BIO

I am a second year undergraduate student studying Finance from Annapolis, Maryland. I am the founder and president of the Florida State chapter of First Generation Investors, a member of the Equity Research Team as a part of the Securities Society club, and a research assistant through Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP).

SPACs, IPOs, and Social Media: A Comparative Study of Public Listing Options

Abstract

In my research I analyzed the relationships between IPO performance and social media activity. I particularly focused on this activity during and after the IPO quiet period. A quiet period can be defined as a, “...set amount of time when a company’s management and marketing teams cannot share opinions or additional information about the firm”. More specifically a quiet period, “...stretches from when a company files registration paperwork with U.S. regulators through the 40 days after the stock starts trading”. Although the quiet period starts when a company files registration paperwork, since this time period varies from company to company in order to have an equal measurement I instead started the 40 day period at the IPO’s initial trading date.
To study this relationship, I collected data on company name, ticker, initial trading date, initial listing price, open price, market cap, final trading date for quiet period, final price for quiet period, then I analyzed the performance during the period. Next, I collected data on the initial date of the following period, initial price, final trading date, final price, then I analyzed the performance. Finally, to measure social media activity I collected data on tweets, retweets, quote tweets, and a total of these three categories from the company’s twitter account. Although the initial results are preliminary, they were inconclusive. They didn’t suggest a positive or negative relationship between performance during the quiet period and social media activity in the following period.

Keywords: Stock, IPO, SPAC, Social Media, Finance

BIO

I am Auria Rembert, a sophomore majoring in International Affairs. I am pursuing a career in diplomacy and currently work as a University Ambassador for Florida State.

Assesing the Social Side of Corporate Sustainability

Abstract

This study aims to identify current social sustainability metrics and understand the role they play in fostering corporate social responsibility (CSR). We examined consumer and stockholder demand for sustainable products and the net benefits of engaging in environmental and social sustainability practices. Next, we compiled social and environmental sustainability metrics and constructed a consumer-facing sustainability framework, entitled the Corporate Sustainability Indicator (CSI). We centered our framework around social and environmental sustainability in the agri-food industry and evaluated two chocolate companies, Alter-Eco and Tony’s Chocolonely. Then we compared the results of the the CSI with the results of an existing framework, the Good Shopping Guide (GSG). Based off the data collected in the case study, we will assess the effectiveness of the CSI. Our results can be beneficial to corporations, small businesses, governmental agencies, shareholders, and consumers among other entities.

Keywords: Social Sustainability

BIO

A resident of Jacksonville, I'm passionate about the issues facing Northern Florida and our state more generally. I plan on attending law school after finishing my undergraduate and engaging in Consumer Protection work with my law degree.

Sound, Meaning and Music in Tolkien’s Elvish Languages and in Le Guin’s Invented Language Kesh

Abstract

Our project examines sound-meaning connections (‘sound symbolism’) in two
constructed languages (‘conlangs’)
○ J.R.R. Tolkien’s Elvish language Sindarin (from The Lord of the Rings; Fig. 1)
○ Ursula K. Le Guin’s post-apocalyptic Kesh (from Always Coming Home) (Fig. 2)
● Sound symbolism drives Tolkien’s conlanging to a great extent (see for example
Tolkien, Fimi & Higgins 2019; Farrugia 2019).
● Our project investigates the extent to which sound symbolism is present in Kesh
○ Not investigated before.
● Sound symbolism is present in many languages (Hinton, Nichols & Ohala 1995;
Blasi et al. 2016; Jao 2020, Winter & Perlman 2021, Winter et al. 2022, inter al.)
● Sound symbolism is also relevant in poetry, advertising and branding, among
others.

Keywords: linguistics, tolkien, elvish, conlang

BIO

Hi, I am Courtney Pater. I was born and raised here in Tallahassee, FL. I am currently studying computer engineering and will hopefully get a master’s in mechanical engineering that will further my career in aerospace. I am also a part of the FSU marching chiefs and play the baritone when I am not doing schoolwork. I have always been fascinated in robotics and all the "what-if's" I grew up on. Naturally I was interested in a project that combined my two interests. I have worked with a very special team this past year who have pushed me to do my best and I have learned so much more than I thought I could in a lab for only one year. I am beyond grateful for everything my research instructor has taught me and am very interested in how this research may continue.

Teaching a robot to conduct a band

Abstract

Digit is a humanoid robot that was originally intended to deliver packages from the back of mail trucks, so its motor skills are rather adept. We are attempting to have Digit conduct music by analyzing video and coding a conducting pattern into the robot. Currently, we are working on analyzing the motion data for a simple 4/4 pattern. The direct next steps for our project are to optimize the controllers for this pattern, and to attempt to replicate it on a small scale such as one robotic arm. In the future, we would like to teach Digit more songs and eventually implement a machine learning aspect that allows Digit to conduct any song. In the meantime, we will continue to test control strategies to further optimize Digit’s current patterns.

