BIO

Juanchi Roca-Paisley is a fourth year Economics and Political Science student at FSU. There, he serves as a research assistant at the DeVoe L. Moore Center, where he has focused on the subjects of occupational licensure, prison recidivism, and affordable housing. He is also a student fellow at the Institute of Politics in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, where his work promotes civic engagement and he meets face to face with experts in the field of politics. Following graduation, he plans to return to his hometown of Miami where he will serve as a Teach For America corps member.

Occupational Licensing's Effect on Prison Recidivism

Abstract

The United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, due in large part to its high rates of prison recidivism, wherein offenders who have completed their sentences return to prison shortly after their release. Though research shows that the ability to find work is critical for their societal reintegration, high barriers to entry into the labor market make finding work especially difficult for the previously incarcerated, increasing the likelihood that they will reoffend. These barriers usually take the form of government regulation. Though often overlooked, occupational licensure is the most common labor regulation in the United States, with nearly a third of all workers requiring licensure to legally work in their profession of choice. This research asks, how profoundly does occupational licensure affect ex-offenders' ability to find work following their release?
I have conducted an academic literature review both detailing the economic effects of occupational licensure on labor friction and determining how the law explicitly or implicitly bars ex-offenders. At its strictest, licensure completely bans those with previous convictions. More frequently, occupational licenses simply include a vague “good moral character” requirement that often leads to licensure boards rejecting the previously incarcerated with impunity. Even at their most lenient, the requisite time and capital necessary to obtain a license frequently dissuades ex-offenders from pursuing an occupation requiring licensure. Rather than seeking employment in the profession they are best suited for, ex-offenders are left to consider the remaining jobs which the state will allow them to freely pursue.

Keywords: Occupational Licensure, Prison Recidivism, Mass Incarceration

BIO

My name is Michael Bellavance and I am from the Chicagoland area. I am currently a 2nd-year Biological Sciences Major while on a pre-medicine track. I have an interest in research pertaining to health and human sciences.

Resistance Training Modulation of Fat Metabolism in Obese Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Participants will undergo 12 weeks of either resistance or endurance training and both their regional lipolytic activity and whole-body metabolism measured before and after the exercise training. ​

Our study hopes to yield results that will have implications on improving health guidelines to prevent diabetes and other metabolism related disorders. ​

Our hypothesis is that both resistance and endurance training will have positive impacts on fat metabolism by increasing lipolytic flexibility.​

Keywords: Lipolytic Activity, Obesity, Post-menopausal women, resistance training, endurance training

BIO

Jennifer Teixeira-Olivera is a second-year student in the Behavioral Neuroscience major and Chinese minor. Once finished with her undergraduate studies, Jennifer plans to apply to graduate school in order to expand her knowledge on the subject of Neuroscience and progress into the field of research.

Ambiguous relative clause attachment and language mode in bilingual Spanish-English speakers

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to examine the relationship between ambiguous relative clause attachment and language mode in bilingual Spanish-English speakers. Many single-language studies have indicated that particular languages, like English (Cuetos & Don C. , 1988), Spanish (Carreiras & Clifton, 1993), and Greek (Papadopoulou & Clahsen, 2003), the users of these languages are more likely to use specific attachment preferences. For example, English is typically low attachment, while Spanish and Greek is usually high attachment. This is can be typically attributed in single language studies to the variance in cross-lingually(Grillo & Costa, 2014). However, more recent Bilingual studies have introduced new uninvestigated elements, like code-switching, that suggests that there are more factors at play(Couto & Gullberg, M., 2019). Overall, this project aims to examine these factors as it relates to the interpretation of the ambiguous relative clause, by Spanish-English Bilinguals. 

Keywords: Linguistics, Spanish-English, Bilingual Code-switching, Relative Ambiguous Clause

BIO

My name is Kasper Buchen, I am a second-year undergraduate student here at Florida State. I have an interest in human health and getting to understand it more. I enjoy going to the gym and living a healthy lifestyle.

Resistance Training Modulation of Fat Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women with Obesity

Abstract

Participants will undergo 12 weeks of either resistance or endurance training and both their regional lipolytic activity and whole-body fat metabolism will be assessed before and after the exercise training.
Our study hopes to yield results that will have implications on improving health guidelines to prevent diabetes and other metabolism-related disorders in postmenopausal women.
Our hypothesis is that both resistance and endurance training will have positive impacts on fat metabolism by increasing lipolytic flexibility.

