BIO

Ella is currently in her second year of studying Political Science at Florida State University. Ella has long been passionate about grasping global issues and fostering mutual understanding among diverse cultures. In addition to her studies, Ella works as an employee at the campus recreation center. Next year, she will continue her involvement in UROP by teaching a colloquium course as a UROP Leader. Looking ahead, Ella hopes to further her research interests through honors in the major and pursue graduate school.

"The fear you’ll be the same person when you go home and the fear you won’t": ​ A narrative inquiry of first generation in college student recipients of the ​Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship​

Abstract

First-generation college students (FGCS) are consistently underrepresented within education abroad. For FGCS to have the opportunity to study abroad, they often need funding to help pay for their study abroad experience. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship aids FGCS in increasing participation in study abroad, but there is limited research on the experiential outcomes of participating Gilman Scholarship students. Previous research has shown the positive benefits of education abroad for all students and for FGCS more specifically, but understanding a previously overlooked group of people will provide evidence to continue to support FGCS engagement in international education. To identify how the Gilman Scholarship has impacted FGCS, this research utilizes a transformative learning theory framework to better understand FGCS students' experiences during and after their study abroad program. Primary data will be collected using qualitative methods and narrative inquiry. Applying narrative inquiry by interviewing and surveying FGCS who have received the Gilman Scholarship will effectively represent how FGCS understand the transformative nature of their experiences abroad with the Gilman Scholarship program. The findings from this research will aid those in higher education, international education, and policy research, ultimately helping increase long-term support for First-Generation College Students (FGCS) engaging in higher education abroad.

Keywords: education, first-generation, international

BIO

My name is Alexia Jean and I am currently a senior studying Psychology at Florida State University. I am also pursuing a minor in education. From my previous experience working in and studying education, I knew I was interested in educational research as I learned about the different teaching strategies that are used in a classroom. I hope to apply what I've learned in this research experience in future research endeavors that I may pursue. In the future I hope to become a social worker and academic researcher. My research interests include student mental health, child welfare, and special education advocacy.

Adopting educational games in K-12 teaching—​ From teachers' perspectives​

Abstract

Nowadays, Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) has become one of the most prominent technology uses in education. However, the inclusion of game learning in the school curriculum is not widespread despite its advantages according to the previous research. To understand the challenges that teachers face when adopting educational games in their classrooms, we conducted a mini-literature review. The research looked at teachers’ perceptions of DGBL to address the problems that inhibit the adoption of digital games in the classroom setting. We found two challenges teachers faced in adopting educational games: a lack of professional development programs and a lack of access to technological resources including quality educational games. Therefore, we collected 23 existing educational games, suitable for K-12 use, to a database that current teachers can utilize in their classes by searching the internet. We focused on games for special education and English Language Art (ELA) teaching and coded the grade level as well as teaching objectives of the games.​

Keywords: Educational Games, Teachers, K-12

BIO

My name is Aaron Bookstein. I am a sophomore majoring in Environmental Science. My interests include engineering, Earth science, and ocean science. My research interests range from environmental science to civil/environmental engineering. My research interest includes creating materials that are effective and environmentally friendly.

Strength properties of clay bricks made with marine algae

Abstract

Marine algae are used as an ingredient in varieties of clay bricks and cement to increase the sustainability of these materials. However, the physical and chemical properties of these bricks are not fully understood. The properties can improve or worsen depending on how much algae is added and which species of algae is used. The types of clay used can also affect the strength of the material. This study examines the flexural and compressive strength of bricks incorporating macroalgae species. We created clay bricks containing no algae, Sargassum filipendula, and Agardhiella subulata. The algae are added at varying percentages of the brick’s total volume. The samples are cast to ASTM or industry standard dimensions for testing. The samples are placed into instruments that test their flexural and compressive strength. While the experiment is ongoing, we expect the flexural and compressive strength of the algae bricks to be lower than traditional bricks. However, algae bricks can still have applications. These results would indicate that algae bricks are not ideal for high-stress scenarios but could be used in low-stress conditions. Some examples include new walkways and parking infrastructure.

Keywords: Civil Engineering, Algae, Construction Materials

BIO

My name is Miles Rosoff, and I am a dedicated second-year undergraduate from Coral Springs, Florida, pursuing a major in Computational Science. With a keen interest in the cutting-edge fields of Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models, I am particularly fascinated by exploring the most efficient methodologies for leveraging these technologies. My background in coding, with a strong emphasis on Python and C++, perfectly aligns with my academic interests, providing a strong foundation for my involvement in this research project.

