BIO

Hello! My name is Lucy Morfit and I am a sophomore from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. My research interests include: ancient civilizations, world history, psychology, and social media. After graduation, I plan to apply to graduate school, and eventually go into a career either in archaeology, ancient history, or teaching. In my spare time, you can find me reading, hiking, taking photos, or updating my blog!

Social Media and Emotion: How Social Media Correlates With Emotions in FSU students.

Abstract

Social media has become a prominent part of the 21st century. It provides a way for people to connect and communicate like never before. However, people are now associating social media in both a negative and positive light. This study aims to explore the possible correlations between social media and negative and positive emotions in undergraduate and graduate-age FSU students. The objective of this research was to, one, identify the emotions that individuals felt about their social media use, and, two, analyze why they felt this way. Participants in this study were interviewed over an hour and initially asked a series of background questions regarding their life at Florida State University and their experience with Social Media. Then, participants were given several scenarios, such as time spent on social media, and asked if they associated positive or negative emotions with it, and if so to what intensity. Data was analyzed through thematic analysis.

Keywords: Social Media, Emotion, FSU Students, Positive, Negative

BIO

My name is Bethany and I am a second year student at FSU from Virginia. I am studying public health and international affairs, and am an aspiring physician with an interest in clinical, psychological research. This is my first time participating in research and I am excited to incorporate research into my college and future career experience.

Political Extremity, Conservatism, and Reliance on First Impressions

Abstract

Past research in political psychology has suggested that increased political extremism is associated with increased cognitive rigidity. Other research suggested that political conservatism specifically is related to higher cognitive rigidity. In this study, we investigated two possible associations between reliance on one’s first impressions of others, a form of cognitive rigidity in interpersonal interactions, and their political ideology, based on the rigidity of extreme ideologies theory and rigidity of conservative ideology theory. Considering these theories, we predicted that, respectively, either political extremity or political conservatism would relate to increased reliance on first impressions.
Using the Prolific survey platform we created and distributed an online survey that included questions on political ideology measured via a self-placement scale. Reliance on first impressions was measured via thirteen items we created and validated. A gender-balanced sample of 157 participants filled out the survey. A bivariate correlation analysis did not support the rigidity of extreme ideologies theory. However, a statistically significant correlation was found between conservatism scores and reliance on first impressions, supporting the rigidity of conservative ideology theory. Our results suggest that there is a positive linear association between conservative ideology and reliance on first impressions. These findings suggest that highly liberal people may not have high cognitive rigidity, at least interpersonally, going against the rigidity of extreme ideologies theory. Further, the trends found in this study could have implications for bias formation, further research would be needed to make an association between bias formation and increased reliance on first impression scores.

Keywords: psychology, political, bias

BIO

I am a Senior in the Psychology major at Florida State University. My research interests include political polarization, motivated reasoning, and social psychology. After graduating from FSU, I hope to pursue a JD/PhD joint program. My prospective career goal is to specialize in researching socio-political psychology and motivated reasoning.

Facts V.s. Feelings: The Role of Affect in Mediating the Link Between Political Identity and Motivated Numeracy

Abstract

The current work brings to light the role of affective processing in the relationship between cognitive sophistication and politically motivated numeracy. Previous research has forwarded conflicting theories on the role of cognitive sophistication, or the ability to engage in reflective and analytical thinking, in motivated reasoning. On one hand, the Identity Protective Cognition Account (IPC) suggests that individuals who are high in trait Cognitive Sophistication tend to demonstrate more motivated reasoning in political contexts. Alternatively, the Cognitive Sophistication Account (CSA) suggests that those individuals have a propensity to engage in more accurate and analytical thinking regardless of political contexts. To reconcile these discrepant findings, the present work seeks to identify if there exists a mediating role of affective processing in leading cognitive sophisticates to pursue politically motivated (IPC) vs. Accurate (CSA) conclusions. In a single study, participants will complete a cognitive reflection task and 10 political numeracy tasks. Half of the tasks will be negatively affectively laden to induce anger, and half will be neutrally framed. Importantly, this study adds novel data to the previous research by measuring the participants’ affective arousal and emotional expression using skin conductance responses and facial action coding while participants complete the tasks. By examining mechanisms underlying reasoning about scientific evidence, this study aims to advance the literature on science communication and may contribute to identifying ways for the public to utilize their critical thinking faculties when they engage with policy-relevant science.

