Research Symposium

BIO

Hello everybody! I was born in Hialeah, FL and I grew up in Miami Lakes. I love reading and traveling to new places. I am excited to continue learning about a multitude of things and building new experiences through research programs such as this one.

Caring More for Our First-Year, First-Generation, and Low-Income Students: Perceptions of Barriers and Transitional Success

Abstract

The experiences of first-generation and low-income (FGLI) college students during their first year are unique to every student. FGLI students are bound to deal with societal and institutional barriers that affect their daily lives. Although there is extensive literature on FGLI students, they focus mostly on whether programs offered at these universities effectively aid student’s success. This literature lacks comparison between the population of FGLI students that are receiving services to the population of FGLI students who are not. By putting a focus on this comparison, this study will be able to contribute to the research gap in this topic and identify what kind of obstacles explain why some students are not able to utilize these services to the fullest. This study is focused on specifically using the voices of Florida State University FGLI students to answer three questions. First, what support systems do CARE students utilize outside of Florida State University compared to non-CARE students? Second, how do the perceptions of CARE students differ from non-CARE students about transitioning to college? Lastly, how does the perception of CARE students differ from non-CARE students on which obstacles are in the way of accessing transitional support services? This study uses a phenomenological qualitative method that focuses on comparison groups in individual interviews that reveal specific themes in each FGLI student's experience as they transitioned to college. This research is valuable as it can assist universities in developing effective programs to overcome the obstacles that FGLI students often encounter.

Keywords: First-Generation, Low-Income, College Success

BIO

My name is Colleen Gruzewski and I am a first-generation student from Chicago, Illinois. My studies have revolved around my passion for advocating for improving access to mental healthcare, especially in psychiatric settings. I am especially interested in research in this area and have been using what I've learned and my own experiences to contribute to the fieldwork.

A Comparison of Measures in the Analysis of CEO Psychopathy

Abstract

“Given that research on psychopathy was conducted for many years in forensic settings using measures designed for use with criminal offenders, the question arises: What do psychopathic individuals look like who are not behind bars – but instead have managed to achieve some degree of success in their occupational pursuits?” (Lowman, Bertoli & Patrick, 2018). While there evidently is a variety of research on criminal psychopathy, there appears to be a lack of understanding on how psychopathy can be applied to the workplace setting. Current research suggests that increasing interest in psychopathy in the workplace could be a valuable focus, yet there has not been adequate scientific research to characterize it effectively (Smith & Lilienfield, 2013). We will focus on one underrepresented area - psychopathic tendencies of CEOs in the workplace - through the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP) and triarchic psychopathy measure (TriPM) ratings obtained through various statistical measures. More specifically, we are using the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale and the Psychopathic Personality. The study is currently ongoing and will be anticipated to conclude in April 2024. We hypothesize that our findings will point to a variety of psychopathy levels between CEOs, based on these scales. We hope that our findings will contribute to understanding the significance of psychopathic tendencies of leaders in the workplace.

Keywords: Psychopathy TriPM CEO LSRP

BIO

I am a first year student at Florida State University, currently studying English. I am a first-generation college Asian American college student going towards a career in research. The Undergraduate Research Program has been an amazing experience for me, and has taught me much in providing an opportunity for me to grow my skills in collaboration, time management, and so much more. I am grateful to have done UROP over the past year.

Representation of Women in Bollywood Films

Abstract

During this study, we explored the influence of women directors on the portrayal of female characters in Bollywood films. In the past, Bollywood films cast women in supporting roles with dependence on the male characters. This is mainly because women were being portrayed from the male perspective, by male directors. In recent years, there has been an increase in women directors in Bollywood films who are carving away at the misogynistic stereotypes. This study focused on a carefully chosen sample of three films directed by women, utilizing the film coding technique to assess both the quantity and quality of female characters. This data was organized and submitted into Qualtrics Surveys for each female character in the films. These questions helped determine what each female character's purpose and role was in the film. After all three films had their data collected, we were able to combine the data into charts to make connections between the films. This work is still ongoing, so these results remain inconclusive, but we have begun to notice evident patterns in the data. The future of this project will allow us to see the progress being made in Bollywood films in relation to its characters.