Keywords: robotics,

BIO

Cody Basquill is a freshman from Tampa, Florida pursuing a Biochemistry major and a Spanish/French co-major. Cody has many research interests including nanoparticles, pharmaceuticals, photophysics, photovoltaics, and organic-inorganic interfaces. When he isn't pursuing research and attending class, Cody is an avid reader, cellist, and lifeguard.

Investigation of the Photophysics of Gadolinium Doped Defect Tungsten Oxide

Abstract

Defect tungsten oxide is a type of nanoparticle. Tungsten oxide, like all photoactive nanoparticles, has a plasmonic frequency at which the electrons of the compound are displaced by light waves. This makes tungsten oxide an extremely valuable resource in a wide variety of fields that can benefit from photoactive compounds, in everything from construction to medicine. Through microwave pulse synthesis, we were able to create defect tungsten oxide with a dopant that alters this property. By doping with different amounts of gadolinium, we were able to shift the plasmonic frequency of the tungsten oxide, changing the photophysics of the particle and opening it up to a wider variety of practical applications.

Keywords: chemistry, nanoparticles, photochemistry, photophysics, synthesis

BIO

Currently pursuing a degree in Digital Media Production at Florida State University with a minor in International Affairs. After growing up abroad and allows being creative, I plan on combining my two passions in my future to do something with international media.

Are Women in Ads Really Empowered? What Hair Tells Us

Abstract

This qualitative textual analysis questions the “empowered female”
discourse suggested in “femvertising” specifically focusing on the
development of hair representation amongst women of color in
comparison to their White counterparts. Using Goffman’s Gender
Advertisements as the theoretical framework for coding female
adverts’ non-verbal communication cues over time, it can be
inquired whether or not women are more empowered in the current
state of contemporary commercialism in terms of their roles and
non-verbal behaviors. Our preliminary findings show that there has
been progress made in the depiction of females’ nonverbal
behaviors that has revealed more independence than what Goffman
did in 1988. However, the analysis found that black females’ hair
portrayals still demonstrate stereotypes of black women’s natural
hair and its negative connotations embedded in western culture.

Keywords: Advertisements, Media, Representation

BIO

Jess Quiros is an undergraduate student who was born and raised in Miami, Florida by Latin American parents. She is majoring in Psychology on the pre-med track and aims to become a pediatrician. In light of their close ties to their Latinx culture, Jess chose this project due to it being centered around women in the Latin American country of Honduras. Jess hopes to continue participating in additional research projects with a focus on minority populations and how they can be affected by community and cultural values as well as external prejudices and stigmas.

Review of Literature Regarding Women's Perspectives Towards Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Abstract

This study focuses on women's health and empowerment as we delve into the attitudes of women towards intimate partner violence (IPV), along with the presence of it throughout rural areas such as those found in parts of Honduras. Through our exploration of different pieces of literature, we will review how IPV is a prevalent issue throughout rural areas and review the survey-based women's empowerment index (SWPER) and its effectiveness. The SWPER captures three areas of empowerment that indicate assets and agency among women with partners; these areas include social independence, decision-making, and attitudes to violence. This project aims to provide insight into how women in Honduras feel about this issue and how it personally affects them. We hope to use this information to implement a survey, using the SWPER global program, to gain a better understanding of intimate partner violence affecting women in rural Honduras. We can learn more about the insecurities and obstacles women face to their personal well-being.

Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence, IPV, Honduras, women's health

BIO

Hi, my name is Vidhisha Gautam, I am a freshman at Florida State University. I was born and raised in St. Augustine Florida! I am a Biology major on the pre-med track. In the future, I hope to study medicine and go into pediatrics. I would love to go into pediatric cancer research!

Review of Literature Regarding Women's Perspectives Towards Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Abstract

This study focuses on women's health and empowerment as we delve into the attitudes of women towards intimate partner violence (IPV), along with the presence of it throughout rural areas such as those found in parts of Honduras. Through our exploration of different pieces of literature, we will review how IPV is a prevalent issue throughout rural areas and review the survey-based women's empowerment index (SWPER) and its effectiveness. The SWPER captures three areas of empowerment that indicate assets and agency among women with partners; these areas include social independence, decision-making, and attitudes to violence. This project aims to provide insight into how women in Honduras feel about this issue and how it personally affects them. We hope to use this information to implement a survey, using the SWPER global program, to gain a better understanding of intimate partner violence affecting women in rural Honduras. We can learn more about the insecurities and obstacles women face to their personal well-being.