Keywords: motivated reasoning , Political psychology , Partisan bias, Partisan Psychology, Affect

BIO

Hi! I am a Sophomore at FSU from Prospect, Kentucky. I am pursuing a career in medicine, particularly psychiatry.

Optical Detection of Magnetic Resonance

Abstract

The objective of our UROP project this year was to design and manufacture an optimized sample holder for optical detection of triplet states in electron paramagnetic resonance. Electron paramagnetic resonance is a spectrometry technique used to study the selective absorption of specific frequency electromagnetic radiation in unpaired electrons when subjected to a continuous an strong magnetic field. The sample holder is important to this process in the way that it is the point of both light entrance and excitation, and when optimized it will be able to give a more clear reading on the excited triplet state shifts. To design this sample holder, my partner and I used a 3D modeling software as well as a 3D printer to model our final product. We have not yet collected data with our sample holder, but we have collected comparative data with a non optimized sample holder and our chosen sample- pentacene. We expect to have data ready by the time we have to print our poster as we are only waiting for the machinery department to finish building our sample holder. The overall importance of this research includes application in solar energy, allowing more power to be harnesses for longer through solar panels and providing renewable energy.

Keywords: Optics, Physics, spectroscopy

BIO

My name is Elissa Bell, and I am from Melbourne, FL. I hope to attend medical school after graduating to become a physician-scientist.

Changes in 3D genome architecture during immediate early gene induction of mouse B cells

Abstract

Understanding nuclear chromatin organization is critical for understanding its function in gene expression and cell fate specification. Biochemical techniques, including Hi-C and Promoter-Capture Hi-C, can analyze chromatin 3D conformation and genomic contacts. We will use Promoter Capture Hi-C data from naive mouse B cells to study the changes in 3D genome architecture during immediate early gene induction. B cells are white blood cells that play a vital role in the body's immune system. Upon B cell activation, the expression of several immediate early genes is induced, including Fos, Jun, and Myc protooncogenes, and organizational changes in the chromatin take place. These spatial modifications could result in new genomic interactions, including promoter-enhancer interactions. I will use computational tools such as CHiCAGO and Chicdiff to analyze significant promoter interactions in the data at different time points before and after B cell activation. We will use publicly available RNA-seq and ChiP-seq data to study how epigenetic marks relate to gene expression levels at different time points. These methods will allow us to investigate the changes in immediate early gene expression after B cell activation and determine if these changes are related to changes in enhancer-promoter interactions and 3D genome organization. A better understanding of the chromosomal organizational changes after B cell induction will give insight into notable events after activation, including changes in genomic contacts, gene regulation, and potential implications for disease. We believe we will see changes in the 3D genome architecture in naive mouse B cells after immediate early gene induction.

Keywords: Immediate early gene induction

BIO

My name is Nicholas Tan and I am currenly a sophmore here at FSU. I was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida and have lived there my whole life. I am studying Clinical Professions, and interested in the genetic code behind the organism D. Melanogaster. I inted to persue a degree in optometry, and plan on attending optometry school after four years at Florida State University. I currenly work as an opthalmic technician at the Eye Associates of Tallahassee.

