Research Symposium

BIO

Hanna Herndon is a junior at FSU, working towards a bachelor's degree in psychology. After graduating, she plans to pursue higher education and become a psychiatrist for young adults. She enjoys music, traveling, and food. In her free time, she travels to other places or goes on trails in the woods. She can be found studying at coffee shops, bubble tea shops, and libraries around campus.

Performances Visual of U.S.-Japan Cultural Relations

Abstract

This study explores and analyzes how various visual performances and social media platforms represent the current relationship between Japan and the United States. American expatriates/ influencers and directors sometimes tend to misrepresent Japan and its culture through a Westernized lens. American-generated content has historically portrayed Japan from a place of white saviorism and Japanese villainization, rather than an accurate or unbiased viewpoint. For this project, we examined how the performative nature of race and gender affects the portrayal of transnational relationships between the United States and Japan. We created an archive of primary sources (containing films, TikToks, and Youtube videos), commentary sources, and scholarly texts. We watched and coded these texts in order to complete the database. With this in mind, the concrete goal of this study was to research these various social media platforms and films, create the aforementioned archive, and code the results, creating a new understanding that will better inform audiences about the cultural relations between the U.S. and Japan. This project culminated in two literature reviews, one compiling and analyzing films related to this project, and the other examining the social media influences involved. After concluding this project, results were determined based on newfound understandings. Through the examination of both older and modern films, in contrast with modern popular social media, it is clear that, though tropes and trends surrounding the portrayal of U.S.-Japanese relations have changed, many still remain the same.

Keywords: visual performance, Japan-US relations, cultures

BIO

Hi, my name is Maddie Massmann and I am a first year student at FSU from St. Louis, Missouri. I have really enjoyed being involved in research here. I hope to continue research throughout my time at Florida State, preferably studying social media, child development, relationships, and eating disorders. I plan on pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology post graduation.

Emotions and Social Media Use: Youth Experiences of Different Online Phenomena

Abstract

Social media has become more prominent in the 21st century and has facilitated easier modes of communication. However, with the emergence of social media, many individuals have started associating social media in both a negative and positive light. This study investigates possible correlations between social media and feelings of negative and positive emotions while also conducting a meta-analysis to investigate trends that are related to this field of study. The objective of this research was to investigate why individuals experience these varieties of emotions and provide more knowledge to this current field of literature. Additionally, it is also a way to provide more knowledge than what is known about current studies. Participants involved in this study were asked to complete a Qualtrics survey that offered in depth questions about emotions experienced while doing certain tasks on social media. Afterwards, participants were asked two long answer questions about one time they experienced both positive and negative emotions while on social media.

Keywords: Social media, youth, emotions

BIO

Greetings and humble salutations, my name is Daejah Brown and I am a sophomore studying Biology at the one and only, Florida State University. My interests are volunteering in my community, attending organization meetings and social events, learning new things, and playing volleyball. My favorite thing to do is interact with nature, whether it's going on hikes or as simple as watering my plants. Participating in different research is a way for me to fuel my desire to learn different things. I hope that you are intrigued by the lance-tailed manakins' research findings and conclusions.

Olfactory displays: Manipulation of scent cues by male lance-tailed manakins (Chiroxiphia lanceolata)

Abstract

Have you ever stopped to look at a bird, and wondered what influences their movement or behavior? There is usually always a reason to explain different types of bird behavior and occurrence. In this study, male lance-tailed manakins (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) were studied and analyzed to form a conclusion as to what factors affect the occurrence of bill swipes on a dancing perch. A bill swipe occurs when a bird wipes their bill on the dancing perch. Does experimental manipulation of olfactory, or scent, cues change the manakin behavior of bill swipes? This hypothesis was tested by manipulating scent cues at male display perches by wiping them with ethanol or with a dry cloth (control treatment). Data was collected on the number of bill swipes. Comparing the experimental treatment with the control treatment will determine if the male lance-tailed manakins are bill swiping more to change the scent cues on the dance perch once manipulated. The preliminary findings should favor the reasoning that male lance-tailed manakins perform more bill swipes once the dancing perch is wiped off with ethanol because they are trying to add back their scent cues to attract female lance-tailed manakins.