Keywords: Bollywood, Women, Film, Representation

BIO

Originally from Panama City Beach, Florida, I moved to Tallahassee to complete my Bachelor's in Public Health after obtaining my Associates at Gulf Coast State College. My passion for learning and desire to work in a science field is what inspired me to explore research in the realm of science education. If there is one thing I hope to accomplish in my career, it is to inspire the great minds of the younger generations to keep exploring the many fascinations of life. To always have that eagerness to discover the "how" and "why" of the world.

Sensemaking: Talk moves in a science education professional development

Abstract

Professional development (PD) is one-way teachers can improve their skills and engender change in their practice to support their students. By studying how PD can impact a teacher's practices in the classroom, effective teaching methods can be discovered and implemented to enhance students’ learning in science. One such method is the promotion of sensemaking through “talk moves.” Sensemaking follows the idea that learning science relies on using a student's background knowledge and experiences as a foundation to further their understanding of how the world works. Teachers can support sensemaking through talk moves, which are specially formatted questions that guide a student's thinking without directly giving them the answer. This study focuses on two secondary science teachers who engaged in a year-long PD program that supported teachers in facilitating talk in their classrooms as their students engaged in rigorous science tasks. Using a qualitative methods approach that included teacher interviews, and classroom observations, teachers were observed for how they engage in talk with their students. The findings of this study highlight the importance of targeted PD programs in supporting a teacher in learning to facilitate by using talk moves in the classroom to support students’ sensemaking.

Keywords: science education, professional development, sensemaking

BIO

I am a third-year honors student on the pre-medical track from Saint Johns, FL. I am also currently acting Co-President of the Honors Medical Scholars Society, Outreach Coordinator for the Muslim Student Union, and a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant.

Altered Pain Threshold in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain​

Abstract

Pain is a ubiquitous sensation experienced by a majority of individuals during their lifetimes. Pain can lead to discomfort in various areas of the body, such as the back. In fact, low back pain is one of the most prevalent types of pain. Resultantly, this study aims to investigate pain by using Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) to determine differences between low back pain participants and healthy participants. To conduct this study, participants with low back pain and those without low back pain were recruited to have QST performed on their body. Researchers measured the subject's cold pain threshold (CPT), heat pain threshold (HTP), and pressure pain threshold (PTT). Each participant was initially tested on their forearm to familiarize them with the distinct sensations invoked by the QST measurements and tools. Then, each participant was tested on the most painful area of their back. The CPT, HPT, and PPT tests were performed three times each. After data collection, the SPSS software was used to analyze the data. The results of this study illustrated that individuals with low back pain demonstrated a higher pain threshold than those who were healthy and did not possess low back pain. This is significant because this data can connect and fill the knowledge for other researchers studying low back pain. Furthermore, such results could lead to determining the cause of low back pain and implementing future healthcare treatments.

Keywords: back pain, QST, sensitivity

BIO

My name is Megan and I am local to Tallahassee, Florida. My interests involve research in child psychology as well as career goals working with children. Currently, I am assisting Dr. Dennen in research on adolescent social media use habits. In the future, my goal is to gain entrance into a counseling doctoral program so I can continue psychological work with children.

Teens, Teachers, and Online Information

Abstract

With social media growing in popularity, the question of how teenagers interpret information they see online comes into play. How teens interpret online information, and how their teachers facilitate and enhance this online learning is the focus of this study. Previous studies have researched teens’ choices on which social media platform they rely on the most to obtain news. However, results are vague, and little research has been done to take in-depth approaches as to why teenagers gravitate towards a “media choice.” Research studies have made it a point to determine the top social media sites used by teens, and the main devices they use to access these social media sites. Keeping this in mind, this research fails to determine how teens use this information in their daily lives, especially when they are in school. The ongoing study assesses how teens interpret online information and current events. Interviews were conducted in which teen participants describe their top social media platforms, and the information they encounter on these platforms. Data is collected through a Qualtrics survey for a week in which participants submit screenshot artifacts from their media encounters, as well as a video diary in which they describe their media usage and encounters for the week. This is an ongoing study, so the anticipated findings are that teens encounter a variety of information online, but may not fact check, research further, or talk about these issues with their teachers in school.