The Correlation Between Coloration and Aggression in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Pleiotropy, the phenomenon of one gene controlling multiple traits, is found throughout life. This phenomenon can correlate two seemingly unrelated traits and possibly hinder adaptation. Our lab used the study system Drosophila melanogaster to test for a correlation between behavioral aggression and melanin coloration across multiple generations. Melanogenesis is the process which controls melanin production and is thought to have an inhibitory effect on the production of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which can influence aggressiveness. Therefore, we hypothesized that artificially selecting for higher levels of aggressive behaviors would lead to darker pigmentation in Drosophila. We tested this by quantifying aggressive behaviors (fencing, boxing, and lunging) over multiple generations to develop three artificially selected strains – high aggression, low aggression, and no selection (control). We analyzed the color pigmentation of these selected lines in Image J by interpreting the mean grey scale value of the pigmentation of the thoracic trident region. As we predicted, our results showed an increase in melanin levels as flies were selected for more aggressive behaviors. This clearly demonstrates these two traits are correlated, but additional work and genetic data is necessary to confirm that the correlation is due to pleitropic effects.

Keywords: Pleiotropy, Drosophila melanogaster, agression, dopamine

BIO

I am a third year undergraduate Honors student from Tallahassee, Florida. I am majoring in Health Management, Policy, and Information with a focus in Health Information Technology. I am currently a research assistant collaborating with Dr. Sunny Narayanan on a NASA-funded study exploring the effects of simulated spaceflight conditions, such as microgravity and radiation, on the cardiovascular system. We are currently doing biochemical analyses of the basilar, coronary, and mesenteric arteries to better understand the observed increased incidences of medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease in some astronauts. I am passionate about pursuing interdisciplinary approaches to medical issues, learning about new topics in the field of space medicine and space life sciences, and understanding how technology can be used to advance healthcare practices.

The Effects of Long-Term Recovery from Simulated Microgravity and Deep Space Radiation on the Rat Coronary Structure and Biochemical Properties

Abstract

Human travel into space exposes them to the spaceflight environment, which includes extreme temperature variations, exposure to deep-space radiation, and the effects of weightlessness (e.g. microgravity). Physiological adaptations occur when exposed to these different environmental stimuli, increasing the crew's risk of developing medical conditions. Some of these risks include cardiovascular adaptations, musculoskeletal deconditioning, and spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome. To assess these risks and how they may affect the cardiovascular system, we conducted a study of the long-term single and combined effects of deep space radiation and microgravity exposure on rats. Our hypothesis includes studying changes in blood vessel structure and function, as well as biochemical pathway changes (e.g. endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS], oxidative stress) resulting from simulated spaceflight exposure. Rat coronary arteries were collected and processed by cryostat sectioning to assess changes in protein pathways through immunofluorescence. Findings from this study will increase our overall knowledge in the field of space medicine and life sciences, as well as improve life on Earth through advancements made in medicine and health.

Keywords: cardiovascular, medicine, space

BIO

I am a first-year international affairs major from Miami, Florida. My research is focused on human rights issues that women and members of other underrepresented communities face. Besides UROP, I am involved with PeaceJam as well as nonprofits in the Tallahassee area that specialize in refugee work. When I'm not researching or volunteering, you can almost always find me at the beach!

Women, Wealth, and Property: Montpellier, 1760s-1780s

Abstract

The role of women in Ancien Régime France is generally assumed to be one relegated to servitude, unable to participate in broader society without the permission of a male guardian or husband.
However, Roman law governed the cultural practices of southern France, which allowed for more liberal policies regarding female ownership of land compared to the customary law that dominated Parisian gender politics. This project aims to dispel claims that women exercised little to no socio political rights in Ancien Régime France. Instead, through the analysis of tax records and property sales in Languedoc between 1760-1790, the extent of female impact in the region will be quantified, demonstrating the vast rights women exercised.
This project pulled a random sample of property sales in Languedoc from a larger pool of records, and calculated the average profits women versus men were making in property sales. Another facet of the project analyzed tax registers from the city of Montpellier from 1789-90. To find the prevalence of women who paid taxes, every woman on the register was recorded, along with her social and marital status and amount of tax paid.
Overall, our research revealed that the average sum value of property sales between men to women versus women to men was around 200 livres greater for the latter. On the tax register, we discovered around 19% of the names listed on the roll were women, composed of a variety of social and marital statuses.

