial science and statistics. I grew up playing soccer and refereeing youth games. During my first two years here I have been learning about the foundations of statistics, and this is a perfect combination for research involving creating statistical models to predict future soccer results. While this project is in its early stages, I have made progress and coded a baseline model with promising results. My career goals include having a job in which I have to work with data and create statistical models for a living.

Simulating Soccer Seasons Using Bivariate Poisson Distributions

Abstract

In this research project me and my mentor analyzed ways to simulate future soccer seasons in various leagues by looking at the previous season's data. Using Python 3 code we created bivariate Poisson matrices in order to find the probability of the final result of each match in a season. We then used Monte Carlo Methods to simulate these matches over and over in order to try to predict the final results of each season.

Keywords: Statistics, Poisson, Monte Carlo Method

BIO

Hello! My name is Anna Simpson, and I am from Saint Louis, MO. I am currently a second-year student at Florida State University studying biology on the pre-medical track. My career goal is to become a physician, but I am unsure of what specific field I want to enter. Additionally, I hope to continue my involvement in research because I have genuinely enjoyed my time in the lab!

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 support 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: osteoarthritis, knee pain, older adults, brain stimulation, tDCS

BIO

I am a second-year psychology student, graduating in December. I am interested in research involving anxiety, ADHD, depression, language, especially involving children and adolescents. I hope to continue my education in a graduate program for pediatric clinical psychology.

Affect of Trait Anxiety on Interpretational Prosody

Abstract

Are you mad at me? Is a question you may hear a lot from your more anxious friends. It may feel like the slightest change can worry some people high in trait anxiety. There are many studies that attribute anxiety disorders to a likelihood to interpret neutral facial expressions or written words (like text messages) as threatening or negative. This study aims to expand that knowledge into neutral prosody, or tone, of voice. Tone of voice can convey a lot of what people aim to say and can be interpreted differently by different people. Findings from this study can help people high in trait anxiety because they can be more aware of how they are processing language and information. It can also help to dissipate stigma surrounding anxiety, because this interpretational bias may happen at an unconscious level.

Keywords: anxiety, language, prosody, interpretation

BIO

Jennifer Lamont is a fourth-year Voice Performance major graduating this spring. In February, she completed her Honors in the Major thesis: ‘Sapphism in Song: English Art Songs by LGBTQ+ Women Composers from 1900 to the Present’. Her research interests include queer theory, musical form, intertextuality, gender performance, and political commentary in classical music. She has presented her research at multiple state, regional, and international conferences. Selected roles include Parasha in Mavra, the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Beàtriz in La hija de Rappaccini, Second Lady in Die Zauberflöte, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, and Soprano Trio Member in The Filthy Habit, with partial roles as Blondchen in Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Vixen in The Cunning Little Vixen, Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro, Sesto in Giulio Cesare, Musetta in La bohème, Rosalinde in Der Fledermaus, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Clorinda in La Cenerentola. During her gap year, Jennifer will be working as a research assistant, chairing the Pauline Alderman Awards for the IAWM, publishing the first soprano transcription of Carlotta Ferrari’s song cycle Sei Melodie, and performing opera and musical theater in the Tampa Bay area.

Sapphism in Song: English Art Songs by LGBTQ+ Women Composers from 1900 to the Present

Abstract

How can one sing their truth if their truth is left unwritten? Despite the growing societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, classical art songs with queer themes are still excluded from programming, research, and performances. As a result, LGBTQ+ musicians may feel isolated, erased, and alienated from classical canon. Sapphic singers, unable to find a reflection of themselves in the music they perform, can eventually feel as though that identity is not worthwhile or necessary to be shown. While there has been growing interest in research on the impact of queer male sexuality in classical music, there has been no equivalent research for how LGBTQ+ women are represented in classical vocal music. This thesis aims to fill the gap in research by analyzing sapphic identity in art song through the perspective of sapphic women. Uniquely, this research only includes composers and poets who publicly identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, and/or sapphic. In the following analysis, I will argue that sapphic identity is represented in classical art song through various musical tropes such as low tessitura, mezzo-soprano range, harmonic texture, and text with feminine-coded imagery. As such, these elements become integral to recognizing the queer implications of the pieces. This research presents a practical understanding of how the history, context, and process of the piece influences the performance of it through text painting, registration, and harmonic texture. This paper explores the musical implications using queer history, music theory, poetic analysis, musical characterization, and, most importantly, sapphic creators' own experiences.