Keywords: lance-tailed manakins, Chiroxiphia lanceolata, bill swipe, scent cues, bird behavior

BIO

A freshman biological Science major, Nicole is broadly interested in evolution, ecology, and herpetology. She has done research in the Department of Herpetology at the American Museum of Natural History, and is now researching in the Lemmon Lab at FSU. She hopes to pursue a career as a professor or museum curator.

Phylogeography of Pseudacris regilla

Abstract

Current phylogeographic methods harness multilocus data to investigate the evolutionary history of closely related species and lineages, combining phylogenetics, population genetics, and biogeography to uncover evolutionary history. The phylogeographic history of the Pseudacris regilla complex will be revisited with more robust data and newer methods, which requires the extraction of genomic DNA from tissue samples described herein. DNA from extracted samples is quantified via Qubit, and gel electrophoresis is used to ensure that DNA in samples is of the appropriate length. High quality genomic DNA samples are necessary for further analyses which are expected to yield insight into species boundaries, historical demography, population structure, and gene flow within the complex. Resolution of Pseudacris regilla phylogeography can also contribute to a broader comparative framework for understanding how different groups of terrestrial vertebrates along the West coast of North America have been shaped by past climatic and geological events.

Keywords: Frogs, Phylogeography, Evolution, Ecology

BIO

I am a first year student and I am currently a sophomore. I am majoring in nursing and minoring in psychology. I have always been interested in many subjects such as human anatomy and world history. I hope to be able to challenge myself during my time at FSU to create character growth. My favorite animal are cats, but not hairless ones.

A Cherished Symbol in Asia

Abstract

My poster’s main goal will be to raise awareness towards the Swastika and it’s ancient meaning in Asian countries. The Swastika was a symbol that was taken and appropriated by Nazis to support their beliefs of the aryan race. Most people see the symbol as antisemitism without realizing the use of the symbol in Buddhism or Hinduism. It is a symbol that has been displayed on temples and it has several positive meanings such as luck and prosperity. The symbol has been used on pottery, rugs, and even other accessories such as bracelets or bags. The Swastika goes by different names in different cultures; for example, in Japan the Swastika is known as manji and in China it was known as wan. It is not a symbol that was created by Hitler, but one that was appropriated and twisted to fit into another narrative

Keywords: Swastika, Semiotics, Awareness

BIO

I am a first year student from Jacksonville, Florida. I am pursuing a dual degree in Biology and Public Health with hopes to continue research after undergrade.

Preparing for The Next Pandemic

Abstract

Preparing for the Next Pandemic is a public health research project dedicated to finding ways to improve the overall health of agricultural laborers, especially regarding disease response and prevention. The specific aim of this research is to provide potential recommendations to farm worker organizations that will lower mortality and morbidity of disease in the farm worker community.

Keywords: COVID-19, Migrant Farmworkers, Community Health Workers, Latino

BIO

I'm currently a first-year student at Florida State, majoring in Political Science, I hope to pursue law school in the future. I'm from Lake Worth Florida, and a fun fact about myself is that I am a triplet!

Emotions and Social Media Use: Youth Experiences of Different Online Phenomenon

Abstract

Social media has become more prominent in the 21st century and has facilitated easier modes of communication. However, with the emergence of social media, many individuals have started associating social media in both a negative and positive light. This study investigates possible correlations between social media and feelings of negative and positive emotions while also conducting a meta-analysis to investigate trends that are related to this field of study. The objective of this research was to investigate why individuals experience these varieties of emotions and provide more knowledge to this current field of literature. Additionally, it is also a way to provide more knowledge than what is known about current studies. Participants involved in this study were asked to complete a Qualtrics survey that offered in depth questions about emotions experienced while doing certain tasks on social media. Afterwards, participants were asked two long answer questions about one time they experienced both positive and negative emotions while on social media

Keywords: Social media, shame, guilt, teens, youth

BIO

Sophie Patenaude is a freshman from Poland, ME pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance under the direction of Dr. Sahoko Sato Timpone. A believer in the impact the arts can have on global issues, she hopes to work as an active operatic performer and teacher and use her platform to create change within the industry specifically related to representation, diversity, and inclusion. Her research interests include representation in performance art and production administration, casting, and creation, intersectional art, collaborative art, and production of new works.