Keywords: Women rights, history, archival research, French history, gender inequality

BIO

Hi, my name is Anna Huszar, I am a sophomore Chemical Engineering student at Florida State University. My Interests include topics in polymer and organic chemistry, polymer composites, and electric conductivity research.

Fabrication of Poly(arylene ether sulfone) based MXene Composite Membranes With Enhanced Conductive Properties

Abstract

MXenes, 2D transition metal carbides, express high electric conductivity, and thermal stability rates, as well as a 2D-layered structure. In this research focuses on blending commercially available UDEL ® with various weight percent of bromine etched MXenes. UDEL ® -PSU is a thermally stable, mechanically robust transparent plastic with high heat resistance and hydrolytic stability. However, UDEL ® has no electrical conductivity thus forming composite membranes that elucidate MXene properties without interference from the UDEL ® binder. Bromine-terminated MXenes were etched from their corresponding MAX phase (Ti3AlC2) and exhibited characteristic XRD peak-layer separations before the 8th degree. Solutions of UDEL ® (5 wt%) were prepared by dissolving the pellets in DMF solution. Different concentrations of the MXene dispersion in DMF were introduced into the UDEL ® solution and solution cast onto glass plates. Thermal and mechanical testing of the resulting samples was performed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Additional conductivity testing was performed to assess the change in the electric conductivity of the binder polymer. It is expected that merging the individual properties of UDEL ® and MXenes will lead to characteristics that can be applied to conductive inks.

Keywords: MXene, Polymer, Composite

BIO

My name is Rachel Rainford and I am third year student studying Psychology and minoring in IT and Communication. My primary interests are within the arts. I enjoy creating and embracing self expression. My hobbies include graphic design, videography, and photography. My goal is to become a well rounded mixed media artist.

The Black Artist’s Way

Abstract

Disparities for talented Black Artists has caused many creatives to be shunned out of their desired avenue. Due to systemic racism, there is a long history of Black art either being stolen, copied with no recognition, or failure within the field. Without a doubt, Black creatives have been robbed and stripped of the many things that make them special. Our mission of our project is to highlight Black artists who have pioneered and paved the way through their courageous, inspirational and strengthening work. We selected artists who included their history in their work as a way to connect their identity.
With the influence of these women, “The Black Artists Way” was created in hopes to educate students, researchers, and many other educators on this discussion. We aspire to inspire people within the arts with a visualization of the brilliance that were these women. In efforts to create more diversification in the classroom, we put together archives that will be included in an educational film for students. To honor these figures, we chose the photos that portrayed them in their glory. In their time, the media did them a disservice. When it came to researching these women, it was found that there are many details missing from their stories. Although it’s impossible to gather those missing pieces, we attempt to bridge the gap as much as we can through photos; in hopes to tell their story how they themselves would want it told.

Keywords: Black Artist

BIO

A highly ambitious and motivated student at Florida State University with knowledge and a passion for social sciences. Pursuing a dual degree in Political Science and Sociology, with a keen interest in political philosophy.

COINTELPRO and the Repression of Tallahassee's New Left

Abstract

A major catalyst of the American civil rights movement and opposition to the Vietnam war had been its convergence with a burgeoning student movement within university settings. As such, FBI opposition would orient itself toward the repression of America’s New Left, a broad, young, abstraction of Marxist ideology opposed to Soviet-stlye governance, rooting itself on American campuses. Directing against domestic threats, the FBI’s COINTELPRO (Counterintellegiance Program) targeted New Left activity on university campuses throughout the nation. In order to properly detail the role that which COINTELPRO had in subverting New Left activities in and around the Tallahassee area researchers examined internal FBI documents and memorandums, university archives, and underground newspapers. Using a timeline of events researchers captured the blossoming/escalating social and political controversies in Tallahassee and its respective universities, Florida State University (FSU) and Flordia A&M University (FAMU)- as well as the FBI’s oversight in relation to the wide ranged dissent. Using these resources, researchers were able to establish a clear intention by the FBI to infiltrate and suppress New Left activities in Northern Florida-utilizing methods of espionage and federal oversight. Research is currently ongoing to precisely particularize and capture the full extent of FBI intervention, regarding COINTELPRO, in the Tallahasssee area.