Keywords: Social Media, Teens, Teachers, Online Information

BIO

Adam Visram is a dedicated student majoring in finance with a strong interest in interdisciplinary studies, especially where finance and cultural history meet. Adam is completing the scientific courses required to pursue his goal of becoming a medical professional. In addition to his scholarly endeavors, Adam has been involved in research activities.

He and Andrew Frank have collaborated on a project examining the cultural and historical ties between Florida State University (FSU) and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Their study explores the beginnings and significance of the Miss Florida Seminole Pageant, a Seminole institution that has grown to be linked with FSU's homecoming celebrations. Adam's work on the project entails researching the Seminole Tribe's historical ties to Florida State University. Specifically, he looks into the long-standing bond formed by Miss Florida Seminole and her family's participation in the university's homecoming celebrations. Adam wants to contribute to a better understanding of the intricate processes influencing the relationship between indigenous communities and even use this in future medicinal and financial research opportunities.

Legacy in Motion: Exploring the Bond between Miss Florida Seminole and FSU Homecoming

Abstract

This research examines the special origins and history of the relationship between Florida State University (FSU) and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, with a focus on how the Miss Florida Seminole Pageant was included into the university's homecoming celebrations. This tradition, which dates back many years to the Seminole Tribe, has developed into the most enduring bond between the Tribe and the University.

Through the examination of tribal media like The Seminole Tribune, online newspaper databases, FSU Flambeau, and archival papers housed in the FSU archives, researchers hope to learn more about the historical significance of this cultural exchange. In an effort to shed light on the untold stories of Seminole women and their families, researchers are closely studying photos, letters, and documents related to Miss Florida Seminole's participation in FSU's homecoming.

The purpose of this project is to improve our understanding of the special relationship that exists between the Seminole Tribe and Florida State University. It will also offer important insights on the cultural, social, and historical consequences of this relationship.

The goal is to create a consistent story that will be studied for many decades by carefully going through tribal newspapers and other historical documents. This strategy will shine light on the development of the Miss Florida Seminole legacy historically and emphasize the value of cross-cultural collaboration in creating a mutual understanding.

Our research seeks to close historical gaps, support cultural preservation efforts, and highlight the longstanding connection between Florida State University and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Keywords: Miss Florida Seminole and Homecoming

BIO

Hi, I’m Mason and I’m from Signal Mountain, Tennessee. I am majoring in Finance, and my goal is to work in real estate development. I wanted to research something that I was interested outside of my major, and I have always been interested in the law and learning how to improve and adapt it to the modern world.

Incels and Firearms

Abstract

The Incel movement is an underground movement that is primarily present on the internet. The community is connected through various platforms and other online forms of communication where they are free to discuss or vent about anything related to the ideology of the community. Throughout the past decade or so, as online platforms are becoming more common for places of discussion in privacy, there has been an increase in the amount of violent attacks from members of the incel community. It is proven in some cases, and suspected in many more that these online platforms were where the planning, or at least signs of the attack before they occurred, took place. This project aims to attempt to locate incel activity on various online platforms such Reddit, Twitch and Telegram and record how prevalent the community is on these sites. Other objectives of this project is attempting to identify the specific language used when communicating between members, and looking to see how often and the severity of how they interact with those outside of the community such as streamers. The research was carried out by using search terms to look for incel activity on various online platforms, and recording the language used for later data sorting.

Keywords: Incels, Firearms, violence, rape

BIO

As a second-year student studying Business Management and Political Science, with a minor in Psychology, Mallory plans to graduate from Florida State University in the Spring of 2025 and continue her education in law school. Coming into UROP without prior research experience, Mallory chose her project based on her mentor and her primary goal of learning proper research and analysis techniques. Alongside her research, Mallory is involved in Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity at FSU, as well as having experience working in the real estate industry, legal field, and restaurant environment.