Keywords: IPV, Women, Honduras

BIO

My name is Mariana Trujillo and I am a student at FSU majoring in Psychology on the pre-medicine track. Due to my interest in wanting to understand the neurological reasons behind an individual's behavior I decided to major in Psychology in order to gain more knowledge. Pursuing a career in medicine was a more recent development which was inspired by my want to actively be involved in helping other people. My future career plans include wanting to work as a trauma surgeon with the organization Doctors Without Borders. I want to do more than just help others, and instead put my efforts into helping those around the world that may not always have the means to help themselves.

Development of DIY Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer with optical range from Far-IR to Mid-IR

Abstract

We have been working on building an FTIR spectrometer, which stands for “Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer”. We will be using the spectroscopy to measure the transmission, absorption, or reflection of any sample in the far to near infrared (IR) spectral range. In order to build the FTIR spectrometer, we first had to build multiple circuit boards and then establish a connection with the microcontroller in order to drive the motors. In order to make the alignment of the mirrors on top of the motors more user friendly, we integrated the microcontroller with a user interface based computer program. The AC coupled signal sent by the detector has been converted to digital data bits using a high frequency ADC. The ADC is tested using an external function generator as the signal input. In this work we were able to control the motors as desired using the computer program, while also being successful in integrating the light source lumination control. The signal generated by the function generator was able to convert digitally using the ADC and has been successfully communicating serially with Audrino using the SPI bus. The light produced by the light source travels through various mirrors, which are controlled by the motors, after passing through the sample compartment the light focuses’ its beam on the detector. We in turn generate the FTIR signal which is acquired by the Audrino with the help of an external ADC.

Keywords: FTIR Spectrometer, Infrared radiation, electromagnetic wave

BIO

My name is Sonya Ottich. I am a sophomore majoring in biomathematics at FSU. I am from Jacksonville, Florida. My career goal and passion is medicine. Right now I am working on neuroscience research at college of Medicine. I am very interested in immunology and allergy research, so I am considering completing an Md/PhD program in the future.

Effects of repeated cocaine exposure on pair-bonding formation in prairie voles

Abstract

It has been well established that addiction negatively impacts physical and mental health and damages personal relationships. However, little is known about how drug use affects our ability to form and maintain social bonds. Repeated exposure to amphetamine and cocaine has been shown to inhibit pair-bond formation in socially monogamous prairie voles. In this study, male prairie voles received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 10 mg/kg cocaine for ten days, followed by a ten day “extinction” period during which there were no injections. The males were paired with a partner and tested for a partner preference to determine how repeated exposure to cocaine affects their ability to form pair-bonds. Twenty-four hours of cohabitation with mating is sufficient for prairie voles to develop a partner preference. Male prairie voles that were exposed to cocaine did not develop a partner preference after twenty-four hours of cohabitation with mating. However, after two weeks of cohabitation a partner preference did form. This suggests that a history of cocaine use delays the ability to form a pair-bond in male prairie voles.

Keywords: Voles, pair-bonding, partner preference

BIO

Hello! I am Aryan Manohar, a freshman student at FSU studying political science. This is my first year as a Presidential Scholar, and my first year in UROP. Other than that, I am a pretty private guy!

Covering the Climate: How the American News Media Reports On The Environment

Abstract

In American news media, language can change the depiction of environmental events, especially dealing with climate change. By analyzing the various differences in the language and attitudes of American news media coverage of the environment, we can decipher how different media outlets cover environmental topics. This research project thus aims to bring more clarity about the news media’s coverage of climate change and environmental issues. We focused on two aspects of their coverage: the degree to which these media outlets covered climate change and environmental issues, and the way in which they were covered. This research project first focuses on coding a collection of articles and interviews from major cable news outlets in America over the past 30 years (between 1990 and 2020) based on the content and tonality of their coverage of environmental issues. This was to investigate how each media outlet differed on its reporting of climate change and environmental issues, or if they differed at all. We examined variables such as the composition of environmental topics and how supportive they were of of the environmental topics they covered. This study aims to clarify the coverage of news outlets on environmental topics, as well as understanding how news sources communicate these issues to their consumers.

Keywords: UROP, Climate change, Environment

BIO

I am a first-year music student from Palm Bay, Florida with research interests in music education and musicology. I am currently pursuing a degree in music education with the intent of becoming a high school band director upon graduation.

