Research Symposium

BIO

Current Geography student at Florida State University with an interest in the sociological aspects of the spaces we live in and our political processes. Keen interest in inequities that can be found in our geographical spaces and how we can work to solve them.

Exploring Challenges Youth Face Seeking Political Office

Abstract

Throughout America's history, gender and race discrimination has contributed significantly towards the demographic of American politicians. However, age also serves as a large contributor to who voters choose to be in office. Age requirements — set in place by the U.S. legislature — prevent individuals under a certain age from running for election into office. For example, individuals cannot run to become a member of the U.S. House of Representatives until age 25, which can create a natural bias for voters to choose older candidates. Furthermore, this project focuses on exploring the barriers that youth face when trying to run for office. In order to lay the groundwork for identifying these barriers, a literature review was conducted, analyzing previous research on the topic. This allowed for the creation of a system to identify potential obstacles youth face when pursuing office. Through gathering various statistics on the youngest members of the U.S. Congress, patterns in data helped to explain their lack of representation within the House of Representatives. These patterns include: gender, experience, and fundraising. Through these discoveries, this research extrapolates valuable metrics of existing members in Congress to help inform hardships faced by youth leaders seeking political office.

Keywords: Politics Demographics

BIO

I am a sophomore from Tallahassee, Florida. My research interests are in biology and environmental science. After graduating from Florida State, I hope to attend law school and work in the field of environmental law. When I'm not doing research, I participate in Club Soccer, LA program for the biology department, and work as a lifeguard and swim instructor for the City of Tallahassee.

Heated Garments for Warfighter Operations in Subarctic Conditions

Abstract

Throughout their training and duties, warfighters are often required to endure extreme cold temperatures, regularly reaching -60˚C. These conditions tend to be strenuous, or dangerous, to the body and can impact performance. Adequate protection in subzero conditions is often achieved via multiple fabric and garment layers, however, the mobility of the wearer is often negatively impacted. This makes it difficult for warfighters to make precise motions during combat, especially concerning extremities like finger dexterity, which is vital for pilots or other personnel that require precise movements. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine the ability of a proprietary heated base layer system to maintain thermal insulation when wearing cold weather warfighter ensembles in subzero conditions (0 ˚C, -10˚C, -20˚C). Three warfighter combat uniforms (light, intermediate, and cold) were assessed utilizing an ANDI dynamic sweating thermal manikin, in the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab® at Florida State University to measure thermal insulation. Each uniform was assessed in conjunction with a proprietary heated base layer system at three temperatures and four power levels (no heat, low, medium, and high) to determine the efficacy of maintaining thermoregulation without excessive clothing bulk. Results indicate the heated base layer maintained and, in some cases, significantly increased, the thermal insulation and surface temperature of the manikin, especially in the lower temperature conditions (0 ˚C and -10 ˚C). At -20 ˚C, temperatures were significantly enhanced at the medium and high-power levels. Future research should investigate how to hone each power level to best maintain the thermal insulation.

Keywords: Textiles, Clothing, Warfighter, Uniform, Insulation, Heated Garment

BIO

My name is Zoya Dickens and I am a native of Panama City Beach, Florida. Currently, I'm a junior here at the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy majoring in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, with a specialization in law & society, and minoring in Political Philosophy. My goals for the future are to attend law school and eventually practice as an attorney. Outside of school I enjoy both glass fusing and blowing.

What is a “Low-Performing” School? The Implications of Federal Policy Changes and State Implementation Decisions on the Equity of School Accountability Designations

Abstract

For more than two decades, federal school accountability policy has required that states identify their lowest performing schools and intervene. Historically, the low-performing designation was based on school assessment scores, which are widely understood to be inadequate measures of school quality. Instead, they capture differences in opportunity to learn outside of the classroom and are therefore highly correlated with race and economically disadvantaged students.

The most recent iteration of this policy, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), took a more nuanced view of schools, and aimed to designate schools based on a more holistic range of measures, including proficiency, but also student growth and other nonacademic outcomes. In this project, researchers are compiling a dataset of all school designations from 2003 to present to examine the equity of the low-performing designation over time and federal policy. Preliminary findings show that low-performing schools disproportionately serve Black, Hispanic, and underprivileged students. Consequently, these observations are raising questions about the extent to which the low-performing designation is accurately capturing school effectiveness, or simply the demographics of the student body. Under ESSA, these disparities have continued, highlighting that while the new policy is a step forward in terms of equity, more serious changes are needed to our nation's approach to school accountability policy.