Keywords: FBI, COINTELPRO, FSU, New Left, Tallahassee

BIO

My name is Sophie Allen and I am a junior at Florida State University, where I am pursuing a double major in Psychology and Biomathematics. My research interests are focused on the field of human cognition, specifically on memory, perception, and learning. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience. In graduate school, I intend to utilize a combination of neuroimaging, computational approaches, and behavioral data to answer my research questions and gain a deeper understanding of how the brain functions.

The neural basis of cognitive control in task-relevant memory retrieval

Abstract

The distinction between semantic and episodic memory as two separate long-term memory systems was first proposed in 1972 by Endel Tulving. This distinction is characterized by differences at the level of content; semantic memory reflects knowledge abstracted from multiple experiences whereas episodic memory reflects memory for specific moments. Cognitive neuroscience research studying how semantic and episodic memory are supported by the brain has traditionally focused on either one system or the other. However, an emerging line of evidence suggests this distinction is not as clear as once thought. Specifically, there are overlapping cognitive control mechanisms that aid in retrieval of semantic and episodic memory. Here, we investigated this overlap using functional magnetic resonance imaging to quantify brain activity in the frontal lobe while participants completed a semantic memory task and an episodic memory task. We contrasted measures of brain activity obtained from each task and found a posterior-to-anterior gradient of activity in the medial surface of the prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Specifically, the anterior extent of mPFC demonstrated greater activity during retrieval of semantic memory, whereas posterior mPFC demonstrated greater activity during retrieval of episodic memory. Our results provide evidence for a shared cognitive control process during the retrieval of semantic and episodic memory in the mPFC. Furthermore, greater activity observed in anterior mPFC during retrieval of semantic memory supports the idea that anterior regions in the frontal lobe guide more abstract cognitive control processing.

Keywords: fMRI, long-term memory, functional connectivity

BIO

I was grew up in Jupiter Florida where I did all kinds of activites that fostered my love for the environment such as: fishing, hiking snorkeling, and more. I went to FSU to study environmental science and have started volunteering in the Coastal and Marine Lab at FSU where I came to a liking of biogeochemistry. With the knowledge and experience I have gotten here so far, I would like to use it to become an Environmental Scientist either working for the state or a consulting firm in the future.

The Effects of Sediment Organic Matter Content on the Dissolution of Oysters in Apalachicola Bay

Abstract

In the Apalachicola Bay, the oyster fishery is both economically and culturally important to the region. However, the oyster fishery has been closed until 2025 due to its dwindling population. In this project, I analyzed the effects that different sediment substrates found within the bay have on the rate of oyster shell dissolution. The sediment substrate types were mangrove, subtidal oyster reef, intertidal oyster reef, and intertidal oyster reef with mangrove litter. This experiment was conducted in mesocosms where pH and shell mass loss were periodically measured over two years to measure the corrosivity of each substrate. Tidal mangrove substrate exhibited the largest difference in mean weight percent. This is as hypothesized as this sediment substrate had the highest organic matter content. This suggests that oysters could have a harder time settling and thriving in locations with high levels of organic matter and low ph. I aim to relate this finding to the organic matter concentrations naturally found in subtidal sediment where, historically, most oysters have been found in the Apalachicola Bay. This will be done by comparing organic matter % currently found in the Bay based on preliminary data by Engelbert et al. 2023. The relationship between high organic matter % and shell content could have a correlation to the recent increase in mangrove populations along the barrier islands or river export changes; both inputs to the system have the potential to increase organic matter in benthic sediment.