Sounds of the Wonder City

Abstract

Brass bands are present throughout Bolivian festivals and are a notable component of the sound environment in La Paz. These brass bands are semi-professional and consist of community members which organize for performances like the festivals of Gran Poder and Entrada Universitaria. Through performances of traditional Bolivian dance music like the morenada, diablada and caporales, they have established significant ties to Bolivian heritage. This project seeks to answer questions about who can and cannot participate in these ensembles, how they contribute to a sense of community, and how these ensembles will evolve. In this project qualitative data was gathered on the nature of these performances through both written sources and video/audio sources. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with academics and participants in Bolivian brass bands. Through the project it can be determined that the nature of these ensembles are primarily community-oriented and culturally expressive, rather than a performance-based ensemble.

Keywords: musicology, brass bands, sound

BIO

I grew up in Cremona, Italy and immigrated to the South Florida shortly before my first year of high school. I am currently sophomore at Florida State University with a passion for economics, data analysis, and history.

The Rosenstrasse 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. We will research the identities of the individuals who took part in the Rosenstrasse protests, consequently allowing us to recognize those impacted by resistance during the Holocaust.

Keywords: Resistance, Rosenstrasse, Holocaust, Protest, Injustice

BIO

My name is James Hugglestone and I was born in Sarasota, Florida. I'm a student at Florida State University and am passionate about computer science, specifically learning about the efficiency of algorithms in code. My ultimate career goal is to work in the field of cybersecurity.

Statistical Modeling of Type Ia SN Flame

Abstract

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are explosions that occur when white dwarfs (formed as an end-product of low-mass stars) meet suitable conditions. In 1992, F. Timmes and S. Woosley published a paper in which they analyzed the physical properties of stellar flames that power SN Ia explosions. The data produced by Timmes and Woosley was impacted by the inaccurate representation of participating physics and simplified numerics, which negatively affected the accuracy of their result. The utilization of modern techniques and improved microphysics allows the flame speed to be calculated with improved accuracy. By using the Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA) code’s conductive flame model, we have obtained flame speeds for a broad range of conditions characteristic of massive SN Ia progenitors. We plan to analyze these data and produce an approximate formula to accurately and efficiently calculate the flame speed in Type Ia supernova explosion simulations. Future work will increase the size of the nuclear network used to generate these flame models to further increase the accuracy and precision of our findings.

Keywords: MESA, Supernova, Simulation, Flame, Analysis

BIO

Hi! My name is Meghan Peoples and I'm a first-year here at FSU. I grew up just outside of Tampa, Florida and am currently an Exploratory major. On a pre-Med track, I soon hope to declare as Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. I am very excited and looking forward to presenting the research I have assisted on over the past year!

Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide on Corpus Cavernosum Function following Testosterone Deprivation

Abstract

Testosterone plays a major role in penile structure and function. As men age, many experience a decrease in testosterone production, which correlates to an increase in Erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection satisfactory for sexual performance. It is often associated with other underlying health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is the inability of the testes to produce testosterone. Research has found that lowered levels of testosterone can lead to an increase in oxidative stress which then decreases nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels. These two are important gasotransmitters that mediate relaxation. Our research project aims to assess penile function following treatment with two H2S-enriched diets in mice deprived of testosterone via castration. We hypothesize that H2S treatment in mice deprived of testosterone will experience more relaxation and less constriction than the non-treated castrated group. 

Keywords: STEM, Urology, Testosterone

BIO

My name is Nicholas Warren-Elmore and I am a first year Economics major from Fort Lauderdale. I am interested in pursuing more research in both the History and Economics fields. I am a part of the Pre-Law track and plan to attend law school after graduating from FSU.

William Pope Duval: The Absent Governor

Abstract

This research project explores the governance of William Pope Duval, the longest serving governor of the Florida Territory in the early 19th century. Duval, appointed by President James Monroe in 1822, faced many challenges during his tenure (1822-1834) including conflicts with the Seminole tribe, disputes over Spanish land grants, and issues with territorial boundaries. Despite these obstacles, Duval was able to establish a stable government and promote economic growth in the territory. The research examines Duval's policies and decisions, as well as his relationships with other political figures of the time, to gain a deeper understanding of his leadership and impact on the development of Florida. This project will also further delve into how Florida was managed while Duval was absent from his position. Letters between
important politicians and official documents will be analyzed in order to construct an image of Florida’s second governor. The sources gathered to assemble the information in the project were found through the use of multiple digital archives, collaboration with historical foundations located in Tallahassee, and references to books that cover surrounding topics. Due to the 200-year anniversary of Tallahassee's founding occurring in 2024, this history is more important than ever.

Keywords: William Pope DuVal, Tallahassee, Governor

BIO

Olivia is a first-year pre-Mechanical Engineering student at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. Her home university is Florida State University. She is interested in researching ways to create more efficient solar power systems and in consumer psychology.

