Research Symposium

BIO

Hello, my name is Damamli Dorsey and I am a senior majoring in psychology with a minor in chemistry. I am from Tampa, Florida, but I was born in Jacksonville My research interests include mild cognitive impairments in older adults, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease, and Bollywood directors. My career goals are to become a psychiatrist to work with older adults or children because to me these are some of the most vulnerable populations whose mental conditions may not be recognized. I started this project with Dr. Walter Boot because my grandfather has Alzheimer's and it would have been extremely beneficial to have software that was able to detect his cognitive changes early on. I really do appreciate the time and effort Dr. Boot has put in to help me understand his research and the ability to be an assistant to something truly helpful. My hope is that in the future we can use this research to further our knowledge on how to use video games to help understand cognitive measures.

Video Games and Neuropsychological Tests: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Traditionally, to detect meaningful cognitive change due to aging and age-related disease processes, an older adult might be asked to complete a brief dementia screen at an annual physician visit. However, because these tests are administered infrequently, early detection and treatment of cognitive decline is difficult. Further, performance on classic neuropsychological tests can be impacted by test anxiety. Can casual video games, played occasionally at home, overcome these barriers and help with the early detection of meaningful cognitive decline? A previous study provided insight into how different messages about brain health might improve older adults’ adherence to a videogame-based cognitive intervention study. The current study is a secondary analysis examining the relationship between videogame performance (score) in the intervention and a variety of gold-standard neuropsychological tests to understand the potential of casual games to serve as convenient, enjoyable, and reliable predictors of cognitive status and cognitive change.

Keywords: Video games, neuropsyschological tests, cognitive measures

BIO

My name is Morgan, and I'm a first year student at FSU. I'm from Tallahassee, and I'm interested in film research and have previously worked on a project involving music analysis across films.

Representation of Women in Female-Directed Bollywood Films

Abstract

This project looks at how having a female director in Bollywood films impacts a film and the way women are represented. Representation has been steadily increasing and support of equal opportunity jobs have gained public support due to publication of studies showing the gross underrepresentation of women. Our research finds the number of female characters and how they are shown through the film coding process, with close watching and marking every time we see certain things. Each research member would be paired with one to three other members to watch and analyze one film. The number of all male and female characters would be found and surveys on each female character would be completed and referenced to other members’ surveys. The surveys ask questions about the character’s class, caste, religion, clothing, level of modesty, if and how they are sexualized, accessories, their relationships, and other linked areas. We argue that when the director of a Bollywood film is a woman, female characters are shown closer to reality and are less sexually emphasized.

Keywords: Bollywood, film, representation

BIO

Hello, my name is Teddy Fronczak. Originally from Portland, Oregon I'm currently a sophomore here at Florida State. Through the UROP program, I have had the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Siennick on the project "A Two-State Examination of Measuring for Juvenile Recidivism".

A Two-State Examination of Measuring for Juvenile Recidivism

Abstract

Recidivism: by definition, a person’s relapse into criminal behavior, often after the person receives sanctions or undergoes intervention for a previous crime.

Problem: with the absence of a nationwide measurement for juvenile recidivism, it is currently impossible to make cross-state comparisons and to export the knowledge from one state’s findings to the next; the states themselves simply do not track the same factors.

-The objectives of this project are to provide new knowledge on how various reoffending measurement strategies affect conclusions about the prevalence and predictors of juvenile recidivism throughout the United States.

-Additionally, it is intended to assist a state juvenile justice agency in developing, implementing, and evaluating a new measurement for juvenile reoffending.

-The project is a 3-year collaborative effort between Florida State University (FSU), the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FDJJ), and the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA).

Keywords: Criminology, Juvenile Justice, Recidivism

BIO

Derek Luong ‘24 grew up in Deltona, Florida, and graduated from Lake Mary Preparatory School as an AP Scholar with Distinction. At Florida State University, Derek is a biological science major with a minor in chemistry. Derek is currently the treasurer of the Florida State University Biking Club and is an active member of Florida State University Pre-Dental Society. He has been a part of the Ma Group since 2021 as a researcher and has volunteered at multiple dental organizations. After graduation, Derek plans to attend dental school and pursue a career in oral surgery.