Do Large Language Models Reason in a Bayesian Fashion?​

Abstract

We investigate the hypothesis that large language models (LLMs) such as GPT-4, Mixtral-8x7B, and Phi-1.5 learn concepts in a manner consistent with Bayesian inference. To assess this capability, the LLMs are tasked with guessing a concept given a sequence of words. We first approximate the LLMs' prior over concepts to then approximate its posterior over concepts after a word has been presented to it. We then compare the LLM posterior with that from Bayesian inference. Additionally, the study explores the extent to which temperature influences the posterior's conformity to Bayes' Rule. Our investigation aims to enrich the understanding of Bayesian reasoning in LLMs and its implications for model performance. Our results suggest that the posterior update does not conform to Bayesian statistics, invalidating the original hypothesis.​

Keywords: AI, LLM, Bayesian, Computational Science

BIO

My name is Alejandro Valdivia, and I am a second-year student from Weston, FL. As a history major, I am fascinated with analyzing the ways in which different cultures interacted throughout world history, especially in the medieval and early modern periods. Working with Theater with a Mission, my research into early Tallahassee uncovered a vibrant world of colorful characters and personalities unknown to many, which I am excited to share with the community. In my spare time, I love to play my saxophone, enjoy fantasy stories, and self-indulge in my personal historical interests.

A Princess in Tallahassee: Catherine Murat (1803-1867) as a conduit of culture on the Florida Frontier

Abstract

In its infancy, Tallahassee was home to many colorful characters and personalities. Among these individuals was Catherine Willis Gray, great-grandniece of George Washington, whose marriage to deposed Napoleonic Prince Achille Murat became one of the most celebrated and mythologized events of the early city. Through her marriage to Achille, Catherine would come to be integrated into French aristocracy and would henceforth carry two distinct elite identities. This research aims to examine Catherine's dual identities as a slave-owning Tallahassee aristocrat and a princess of France, and the ways in which those dual identities were perceived by those around her. From this, insight can be gained as to how Catherine’s fusion of these two identities produced something truly unique to herself. The goal is to demonstrate how the creation of this identity was influenced by the frontier context of early Tallahassee.

Keywords: Tallahassee, Bicentennial, France, Territorial Florida, Frontier

BIO

I am a second-year student at Florida State University majoring in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Science & Policy. I was born in Portland, Maine and lived there until I was 11, after which I moved to Jacksonville, Florida. My research interests include public policy, equity in education, and environmental justice. I am involved in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program and a member of the Pre-Law Phi Alpha Delta Chapter here at FSU. After completing my undergraduate studies, I hope to enter law school with a focus on Environmental Law.

Public School Leadership in Times of Uncertainty: A Rendering of the Influence of Education Policy on Leadership Practice in Florida Schools

Abstract

Abstract
In the United States, there have been increasing efforts to draw back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public education. In response, educational leadership is dealing with the consequences of attempting to create equitable environments for all students within schools while appealing to the politics of their state. Current research has looked at political atmospheres and teacher attitudes but has not identified any solutions for how educational leaders should respond. We hope to discover how educational leaders feel in response to these initiatives and how we, as educational leadership trainers, can adapt our training methods to help leaders prepare to handle politically charged school environments. For the purpose of this study, we decided to look at 2 counties in Florida (referred to as River County and Forest County). We solely focused on K-12 public schools. In order to discover the attitudes of educational leaders, we conducted 30-minute semi-structured interviews with 5 principals. After conducting the interviews, we developed transcripts and completed a data analysis. The results of this study indicate difficulties educational leadership experience managing teachers and faculty in implementing culturally responsive education. We were interested to discover that in majority-minority schools, administrators experience an atypical protection from state mandates, and as a result, feel that they do not need to comply with anti-DEI legislation.​

Keywords: equity, diversity, inclusion, turbulence theory, anti-racism

BIO

Robert Rice is a sophomore at Florida State University studying Psychology and Sociology. After graduation, he intends to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. His main research interests include escapism in relation to suicidality, the interplay between perceived burdensomeness and negative confirmation biases within internalizing disorders, and psychotherapeutic applications of psychedelics for traumatic experiences. Robert's ultimate goal, following his research career, is to transition to private practice as a cognitive behavioral therapist.