Montage: The Tallahassee Theatre Index

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to create a collaborative platform where production and performance art communities in the greater Tallahassee area can communicate, collaborate, and provide for the wants and needs of a growing community of artists. This platform currently exists as a database filled with information about local performance art and production companies, opportunities for locals, and a community-wide calendar. Furthermore, the database houses our current survey which seeks to help the greater Tallahassee community address industry-wide issues related to the diversity of race & ethnicity, gender & sexuality, socioeconomic class, etc. in casting and characters, administration, and artistic direction, admissions, and crew work. This study seeks to learn more about diversity and inclusion within the Florida State University community with the goal of eventually encouraging open discourse around representation, equitable opportunity, advertisement, authority figure interactions, and the production of progressive work. Montage would like to be at the forefront of reducing/eliminating the disproportionate effects that current art production and performance trends have on BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. This research would allow Florida State University to address growing issues related to diversity in performance art and production based on student, faculty, administrative, and community feedback. The university would be able to better serve its current and incoming students and prepare them for advocacy-related work as industry professionals. Furthermore, collaborative, community work could potentially have a lasting effect on diversity trends not just in Tallahassee, but within the performance art and production industry as a whole.

Keywords: theatre, community, performance, production, diversity

BIO

My name is Eva Rucinski and I am from Beverly Hills, Florida. I am currently in Behavioral Neuroscience and I plan to practice psychiatry in the future. As for my research interests, I want to explore how mental disorders affect the brain and how the use of drugs and psychotherapy can help individuals overcome these disorders.

Emotions and Social Media Use: Youth Experiences of Different Online Phenomena

Abstract

Social media has become more prominent in the 21st century and has facilitated easier modes of communication. However, with the emergence of social media, many individuals have started associating social media in both a negative and positive light. This study investigates possible correlations between social media and feelings of negative and positive emotions while also conducting a meta-analysis to investigate trends that are related to this field of study. The objective of this research was to investigate why individuals experience these varieties of emotions and provide more knowledge to this current field of literature. Additionally, it is also a way to provide more knowledge than what is known about current studies. Participants involved in this study were asked to complete a Qualtrics survey that offered in depth questions about emotions experienced while doing certain tasks on social media. Afterwards, participants were asked two long answer questions about one time they experienced both positive and negative emotions while on social media.

Keywords: Social Media, Emotions, Phone Use

BIO

Santiago Lazarte is a second-year Biomedical Engineering major at Florida State University. He graduated from high school in the Republic of Panama. He has an interest in materials research, which is why he is working on wear and friction experiments. He aspires to keep working with materials in graduate school and use his knowledge on biomedical applications.

Effects of Plasma Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition Processing Parameters on the Friction and Wear of Multi-metal Nitride Films.

Abstract

Tribology is a field that studies contacting materials in relative motion and focuses on the wear and friction of these materials. This field is important because friction and wear improvements for existing materials can lead to cost and energy reduction for almost every mechanical system with sliding contacts. In this work, different (multi-metal) nitride coatings that serve as solid lubricants were grown using Plasma Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition (PEALD). A solid lubricant is a material that reduces friction in mechanical systems, does not require additional lubrication, and has low wear. PEALD is a method that makes possible the formation of thin films while precisely controlling its thickness and growth conditions while using lower temperatures than those required for more traditional deposition methods. TiVN and TiMoN coatings were tested to evaluate their wear and friction using controlled environmental conditions, mechanical loading, sliding speed, and countersurface material. The purpose of this project is to determine how wear rate is affected by the composition and preparation of the nitrides. These films have the potential to be used in industry in microelectronics, MEMS/NEMS, and biomedical implants.

Keywords: Coatings, Engineering, Wear, Friction

BIO

I am a 22-year-old senior at Florida State University. I was born in Venezuela, where I spent the first 8-9 years of my life. After that and until last year, I lived in Panama, where I entered the FSU Panama Campus on 2018. After two years there, I transferred to the main campus. Here, I met one of my favorite professors and now mentor, Dr. Debra Fadool, who let me join her undergraduate research team. My personal research goals involve the use of neuropharmacology for the treatment of brain dysfunction, injury, and disease. My hope for my career is that one day I can myself become a professor and researcher like Dr. Fadool.