Development of Unique One-Dimensional Organic Metal Halide Hybrids 

Abstract

The family of low-dimensional organic metal halide hybrids at the molecular level has attracted great attention as a new type of light-emitting material due to its structural versatility and exceptional optical properties. The structural versatility of this class of materials provides ample space to explore new crystal structures exhibiting diverse properties. Here, a rare new 1D edge-shared pyramidal lead bromide hybrid, (C13H19N4)PbBr3, is synthesized via an antisolvent diffusion approach. The majority of 1D lead halide hybrids are composed of [PbX6] octahedrons, yet a limited number of hybrids based on five-coordinated [PbX5] units were reported. With this unique 1D hybrid which is developed by rational synthetic approaches, we explored its distinct properties, using Single-Crystal X-ray Diffraction (SCXRD), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Photoluminescence steady-state studies, etc.

Keywords: One-Dimensional Metal Halide Hybrids

BIO

Alyssa is a first-year Behavioral Neuroscience major from Boulder, Colorado. She is a member of the FSU Flying High Circus and the swing dance club and enjoys any opportunity to spend time outdoors. Although they are likely to change, her current interests are neuroscience, anesthesiology, and genetics, and she hopes to pursue those paths in the future. She is very grateful for the chance to do research in college and would love to continue with it over the course of the next few years.

The Effects of Pressure and Ligand Type on Valence Electron Bonding in Lanthanide Compounds

Abstract

One of the most promising realms of study within the field of chemistry has to do with the heaviest elements, specifically the lanthanides and actinides, elements 57-71 and 89-103 respectively. These elements have a number of unique properties that have not been studied sufficiently to fully understand. Thus, the aim of this research is to synthesize lanthanide compounds, specifically ones that will form solid crystals, so that we can more fully determine their structure and corresponding properties. Once we find compounds that will crystalize in a satisfactory manner, we can put them under extreme pressure in diamond anvil cells and then use x-ray crystallography to determine how the electrons within the metal are engaged in bonding when under high pressure. The goal is to better understand how both pressure and the type of ligand affect the degree to which the 4f and 5f valence electrons in these compounds are involved in bonding. The current task is to synthesize a lanthanide benzene dithiolate with a crown ether on the ring, since this structure has a relatively high likelihood of being able to crystalize. If we can successfully synthesize the compound, then we will be able to move on to the analysis of its properties and deepen our understanding of the lanthanides and actinides.

Keywords: Lanthanides, Actinides, Electron bonding

BIO

At Florida State University I have become most interested in sustainable development and means of further integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation into the field of environmental planning in an innovative and introspective way. As a renaissance woman with an unquenchable thirst for answers, I enjoy integrating all branches of knowledge to design a systematic solution for climate change that is as multifaceted and as complex as the issue itself. Sustainable environmental development was a concept introduced to me at Florida State University and it immediately captured my interest because it directly addresses how humans interact and influence their environment. I am an engaged student committed to offering a unique perspective on creative solutions that have several sustainable outcomes achievable through the overlap and intersectionality of various disciplines. Collaboration and integration of knowledge fuels my forward-thinking mind.