The Cage of Dismissal: Emotional Invalidation, Entrapment, and Minority Suicidal Ideations

Abstract

Minoritized populations are susceptible to emotional invalidation, which may explain their risk towards suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Based on theoretical and empirical works, entrapment may account for the relationship between emotional invalidation and suicidal ideation. To examine this potential pathway, an indirect effects model was estimated in a sample of minoritized individuals (n = 460), which had considerable diversity: 75.9% people of color; 43.9% non-heterosexual. A structural equation indirect effects model was estimated using robust maximum likelihood to test whether the association between emotional invalidation and suicidal ideation was accounted for by entrapment variance. All variables were modeled as latent variables; emotional invalidation and entrapment were modeled with the Perceived Invalidation of Emotion Scale and Entrapment Short-Form Scale, respectively. Suicidal ideation was modeled using sum scores of the Depressive Symptom Index – Suicidality Subscale, Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, and a single-item measure of suicidal intent. The estimated model fit well (CFI = .970, TLI = .965, RMSEA = .052). Results showed that entrapment accounted for the relationship between suicidal ideation beyond emotional invalidation variance (b = 0.698, SE = 0.089, p < .001), while emotional invalidation had a nonsignificant relationship with suicidal ideation after accounting for entrapment variance (b = 0.098, SE = 0.074, p = 0.181), supporting a complete indirect effect. These findings show that invalidation may confer risk for suicidal ideation through feelings of entrapment; future research may benefit from further exploring this relationship, including cognitive and behavioral aspects of perceived lack of or desire for escape.

Keywords: suicide, escapism, minority stress, disparities in mental health

BIO

Zane is a third-year student at Florida State University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Criminology & Criminal Justice. Zane serves as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Collegiate Recovery Program Research Lab under Dr. Chelsea Shore. This lab concentrates on collegiate students who identify as in recovery from substance use and the institutions that support this unique demographic. In this role, Zane assisted Dr. Shore in creating an online database where all relevant research pertaining to Collegiate Recovery can be found in one commonplace to assist practitioners and administrators in creating their own programming or guide their existing services. Outside of the lab, Zane applies his knowledge and expertise on collegiate recovery in his local student community at FSU's Collegiate Recovery Program - called LIFT. His roles within this organization include serving as a student representative for FSU's Collegiate Recovery Steering Committee under John Shinn & Angela Chong and additionally volunteers as a Recovery Ally Program Facilitator under Kirsten Price. After his undergrad, Zane aspires to obtain a law degree and effectuate change through legal advocacy on social justice reform topics.

Descriptive Database for the Field of Collegiate Recovery Programs

Abstract

A scoping literature review conducted by N. Vest et al. (2021) revealed a noteworthy deficiency in available evidence pertaining to CRPs (Collegiate Recovery Programs). A thorough search conducted up to August 2020 yielded only 54 articles meeting stringent criteria. Addressing this gap and furthering the work of Vest et al., Dr. Shore, supported by the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE), established an online descriptive database designed to assist collegiate recovery program providers and collegiate administrators. The database has over 100 (N = 122) meticulously analyzed articles related to CRPs and college student recovery from substance (mis)use. Articles are systematically categorized by Author, Journal, Year, Title, Methodology, Analyses, Key Findings, SJDEI Topics, Theories, and Integrated Behavioral Health Areas, ensuring its utility as a comprehensive and structured resource for advancing research. The database aims to guide practitioners in the field of collegiate recovery, facilitating the development and improvement of CRPs within higher education institutions (HEIs).

Keywords: Recovery, Addiction Science, Substance Use

BIO

Hello! My name is Lauren and I am a second-year student at Florida State from San Diego, California. I am majoring in Nursing and minoring in Psychology. After I graduate, I plan on getting experience as a Registered Nurse and doing travel nursing, and then going back to school for my Master's to either become a Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthetist. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, reading books, enjoying the sunshine, and working out. I am also active in my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. Prior to joining UROP, I had no prior experience in research, so this experience has been very interesting and rewarding.