Keywords: LGBTQ+, musicology, music, art song, queer theory,

BIO

I am from West Palm Beach and am a Junior at Florida State. I hope to go to law school after graduation. I am interested in political science research.

Gadsden County and the Politics of Birthing Spaces: The Making of an Invisible Care Desert

Abstract

With there being an increased interest in maternity care deserts, there has been less emphasis on how such framings may render certain communities invisible. Although Gadsden County, Florida, is not considered a maternity care desert, many of its community members still experience it as such. The present study aims to investigate the trajectory of maternal healthcare in Gadsden County for Black birthing persons. It divulges birthing narratives, examining what such experiences mean for the community and birthing care for African American birthing persons as a whole. By conducting semi-structured interviews, this study aims to capture the social processes that impact one’s ability to seek and navigate care within a perceived maternity care desert. The study is divided into two groups: Black birthing residents (n=26) and reproductive health advocates and professionals (n=14).
            Many respondents within the study share birthing stories that detail forms of obstetric violence and perceived racial discrimination. Furthermore, several professionals acknowledge that there is a history of bias in the medical care system. These biases directly impact African American individuals, especially those in marginalized communities. The study reveals several emergent themes among members of the community, including how they are naming barriers to care, resisting barriers to care, and cultivating health equity. Although this study is not designed to be generalizable since it is a qualitative case study situated in Gadsden County, further research is still needed to explore how other marginalized communities navigate the ever-shifting landscape of maternal healthcare within the U.S. 

Keywords: Feminist, Birthing, Women

BIO

Hi, my name is Emily and I am from Central Florida. I am a first-year student at FSU who is majoring in Geology, and I have an interest in pursuing further research pertaining to my major.

High-pressure behavior of kaolinite

Abstract

Kaolinite is a layered hydrous silicate mineral with a stoichiometry
of Al2Si2O5(OH)4. The crystal structure of kaolinite
is composed of a layer of tetrahedral sheet and a layer
of octahedral sheet, such a 1:1 layer is held together with
adjacent layer by weak interlayer hydrogen bonds. In the
tetrahedral sheet, individual tetrahedral units are arranged
in di-trigonal rings. In octahedral layer, out of
three possible octahedral units, only two are occupied by
aluminum ion and one remains vacant and hence kaolinite
is a di-octahedral clay. Kaolinite is produced by either
weathering of minerals found in continent or via hydrothermal
alteration of igneous rocks. Hydrous minerals
such as kaolinite play a vital role in transporting water into
the Earth’s interior via the process of subduction. As these
minerals are subducted into the Earth’s interior they are
subjected to higher pressures and temperatures. In this
study, we examine how pressure aspects the structure of
kaolinite. We examined high-pressure behavior of kaolinite
using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
FTIR spectroscopy at Mid-infrared region is sensitive to
the hydroxyl groups.

Keywords: Geology, Subduction Zone, Spectroscopy

BIO

Hello! I am a junior from Pensacola, Florida, studying Biomedical Engineering at Florida State University. I currently work as a research assistant in the NMR department at the National High Field Magnetic Laboratory. My interests include 3D printing and biomedical instrumentation, and I plan to do more research into these areas during my senior year while participating in my major’s undergraduate research program. After graduating from FSU, I hope to attend graduate school to pursue a doctoral degree.

Evaluation of SLA 3D Printing Resins for Preclinical MRI Research

Abstract

The RF (Radio Frequency) program at the National High Field Magnetic Laboratory develops MRI probes for the 900 MHz NMR magnet to aid in the preclinical studies of small rodents. In order to support the varying body sizes and anatomy of the rodents, different stereotaxic animal cradles need to be machined for each conducted study. However, machining multiple cradle variations with non-magnetic materials can quickly escalate production costs. Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing is a cost-effective alternative to machining that would allow researchers to rapidly create prototype parts.

This study evaluated the material properties of different resins (High Temp, Black, Tough, Draft) printed using the Form 3 SLA printer (Formlabs, Inc.) A quality assurance (QA) print was designed using Autodesk Inventor to evaluate each resin’s performance under the following categories: (i) temperature, (ii) solvent resistance, (iii) resolution, and (iv) machinability. After conducting all experiments, one can conclude that the resin printed with the highest resolution will have the least number of dimensional changes overall. However, since each resin type is designed with a specific function in mind, one must consider each resin’s advantages and disadvantages when selecting a resin to use. Moving forward, the MRI lab at the NHFML will begin using Black resin for their prints due to it performing well in all categories tested. The results of this project will lead to a better understanding of how 3D printing with SLA printers can be applied to MRI studies.