Keywords: education, school, no child left behind, federal policy, federal funding, education policy, ESSA

BIO

Nathan is a second-year Honors student from Orlando, Florida, majoring in Biological Science with a minor in Chemistry at Florida State University. They are deeply passionate about pursuing a career in healthcare with a strong emphasis on patient care, wellness, and collaborative teamwork. Their journey is fueled by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people's lives through compassionate and evidence-based healthcare practices.

Nathan's diverse range of research interests encompasses biology, psychology, medicine, human health, and family development, reflecting their academic journey driven by a passion for understanding the complexities of human health and well-being. With a keen interest in the world of medicine, Nathan aspires to contribute meaningfully to the field, particularly focusing on providing for underserved and underrepresented communities.

Navigating Parenthood: A Daily Affect Emotion Study on Parental Mental Health

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the correlation between parental mental health, including depression, anxiety
disorder, and psychosis as assessed by the SCID score sheet, and its ramifications on child outcomes. Initial
observations suggest a potential link between parental mental health issues and adverse impacts on child welfare,
including instances of physical and neglectful abuse. A comprehensive analysis is anticipated upon the completion
of data collection with a broader participant cohort. Concurrently, a study focusing on parental depression during
early parenthood, particularly in the initial months of their newborn's life, is being conducted. This research targets
parents with newborns aged four to seven months, endeavoring to elucidate their daily emotional experiences.
Participants are required to complete a daily survey over 36 days via Qualtrics, detailing their prevailing emotions
and interactions with their infants. While ongoing, existing literature indicates that parents with newborns often
encounter heightened levels of depression, notably postnatal depression in mothers, which has been linked to
emotional challenges in offspring. Moreover, parents exhibiting elevated depression levels are more prone to
resorting to neglectful parenting practices. The study's findings hold promise for informing the development of more
efficacious intervention strategies tailored to parents grappling with depression during early parenthood.

Keywords: Psychology, Healthcare, Parental Well-being, Child Development, Mental Health Assessment

BIO

I am a second year student at Florida State University and I am originally from Tampa. I am currently studying biochemistry and joined UROP to dip my toe into the research field. For this project, I helped scan and organize a collection of pictures donated to FSU. I then got to do some preliminary research on color and its link to gender stereotypes. Gender studies is something I love learning about, and this project gave me the opportunity to see gender through an entrepreneurship lens. It also was nice to work on something outside of heavy STEM classes.

Color Preferences and Consumer Identity

Abstract

Consumer behavior can be seen as a social activity that is illustrative of gender relations, making consumption practices depictive of how individuals situate themselves in their own gendered identity. Consumption practices are inherently linked to sensory perception, and color is one of the most important sensory components of any product. A consumer’s reaction to color is a personal experience, meaning that color and its different tints, shades, etc. infuse objects with symbolic meanings that allow consumers to express their personal differences and identities. This brings to question the importance of color in gendered markets and the extent to which it enhances a consumer’s identity. For this project, I collected pictures of household items marketed toward men and women and compared their colors. I then used these comparisons to analyze the rise in popularity of the 40oz Stanley Cup. I specifically looked at The Stanley Company because they utilized color to target the feminine market which in turn revolutionized their brand. Thus, this project is significant because it reveals that color is a vital marketing tool that allows marketers to target specific groups. The Stanley Company was able to tailor their products toward the female market by offering them in a variety of pastels because women are more conscientious of the aesthetic allure of color. Overall, this project exemplifies the impact that color has on consumer practices and offers insight into how color provides a creative outlet for consumes to live out their gendered identities.

Keywords: Color, gender stereotypes, marketing

BIO

My Hometown is Miami, Fl transferred to FSU in the Fall of 2023. Currently, I am a 3rd-year student at Flordia State University pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in social work. Upon completion of my education, I intend to pursue a career in family law after earning my law degree. Through UROP I was able to sharpen my research and communication skills which will be beneficial in both my education and career.

Examining Morality Dominance in Spontaneous Impressions via a Trait Generation Task

Abstract

Previous research suggests that morality-related information we gather about other people dominates our global impressions of them. This study sought to examine this morality dominance perspective on impressions via a spontaneous trait generation task.  In an online Qualtrics survey, we asked participants (N=151) to generate three positive and three negative traits that make them want to or not want to know someone. Our analysis was guided by coding the different traits that participants listed in the survey, then composed them into three subcategories (morality/warmth, competence, and emotion). The results confirmed the findings of previous research, that people tend to consider morality-related information (both positive and negative) more than competency and emotionality when formulating first impressions. Positive traits of competence were listed more frequently than negative traits of competence, also confirming past findings on the higher perceived diagnosticity of the former. This pattern was independent of participants’ general trust in their first impressions. Further research can examine whether people rely on their morality perceptions when they act toward other people and explore the boundary conditions of morality dominance in first impressions such as potential gender differences. 