Evaluating Knowledge Products for Sustainability, Resilience, and Climate Change Response Efforts

Abstract

This research evaluates decision-support tools that are built for decision-making towards sustainability in the context of climate change. We seek to understand how these tools are applied in different contexts by analyzing six decision-support tools built for ecosystem-based management processes. We collected data, reviewed research studies, and analyzed their methods using the KnoPE (Knowledge Product Evaluation) Framework, a four-dimensional analytical system that organizes elements, assesses scales, assesses alignment to a theory of change, and analyzes the use of a decision-support tool. We surveyed each decision-support tool from the perspective of decision-makers unrelated to the development of the tool to gather information on how they are and might be used in secondary circumstances. Our results help identify opportunities and challenges to creating tools that are easily accessed and understood to make decision-making in the context of climate change easier to achieve.
We hope that our insights help bring science to decision-makers while also elevating the community voice. Policymakers need guidance to plan for the impacts of climate change in a time when unprecedented natural disasters and environmental hazards are rising. Combined best practices for the adoption and diffusion of such tools include the creation or transformation of web-based databases to include knowledge products that have been evaluated by the KnoPE Framework and increased involvement of stakeholders alongside public participation. Further evaluation of decision-support tools will provide vital, organized information that will support their translation into decision-making processes to make these processes more action-oriented, science-informed, and considerate of a changing climate.

Keywords: Sustainability, Climate Change, Mitigation, Resilience, Framework

BIO

Reagan Haddix is a freshman in Studio Art from Tennessee, interested in animation, digital media, and film. Her career goal is to work as a storyboard artist and create animatics in the story development stage in films. She would like to do research in the future surrounding the mechanics of using a combination of 2D and 3D animation.

Female Representation in Female-Directed Bollywood Movies

Abstract

This project looks at how having a female director in Bollywood films impacts a film and the way women are represented. Representation has been steadily increasing and support of equal opportunity jobs have gained public support due to publication of studies showing the gross underrepresentation of women. Our research finds the number of female characters and how they are shown through the film coding process, with close watching and marking every time we see certain things. Each research member would be paired with one to three other members to watch and analyze one film. The number of all male and female characters would be found and surveys on each female character would be completed and referenced to other members’ surveys. The surveys ask questions about the character’s class, caste, religion, clothing, level of modesty, if and how they are sexualized, accessories, their relationships, and other linked areas. We argue that when the director of a Bollywood film is a woman, female characters are shown closer to reality and are less sexually emphasized.

Keywords: Bollywood Film Women

BIO

Maddie Traylor is a second-year Florida State student pursuing dual degrees in Sociology and Psychology. As a UROP student, she has assisted in a research project titled "Neural Risk Markers of Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Modulation Through Exercise". Maddie will be continuing her research venture this summer as a research intern for Children and Screens: Insitute of Digital Media and Child Development.

Neural Risk Markers of Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Modulation Through Exercise

Abstract

The greatest potential for prevention of Alzheimer's Disease is through early detection1. Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are at high risk of developing AD (1). MCI is characterized by the deterioration of both cognitive and functional abilities whilst maintaining the functionality of activities of daily living (2). Currently, little research has been done to investigate the relationship between exercise and P300 responses in older adults with MCI or AD. This study will combine the use of cognitive assessments, a Go/No Go Task, and electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings to determine if there is a relationship between exercise and P300 amplitude and latency. Preliminary ERP waveforms are presented in the current poster.

Keywords: cognitive decline, nueroscience, psychology

BIO

Hello, My name is Sofia Schultz and I am from Tampa, Florida. I am a sophomore here at Florida State University studying psychology and art entrepreneurship. I currently work as a Registered Behavioral Therapist and hope to finish my education and pursue a career in clinical psychology.

Life History Theory & Goal Time Horizons: An evolutionary perspective

Abstract

Life history theory is a conceptual framework in evolutionary psychology for understanding psychological and physiological outcomes in adulthood. From a life history perspective, early childhood environmental experiences – the levels of unpredictability and harshness – have calibrated people towards faster versus slower developmental trajectories. Faster developmental trajectories are characterized by earlier onsets of puberty and sexual exploration, higher externalizing behaviors, impulsivity, and substance abuse. Slower life trajectories characterize people who develop in stable and resource-abundant environments. These individuals tend to exhibit a later onset of pubertal timing and sexual exploration, lower levels of externalizing behaviors, and an ability to delay immediate gratification (i.e., less impulsive). The current work tests the hypothesis that individuals who perceived higher levels of unpredictability in childhood tend to set and have goals on shorter time horizons than people who perceived their childhood environments as relatively more predictable. The current research provides evidence for robust associations between perceptions of childhood unpredictability and goal time horizons. The association between unpredictability and goal timing was observed over and above perceptions of childhood harshness, levels of maternal disruption in childhood, current emotional stability, and a range of demographic characteristics. We also examined potential mechanisms for the association between unpredictability and goal time horizons. Participants’ levels of consideration of future consequences mediated the association between perceived childhood unpredictability and goal time horizons. This research adds to a growing body of work interested in understanding how childhood environments have implications for the life trajectory of individuals.