Therapeutic Potential of Chronic Administration of Cannabidiol for Treatment of Anxiety

Abstract

With the growing popularity of cannabis products in the market, and their advertised therapeutic potential, little literature is available about its effectiveness after recurrent use. Our objective was to assess changes in behaviors following chronic administration of cannabidiol (CBD) using a knockout mouse model that exhibits trait anxiety and attention deficit-like behaviors. To test this mouse model, we examined dose-responsiveness. Three-month-old knockout (Kv1.3-/-) and wildtype mice were tested for anxiety and other traits using 24- and 1-hour memory, object attention (ADHD), elevated plus maze (EPM), light-dark box (LDB), and marble-burying tests. Mice were administered 18 doses of CBD over 4 weeks; testing took place in the fourth week. Mice of both sexes were separated into cohorts, and they were designated to receive an intraperitoneal injection of low- or high-dose drug (10 or 20 mg/kg), or a vehicle solution at equivalent volume. When CBD was administered chronically, the drug had no effect on compulsive-like behaviors. Chronic drug administration lessened anxiety in the LDB and EPM for wildtype mice. For knockout mice, however, it was ineffective in the LDB and made them anxiogenic in the EPM. In addition, drug-treated wildtype mice in the LDB took longer to move to a dark compartment and had more transitions between compartments, whereas in the knockout mice, there were no significant locomotor changes. In conclusion, our data suggests that CBD may act as an anxiolytic drug in subjects that present situational anxiety, but that it may not be effective in subjects that already have trait anxiety.

Keywords: Cannabidiol, Anxiety, Chronic, Treatment

BIO

I am a second year student at FSU with interests in memory research as well as behavioral psychology research. I liked this project in its ability to be applied to behavioral psychology and its relevancy in today's world.

Students & Social Media: Teen Social Media Use in Relation to Happiness

Abstract

As teenagers continue to participate in social media, researchers believe that there are significant effects to their mental well-being, more than anticipated. To observe this, our study transcribed interviews and video diaries as well as transferred qualtrics survey responses into a spreadsheet to further analyze the data. This process was done in a case study fashion focusing on 30 subjects to understand the details surrounding their mental states, habits, and their relationship with social media. Three different correlation tests were performed; reported Average Life Happiness versus reported Average Social Media (SM) Happiness, reported Time Spent on SM versus reported Average Life Happiness, and reported Time Spent on SM versus reported SM Happiness. The correlation between Average Life Happiness and Average SM Happiness found a moderately strong correlation with an R² = 0.50. The other 2 correlation tests found weak correlations between the variables with R² values of 0.13 and 0.04. We believe that these results, while not being significantly strong, will highly contribute to the ongoing research of new findings on the relationship between mental health and social media as it allows future researchers to approach this inquiry through different means.

Keywords: Students, Teens, Social Media, School

BIO

Hello, my name is Justin Gonzalez, and I am an FSU junior transfer student from Miami, FL. My research interests include synoptic meteorology, tropical meteorology, and education. Currently, I plan on attending graduate school once my undergraduate program is complete. In graduate school, I plan on researching tropical meteorology as it relates to hurricanes. Once I get my master's, I plan on entering the forecasting field. Ultimately, my career goal is to become a forecaster for the National Hurricane Center.

Developing Video Content to Engage Students in STEM

Abstract

In the growing digital age, videos are a useful source of accessible learning material. However, it is important to design and use videos effectively to maximize benefit to the learner and to avoid misusing technology. The purpose of this study is to create guidelines for instructors to use in the creation of multimedia video lessons, specifically focusing on STEM subjects. These guidelines direct instructors to design videos that support effective learning through consideration of essential and generative processing, motivation, and elimination of extraneous elements. The guidelines were constructed through a comprehensive literature review of multimedia video learning and video design, examining the effects of video structure, modes of instruction, emotion and motivation, and other aspects of video learning. In addition, this study included designing and creating sample videos that adhere to the guidelines. Overall, the guidelines are a useful tool for STEM education, providing a baseline for the creation of impactful videos.

Keywords: STEM, video, students, engage

BIO

My name is Alden Drackley and I am from Apopka, Florida. I have been interested in the world of politics since I was 12 years old and my knowledge and interest in the subject of politics and other related topics have grown tremendously since then. After graduation, I plan to either attend Law School and move onto working for the state in some fashion with my J.D.. However, my primary goal is to to pursue a career in the political world either by running for office or by working in the background such as on campaigns or as staff for a legislator.