Keywords: Psychology, Cognition, First impression

BIO

I'm a full time student at Florida State who values hard-work, organization and discipline. I look at everyday as a new opportunity to better myself and my environment. I started working in in 2022 as a Seasonal Lifeguard at the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. Since then, I have worked at Graham Legal as a Client Intake Supervisor and at the Department of State, Division of Elections at a Clerk.

Political Discourse and Identity

Abstract

Society is evolving to break gender, racial, and sexual stereotypes, yet this does not dismiss the minorities that have lived their entire lives with these stereotypes being placed on them. Research has demonstrated that people from minorities have faced discrimination from the institutions that are meant to support our country such as schools and places of work. Schools have been flawed in shaping malleable students' mindsets on minorities from the elementary level to the college level. Previous research has neglected to take the nuances of intersectionality into account when conducting research. Our research team has conducted interviews with sociology graduate students to get their perspective on the discrimination towards themselves. We also look at how instructors have navigated conversations within the classroom to make them more conducive to recent political regulations. Gaining an in-depth look at these graduate students' perspectives has allowed us to understand how institutions push for information to be either concealed or exploited to benefit a certain political narrative. Given that the sample is made up of Florida residents, we also gain insight into the consequences of these learning restrictions and how they translate to a classroom setting.

Keywords: Stereotypes, Discrimination, Academia, Politics

BIO

I am Tafari D'Aguilar, a CARE student and Presidential Scholar from Palm Beach County , pursing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I hope to delve deeper into high-voltage power system and explore is application in material science with composites such as Flash Graphene. I plan to continue my love research by pursing post grad programs and hopefully obtain a PhD.

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: STEM Outreach, High-Voltage, Electrical Engineering

BIO

Madeleine Stults is a fourth year psychology student at FSU in Dr. March's social psychology lab. They began their research at the March Lab working on studies regarding police violence and threat perception, and later worked with the Anxiety and Behavioral Health Clinic as a research assistant investigating anxiety sensitivity. Maddie has also worked with the American Psychological Association as a SUPER Fellow to partake in independent research regarding police violence and its psychological consequences. She is now completing her honors thesis on vicarious threat conditioning and police violence with the March Lab, and hopes to work as a clinical psychology post-baccalaureate researcher for a year before attending either a Masters in Social Work program or Clinical Psychology Doctoral program.

Vicarious Threat Conditioning of Police-Threat Associations: Implications for Behavior and Trust in the Police

Abstract

The study outlines a methodology involving university participants exposed to real-life police-civilian encounter videos. Assessments encompass implicit and explicit police-threat associations, trust in police, behavioral intentions, and past experiences with police. Results anticipate participants exposed to police violence exhibiting stronger implicit police-threat associations and greater aversion towards police, affecting behaviors like willingness to call the police and perceived obligation to obey.

By elucidating vicarious fear conditioning's role in shaping attitudes towards law enforcement, this research contributes to understanding societal perceptions of police and informs interventions to mitigate negative associations. It underscores the need for comprehensive strategies addressing public trust and police-community relations in contemporary discourse on law enforcement

Keywords: psychology, police, violence, threat, social, video

BIO

My name is Amelia Nordling, and I am a second-year student at Florida State University studying Risk Management and Insurance with a minor in Economics from Pompano Beach, Florida.
As an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business fraternity, I have developed my public speaking skills, business etiquette, and networking skills to a point that would not have been possible without this organization. I currently hold the position of Community Involvement Committee head where I work directly under the Vice President of Community Involvement in organizing fundraising initiatives, brotherhood bonding events, and managing funds to distribute to different philanthropies.
I have aspirations of continuing this passion of helping others into my professional career. I will execute this by pursuing a law degree to further my understanding of the legal world, hopefully leading to a career in corporate/contract law. I plan to further my emotional intelligence, adaptability, and knowledge while protecting the rights of individuals and businesses across the United States.

Stand Up Branding :Does brand activism impact consumer attitudes and behaviors for every type of brand?

Abstract

This study seeks to understand brand activism advertising, consumer perceptions, and behaviors, specifically focusing on differentiating effects on hedonic and utilitarian brands. Brand activism can be defined as businesses projecting their beliefs on certain social, environmental, economic, or political issues through media, advertisements, donations, initiatives, etc. Examples of brand activism in the 21st century include stands against climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice. It has become increasingly prevalent that existing literature contains numerous gaps both in examining this behavior, both from the perspective of brands and from the consumer point of view. This study adds to a more complex knowledge of how brand activism influences customer reactions and provides information that is useful for utilitarian and hedonistic marketing strategies. The approach offers a strong basis for deriving significant inferences regarding the diverse impacts of brand activism on distinct categories of brands. The next steps for this project include data collection, data analysis, conference submission, and journal submission.