Bring On The Heat: Ventilation in Structural Firefighter Suits

Abstract

When working within the fireground, firefighters rely on their protective gear to provide thermal protection while maintaining thermoregulation to prevent overexertion and heat stress. Without proper breathability, heat exhaustion and suboptimal performance become a prevalent danger for firefighters. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to develop a protocol to assess ventilation and unique evaporative material placement within structural firefighter turnout suits for their ability to increase total heat loss (THL). One of five ensembles (turnout coat and pants) was assessed using an ANDI dynamic sweating thermal manikin in the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab® at Florida State University. The ensemble underwent three twenty-to-five minute work/rest cycles at both 6.8 Mets and 8 Mets utilizing a human thermal model (ManikinPC) integrated into the manikin’s ThermDAC software. Predicted measurements for core temperature, skin temperature, and sweat rate were collected along with subjective perceptions of comfort and sensation. Findings indicate the 6.8 Mets protocol is most appropriate to analyze ventilation placement of each turnout suit design without succumbing to fatal levels of heat exhaustion. As this protocol realistically predicts active firefighting scenarios, future research should use an ANDI dynamic sweating thermal manikin at 6.8 Mets to test the five ensembles, each with different evaporative cooling techniques which allow for different amounts of heat transfer, thus predicting the physiological performance of firefighters.

Keywords: Firefighters, Ventilation, Structural Turnout Suits

BIO

Hi, I'm Ethan Bixby. I was raised in Sarasota, Florida, and have been interested in psychology for a while. I am currently a 2nd year student on the accelerated graduation path, and hoping to continue my education at FSU for either a doctorate or masters. I am always looking to get to know more professors and people within the psychological field, so please swing by our poster!

How Well Can Participants Predict Their Automatic Attitudes Towards Close Others?

Abstract

Relationships are important for positively improving our lives. Often, these relationships are impacted by the automatic “gut” attitudes we have towards others. Prior research has displayed that these automatic attitudes can show positive or negative perceptions of a relationship more accurately than a participant’s own words. In addition, it has been found that participants can predict their automatic attitudes about general topics, however there is yet to be a study on how well participants can do so about close others. To test this, FSU Undergrad students in relationships were instructed through a series of tasks where they self-report the relationships between themselves and key figures such as parents, best friends, and partners in their lives. Then these participants, through a program coded within Inquisit, made predictions about their automatic attitudes and then completed IATs (Implicit Association Tests) to measure their automatic attitudes. The study is still currently ongoing, however preliminary results have indicated there is a moderate relationship between the predictions of participants and their automatic attitudes, and we expect data to continue on this trend. If this does continue to be the case, future research can be done into various relationships, such as providing insight into romantic relationships.

Keywords: Automatic Attitudes, Romantic Partners, Psychology

BIO

My name is Gabriel d'Esterhazy, I am a freshman Presidential Scholar from Jacksonville, Florida currently majoring in computer engineering. I am interested in studying and researching various disciplines within the field of robotics and cognitively assisted prosthetics. Ultimately, I would like to work on developing technology that works by reading and comprehending neurological impulses.

STEM Outreach Through Scaled Physical Depiction of Construction​ Power Line Safety​

Abstract

Electricity is a constant danger that we need to be aware of. This project is the creation of a display designed to showcase electricity’s ability to arc towards a surface. To accomplish this, we need to make the display simultaneously entertaining and informative. The display's goal is to demonstrate the need for the safety zone that excavators and other vehicles with vertical components abide by when in close proximity to power lines. Therefore, we intend to create a diorama of a streetside construction project. This will involve an excavator which is in close proximity to a power line. The excavator will be remote controlled so that it can be operated from outside the diorama. We will raise the scooping arm up into and through the “safety zone” that designates how far a worker should keep machinery from a live power line to showcase the arcing electricity effect. Once complete, this display will be used to both garner interest in the research project as well as warn of the potential dangers of electricity, since you don’t have to be in contact with a live wire for it to shock you.

Keywords: Electricity, Arcing, Construction

BIO

My name is Hana Poole and I am from Gulf Breeze, Florida. I am a Senior majoring in Public Health and minoring in Psychology with aspirations to become a Physician Assistant. I am involved in research with Dr. Jie Chen in the College of Nursing, tutor Ukrainian students English through ENGin, in the Honors program, and have been on two medical mission trips with Medical Brigades at FSU.