Lack of Affirmation in Childhood and Adult Romantic Relationships​

Abstract

The developmental trajectory following early experiences varies among individuals, shaping their psychological well-being into adulthood. The family system, particularly the quality of parent-child relationships, is identified as a pivotal factor in setting the stage for defective paths, leading to psychological vulnerabilities and challenges in adult romantic relationships. Our research investigates the impact of Emotional Deprivation Disorder (EDD) during childhood on adult romantic relationships, employing a mixed methods approach that integrates quantitative data analysis with surveys and semi-structured interviews. The study aims to understand the association between a lack of affirmation from primary caregivers, EDD symptoms, and difficulties in adult romantic relationships. Empirical evidence supports the connection between parent-child relationship quality and adult romantic relationship functioning. The results demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between a lack of affirmation during childhood, EDD symptoms, and challenges in adult romantic relationships. This study contributes to developmental psychopathology by addressing the lack of a clear concept or diagnosis for an adulthood syndrome rooted in unmet emotional needs during childhood. It provides in-depth insights into couples' experiences influenced by EDD, offering valuable information for clinicians to develop treatment plans for clients with a history of affirmation deficits, benefiting both individual and couple clients struggling with interpersonal insecurities and distress.

Keywords: Emotional Deprivation Affirmation Relationships

BIO

I am currently a second-year student here at Florida State studying psychology with an interest in educational psychology and the process of creating an environment that yields the best outcomes for students. I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. I couldn’t be more honored to be even a small part of this fantastic program.

A Comprehensive Literature Review of Eating Disorders in LGBTQ+ College-Aged Individuals

Abstract

Current research has suggested that LGBTQ college-aged individuals might be at a higher risk of developing eating disorders in comparison to their cisgender peers. This comprehensive literature review aims to identify current gaps in research towards treating this population of individuals. The study also aims to further understand aspects of symptomatology, interventions, and treatments of eating disorders within this population based on the information gathered from these online sources. Lastly, this exploration aims to promote awareness for members of this population, to provide recommendations for future areas of research, and to explore future implications. The literature review was completed using key search terms relevant to the study’s questions to identify and assess current information concerning this population of individuals. A primary and secondary search was conducted to filter sources from multiple online library databases containing relevant information. The results of this research yield that only two pieces of information from the primary and secondary screenings were appropriate to the research questions. The conclusion can be drawn that in order to decrease eating disorder development in this demographic, interventions and treatments should be put into place to decrease things like minority and other mental health stress, along with gendered body ideals.

Keywords: eating disorders, LGBTQ+, literature review

BIO

Fiona Adair is a second-year student majoring in Editing, Writing, and Media and minoring in World Literature/World Film and Linguistics. After graduation, she hopes to go into the field of publishing or otherwise work with the creation and management of written works. At FSU, she is involved with The Kudzu Review (FSU's undergraduate literary magazine), Honors Student Association executive board (newsletter chair), Asian American Student Union, and Japanese Student Association. In research, she is interested in various human cultures and their interactions with each other, most specifically through language and storytelling.

Creating Access to the Perra Bell Library

Abstract

The Jack Hadley Black History Museum (JHBHM) is Thomasville’s first black history museum. Now consisting of thousands of artifacts, the museum is also home to a research library, where the Perra Bell collection is stored and being cataloged. The Perra Bell collection, while of course generally helpful in examining African American history as a whole, is especially fascinating in that the extensive amount of her notes truly highlights Mrs. Bell’s personal perspectives on the topic both in and outside of academia. Mrs. Perra Bell was a scholar of African American history and culture and taught in those subjects at Towson State University for over twenty years. Before passing away, she bequeathed her collection of over 4,550 books, manuscripts, notes, and ephemera to the JHBHM. Our goal at the museum is to ensure that the collection is made available to the public for research and enjoyment in many future years. The process includes organizing and cataloging Mrs. Bell’s books; analyzing her notes, manuscripts, and ephemera for historical significance; and digitizing and storing the collection in museum-quality containers.

Keywords: museum, library, Thomasville, African American, History

BIO

Calla Curry is a second-year student from Orlando, Florida. She is studying sociology and urban planning, with the intent to pursue graduate school in urban and regional planning. Her research interests generally revolve around housing policy. In addition to the undergraduate research opportunity, she is engaged in research on the interplay of religion and emotion in 19th-century women.