Keywords: Brand Activism, marketing, advertising, psychology

BIO

My name is Isabel Sevilla, I'm currently a sophomore at Florida State University. I am deeply passionate about engaging in projects that not only enrich my understanding of eating disorders but also offer opportunities for others to expand their knowledge alongside me. Currently, I'm heavily involved in launching the EVERYbody project. This project is a peer-led initiative that aims to alleviate eating disorder symptoms and body dissatisfaction among students. Looking ahead, I'm eager to pursue further education by attending Physician Assistant (PA) school after graduation. My ultimate goal is to specialize in psychiatry, where I can provide compassionate care and advocate for individuals facing mental health challenges.

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. Our 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, provide recommendations for future areas
of research, and to provide 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.

Keywords: LGBTQ+, Eating Disorders, college students, minorities

BIO

Danny Alex is a local from Tallahassee, Florida. Danny is enthusiastic about research related to the medical field, as he is on the pre-med track. One day, he hopes to work in healthcare administration to assist in improving the lives of those around him. Danny loves to use his free time to play sports, such as tennis and volleyball, and to spend time with the people he cares about.

Genetic Engineering of Cell Cycle Genes in Pancreatic Beta Cells

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting millions of Americans every day. This illness stems from the body’s inability to use insulin effectively and produce sufficient insulin. Our bodies contain specialized cells called pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for fabricating insulin, which plays a crucial role in storing and transporting sugar(glucose) in our bodies, for cells to use in later processes. Through a series of meticulous procedures and testing, this research explores the idea of developing an effective system that will allow us to manufacture an adenovirus which later will be used to infect these pancreatic beta cells and promote cell proliferation. Using different procedures such as mini prep, enzyme digestions, DNA extractions, gel electrophoresis, and gateway cloning system we have been able to first develop a plasmid which we can introduce into a viral vector to create the adenovirus. Through our use of CRISPR and CRISPR a technology, we will be able to screen the adenovirus and target different genes as well as locate specific cell cycle inhibitors and activators that could be responsible for regulation of cell proliferation in pancreatic beta cells. This experiment is significant in the advancement of medicine, treatments, and technology for diabetes. It will provide a new alternative and treatment to regulate and treat diabetes. Our research is ongoing, and new results are continuously collected.

Keywords: diabetes, genetic engineering

BIO

Sarah Michael is a second year student at Florida State University from Tampa, Florida. She is majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Public Administration, and has pursued scholarship and leadership opportunities in addition to certifications in U.S. Intelligence Studies and Emergency Management. She has gained experience as an advocacy intern at the Saint Petersburg Chamber of Commerce where she researched pertinent legislative changes in addition to crafting and managing logistics for regular meetings with city officials to discuss advocacy, sustainability, public policy, education, and transportation. Sarah additionally works as a Claims Specialist at Williams Law Group where she oversees and collects an over three million dollar workload of transportation related legal claims to gain experience in preparation for a career in law serving as an international lawyer.

U.S. Diplomacy: A Case Study of the Behavior of Middle Eastern States

Abstract

The behavior of Middle Eastern and North African states with Israel is extremely varied and fluctuates greatly. What role could United States diplomacy play in this behavior? This research observes visits by American leaders such as the president or secretary of state that were directly related to the Arab-Israeli conflicts in the region among twenty two Middle Eastern nations between the years 1950- 2010, as well as U.S. hosted visits of Arab leaders and political figures. This study then analyzes the behavior of the twenty two observed nations through to measure hostility towards Israel through data collection and a deep review of literature surrounding the convoluted international conflict. This hostility is measured through affects on trade and overall acts of aggression between these nations. There is extensive evidence to support the belief that United States diplomacy has a sizeable impact on the region, and has resulted in increased peace and overall increased amicable relations between the observed Arab states and Israel. These findings further expand one’s knowledge of the region and the overall impacts of diplomacy and soft power on the international community as a whole, and serve to explain the reason behind seemingly random behavioral shifts between these nations.

Keywords: Diplomacy, International Affairs, Middle East, Global Politics

BIO

Kelly Kennedy is a sophomore at FSU majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and minoring in computer science. She is currently conducting research in the field of memory. She hopes to continue research in this area to receive her PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience. Kelly would like to thank Dr. Martin and Stefani Morgan for their continued support and expertise!