Keywords: 3D printing, MRI, engineering

BIO

Hi! I'm Emma Valderrama. I am a first year Political Science major. I am a first generation student from West Palm Beach, Florida. I am a part of HLSU and the Undergraduate Research Program, and a member of the first and largest Latin Sorority Lambda Theta Alpha. I enjoy nature, reading, dancing, and hanging out with friends. I am hoping to one day go to law school and then, when the time comes, run for a political office. Working on this project this academic year has been rewarding and I hope to find some opportunity to continue researching.

Tracing Women Pedagogues: Finding the Underrepresented in Nontraditional Sources

Abstract

This project intends to locate information about the careers of underrepresented women pedagogues in rhetorical studies that may appear in non-traditional sources. The Linked Women Pedagogues (LWP) Project focuses on recovering information about the pedagogical legacies of women in rhetorical studies between 1890 to 1990 who taught at a post-secondary schools or through the Peace Corps. Often, the recovery of information was difficult because it is archival data. If it is available, it may be missing important details. Or the woman are underrepresented because they are not mentioned in major information resources, such as VIAF, WorldCat, Google Books, or other archive-based resources. The purpose of this research project is to explore what information could be discovered by or about women pedagogues through non-traditional sources that have been unexplored because of their unconventional nature. Non-traditional sources included sorority/organization records, university faculty lists, and archived cultural magazines. Based on my findings, I consider what LWP researchers could add to their workflow to help recover key information that may be missing from larger data discovery tools.

Keywords: Rhetoric, Archives, Pedagogues, Graban

BIO

Originally from Virginia, Maggie grew up the oldest of seven children. She knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue science and medicine. She is a freshman on the pre-nursing track and hopes to also earn a degree in psychology. After finishing her undergraduate studies at Florida State, she hopes to eventually become a nurse practitioner. In her free time, she enjoys reading, yoga, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Expression of ptau in hippocampal tissue and navigational abilities in mice

Abstract

In Alzheimer’s disease, neural tissue is damaged by the accumulation of beta amyloid and tau proteins. Often, so much of these proteins has accumulated before a diagnosis is reached that tissue has already been significantly damaged. One of the first abilities impaired in Alzheimer’s is the ability to navigate or remember spatial information. Research has found that using 40Hz stimulation in the brain has lowered beta amyloid and tau levels. In an effort to rescue this tissue and assist in memory longevity, mouse subjects were set to perform a series of navigation and spatial information tasks paired with 40Hz stimulation. Mice underwent surgeries in which neural implants were attached through which 40Hz stimulation could be delivered to specific brain regions. Following completion of the task amyloid beta and tau levels were assessed in the region where 40Hz stimulation was delivered. Surprisingly, despite rescued behaviour and brain dynamics, we found that Tau levels were not reduced by 40Hz stimulation.

Keywords: hippocampus, Alzheimer's, sleep, navigation, ptau

BIO

I am a 2nd year senior majoring in psychology with a minor in African American studies. I am from a small town in central, FL called Winter Haven. I currently am a research assistant in the Patrick lab. I have aspirations to one day be a clinical psychologist with a focus on marginalized groups.

A proposed relationship between racial microaggressions, ​ stress susceptibility, and mental health disparities ​

Abstract

This study is part of a larger study to examine traits characteristics of internal state perception and social stress. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between of social affiliative capacity, mental health disparities, and social stress. Participants completed questionnaires and tasks that were used to measure aspects of interpersonal support and mental health. More specifically, the relationship between racial microaggressions and anxiety were examined. The study used three measures: Cognitive, Affective, and Somatic Empathy Scale (empathy), Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (affiliative capacity), and Inventory of Microaggressions Against Black Individuals (racial microaggressions) to do so. Participants then completed the Cyberball and Lexical Decision-Making Tasks to induce feelings of social exclusion and measure reactivity to emotional stimuli, respectively. We predicted that individuals that experiences racial microaggressions would score lower on aspects of interpersonal support and higher on anxiety. Furthermore, we predicted that empathy and affiliative capacity would predict feelings of social exclusion and reactivity to emotional stimuli. Results are forthcoming. Further direction includes increasing the sample size, and recruiting more participants racialized as Black. Social factors and equipment limitations make EEG research with coarse and curly hair difficult. We will implement a more robust recruitment strategy. With better data, we anticipate the data supporting our hypotheses. This research is ongoing.