Keywords: Resistance training and fat metabolism

BIO

I am a first-year biomedical engineering student from Pensacola, FL. I enjoy learning about STEM fields through hands-on experience. Specifically, research involving physics and biomechanics. I'd like to apply this knowledge in the future while working as an orthopedic specialist.

Teaching a Robot to Conduct the Band

Abstract

Digit is a humanoid robot fitted with technology that allows it to accomplish rather complex tasks. In this project, we explore Digit’s capabilities by using it to emulate the motions of a marching band conductor. Conducting patterns are complex and vary with both time signature and tempo. Digit is well suited to conducting, as it can carry out exact motions with precise, pre-calculated timing. However, conductors must sometimes change their patterns rapidly and on the fly, requiring not only the ability to maintain a steady beat, but also the ability to be flexible and improvise. The main challenge of this project is the implementation of conducting patterns to Digit's hardware. Using open source motion capture software, we translated a simple 4/4 conducting pattern from a real human conductor into 3-dimensional coordinate data. Using an operational space controller designed by the Optimal Robotics Lab, this data was then used to calculate and optimize the path of Digit’s arms. A separate system was then designed to allow manual human control and adjustment of Digit’s tempo. In the future, we would like to allow Digit to perform more complex patterns as well as musical cues. Eventually, we hope to test our work by arranging for Digit to conduct a performance of a collegiate marching band.

Keywords: Robotics, Music, Control Systems, Coding, Engineering

BIO

I am a current Junior majoring in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience on the Pre-Medical track and aspire to become a Surgeon. Currently, I am a DIS student in Dr. Adam Dewan's Olfaction Lab which focuses on the molecular and cellular basics of sensory perceptions. My other research interests include Alzheimers Disease, Glioblastoma Clinical Trials and Basal Cell Carcinoma.

The Relationship between Liquid and Vapor Phase Concentrations for Alkylbenzene Odorants Diluted in Mineral Oil Using a Photoionization Detector-Based Approach

Abstract

n-Alkylbenzenes or aromatic hydrocarbons are a class of volatile odorants that share a phenyl ring but differ in the length of their side carbon chain. These odorants have a “chemical” or “gasoline-like” odor and have been used in functional studies probing odor coding in the brain. These studies have relied on liquid dilutions in order to manipulate the vapor-phase concentrations of these volatile odorants. Unfortunately, the relationship between liquid dilution and vapor concentration is dependent upon the solvent and can significantly deviate from predictions based on ideal gas laws. In other words, a 10-fold liquid dilution rarely results in a 10-fold decrease in the number of molecules present in the vapor phase. Instead, the relationship between the liquid and vapor-phase must be empirically determined. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between liquid and vapor-phase concentrations of alkylbenzenes using a photoionization detector (PID) based method. PIDs measure volatile substances by exposing them to high-intensity ultraviolet light resulting in ionization of the molecules. The ions produce a current that is proportional to the vapor phase concentration. The resultant data was fit with a power function, yielding liquid-/vapor-phase equilibrium equations that can be used by olfactory researchers to obtain more accurate depictions of the vapor-phase alkylbenzene concentrations used in their future experiments.

Keywords: Alkylbenzene, Photoionization, Odorants, Diluted,

BIO

My name is Nixon Adea-Swanston. I’m a first-year undergrad and I’m from Port St. Lucie, Florida. I’m currently pre-engineering and I’m also pre-health. My goal is to attain a PHD after undergrad in hopes to work in health research.

Internal state-dependent social interaction, emotional reactivity, and oxytocin​

Abstract

Alexithymia is a personality characteristic related to malfunction in describing feelings and emotions. A variety of neuropsychiatric illnesses have increasingly been diagnosed with alexithymia. The hypothalamic hormone oxytocin regulates pro-social behaviors and internal homeostasis. Our lab investigated the relationship between alexithymia and oxytocin concentrations in plasma. We hypothesized that high alexithymia would be related smaller baseline levels of plasma oxytocin. Furthermore, we predicted that plasma oxytocin before and after social exclusion would have a smaller difference score in high alexithymia individuals. We prescreened college participants for both high and low on alexithymia using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). The participants were tasked with playing Cyberball, a computer-based ball tossing task that experimentally induces social exclusion. Blood plasma was collected before and after Cyberball and processed with an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Participants also completed the Lexical Decision-Making Task to measure reactivity to emotional stimuli. Additionally, participants completed the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure to measure meanness (callous-unemotional trait). We hypothesized that high alexithymia individuals would have an increased reaction time to emotional words and a positive relationship with meanness. This research is ongoing and results are forthcoming.