Keywords: Biogeochemistry, Dissolution, Eutrophication, Oysters, Apalachicola

BIO

Hello, my name is Gabriella Mazzorana. I am a first generation American college student and am from Fort Myers, Florida. I am a junior at FSU pursuing an undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology with the life goal of becoming a physician. I have a profound appreciation for science and its capabilities to improve the human condition. It is my life's ambition to become a doctor and serve communities that are deprived of medical care. So far in my undergraduate career, I have been fortunate enough to serve as a Big Sister, emergency medical responder in the MRU, Director of Community in the American Medical Student Association, founder of the FSU Stop the Bleed chapter, and research assistant in this NASA space medicine project.

The Effects of Long-Term Recovery from Simulated Microgravity and Deep Space Radiation on the Rat Basilar Structure and Biochemical Properties

Abstract

Human travel into space exposes them to the spaceflight environment, which includes extreme temperature variations, exposure to deep-space radiation, and the effects of weightlessness (e.g. microgravity). Physiological adaptations occur when exposed to these different environmental stimuli; one example includes brain function. Brain function is reliant on adequate blood perfusion supplied by the cardiovascular system. Both the cardiovascular system and the brain have been shown to adapt to extreme conditions such as spaceflight, where astronauts are subjected to environmental factors such as deep-space radiation and microgravity. Some of these changes include cardiovascular adaptations, musculoskeletal deconditioning, and spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome. To assess these risks and how they may affect the cardiovascular system, we conducted a study of the long-term single and combined effects of deep space radiation and microgravity exposure on rats. Our hypothesis includes studying changes in blood vessel structure and function, as well as biochemical pathway changes (e.g. endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS], oxidative stress) resulting from simulated spaceflight exposure. Biological samples of the rat basilar artery were collected and processed by cryostat sectioning for immunofluorescence protein analysis. The findings from this study will increase our overall knowledge in the field of space medicine and life sciences as well as improve life on Earth through advancements made in medicine and health.

Keywords: NASA, space medicine, basilar

BIO

My name is Evan Rubenstein and I am a first-year Psychology student at Florida State University looking to complete their Masters in Sport Psychology here at FSU. Being from Coral Springs, an area in northern Broward, Tallahassee is quite a ways from home. However, my interest in Sport Psychology research led me to FSU and its Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. In the future, I am hoping to apply the developments made in this young field to the growing world of esports as a mental health specialist who focuses on professional esports athletes.

Are Teammates Rivals or Role Models?

Abstract

Victories, defeats, and celebrations are all experiences that incite emotional responses. How athletes engage in emotions after competition can provide crucial information to their teammates (van Kleef, 2009). The significance of an accomplishment is signaled by a teammate's displays of pride, elevating their status, thus potentially invoking admiration, benign envy, or malicious envy in onlooking teammates (Tracey & Matsumoto, 2008, Lange et al., 2018; Lange & Crusius, 2015; van de Ven et al., 2011). In turn, these emotional responses may motivate the onlooking teammate’s behaviors. To study this phenomenon further, our research investigates how the perception of a teammate’s pride will predict a particular emotional response (e.g., admiration, benign envy, or malicious envy) and how in turn those responses predict higher or lower participation in corresponding behaviors (e.g., one’s own effort, compassion towards teammates, antisocial behaviors, and affiliation motives) that may benefit or damage their individual and team athletic performance. We will be surveying NCAA collective individual athletic teams. After every competition we will send out a survey to assess their perceptions of pride and their emotional response. Then 24 to 48 hours before the next competition we will send out a behavioral reflection survey to assess compassion towards teammates, antisocial behavior, own effort, and affiliation motive. We expect to find that displays of authentic pride will predict more admiration and benign envy and displays of hubristic pride will predict more malicious envy. These findings show how the complex model of perceptions of pride and emotional responses impact athletic performance.

Keywords: sports psychology pride envy admiration

BIO

My name is Reija Speaks, and I’m a junior at Florida State University. I was born in Fayetteville, NC and moved to Tallahassee, FL to pursue my B.S. in Biological Science.