Keywords: psychology, evolutionary, unpredictability, goal time, Life History

BIO

Alexis is a second-year student double majoring in Psychology, and Family and Child Science’s at Florida State University. Currently, Alexis serves as an undergraduate research assistant for the Collegiate Recovery Program housed within FSU’s Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW) and aspires to work as a child psychologist. As a research assistant with the CRP, she is able to use her passion for improving the mental health of young adults and connect with students on campus through groundbreaking research in recovery science. Her goal is to bring more awareness to minority students on campus about substance use disorders and aide in the dismantling of addiction, increasing recovery rates among the college population.

An update on Collegiate Recovery Students and Programs: A Systematic Literature Review from 2017-2021

Abstract

It is common practice in the social sciences to pursue literature reviews around every decade to synthesize for the field relevant updates and trends. Given the rapid growth of Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) and research on them in the past five year, a systematic literature was conducted to build on the work of Brown et al. (2018) and Reed et al. (2020). Unlike literature reviews, systematic reviews seek to answer a pertinent question underlying the evolution of research on a topic. In this case, we sought to answer whether the field of Collegiate Recovery is expanding and if so, how? Special attention was given to paradigms of inquiry, intersectionality of topics, journal outlets and their disciplines. Articles that were missed or published after the previous literature reviews were selected and reported here to give an updated overview of CRPs in the present day.

Keywords: Addiction, Recovery, Substance Abuse, Collegiate Recovery Program, Drugs

BIO

Hello! My name is Kathryn Woodford and I am a sophomore at FSU. I am majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry, while on the Pre-Dental track. I grew up in South Florida, and I love spending time outdoors. Some hobbies of mine include drawing, painting, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Negative Cell Cycle Regulators in Pancreatic Beta Cells

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects ~442 million people worldwide. There are two forms of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes typically appears in adolescence and takes place when the body destroys beta cells, secreting insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs in older, and typically obese, individuals when the body does not produce enough insulin and react in the way it should. A common pathological feature between both of these types of diabetes is a lack of functional, insulin producing beta cells. Due to lack of insulin, diabetic patients need to inject insulin to help in glucose homeostasis. Without it, blood sugar levels can become dangerously high.
 
In order to help those suffering from diabetes, my research project is exploring negative cell cycle regulators in beta cells. When more beta cells are proliferated by inhibiting negative cell cycle regulators, more insulin is being produced thus helping regulate blood sugar levels.
 
To test this, we are exploring 27 candidate genes related to cell cycle arrest. Through a series of tests, we hope to narrow this group down to discover the 3 genes that reduce beta cell proliferation the most.
 
This information can be useful to those suffering from diabetes because it can be used by pharmaceutical companies to manufacture a drug which would help increase levels of beta cell proliferation. Then, diabetic patients who took this drug would be able to produce more insulin to regulate glucose homeostasis.

Keywords: Diabetes Biomedicine Plasmid Cell Cas9

BIO

I am a passionate computer science and computational biology student interested in the exploration of all biological concepts through the use of computer models. I was born in Venezuela, where the rich fauna and flora and my involvement in the creation of one of the three butterfly gardens in the nation introduced me to my love for biology. I am interested in pursuing a career in data analysis in a biological context to better understand experimental results in research environments, and biological systems and relationships.