Government Competency or Government Honesty? A Global Assessment of the Determinants of Public Support for Democracy

Abstract

The most basic idea for this research is to see if government performance affects public confidence in democracy. We want to see if government integrity levels of corruption affect public confidence or support for democracy and if there is any country difference in the global context. We do this by polling a large number of people in all categories, such as their education, location, age, marital status, trust in political parties, police, government and so on. The data is collected from the Middle East as well as Northern Africa through a party that had already collected this data for us - Arab Barometer. We then attempt to utilize this data to see if there is any sort of relation between two specific datas, specifically things that could have some kind of affect on public confidence and support for democracy. There was no main focus regarding the individuals being polled and we used all the data available to us so we could find any correlation that was possible to exist within these sets of data.

Keywords: Democracy, Government, Politics

BIO

I am an undergraduate student majoring in linguistics with a passion for the arts. My research interests vary from arts-based research to second language acquisition, but a common theme in my interests is human communication, both visual and spoken.

The Open Call Podcast

Abstract

The Open Call Podcast is a unique, cross-disciplinary project engaging in ongoing observational research. The podcast engages with contemporary artists and learns from their individual practices through the lens of a socially-distant and Covid impacted art world. To limit the media experienced by the audience, the podcast explores an unfamiliarly blind side of the art appreciation experience. This leads to exciting and informative research. The tactics and methods for this project are a prime example of the breadth of research possibilities, particularly in an artistic research setting. The commonalities shared by podcast guests add to the intrigue and relevance of the podcast for all listeners, regardless of their standing in the art world.

Keywords: Art, Podcast, Observational Research

BIO

Nicole Cohen is from Boca Raton, FL, and is a sophomore at Florida State University. She is double majoring in Media/ Communication Studies, and Editing, Writing, and Media. Nicole has been involved in research for several years beginning with the AP Research program in high school. Her research interests include art, theatre, politics, and the power of social media. Nicole currently works at the School of Communication, where she is responsible for managing the front desk and completing various clerical tasks. Nicole plans to pursue a career in the communications or writing field.

The Open Call Podcast

Abstract

The Open Call Podcast is a unique, cross-disciplinary project engaging in ongoing observational research. The podcast aims to engage with contemporary artists and learn from their individual practices through the lens of a socially-distant and Covid impacted art world. By speaking with guests about their practices through meaningful conversations, the podcast hosts can gain a deeper look into a variety of artists' approaches and methods. To limit the types of media experienced by the audience, the podcast explores an unfamiliarly blind side of the art appreciation experience. This leads to exciting and informative research. While the tactics and methods for this project do not resemble those of more “traditional” research projects, it is a prime example of the breadth of research possibilities, particularly in an artistic research setting. As more interview data is accumulated from the show, it is interesting to see the commonalities between many contemporary artists. These commonalities add to the intrigue and relevance of the podcast for all listeners, regardless of their standing in the art world.

Keywords: art, podcast, social media, artists

BIO

My name is Andre Ionescu, I am from Miami, Fl. My research interest included territorial Florida and more specifically the Duval era. I look forward to sharing all the progress I have made as well as continuing the exploration of new sources in order to show the dynamic character that is William Pope Duval.

William Pope DuVal in Territorial Floris (1822-1834)

Abstract

In this project, my focus is on William Pope DuVal (1754-1854) and his legacy in Florida. DuVal served as governor of Florida Territory from April 17, 1822, till April 24, 1834. He was the first civilian governor of the Territory, succeeding Andrew Jackson’s nine-month term as military governor. DuVal was also the longest-serving Florida governor in history.

How did DuVal’s character shape the character of Florida? What scenes from DuVal’s life still speak to Floridians today? How can research help us recover the multidimensionality of this larger-than-life character? My research addresses those questions by exploring connections between DuVal’s life story and the Ralph Ringwood stories published by America’s first literary superstar, Washington Irving (1783-1859). I analyze stories that Irving based on DuVal’s life to gain insight into DuVal as a public servant and Florida as a territory.

Keywords: DuVal, Ringwood, Florida

BIO

Skylar Ruffner is currently an undergraduate student in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. Skylar is currently participating in Florida State University's Undergraduate Research Program focusing on teaching math vocabulary in the context of a shared reading routing to preschool children at risk for language delays under Taryn Wade. Additionally, Skylar is a member of the Florida State University Honors Program, as well as a platform diver for the FSU Women's Swimming and Diving Team. Prior to this, Skylar attended San Clemente High School in San Clemente, California where she graduated as a Valedictorian and California Scholarship Foundation Gold Seal Bearer. Following her undergraduate studies, Skylar hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Neurobiology in the context of Human and Family Sciences, as well as pursue research within her field at a preeminent graduate university.