Degradation Studies & Advantages of CO2 -Based Polymers

Abstract

Polymers are substances that consist of the same molecular structure repeating over and over. One of the most common industrial usages of polymers is to create plastics and adhesives. However, current synthetics derived from petroleum, a nonbiodegradable source, comprise 90% of today’s plastics. These petroleum-based polymeric structures only experience degradation at a surface level causing many of them to possess long half-lives, tout large carbon footprints, and resist decomposition. Environmental concerns arising from petroleum-based polymers have led to increased efforts to explore the commercial viability of CO2, or carbon dioxide, as a source for polymeric materials. CO2 is classified as a greenhouse gas due to its readily combustible nature. However, it is this combustibility that makes CO2 a great source for polymer synthesis as it is a method of producing energy. CO2
is also a renewable resource, biodegradable, and yields nontoxic byproducts. CO2-derived polymers such as polycarbonate, polypropylene carbonate (PPC), and polyurethane (PUR) are promising advancements in plastic production due to the advantages they possess over more common derivatives

Keywords: polymers, biodegradable, co2 based, synthesis, degradation

BIO

My name is Alex Swann, and I am a sophomore at FSU majoring in Biological Sciences, with a focus in Marine Biology. I'm from Bozeman, Montana, and despite how landlocked my hometown is, have always had a fascination for the ocean. With respect to research interests, I am incredibly interested in any research pertaining to marine biology/ecology, oceanography, or really anything that has to do with the ocean.

The Effects of Varying Levels of Fishing Pressure On Ctenochaetus striatus and Chlorurus spilurus Behaviors ​

Abstract

Fishing has been a practice for thousands of years on coral reefs; however, the pressure it causes on reef organisms is not yet fully understood. While much research has been done on how fishing can alter assemblages of targeted species, relatively little attention has been given to changes in fish behavior. In order to better understand how small-scale fishing practices (e.g., spearfishing) impacts fish behavior, we collected data at 12 sites in Moorea, French Polynesia that varied in their degree of fishing pressure. At each site, we conducted video recorded fish follows of two focal species (1) Chlorurus spilurus, a heavily fished parrotfish, and, (2) Ctenochaetus striatus, a less fished surgeonfish. Each video was annotated to classify foraging and grouping behavior. Preliminary results show no significant difference in foraging behaviors of either species between sites, regardless of fishing pressure. There were differences in behavior between the targeted and untargeted species, with the non-targeted species spending more time foraging and less time spent in groups. Our results suggest that the level of fishing pressure does not seem to impact fish behavior. While contradictory to the growing evidence of differences in wariness behavior of targeted fishes inside and outside of marine protected areas, it should be noted that no area in Moorea is exclusively protected from fishing. Further, behavior may have been influenced historically in areas where currently there is little fishing or that there are spillover effects from high pressure fishing areas into low pressure fishing areas.

Keywords: Fishing pressure, Fish behavior, Ctenochaetus striatus, Chlorurus sordidus

BIO

Isabella Daniels is a senior pursuing a dual degree in sociology and family and child sciences. Her experience working with children, from summer camps to bilingual teaching in Madrid, has made her want to pursue a career advocating for children. She is currently studying for Law school. But wants to continue to pursue research during her undergrad as pursuing a Ph.D. is becoming more attractive each day. Her research interest is in education, youth cultures, class conflict and inequality, and the family. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and traveling. She is currently on the lookout for her 15th country to travel to!