Assessing the functional connectivity of adult male green turtles (Chelonia mydas) between an island rookery and coastal foraging grounds

Abstract

Understanding the drivers of marine animal movement is crucial in the effort to mitigate adverse impacts of anthropogenic activities and changing environments on landscape connectivity. Long-distance movement patterns are affected by a number of internal (e.g., navigation, homing) and external factors (e.g., ocean currents, human development) that influence the location of migratory corridors for a given species. It is currently unclear how a combination of ocean currents, the Earth’s geomagnetic field, bathymetric depth, and anthropogenic stressors (fishing effort and carrier-vessel trajectories) can affect the migratory corridors of sea turtles and how this relates to their avoidance of paths that would otherwise be considered ideal (i.e., quickest, most cost-efficient). This study aims to understand how natural and anthropogenic factors affect functional connectivity of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) between an island rookery and coastal foraging ground. We hypothesize that the anthropogenic factors observed will deflect turtles from the least-cost paths available for migration. This study identified migratory periods and utilization of specific corridors for 8 post-breeding adult male green turtles that were satellite-tagged from 2020-2021 at Fernando de Noronha off the coast of Brazil. Turtle locations were processed using a state-space model to account for location error. Fishing effort, carrier-vessel trajectories, and ocean currents’ velocity were mapped and overlaid with turtle tracks to visually observe how these affect movement. These variables will be used to generate a surface of seascape permeability, which will be compared against the empirical turtle tracks to determine if green turtles used the most direct migratory corridors.

Keywords: ecology science biology

BIO

Hi! My name is Madelyn Dupuis. I'm from West Palm Beach, Florida and I'm a sophomore here at Florida State. Currently, I am double-majoring in Pre-Nursing and Public Health and minoring in Business Analytics. I enjoy researching topics related to health care. Outside of research, I have interests in cardiology and women's health, with a long term goal of possibly becoming a nurse executive for a hospital.

Towards and AI-based Application to Support Lab Results Comprehension

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to create an application for users to view lab test results and suggest accurate implications based on their medical health results. This project is currently in the researching and gathering data phase. In our literary analysis we have found that through great medical advancements people in the U.S are living longer. We also found that in the U.S, most adults have more than one chronic condition, the majority being elderly. Although they can seek treatment at a hospital, for many of these chronic illnesses the symptoms can be managed or lessened from home without constant doctor visits. For this reason, medical facilities often make use of patient portals so that patients may easily view their results and make more informed health decisions from home. Despite the benefits, these patient portals are not seeing much usage by the target audience: elderly patients with chronic conditions. The main reason for this is that many patients do not find these portals user friendly. Another large problem is that lab test results are not easily understood or read by many patients with limited health literacy. Our goal is to make a portal better suited for this target audience so that they are able to view their lab test information and as a result make informed health decisions from the home while also gaining an understanding of what their health results mean.

Keywords: Health, Informatics, Lab, Result, Comprehension

BIO

My name is Nicholas Maykut. I am a fourth year undergraduate student, pursuing a degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Spanish. I am highly interested in metabolic and cardiovascular research as I look to pursue a career as a physician. I hope to one day use my research skills and scientific knowledge to help bring equality and improved care to the medical field.

Can CBD be used to treat metabolic disorders while maintaining its anxiolytic effects?

Abstract

There is a strong correlation between obesity and risk of metabolic disorders, with studies citing weight loss as the most effective treatment or prevention strategy. Herein we examined if chronic administration of CBD could induce weight loss such as the CB1 receptor antagonist, rimonabant, while retaining the anxiolytic effects. We used wildtype (WT) male and female mice in our study as well as mice that had heightened anxiety attributed to a loss in Kv1.3 ion channel (Kv1.3-/-). Mice were chronically administered intraperitoneal injections of CBD or solvent (12 doses over 3 weeks) at two different doses (low = 10 mg/kg, high = 20 mg/kg). Mice were placed in a Columbus Instruments Monitoring System (CLAMS) to provide continual tracking of metabolic variables such as locomotor activity, food and water consumption, total energy expenditure (TEE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide exhalation. We hypothesize that there will be a reduction in ingestive behaviors, a loss in body weight, and an increase in energy expenditure in mice treated with CBD in comparison to the control group. Our preliminary results for a cohort of female WT mice showed a significant decrease in food intake for mice treated with CBD versus solvent, but no significant changes in RER or TEE. We are currently examining data for three cohorts (n=16) of mice at each of the two doses, sorted by sex, to determine if CBD may be used to induce weight loss in metabolic disorders.