Altered Pain Threshold in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Pain is a ubiquitous sensation experienced by a majority of individuals during their lifetimes. Pain can lead to discomfort in various body areas, such as the back. Low back pain is one of the most prevalent types of pain. Resultantly, this study aims to investigate pain by using Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) to determine differences between low back pain participants and healthy participants. To conduct this study, participants with low back pain and those without low back pain were recruited to have QST performed on their body. Researchers measured the subject's cold pain threshold (CPT), heat pain threshold (HTP), and pressure pain threshold (PTT). Each participant was initially tested on their forearm to familiarize them with the distinct sensations invoked by the QST measurements and tools. Then, each participant was tested on the most painful area of their back. The CPT, HPT, and PPT tests were performed three times each. After data collection, the SPSS software was used to analyze the data. The results of this study illustrated that individuals with low back pain demonstrated a higher pain severity and pain sensitivity. Also, the lower back pain group had a higher cold pain threshold (CPT)(p<0.001) while on the other hand had a lower pressure pain threshold (PPT)(p<0.001). This is significant because this data can connect and fill the knowledge for other researchers studying low back pain. Furthermore, such results could lead to determining the cause of low back pain and implementing future healthcare treatments.

Keywords: back, pain, nursing

BIO

I am an ambitious junior from the Tampa Bay Area studying Psychology and Business at Florida State University. I am excitingly expanding my research experience through the Meltzer Lab at FSU, centralized in social psychology and romantic relationships. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree, and afterwards plan on getting a Master’s degree focused in counseling psychology.

Short-Term Stability and Change in People’s Partner Preferences and Perceptions of Their Partners

Abstract

There is an expanding body of literature examining people’s ideal partner preferences and the extent to which their partners’ traits match those preferences, which has been shown to predict relationship outcomes such as satisfaction (Fletcher et al., 1999). Our research aims to investigate whether people’s preferences and/or their perceptions of their partners’ traits are relatively stable or change over time. Previous work has found that preferences and partner perceptions remain largely stable over the long term (Driebe et al., 2023). Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether these traits are malleable across shorter time intervals, and this was the goal of the present research. In pursuit of this goal, we recruited 233 participants in relationships for an online study in which participants reported their preferences and their partner perceptions twice—four weeks apart. We used bivariate correlations, descriptive statistics, and paired-samples t-tests to examine stability and change in preferences and partner perceptions from Time 1 to Time 2. We found that preferences for attractiveness-vitality and status-resources increased, whereas preferences for warmth-trustworthiness did not change. Preferences for warmth-trustworthiness appeared to demonstrate a ceiling effect across both assessments, suggesting participants may highly and stably value this trait in partners. Moreover, whereas perceptions of partners’ more objective traits (i.e., attractiveness and status) did not change, perceptions of partners’ more subjective traits (i.e., warmth) were malleable; specifically, they decreased. Together, these findings provide evidence for stability and change in preferences and partner perceptions in theoretically sensible ways.

Keywords: Partner, Preference, Perception, Change, Stability

BIO

I am a senior from Pace, FL studying Biomedical Engineering with a focus in Cell & Bioprocess Engineering. My research in the lab of Dr. Samuel Grant has allowed me to learn more about ischemic stroke, potential treatments, and its lasting impact on patients. I hope to work in neurodegenerative disease research to help make a difference for patients, families, and caretakers all impacted by diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. I am graduating in this spring, and will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.

Evaluation of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Adipose Stem Cells for Stroke Treatment

Abstract

After a stroke, patients experience a variety of long-term effects reducing quality of life. Injections of extracellular vesicles (EV) derived from stem cells can be used post-stroke as treatment, helping to activate endogenous repair processes. This project will characterize EV derived from human adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) to investigate their efficacy as it pertains to ischemic stroke. ASC have similar potential as bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to differentiate into multiple cell lineages and yield EV; however, obtaining ASC is minimally invasive and yields higher cell counts compared to MSC. In vitro assays such as nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blots, polymerase chain reaction, and proteomics will characterize ASC EV with respect to size, EV markers, and the proportion of exosomes in comparison to MSC. Following these analyses, ASC EV will be intra-arterially injected in vivo in an ischemic rat model to assess the therapeutic efficacy. Traditionally, ASC, which are larger than MSC, can induce secondary strokes. The smaller ASC EV may provide a viable alternative to direct ASC implantation that could be effective in recovering ischemic damage.