Keywords: Behavior, Personality, Emotion

BIO

Miguel Gonzalez is a Senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international Affairs with a concentration in modern languages. He serves as the French club Vice President and tutors students in elementary French. Miguel enjoys volunteering his time helping students learn English as a second language. He has volunteered at the American Space - Université Félix Houphouet-Boigny in Côte d’Ivoire and at FSU’s Center for intensive English studies. He is also fluent in Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. He is currently an Undergraduate Honors Thesis Candidate under the supervision of Dr. Joseph Hellweg. Following graduation, he plans on obtaining a master's degree in International Affairs and eventually becoming a diplomat.

Woubikan: Queering Language, Public Health, and NGO Networks in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

My ethnographic project explores links between language and survival in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. Queer Ivorians have developed their own way of speaking to protect themselves from trans- and homophobia. They call this speech register Woubikan: woubi means ‘queer’, and kan means ‘language’.
Gay men, for example, speak Woubikan with queer friends in proximity to family members to hide their sexual identities. Or, when trans women perform sex work and seek to pass as straight women, they use Woubikan to signal to queer friends the need to hide their trans identities. In addition, trans women have created a vocabulary to name and negotiate other aspects of sex work in the context of anti-trans police violence. For instance, trans sex workers call the police samaraba, meaning `boots’, to warn that police are near, to avoid the violence that may come with them. In all these ways, Woubikan helps queer Ivorians pursue better lives.
The networks queer Ivorians form by speaking Woubikan have other benefits too. Queer Ivorians support themselves and their community by working in a network of queer NGOs that enhance public health, address economic sustainability, and provide shelter for LGBT Ivorians. Many offer free HIV rapid tests, medication, condoms, and pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis (PrEP) to promote safer sex. Queer Ivorians prize work at NGOs because there they are less subject to trans- and homophobia. With high levels of HIV prevalence, homelessness, and rejection, many Queer Ivorians hope to work in NGOs to ensure, as with Woubikan, their everyday survival.

Keywords: LGBT, West Africa, Sociolinguistics , Côte d'Ivoire

BIO

My name is Emily Citrano and I am currently in my second year here at Florida State. My time here at FSU is preparing me for a successful future in research. I have been involved in several DIS labs here including the KAT lab, the ENHANCE lab, and a lab run by Dr Michale Langlais regarding attachment and relationships. Dr. Langlais and I are ecurrently running a study and collecting data about stress and romantoc relationships. I am also currently working on an honors thesis regarding sex differences in spatial navigation skills under the advisement of Dr. Neil Charness. My goal is to persure a PhD in Clinical Psychology after my undergraduate years at FSU. My interest are specifclly in Pediatric Health Psychology and stress related problems. I would like to continue working in research as my career after graduating with a PhD and continue to present at conferences.

Fight or Flight: Examining Social Media as a Mediator for Attachment Security and Internal Stress

Abstract

Attachment insecurity - attachment anxiety and avoidance - is associated with higher reports of internal stress. Because attachment insecurity is associated with higher reports of social media (SM) use, and SM use has been shown to reduce the quality of interpersonal interactions, it is possible that SM use may mediate the association between attachment insecurity and experiences of internal stress. The present study uses daily diary data from 150 participants currently in a romantic relationship. Both concurrent (same day) and lagged (next day) effects were examined. Attachment anxiety was positively associated with experiences of internal stress on day 2 (concurrent effect) and day 3 (lagged effect). Partial support was found for associations with attachment avoidance; those reporting higher attachment avoidance reported higher internal stress on day 3 (lagged effect), but not on day 2 (concurrent effect). SM use did not mediate the association between insecure attachment and internal stress. Results suggest that social media use is not associated with increased reports of internal stress for those with an insecure attachment. Implications and future directions are presented.

Keywords: Attachment security, internal stress, relationships, social media

BIO

Science has always been interesting for me. I was born in Mexico, but immigrated to Florida at the age of 2. Once I started going to school and learning a new language I realized that science was fascinating to me. Although I wasn't involved in many science fairs or conventions growing up, I tried my best to learn what parts of science I loved most with my classes. I developed many meaningful relationships with my mentors and they paved the way for who I have become and showed me how I could expand on my love for the scientific field.