The Effects of Shared Reading on the Geometry Vocabulary Knowledge of Preschool Children At Risk for Language Delays

Abstract

The definitive purpose of this single-case multiple probe design study is to convey the effects of shared reading on the development of early mathematical vocabulary language skills in preschool-aged children at risk for language delays; in this study, language delays are defined as such: having difficulty learning new words, embedding fewer vocabulary words in their daily conversations, difficulty expressing thoughts and/or feelings, or difficulty understanding others in a similar learning environment (Noble et al., 2020; Saeed et al., 2018). The study focused upon the use of shared reading in the improvement of preschool vocabulary knowledge, particularly geometric literacy, which included the analysis of shape concepts and spatial relations vocabulary. During shared reading, planned interactive questioning and prompting strategies were implemented to teach and discuss shape vocabulary. Regarding outcome variables, this intervention aims to improve math-related expressive language and math content knowledge for children (i.e., shape attributes and examples from storybooks and children’s personal experiences). These strategies will create exposure to new terms and opportunities for expanded comprehension and therefore will result in the prediction of a positive correlation with shared reading and vocabulary development and improvement.

Keywords: shared reading, intervention, geometry vocabulary, language delays, preschool-aged children

BIO

My name is James Cohan and I am a first-year student at Florida State. I have loved scientific research for many years, and my interests range from the biomedical sciences to molecular biology. My favorite aspects of research are the time spent in the lab and the amount of critical analysis of complex topics. My dream is to combine my love of research with my passion for medicine in an MD/PhD program. This way I can continue with research while practicing clinical medicine and directly making a positive impact on people's lives.

Investigating the Role of a Schizophrenia Risk Gene in Protein Degradation

Abstract

The 14-3-3 protein family is genetically linked to schizophrenia, and studies found that mouse models with 14-3-3 deficiencies exhibit schizophrenia-like behaviors and anatomical abnormalities, including a reduction in dendritic spine density in the brain. Dendritic spines are small protrusions that comprise the postsynaptic compartment of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system. Numerous signaling pathways regulate the actin cytoskeleton of dendritic spines to mediate their proper formation and maintenance. Previous studies identified δ-catenin, an adhesive junction-associated protein crucial in the modulation of actin dynamics, as a potential binding target of 14-3-3. Due to this correlation, 14-3-3 proteins have been studied for their interactions with δ-catenin, although there is conflicting data on how they affect one another. We set out to determine the exact relationship between 14-3-3 and δ-catenin by expressing δ-catenin in a heterologous system for 24 hours and examining remaining δ-catenin levels at several time intervals after overexpression or inhibition of 14-3-3 proteins in vitro. Our preliminary results suggest that 14-3-3 overexpression stabilizes δ-catenin, while the effect of 14-3-3 inhibition remains to be determined. This indicates that 14-3-3 proteins may play a role in the formation of dendritic spines by supporting δ-catenin stabilization in an undetermined pathway.

Keywords: Schizophrenia & protein degradation

BIO

My name is Alyssa Cruz. I am a first-year biology major from Miami, FL. Biology has always been a primary interest of mine, but it was always clear that medicine would not be the path that I would take. However, after a summer internship at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens in 2018, I discovered my passion for plants and conservation. I hope to pursue a career in researching the widely ignored field of botany and one day make a difference in understanding these complex organisms.

Seed Banks Within the Dunes of St. George Island

Abstract

Barrier islands make up some 80% of the coastline of the SE United States and have significant economic and ecological importance. There are generally three habitats on these islands: tall foredunes near the shore, backed by a flat interdune area, and finally a series of older backdunes. Each of these supports distinctive plant and animal species. Samples of sand were collected from each of these dune type and maintained in a growth chamber with water and light. At regular intervals, emerging seedlings were counted. The results showed (a) there was a highly variable seed bank from plot to plot; (b) seedling number was lowest in foredunes and highest in interdunes. However, data are still being collected on whether the seed banks had species comparable to the species found in the vegetation of their respective plots.

Keywords: seed bank, dunes, plants, biology