How Cities are Preparing for Climate Gentrification: A Case Study of South St. Petersburg Florida

Abstract

This exploratory case study examines climate gentrification in St. Petersburg, Florida. Specifically, the study focuses on the South St. Petersburg area. This low socioeconomic and minority neighborhood is on higher ground and outside the coastal high hazard area. We posit that when the immediate impacts of climate change become more apparent in St. Petersburg, such as flooding, tropical storms, and subsequent high insurance costs, those living near the more expensive coastal areas will migrate inland towards areas that are less vulnerable to climate change related impacts, such as the South St. Pete area. This may drive up the cost of living in this area, effectively pricing longtime residents, who are largely renters, out of the community. Through this study, we have engaged in interviews with urban planners, public managers, nonprofit agencies, and private developers who work in South St. Pete. The goal is to understand how climate gentrification influences their decision making, if at all. We find officials have largely acknowledged the concept’s legitimacy, but haven’t witnessed it informing decisions in South St. Pete. They affirm that the neighborhood is gentrifying, but not that the climate is motivating this change. They point to other issues impacting housing prices, such as the historic Gas Plant redevelopment, the Live Local Act, and St. Pete’s relatively robust affordable housing policy arena. These findings indicate a need for greater awareness of how climate change and housing costs interact at the local level in St. Petersburg.

Keywords: Climate change, gentrification, affordable housing

BIO

Inside the US I am from Lakeland FL, in between Tampa and Orlando, and outside the US I was born and raised in Cuba. I enjoy playing sports, especially swimming and baseball. I wish to become a Physical Therapist in the future.

Impact of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus on Air Gaps in Structural Firefighter PPE​

Abstract

Air is an insulator and in excess, can lead to heat stress in some applications, such as structural firefighter turnout suits. As firefighters need to be protected from heat and flame insulation is needed. However, bulky, large, and oversized gear can easily lead to reduced ergonomic mobility and excess buildup of metabolic heat. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to study the air gaps formed within turnout suits, and for the first time, with and without a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Four ensembles were assessed using a three-dimensional body scanner in the FSU Body Scanning Laboratory. These ensembles included a nude compression layer, base layer typically worn underneath the turnout, a turnout suit, and the turnout suit with an equipped SCBA. Scans were conducted on 14 professional male and female firefighters. An SS20 Size Stream body scanner was used to perform three replicate scans per ensemble per participant. Findings indicate differences in surface area, volume, and air gap size between ensembles including with and without the SCBA. Future research should continue to explore the effects of air gaps within firefighter turnout suits that may be formed depending on other contributing factors and how these gaps affect the performance of firefighters.

Keywords: Firefighter; SCBA; Air gaps; Ease gap

BIO

I am originally from Orlando, FL, and I am double majoring in Finance and Biology. This unique combination has allowed me to merge my two different interested into Healthcare Finance and Banking. esearching on the likability of a city has allowed me to gain invaluable skills that I will continue to utilize in the future.

THE LIKABILITY OF A CITY IN RELATION TO MUNICIPALITY BONDS

Abstract

WHAT MAKES A CITY ATTRACTIVE
TO LIVE IN?
To answer the question above, we use a revealed
approach using machine learning. We
hypothesized that an attractive city ought to
attract better human capital translating to lower
risk in municipalities in generating revenues. If
this is the case, these muni bonds will be
percieved as low risk and will inturn deliver low
yields. To this end, we build a panel dataset of
rouble 60 measure of city attractiveness. We will
link these measures to muni bond yields and use
machine learning techniques to find which
dimension of city attractiveness are key in
lowering muni bond yields.

Keywords: Economics, Bonds, Likability

BIO

Hello! I'm Amarachukwu Obiefoka, a Nigerian-South African junior transfer student passionate about neuroscience. My dream is to become a physician, merging my love for science with helping others. Outside of academics, I thrive on adventure, whether it's exploring new places through travel or diving into stories through reading. I'm drawn to anything adventurous and love trying new experiences. Being a part of the diverse community here is interesting to say the least, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.

Protective Factors Associated with Physical Activity in People Living with HIV: a Biopsychosocial Analysis

Abstract

HIV involved in the study. We used different tests to see how things like pain, resilience, and other factors are linked to how much these individual’s exercise. The tests looked at demographics (like age and income), health factors (pain, heart problems, BMI, etc.), mental health (depression, coping, anxiety), and social factors (like discrimination and social support). The results showed that pain and resilience are important. More pain meant less exercise, and being more resilient meant more exercise. For example, a one-day increase in pain could make someone do 4.5% less exercise each day, while being more resilient could make them do 16.8% more exercise. This tells us that a person's physical activity is influenced by a mix of physical, mental, and social factors when they're living with HIV. Understanding this can help design better ways to support these individuals.