Exploring the Relationship Between Melanic Coloration and Aggression in Drosophila Melanogaster

Abstract

Adaptive constraints, limitations that influence the outcome of genes, have important connections with the evolution of organisms as well as inheritance of complex traits. Pleiotropic effects are a classic example of an adaptive constraint. Pleiotropy occurs when one gene affects two or more unrelated traits. Here, we looked at melanic coloration and aggressive behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Melanin production is thought to have an inhibitory effect on the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which can influence aggressiveness. Therefore, we hypothesized that pleiotropic effects cause a correlation between these two traits. Specifically, we predicted darker pigmentation would be positively associated with a higher degree of aggression. To test this, we quantified aggressive behaviors (fencing, boxing, and lunging) and artificially selected for high aggression, low aggression, and no selection (control) for 14 generations. We then measured the pigment of the dorsal thorax (trident) using ImageJ. Thus far, we found that generation 14, which was a more aggressive generation, was significantly darker than generation 3 when using an ANOVA. These results demonstrate a clear relationship between the level of aggression and melanin in D. melanogaster and provides some support for our hypothesis that pleiotropic effects are working on the two traits. However, more research is necessary to substantiate this, tests for the reverse effects, and to discover the genes that are behind this pleiotropic relationship.

Keywords: Drosophila Melanogaster, Aggression,behavior

BIO

Rylan Eichem is a second-year student at Florida State University from Riverview, FL. Along with majoring in International affairs, he is learning Mandarin Chinese and hopes to find a career in the Intelligence Community post graduation.

Evaluating the Denominations of Senders of Letters to the FBI About Communist Infiltration of Religion in the 1950s and 1960s

Abstract

This study, based on the FBI file number 100-403529 (Communism and Religion), which has been declassified, examines numerous letters sent to the FBI by private individuals & religious organizations regarding the possibility of Communist Party infiltration in American churches during the 1950s and 1960s. The focus of this study is on the Christian denomination of the letter writers. The study shows that a plurality of letters came from members of Methodist churches, even though Methodists were not the most common protestant denomination in the United States in the 1960. Additionally, the study also found that there were very few letters from Catholics or Catholic organizations in spite of Catholicism being the largest denomination in 1960, as well as relatively few letters from Baptists. The pattern observed in the data may be attributed to several factors such as political shift, internal migration, concerns over desegregation, attitudes towards religious leadership, and the actions of significant individuals.

Keywords: Communist, Infiltration, Religion, FBI, Denomination

BIO

Hello, my name is Daniel Sierra and I am currently a Junior at Florida State University, assisting with research at the Center for Translational Behavioral Science in Dr. Sheffler's laboratory. I am interested in researching topics related to Dementia and Epilepsy. I am originally from Miami, Florida. After achieving my Bachelors degree, my plans include attending medical school to become a Physician.

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

Abstract

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 found that the relationship between marital status and cognition (B=-0.088) (P=0.008) was statistically insignificant. However, the relationship between loneliness and cognition (B=0.25) (P=.149) was found to be statistically significant. We also found that the relationship between loneliness and cognitive decline is dependent on marital status, such that those who are unmarried are more impacted by loneliness and in turn, experience higher risk of cognitive decline and vice versa.
Conclusions. Examining these relationships may improve our understanding of how the brain is affected by social relationships.

Keywords: Cognitive Decline, Loneliness

BIO

I'm from Tampa, Florida and I'm a psychology major. This is my first poster presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Through this poster, I want to show peoples' metacognitive processes in planning and evaluation through probabilistic reasoning and geometric proofs tasks.

Probabilistic Reasoning and Geometric Proof Coding in Tallahassee, Florida

Abstract

In my poster, the research’s purpose is to understand whether Probabilistic Reasoning (PR) and Geometric Proofs (GP) problems cause or do not cause college students to choose certain answers. PR and GP were the study’s two sections. The original study was called Processes in Adults’ Geometry Proof and Math Reasoning.
So far, one interesting finding was that most college students do not show both planning and evaluation. The first task was beginning coding for students who did the study’s PR problems. Through this, another finding was found which was that many people did not show planning unless they said a plan right away before doing any calculations. Instead of showing planning, people said what they were going to do as they were calculating. It was interesting to find that many people showed evaluation when they gave an initial answer and then gave reasoning for their answer.
The results showed that most people ended up in the middle. People either showed one of planning or evaluation for the PR and GP sections. College students chose certain answers based on their level of math knowledge. Students with much math knowledge may not show planning or evaluation in the transcripts because they do not need both components to solve the problem. Other people decided to show planning or evaluation because they are unsure of certain math problems and they want to take their time showing their process to solve a problem. These people are more likely to show one of planning or evaluation.