Keywords: stroke, stem cells, extracellular vesicles

BIO

Hi! My name is Brooke and I am a first-year student in the Honors Program at FSU! I am from northern New Jersey and am majoring in Exercise Physiology on the pre-med track. In the future, I hope to combine my love for sports and medicine into a career!

The Use of Touch in Satir's Human Validation Process Model

Abstract

Using touch in therapy is a nuanced and important topic that is especially relevant for experiential therapists. The present study aimed to explore the role and use of touch in Virginia Satir's Human Validation Process Model (HVPM). Nine experts of this model were interviewed and asked about their perspective and use of touch in the HVPM. Using qualitative data from expert interviews, the researchers offer best-practice considerations and examples of if and how touch can be incorporated into experiential therapy. The themes found in this study included safe touch, unsafe touch, and advice for therapists. These results can inform therapeutic practice and ways to utilize safe, consensual touch for healing in therapy.

Keywords: Theory, Qualitative, Systemic Therapy

BIO

Hello, my name is Ashby Culpepper and I am a freshman here at Florida State University majoring in biochemistry on a pre-dental track. I am from Tallahassee, Florida, and I love to play sports, spend time in the outdoors, and have a striking interest in history. My goal is to graduate from FSU and have the opportunity to go to dental school to pursue a career in dentistry back here in my hometown of Tallahassee.

Two Paths to Citizenship: Achille Murat & Joseph M. Hernández

Abstract

In the early 19th century, those people seeking naturalization in the United States faced varied experiences and processes, as exemplified by the paths of Achille Murat and Joseph M. Hernández. Murat embarked on a five-year naturalization process, adhering to the Naturalization Law of 1802. He applied for citizenship in 1823, eventually becoming a citizen of the U.S. in Quincy, Florida, in 1828 after relinquishing his European titles. Murat's journey to citizenship underscored the formal and lengthy nature of the naturalization process, highlighting the requirement for immigrants to meet residency and other criteria before being granted citizenship. In contrast, Hernández, born in Spanish-controlled St. Augustine, quickly obtained U.S. citizenship after Florida was ceded to the United States in 1821. His decision to remain in Florida, coupled with a change to a more “American” name (Joseph), likely facilitated his assimilation and acceptance within the American community, leading to his election as Florida’s first Delegate to the United States House of Representatives in 1822. Hernández’s swift naturalization and subsequent political career illustrate how the political circumstances of the time could impact one’s path to citizenship, showcasing the diverse experiences of those seeking to become U.S. citizens during this era.

Keywords: Citizenship, Achille Murat, Joseph M. Hernández

BIO

My name is Mallory Lloyd, and I am a current sophomore at Florida State University from Sarasota, Florida. I am interested in research regarding Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology. I am currently double majoring in Psychology and Human Development & Family Science, and I want to be a clinical psychologist in the future. I want to attend graduate school and continue doing research in order to work toward this goal. I am interested in helping others, and I want to continue this passion by participating in clinical research.

Teens, Teachers, and Online Information

Abstract

With social media growing in popularity day by day, especially from teenagers’ use, the question as to how these teenagers interpret the information they see online comes into play. How teens interpret online information, and how their teachers facilitate and enhance this online learning is the main focus of this study. Previous studies have researched teens’ choices on which social media platform they rely on the most to obtain news. However, these results are vague, and little research has been done to take an in-depth approach as to why teenagers gravitate towards a “media choice.” These research studies have made it a point to determine the top social media sites used by teens, and the main devices they use to access these social media sites. Keeping this in mind, this research fails to determine how teens use this information in their daily lives, especially when they are in school. Interviews were conducted in which teen participants describe their top social media platforms, and the information they encounter on these platforms. Data is collected through a Qualtrics survey for a week in which participants submit screenshot artifacts from their media encounters, as well as a video diary in which they describe their media usage and encounters for the week. This is an ongoing study, so the anticipated findings are that teens encounter a variety of information online, but may not fact check, research further, or talk about these issues with their teachers in school.