Keywords: HIV, Biopsychosocial, Demographics, Factors, Analysis

BIO

I am a senior graduating in December of 2024. I plan on attending a graduate program in applied behavior analysis after graduation with the intention of becoming a board-certified behavior analyst.

C3ForMe: Enhanced Self-determination Instruction for Transition-aged Young Adults with Disabilities

Abstract

The study explores the fostering of self-determination (SD) skills in students with disabilities (SWDs) and its impact on their post-school outcomes. Self-determined individuals are often seen as those who understand their goals and how to achieve them. Research indicates that SD skills are crucial in promoting goal-directed behaviors and positive outcomes for students. The literature underscores the importance of self-determination in successful transition planning for SWDs, predicting positive post-school results. The study, utilizing an experimental case study design, focused on a special education teacher and 10 transition-aged young adults with disabilities at a summer transition institute. The aim was to investigate the effects of enhanced self-determination instruction using small-group communication activities (C3 for Me) alongside a published self-determination curriculum (“Whose Future is it Anyway”). The data collected through the AIR Self Determination Scale were analyzed to assess the impact of enhanced instruction on SWDs' self-determination levels. Results, analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including a Paired Samples t Test, revealed a statistically significant increase in student self-determination levels after receiving the enhanced training. This suggests that targeted interventions and enhanced instruction positively influence the development of self-determination skills in SWDs. The findings align with previous research indicating that higher levels of self-determination correlate with positive post-school outcomes, such as continued education, employment, and independent living. The study contributes to understanding how fostering self-determination can enhance the transition and overall success of students with disabilities.

Keywords: transition planning, self-determination training, special education

BIO

I am passionate about conserving biodiversity through ecological research and public science communication. I am especially interested in botany, community ecology, and wetlands. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, hiking, and circus arts!

Host specificity of hemiparasitic Castilleja and its influence on plant community diversity.

Abstract

Hemiparasitic plants rely on their hosts for some of their nutritional requirements, but are still able to photosynthesize and absorb water and nutrients through their roots. Parasitic plants have been shown to impact plant community diversity by reducing dominant species' competitive ability, thus allowing for the growth and establishment of secondary, less competitive species. Castilleja is a hemiparasitic genus in the family Orobanchaceae. It forms root haustorial connections with hosts underground. Near The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, there are six common, naturally occurring species of Castilleja. The diversity and specificity of host species of local Castilleja are unknown due to the difficult nature of observing belowground interactions. In this study, we aim to determine the most likely hosts of Castilleja, assess host specificity, and measure Castilleja’s impact on plant diversity and productivity in various Rocky Mountain ecosystems. We found local Castilleja species to be generalists which likely parasitize the most abundant species in the community and that Castilleja presence is positively correlated with plant community diversity and richness, but not evenness.

Keywords: plant ecology, hemiparasite, community ecology, biodiversity, castilleja

BIO

My name is Helena Nogales, and I am a sophomore majoring in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Chemistry on a Pre-Medical track. I am originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico but I currently live in Pensacola, Florida. Aside from UROP, I have been involved with Alpha Delta Pi, American Medical Student Association, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Volunteering, and Dance Marathon throughout my two years at FSU. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan on going to medical school.

Swipe for Heartfelt Connections: An Examination of Physiological Effects of Swiping on Dating Applications

Abstract

As humans, we are driven by a need to connect with others (Maslow, 1943). With the rise of communication technology since the late 20th century, it is easy to connect with people. Technology has rapidly become a main way of forming romantic relationships due to its ability to connect people at any time and place. The growing integration of technology in communication is also evidenced by the regular use of mobile dating applications (MDAs) among adults. While studies have shown why people use online dating applications, few have examined the physiological effects of using a dating application. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH, 2021), increased heart rate and blood pressure can hinder health. Therefore, the goal of this study is to understand how online dating may contribute to changes in physiological health. Data was collected from undergraduate students who were single and had a dating application (N = 30). Participants came to a lab, put on a heart monitor, and their blood pressure was measured. Next participants used a dating application for 15 minutes and then stopped, at which point their blood pressure was measured. Participants blood pressure was also measured at 30 minutes. Heart rate was measured continually throughout the 30-minute experiment. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that swiping right was positively associated with systolic blood pressure at 15 and 30 minutes. Attachment anxiety and avoidance were tested as moderators but were insignificant. Results show that using dating applications has some minor implications for physiological health.