Keywords: CBD, metabolism, anxiety

BIO

My name is Megan, I am from Tampa, FL, and I am a second-year student studying Interdisciplinary medical sciences on a clinical professions route. I look forward to applying to medical school and hopefully pursuing the profession of a pediatrician in the future. I have interests in research done on child development, genetics, and psychology.

Examining Parent Concern after Autism Screening in Children under 24 Months

Abstract

Introduction: As the prevalence of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to rise, primary care providers play a key role in early identification and intervention. Yet, the USPSTF does not recommend screening without parent-reported concerns. It is important to examine the types of parent concerns reported, as well as the differences between the number and types of concerns across children with different diagnostic outcomes, to determine the potential effectiveness of this approach. Methods: This study examined a sample of 549 children who were screened for autism or communication delay between 12 and 26 months of age. Parents completed the Early Screening for Autism and Communication disorders (ESAC) and reported any concerns about their child’s development, which were coded for 16 types of concerns. Results: Most parents of children that were concerned about the expressive communication and development of their child. Most of the parents of children who were diagnosed with autism did not report a specific concern of Autism or concerns about the diagnostic features and the time of screening. This study has important implications regarding the early identification of autism.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, screening, developmental delay

BIO

My name is Madison Bogert, and I am a Sophomore at Florida State University. I am 19 years old and originally from Oviedo Florida. Having always been interested in science-based classes, I took a total of 12 science classes in high school. In May 2020, I graduated from Oviedo High School, my high school had a huge focus on STEM. Oviedo High School had this amazing class called bioscience which was taken over four-years where you learned basic lab skills. This is where I picked up my love for science.
My major is social work, and I am working towards apply to the college of social work, so that I can start in the fall. Social work has always interested me as my sister had cancer as a baby and I watched how much the social workers impacted my family’s lives. Even though I love science I didn’t want to pursue a career that solely focused on it. This is mostly because I love helping others out and I feel like

The Rosenstrasse Foundation: Nonprofit Fundraising

Abstract

Our fundraising team worked together to create a GoFundMe to help further the research of the Rosenstrasse Foundation. This GoFundMe page was specifically catered to gaining full access to an Ancestry.com account. Since Ancestry was offering a discounted holiday special, it seemed like the best opportunity to start fundraising. This account was dedicated to our genealogy team, and they use the account to gain access to valuable documents and information about the families the foundation is currently researching. Then the documents and information is sent to our biography team, where they write up biographies on these families. After the biographies are edited and finalized, they are  sent to our website and social media team where it is directly published to our website. We are currently working on publishing a second GoFundMe fundraising campaign to gain access to a premium Wix account. Which will then be used to help our Foundation’s website have a more professional appeal. The premium account will also help us produce advertisements to gain more followers for our foundation.

Keywords: Civil Courage, History, Germany, Jewish

BIO

My name is Kevin Smith. I'm an applied math student interested in machine learning as well as data science. I aim to go to grad school and study financial mathematics.