Keywords: metacognition, coding, probabilistic, geometric

BIO

My name is Carmel Coombe and I am a sophomore majoring in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience on the Pre-Med track. UROP has helped spark my interest in research because I got to learn what truly goes into putting together an entire research project. I would love to continue working in research labs and on research projects in the future.

The Effects of Postpartum Anxiety On Young Children

Abstract

Maternal postpartum anxiety is a common phenomenon among new mothers. This anxiety of course affect’s mothers, however postpartum anxiety also can have a lasting effect on children. Postpartum anxiety is similar to postpartum depression, however the anxious behaviors mothers exhibit could have different effects on children’s personalities in the future. Exploring this condition allows researchers to identify what specific symptoms of postpartum anxiety mothers experience that are particularly harmful to their children in order to understand child development in the early stages of life better.

Keywords: Anxiety, Postpartum, Children, Mental Health

BIO

I am a senior from Miami, FL graduating this May and I am working towards my career goals of working in forensics and criminal investigations. I have been working in the March Lab for 2 years now and I have genuinely loved every moment, especially working on this project!

Pain-Induced Laughter: An Evolutionary Explanation & Proposed Mechanism

Abstract

Humans have the ability to reduce our discomfort when we are in physical or psychological pain. Some, for example, scream in release, grind their teeth, induce a new painful and distracting stimulus, or look to others for a social distraction. There is, however, a less intuitive method that works to reduce discomfort: some people laugh or smile. Anecdotally, this occurs in the context of others’ visible pain with examples like America’s Funniest Home Videos and slapstick-style media clearly demonstrating our penchant for laughing at another's pain. This method may also be turned inward to reduce discomfort when experiencing it ourselves. Recent research has indeed highlighted the possible healing nature of laughter, with data implying it can reduce stress, pain, and discomfort. However, it remains unclear why laughter has this effect. That is, how did laughter come to function as a means to reduce social and physical discomfort? And did such a process evolve to make ourselves feel better or is that merely an exaptation of an originally unrelated process? We are exploring one proposed mechanism for how the association between laughter and pain may have evolved. In highlighting this mechanism, we link research on the evolution of laughter with that endogenous pain reduction to propose a model that argues that laughter became a conditioned response to pain.

Keywords: Laughter, Pain, Evolution

BIO

I am a sophomore currently pursuing a degree in anthropology. I hope to graduate and pursue a master's in archaeology and eventually a doctorate in archaeology. My focus is primarily on underwater archeological sites and I have extensive training in scientific diving.

A Comparative Analysis of the Glass Beads from the Bryan Site (8LE6256)

Abstract

Throughout the second half of the 16th century, the Kingdom of Spain began to colonize the New World. During that time they established several Spanish missions in La Florida. Through these colonization efforts, there was a diffusion of ideas and material culture. The relationship between native people and missionaries was not always peaceful and led to the abandonment of the Spanish missions in the early 18th century. One of these mission sites which has been thought to be lost is Mission San Antonio de Bacuqua. A site in Tallahassee was recently identified and thought to be the lost mission site of San Antonio de Bacuqua. Through the excavation of this site in 2022 by Dr. Tanya Peres there were a number of artifacts recovered that can help in dating and identifying the site. One of these artifacts is a number of glass beads recovered. Glass beads were an important trade good for Spanish colonists. They were often produced in Venice, Italy in mass quantities and brought by the colonists as trade goods. These beads follow a predictable chronology and are often used to date Spanish mission sites. Through comparison of other bead assemblages recovered in excavations of Mission San Luis and Mission Santa Catalina de Guale, which are confirmed Spanish mission sites. We can confirm that this site not only contains trade goods found at Spanish mission sites of that period, but we can also further justify the claim that this is the lost site of Mission San Bacuqua.