The Dominant Print Media Narrative Surrounding Heat-Related Illness Among Agricultural Workers

Abstract

Agricultural workers, the vast majority of whom are immigrants from Mexico and Central America, are 20 times more likely to die from heat-related illness than those in all other occupations combined. Therefore, there is a strong public policy interest on the part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to implement occupational heat-related protections, especially for agricultural workers. Collective opinions or “dominant narratives” about heat-related illness can significantly influence policy decisions; Our research aims to determine and understand the dominant narrative surrounding heat-related illness among agricultural workers in print media. To accomplish this, we are performing a systematic content analysis of all public messages (news reports, articles, etc.) about heat-related illnesses in the agricultural industry between 2017 and 2022. Public messages were harvested from several different databases—such as ProQuest, Factiva, and Nexis Uni—utilizing Zotero. The harvested messages were then transferred to Covidence, in which we eliminated duplicate messages and screened messages in order to ensure they met our criteria: reporting on a specific incidence of heat-related illness. The forthcoming steps include coding the retained articles and analyzing those codes to derive a dominant narrative or collection of dominant narratives. Ultimately, we hope our research can be applied to help inform OSHA policies that protect and advocate for agricultural workers.

Keywords: Heat Illness; Farmworkers; Media

BIO

I am a senior undergraduate researcher in the Kennemur Lab where I work on polymer synthesis using naturally sourced monomer precursors. I enjoy playing and coaching volleyball in my spare time.

Plastics from Pine Sap: Insight into the Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization Thermodynamics of Monoterpenes

Abstract

Monoterpenes are a class of organic molecules that comprise most of the volatile components within the sap of conifer trees. Due to their abundance and ability to be harvested non-destructively, value-added use for these renewable chemical feedstocks, such a precursor to new plastics, are being investigated as potential alternatives to petroleum–derived polymers. Many monoterpenes feature unsaturated cyclic or bicyclic structures, making them candidates for ring–opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). α-Pinene is the most abundant monoterpene produced yet long-standing attempts to transform it into polymers via ROMP have proven unsuccessful. The Kennemur Group recently utilized a two-step synthetic modification of α-pinene to produce its isomer, δ-pinene, and discovered this transformation leads to successful ROMP with high fidelity. This presentation will discuss insight into the thermodynamic requirements that can optimize the success of this polymerization. In addition to experimentation, density functional theory (DFT) has been employed to further our understanding of both α-pinene and δ-pinene derivatives and how they behave under varying conditions during ROMP. Determining optimal conditions for the ROMP of these terpene monomers is highly crucial: they each have relatively low ring strain, complicating the thermodynamic favorability of the polymerization due to simultaneous loss of entropy. These findings allow for improved predictability of the ROMP reactivity of different cyclic olefins, furthering potential replacements over petrochemicals as the dominant feedstock in plastics manufacturing. Polymer synthesis and ROMP thermodynamics will be discussed in addition to some basic thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting plastics.

Keywords: ROMP, Pinene, Polymer, Chemistry, Plastic

BIO

Hello, my name is Addison Crews. I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee. I'm a first year Biological Sciences student here at FSU. I currently plan on attending veterinary school after my undergraduate. I began working in the Hughes Lab in September 2022 and I've loved the experience. I have a piqued interest in field research within the realms of animal behavior and botany.

The Correlation Between Coloration and Aggression in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Pleiotropy, the phenomenon of one gene controlling multiple traits, is found throughout life. This phenomenon can correlate two seemingly unrelated traits and possibly hinder adaptation. Our lab used the study system Drosophila melanogaster to test for a correlation between behavioral aggression and melanin coloration across multiple generations. Melanogenesis is the process which controls melanin production and is thought to have an inhibitory effect on the production of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which can influence aggressiveness. Therefore, we hypothesized that artificially selecting for higher levels of aggressive behaviors would lead to darker pigmentation in Drosophila. We tested this by quantifying aggressive behaviors (fencing, boxing, and lunging) over multiple generations to develop three artificially selected strains – high aggression, low aggression, and no selection (control). We analyzed the color pigmentation of these selected lines in Image J by interpreting the mean grey scale value of the pigmentation of the thoracic trident region. As we predicted, our results showed an increase in melanin levels as flies were selected for more aggressive behaviors. This clearly demonstrates these two traits are correlated, but additional work and genetic data is necessary to confirm that the correlation is due to pleiotropic effects.

Keywords: Pleiotropy, Aggressive Behavior, Color, Drosophila melanogaster