Keywords: Teens, online, fact checking, news

BIO

Alyson Mizanin is a first-year Presidential Scholar from Venice, Florida. Majoring in Media/Communication Studies, she intends on pursuing a career in broadcast journalism post-grad. She loves storytelling for its ability to bridge differences and connect communities, which is why she is so passionate about contributing to the medium in the future.

Representation of Women in Female-Directed Bollywood Films

Abstract

Cinema is a medium through which culture is reflected, ideas are shared, and global perspectives are embraced. Bollywood — a portmanteau of Hollywood and the Indian city “Bombay” — effortlessly embodies this principle; very little rivals Bollywood’s cultural influence on South Asia at large. Within Bollywood’s cultural repository, however, exists longstanding patriarchal traditions that contemporary Indian female directors are seeking to dismantle. These women’s fresh perspectives and personal connections to female representation allow them to utilize their art to bridge the gap between centuries’ worth of gender-based discrimination and more modern steps being taken toward deconstructing inequitable representation.

Keywords: Bollywood, media, film, cinema, representation

BIO

Camila is a Senior, interning as a policy researcher for FSU's DeVoe L. Moore Center. In her free time, she likes to read and play the piano. She aspires to work as a political journalist for a national newspaper, or as a policy analyst for the Department of Education.

Every Student Succeeds Act: Examining Graduation Rates, and School Performance Indicators

Abstract

The Florida TaxWatch indicates that Florida appropriates over 20% of its budget towards K-12 education, ranking fifth in the country. Following the federal standards of No Child Left Behind, the passage of the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act empowered states to create their own educational plans. Following these acts, the Florida Department of Education indicated that graduation rates increased by about 28%. Therefore, this research asks: ”How do performance indicators under the Every Student Succeeds Act impact, if at all, high school graduation rates across Florida?” This research employs a regression and chi-square analysis using Florida Department of Education data of over 500 high schools from 2017-2018 to 2021-2022 academic years. The dataset contains spending per pupil, and performance indicator data from subgroups such as graduation rates and Mathematics and English achievement scores. Descriptive statistics reveal that graduation rates should increase related to spending per pupil. Scholars from universities in Michigan find that additional spending of about $700 per pupil can improve graduation rates by a percentage. This analysis determines whether this relationship holds. This research has the following policy implications. First, the Every Student Succeeds Act’s timely response to the needs of students and schools shows whether effective adjustment can be adopted to close educational gaps. Second, evaluation of the Every Student Succeeds Act can show if state control has more effective outcomes for students than federal standards. Future research should examine using or overusing metrics such as test scores to inform educational policies.

Keywords: Public Policy, Education, Educational Policy, High School, Policy

BIO

My name is Matthew Azuara, and I'm a meteorology major. I'm a freshman originally from Guilford, Connecticut, and have had a lifelong passion for meteorology. I want to thank Dr. Holmes for providing the opportunity to work within the department, especially at a time when I would have had limited exposure to meteorology otherwise. I am excited to get more into meteorology coursework within the coming semesters!

Building an Updated Estimate of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agricultural Fires

Abstract

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a database of greenhouse gas sources, and a table of greenhouse gas estimates stemming from agricultural fires are included in their report. While the EPA’s estimates for greenhouse gas emissions stemming from agricultural fires are a helpful resource, we hope to improve upon their information by analyzing a wider range of crops and land types in order to calculate greenhouse gas estimates. In addition, since the EPA does not provide spatial data with its agricultural fire estimates, we plan to organize our data in maps so it is apparent where these emissions are stemming from. It is important to get an accurate estimate of agricultural fires’ impact on greenhouse gas emissions, especially because this data can be used to better shape agricultural practices. We used an already existing database of fires in the Eastern United States, and hope to compare the estimates produced by this new database for agricultural fire emissions to the values the EPA has published.

Keywords: meteorology, fires, agriculture, greenhouse gases