Snap Shop: Creating a Database of Digital Marketing

Abstract

In 2018, Dr. Peter Weishar donated thousands of photos that his father, Joseph Weishar had taken of storefronts and displays to the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University. However, they are all stored across many binders. To remedy this situation, this project is dedicated to scanning each applicable photograph (repeat images and low-quality images are not scanned) and uploading them into a digital database through FSU Create. This digital database will become a research tool for studying marketing.

Keywords: Marketing, Database, Tool

BIO

My name is Mackenzie Weaver, and I am a current Freshman at Florida State University majoring in Community Patient Care on the Pre-Medical track. I am from Suwanee, Georgia, and plan on going into epidemiology. My research interests mostly center around disease and its risk factors, along with the psychological effects of illness.

Social Resources and Intimate Partner Violence: Examining stigma perceived by women and their social networks

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) involves any physical, psychological, sexual, or emotional violence committed by an intimate partner. It is widely recognized as a public health problem affecting many individuals, primarily women, globally. This review seeks to illustrate how stigma reducing social connections lowers help seeking behaviors in regard to IPV. One of the greatest protectors against IPV are social connections, as they make victims less isolated, and offer resources to them when in need, reducing their dependence on an abusive partner. Another factor influencing IPV is the education level of a victim and their social networks, as higher education translates to greater availability of resources for IPV prevention or reduction, while less educated individuals and their social networks might not have access to those resources, thereby increasing their risk of IPV. However, many individuals experiencing IPV have limited social connections making them more susceptible to abuse, reducing its protective effect. This isolation is especially pronounced for those who experience stigma. Stigma (e.g., identity-based discrimination, relationship-based stigma) is a way by which groups in society are “othered” and stereotyped, making it difficult for individuals in these groups to defy the normative conditioning around abuse in order to help a victim, as the “helper’s” social network may also ostracize them for their supportive actions. Given the nature of anticipated stigma around abuse and help-seeking, victims are less likely to approach their social networks, thus reducing the perception, availability, as well as instrumentality of post-IPV social support.

Keywords: IPV, Stigma, Social Support, Help Seeking

BIO

I'm from Cape Coral, Florida. I'm very interested in genetics and chemistry. My goal is to conduct biomedical research.

Loneliness, Marital Status, and Cognition in Mid- to Late Life

Abstract

Background. Cognitive decline, according to the CDC, impacts 1 in 9 adults. Research has demonstrated a link between marital status, loneliness, and cognitive decline. However, further research is needed to understand how loneliness may interact with marital status to influence cognition.

Methods. Data was collected through the MIDUS series, which was a longitudinal study conducted over 1995-2014 (N = 7,108). Participants were English-speaking, non-institutionalized Americans. Age, education level, ethnicity, sex, and income were used as covariates in each analyses. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Brief Test of Adult Cognition via telephone (BTACT). Data regarding marital status and loneliness was collected through self-reported questionnaires.

Results. We expect to find a positive association between loneliness and cognitive decline, as well as marital status and cognitive decline. We expect that the relationship between loneliness and cognitive decline may depend on marital status, such that those who are unmarried may be more impacted by loneliness and in turn, experience higher risk of cognitive decline.

Conclusions. Examining these relationships may improve our understanding of how the brain is affected by social relationships.

Keywords: Cognition, Loneliness, Marital Status

BIO

I am a sophomore studying finance & marketing with a minor in urban planning & regional development. I applied to UROP in order to get enriching, hands-on experience with research and gauge it as a potential path for me. A significant career goal of mine is to segway into marketing or product management, where I hope to merge my passions in sustainability, nutrition & wellness, and design with market research, business strategy, and the entire product development process.

Assessing the Social Side of Corporate Sustainability

Abstract

This study aims to identify current social sustainability metrics and understand the role they play in fostering corporate social responsibility (CSR). We examined consumer and stockholder demand for sustainable products and the net benefits of engaging in environmental and social sustainability practices. Next, we compiled social and environmental sustainability metrics and constructed a consumer-facing sustainability framework, entitled the Corporate Sustainability Indicator (CSI). We centered our framework around social and environmental sustainability in the agri-food industry and evaluated two chocolate companies, Alter-Eco and Tony’s Chocolonely. Then, we compared the results of the the CSI with the results of an existing framework, the Good Shopping Guide (GSG). Based off the data collected in the case study, we will assess the effectiveness of the CSI. Our results can be beneficial to corporations, small businesses, governmental agencies, shareholders, and consumers among other entities.

Keywords: corporate social sustainability assessment