Keywords: archaeology, beads, spanish mission

BIO

A second-year student, Tara is working towards her combined B.S. in English Education and M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction at Florida State's College of Education. She is passionate about student development, hoping to continue to grow her understanding of the ever-evolving field that is education. Aside from the College of Education, Tara is involved with Chi Omega, serving as the chapter's Director of Career and Personal Development, Dance Marathon's Internal Team, and FSU's Alumni Association. She hopes to make a difference in the world of education and is grateful for the opportunity to assist in Ed research!

STEM Learning in the Elementary Classroom

Abstract

In order to gather preliminary findings and begin to grow our understanding of the
impacts and statistics regarding S.T.E.M. learning in the elementary classroom, a
literature review was conducted. Varying references were pulled based on keywords
and topics associated to our study at large, which were then analyzed and compared
to determine the current state of S.T.E.M. in the education field at present.
Preliminary findings indicated ways in which S.T.E.M. instruction can be made more
accessible to students, whether or not increasing instruction time plays a role in
student achievement, teacher comfortability in fostering instruction, as well as the
universal benefits stemming from early education in science and math.

Keywords: elementary education, stem, stem learning

BIO

I was born in Caracas, Venezuela and I moved to the united states when I was seven years old. I always enjoyed studying science especially biology that's why my research interest is Biomedical sciences. I am aspiring to be a physician in the future.

Rat coronary poster

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: Space Medicine Cardiovascular Biochemical

BIO

I was born in Venezuela and raised between Venezuela, Colombia, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My hobbies include reading contemporary novels, playing the piano, and writing. My research interests are education and land-use policy. I am also interested in comparative politics and pressing issues in U.S. foreign policy. My career ambitions include working as a researcher for a federal bureaucracy, working on a public policy think tank, or becoming a political journalist.

Assessing Public Participation in Redevelopment Projects: A Case Study of Tallahassee, Florida

Abstract

Public participation in redevelopment projects is a vital tool to address the community’s concerns about any potential adverse effects on a neighborhood. The city of Tallahassee, Florida, is home to a rich history of African-American neighborhoods that have endured constant redevelopment pressures over the decades. The use of eminent domain, or a government's right to acquire private property for public use, has been at the center of the redevelopment discourse as cities seek to modernize. As stakeholder-controlled projects are favored over citizen initiatives and participatory approaches, this study investigates the social impact and the degree of public participation employed during the planning and construction of the Capital Cascades Trail Project. This research uses social impact and participatory tools to analyze public meetings, notes, public records, and project plans to determine the degree of community engagement in the process. Namely, the researcher uses Arnstein’s Ladder of citizen participation–a tool that assesses the degree of public involvement and empowerment in various government projects. Preliminary results may indicate low levels of public involvement, according to Arnstein’s Ladder. As a result of these preliminary findings, this study suggests the following policy recommendations. As community involvement increases, neighborhoods benefit from more equitable outcomes. Future projects should require that city planners use social impact assessments to address social justice concerns. Funding should be designated to train city planners in cultural competency and allocate resources to empower citizens to engage in community projects actively.

Keywords: Public Policy, Redevelopment, Tallahassee, Eminent Domain

BIO

Hi! My name is Victoria Huguet and I am a second year student at Florida State majoring in Economics and planning to dual major in Theatre. I'm from a small town in South Florida called Weston and I've enjoyed doing research since my senior of high school when I took AICE Global Perspectives, a course offered by the Cambridge program at my high school.

Montage: The Tallahassee Theatre Index

Abstract

The Tallahassee Theatre Index
Presentation Abstract: This project is a culmination of theatre programs and companies in both the direct and greater Tallahassee area. It is created in the form of a digital library and contains both a theatre index and a calendar. The theatre index lists all of the companies in the form of profiles, each containing the same formatting. The information included in this format is the company's social media sites and a summary of what the company does. The calendar is an extension of the company's information, for it lists any upcoming events for the companies included in the index. This is all found on a Wix website and was created for simple and direct access to the arts in Tallahassee. Through this index, we are hoping to incorporate more theatre in the area and allow for more direct communication between companies, thus enhancing positive theatre morale in the city. If theatre companies can be in contact with one another, it is with the hope that more cohesive projects can be created and initiatives on which societal issues are focused can be developed. This will change the impact of theatre and showcase that there is more to the arts than one can simply perceive

Keywords: theatre, index, database