Keywords: racial microaggressions, mental health, stress susceptibility

BIO

My name is A'Niya Sailor and I am a second-year student majoring in psychology with minors in sociology and criminology. I am from Quincy, Florida. I plan on obtaining a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and eventually opening mental healthcare clinics in marginalized and underrepresented communities. My research interests are developmental and social psychology, behavioral neuroscience, healthcare disparities, etc.

Gadsden County and the Politics of Birthing Spaces: The Making of an Invisible Care Desert

Abstract

With there being an increased interest in maternity care deserts, there has been less
emphasis on how such framings may render certain communities invisible. Although
Gadsden County, Florida, is not considered a maternity care desert, many of its
community members still experience it as such. The present study aims to investigate
the trajectory of maternal healthcare in Gadsden County for Black birthing persons. It
divulges birthing narratives, examining what such experiences mean for the community
and birthing care for African American birthing persons as a whole. By conducting
semi-structured interviews, this study aims to capture the social processes that impact
one’s ability to seek and navigate care within a perceived maternity care desert. The
study is divided into two groups: Black birthing residents (n=26) and reproductive
health advocates and professionals (n=14).
Many respondents within the study share birthing stories that detail forms of
obstetric violence and perceived racial discrimination. Furthermore, several
professionals acknowledge that there is a history of bias in the medical care system.
These biases directly impact African American individuals, especially those in
marginalized communities. The study reveals several emergent themes among members
of the community, including how they are naming barriers to care, resisting barriers to
care, and cultivating health equity. Although this study is not designed to be
generalizable since it is a qualitative case study situated in Gadsden County, further
research is still needed to explore how other marginalized communities navigate the
ever-shifting landscape of maternal healthcare within the U.S.

Keywords: Maternal Healthcare, Health Disparities, Gadsden County

BIO

I am a second-year biological sciences major from Jupiter, Florida. My primary research interest is the intersection of behavioral genetics and ecology, understanding how selection shapes behavior. I hope for future research to continue studying genetic factors contributing to complex behaviors in animals.

HIF1A Selection and Endurance in Acrobatic Displays

Abstract

Genetic variation contributing to an individual's success in muscular performance has been documented extensively in humans; the gene Hypoxia-inducible Factor 1-Alpha (HIF1A) has shown to have a common polymorphism in competitive endurance athletes. This study looks to identify selection on this gene among lekking species which courtship displays require endurance intensive long and extensive flight (as observed in the lance-tailed manakin) and others which require speed intensive short and precise movement (as observed in the golden collared manakin). To test for selection I used a codon-aware MUSCLE alignment for the HIF1A coding sequence among a variety of related displaying passerine species. After testing for selection it was found that positive selection did not occur on the HIF1A gene among the tested species. Investigating HIF1A variation within a population with connection to mating success or chick siring success rates could allow for insight on the impact that variation on this gene might have on courtship behavior.

Keywords: ecology, behavior, genetics

BIO

Hi! I am Avery Bixler, a Freshman from Land O' Lakes, Florida majoring in Linguistics. I am interested in history and the development of language and hope to conduct more research in those fields.

Retelling the Rosenstrasse: An Unbiased Account of the Only Successful Protest in Nazi Germany

Abstract

The Rosenstrasse Protest was the only public demonstration made during the Holocaust against the mass deportation of Jewish people. In the protest, the German wives and relatives of Jewish men gathered at Rosenstraße 2-4, where their husbands and families were awaiting deportation. (Figure 1) For a week, they demanded that the Gestapo give their men back. As guards denied them for a week straight, the dozens turned into thousands. Due to the public nature of the protest, the Nazi regime, famously caring intensely about their image, had no choice but to release the men. My research sought to remove bias from the retelling of the Rosenstrasse Protest and ensure that the full impact of the demonstration was understood. As this protest was the only recorded demonstration of its kind, it is important to spread accurate information surrounding its circumstances and the women involved. With the rise of clickbait and biased falsifications, it is important that misinformation be fixed and accurate sources cited. 

Keywords: Nazi Germany, Wikipedia, Women's Protest