Science Teachers' Vision for Promoting Productive Classroom Talk

Abstract

In this study, we explored the instructional vision of two biology teachers who attended an NSF-funded professional program focused on fostering productive epistemic discourse in science classrooms. The vision interviews focused on understanding how teachers envision high quality science instruction. We explored how the teachers’ instructional vision maps translated into the vision of high-quality science learning and teaching discussed in the literature. We explored the level of sophistication in teachers’ vision based on vision rubrics. The results of data analysis supported to reveal for a holistic view of the teacher’s vision. Our analysis reveals variations in teachers’ instructional vision. Exploring teachers’ instructional vision and its development can allow us to promote development of a shared vision between teachers and stakeholders, allowing for the goals of reaching a high-quality science environment to be mutually understood.

Keywords: Education, Teachers, Qualitative Analysis

BIO

Caitlin Volante is currently completing her Honors Thesis in Dr. Michael Kaschak's Learning, Memory, and Language Lab. She is interested in psycholinguistics and speech pathology, and is planning on applying to be a doctoral student in Cognitive Psychology programs across the country. She is a winner of the Mark A. Berkley Research Fellowship, and is a member of Women in Math, Science, and Engineering (WIMSE) at FSU.

High Rising Terminals as a Function of Gender, Race, and Social Status

Abstract

High rising terminals (HRTs) occur when speakers raise the pitch of their voice at the end of sentences that would typically use a falling intonation contour. HRTs serve many purposes in conversations, but the use of this prosodic feature is often stigmatized, with speakers being commonly perceived as uncertain or unintelligent. This project examines how the factors of race, gender, and social status influence a listener's impression of speakers who use HRTs.

Keywords: High Rising Terminals, HRT, Gender, Race, Speech

BIO

Hello! My name is Danielle Basdekis and I am a second year at Florida State. I am from Oneonta, NY and I plan to attend law school after I graduate. I am interested in civil rights law and my research interests include gender studies, as well as government and law research!

Fatal Anti-Transgender Violence in America: Building a Database of Transgender Homicides

Abstract

Violence against the transgender community is a serious social issue, and researchers argue that anti-transgender homicide is an increasingly violent epidemic that proves transphobia is still prominent and dangerous in American society. Addressing this violence requires understanding anti-transgender bias, yet a comprehensive database on victims of anti-transgender violence does not currently exist. Therefore, our research team has been working to create such a database of all known anti-transgender homicides in the United States between 2015 and 2020. Once completed, the comprehensive database will be used to examine (a) broad patterns in incidents over time and (b) individual, situational, and contextual features of fatal violence directed at the transgender population. Preliminary results from these data collection efforts as well as the narratives of transgender people lost to this form of violence will be presented.

Keywords: Transgender, violence, hate crime

BIO

I am a college sophomore majoring in Clinical Professions at Florida State University. I plan to attend medical school and become a physician, and some of my interests are public health, attending to underserved populations, and global health. For my research, I worked on a project called Overdose Data to Action (OD2A), which is a public health project that evaluates the success of overdose prevention programs in funded counties in the state of Florida.

Evaluation of Overdose Prevention Strategies

Abstract

In September 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created Overdose Data to Action (OD2A), an initiative that unites state and local public health management to reduce opioid-related deaths. The Florida State University College of Medicine has assembled a group of evaluators that work directly with members of the CDC, the Florida Department of Health, and several target and pilot counties to assess the activities done under the grant and provide assistance with evaluation-related needs. This project is constituted under Strategy 5 of the grant, which involves the “integration of state and local prevention and response efforts” (CDC, 2019). The objective of this project was to evaluate the activities completed in the fourteen target counties under the grant from its inception through grant year two (September 2019 to June 30, 2021). To do this, the team conducted interviews with the Program Managers of each county. These interviews consisted of questions pertaining to the engagement of each county with stakeholders and other funded jurisdictions, and the collection of data. Following transcription of these interviews, a thematic analysis will be conducted to find common ideas between the interviews and important outlying information. Reports will then be generated using these themes to help the central office at the Florida Department of Health understand the activities of each jurisdiction. This kind of qualitative data is useful in determining how the money from this grant can be best utilized and what changes can be made to improve the program and reduce overdose deaths.

Keywords: Overdose Data to Action, OD2A, Public Health, Evaluation