Keywords: Relationships, Health Implications, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate

BIO

I am a third-year student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience, with minors in Chemistry and Business. I grew up in Southern California for most of my life, but have since moved to Sarasota, Florida with my family a few years ago. Currently, I am a part of Dr. Riddle's cognitive neuroscience lab, where we explore many aspects of the underlying neural oscillation mechanisms in brain areas and how they modulate cognitive control, in hopes of developing a novel intervention for psychiatric illness. The project I am primarily focusing on investigates the neural circuit dynamics in the prefrontal and motor cortex and how that correlates with symptoms of anhedonia in depression by looking at motivational characteristics with reward-based decision-making tasks. In addition to this research, I have assisted in Dr. Wilber's spatial reorientation studies with rodent models of Alzheimer's Disease starting in my freshman year. With a strong interest in the behavioral and neurophysiological aspects of this field, I hope to one day practice medicine as a pediatric neurologist, where I have the opportunity to support and work alongside children with neurological disorders, while researching the prevalence and treatment of mental illness in adolescence, especially in the first-generation immigrant, low-income demographics.

Causal role of delta-beta coupling for goal-directed behavior in anhedonic depression

Abstract

Rates of depression are increasing at an alarming rate in modern society. Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression, which is defined by a lack of interest, enjoyment, or pleasure in one’s life. In standard practice, depression is treated with first-line antidepressant medications. However, antidepressants are aimed at treating decreased mood and often do not change symptoms of anhedonia and can even worsen symptoms of anhedonia in some cases. In this study, we aim to examine a novel, potential treatment paradigm for anhedonia symptoms by administering noninvasive brain stimulation to restore reduced prefrontal control over the motor system, a critical mechanism for goal-directed behavior. In previous studies, participants with major depressive disorder and elevated anhedonia showed a deficit in goal-directed behavior and a decrease in delta-beta coupling, an electrical activity signature of prefrontal-to-motor control. Our experiment investigates the efficacy of a five-day treatment paradigm where participants receive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) targeting delta-beta coupling while they complete goal-setting and action-planning worksheets. First, we use clinical assessments to ensure that participants are within a current episode of major depressive disorder. Then, participants complete functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) sessions while they perform reward-based decision-making tasks such as the Expenditure of effort for Reward task (EEfRT). These tasks engage goal-directed behavior to assess whether stimulation is able to increase prefrontal-to-motor delta-beta coupling. This study will build knowledge on the neural mechanisms underlying disrupted goal-directed behavior in anhedonia and potentially serve as a foundation for novel interventions in psychiatry.

Keywords: behavior, depression, anhedonia, electrical coupling, stimulation

BIO

Hi, I'm Maggie Awad from Atlantic Beach, FL, pursuing a dual major in Finance and Public Health Administration. Passionate about reshaping healthcare, I'm eager to merge financial insights with public health strategies for a brighter, more inclusive future. Through my studies, I aim to drive impactful changes in healthcare accessibility and sustainability. Beyond academics, you'll find me actively involved in organizations on campus such as Dance Marathon and the Honors Student Association. With boundless enthusiasm, I'm committed to making a meaningful difference in healthcare, one step at a time.

Informatics Supporting Patients’ Understanding of Lab Results: Identifying Patients’ Questions about Lab Results

Abstract

Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT have opened a promising avenue for patients to get their questions answered. We aim to assess the feasibility of using LLMs to generate relevant, accurate, helpful, and unharmful responses to lab test-related questions asked by patients and to identify potential issues that can be mitigated with augmentation approaches. We believe that with the advancements of Ai and LLMs it has opened up many new possibilities when it comes to interpreting and understanding health lab reports. However, even though generative AI models such as ChatGPT can answer questions, about lab test results, they may also generate answers with inaccurate information or hallucinations results and are often confusing and hard to understand. We believe by utilizing the advantages of AI and LLMs, we will be able to create an app that will help patients (especially elderly patients) better understand their health lab reports.

Keywords: LLM, Technology, Healthcare