Effects of Re-exposure on Memory Retrieval and Representational Changes

Abstract

The opportunity to re-experience an event has been shown to increase detail rich
memory for the event, as seen in a study investigating aging adults and memory
performance. However, the question remains as to how to best optimize the re￾exposure to the event. Using naturalistic stimuli, scenes from the TV show Seinfeld, we
created four “replay” conditions. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
to determine how replay type influences representational change in the brain.
Participants encoded scenes from the show that were spliced together to fit our
manipulations of interest. Then, they replayed these scenes over four days. The
experiment was a total of eight days, which concluded with an fMRI scanning task and a
verbal recall session on the final two days. We hypothesized that scenes played
together in the same order, structured replay type, will facilitate representational change
in the direction of integration in the hippocampus, while scenes that are played in a
random order, unstructured replay type, will facilitate representational change in the
direction of separation in the hippocampus. Representational similarity analyses will be
conducted to investigate this hypothesis. We will also be conducting behavioral
analyses on the participants’ recall transcripts. We anticipate that we will find more
detail rich recall in the narrative replay type than in the non-narrative replay type.

Keywords: neuroscience, memory, behavior

BIO

My name is Olivia Jernstedt and I was born and raised in Cape Coral, Florida. I am expecting to graduate from Florida State University in Fall of 2024 with my bachelors degree at the age of 20. I am then going to attend a medical school and pursue a career as a trauma surgeon. I intend to conduct further research throughout my career to aid in medical advancements.

Clock Transitions for Quantum Computing

Abstract

Quantum information science is gaining huge attention recently because it has the potential to significantly advance various fields of human activity. One crucial factor in this is the phase memory time (T2), which needs to be extended in order to make computing algorithms practical. Our project focuses on uncovering and studying the basic magnetic properties of certain coordinated complexes. Coordinated complexes are molecular groups enveloping a central metal.
Specifically, we are searching for systems where the energy gap between avoided energy levels, known as clock transitions, is precisely 94 GHz - a frequency that our pulse instrument can access. To identify potential candidates for these clock transitions, we began with a literature review aided by ChatGPT. We then gathered spin Hamiltonian parameters from various scientific articles. Hamiltonian parameters provide details that are needed to understand the energy and interaction within the system. Using Matlab simulation in collaboration with the EasySpin package, we created energy level plots to assess these candidates. We then extracted the promising candidates and tested them using High Frequency Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (HFEPR) at Maglab to assess their real-world behavior and validate the theoretical predictions generated through our simulations. By subjecting our selected candidates to the controlled conditions provided by Maglab we aim to gain empirical evidence that support and refines our theoretical understanding, ultimately contributing to the broader exploration of quantum information science.

Keywords: Clock Transitions, Quantum Computing, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

BIO

Ana Pereira is a Brazilian-American, 3rd year undergraduate Physics major from Miami, Florida. Their physics discipline of focus is nuclear physics: a field currently focused on addressing the global energy crisis through optimized nuclear energy solutions.
Their research involves analyzing the information related to nuclear structure conveyed by gamma radiation produced during nuclear reactions. They conduct experimental research at FSU under the guidance of Dr. Vandana Tripathi and theoretical research at Brookhaven National Laboratory under Dr. Emanuel Chimanski.
Ana's work conducted at FSU will be presented at the 24th annual research symposium and will be furthered as an Honors-in-the-Major Thesis, with support from the FSU IDEA Grant and Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Office of Educational Programs. Their aspirations include exploring various types of nuclear reactions analyzed through gamma-ray spectroscopy as part of their future research towards obtaining a PhD in Physics at a university renowned for its nuclear physics program. Ana also aims to collaborate with the University of São Paulo’s Institute of Physics through the Fulbright Scholarship during their graduate studies.
Ultimately, Ana envisions a career as a professor at a research university, emphasizing both student mentorship and academic discovery in their teaching and research endeavors.

Spinning out of Control: Exploring Angular Momentum in Nuclear Fission

Abstract

The process of nuclear fission, discovered in 1938, remains a fundamental area of study in nuclear physics, driven by its implications for both energy production and non-proliferation efforts. Fission, observed in a heavy, neutron-rich nucleus like Uranium-238, involves the rare decay of nuclei into lighter fragments, releasing significant energy in the process. Despite decades of research, understanding the precise mechanism of fission and the correlation of angular momentum in the fragments remains a challenge. In this research, we aim to investigate the relationship between mass and angular momentum distribution of fission fragments, focusing on the induced fission of Actanium-233 formed by the collision of a Bismuth-209 target with a Carbon-14 beam at 75 MeV. Gamma rays from the fragments will be detected and characterized using the FSU gamma-ray array. By comparing the observed gamma rays with known level schemes from the Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data Files (ENSDF) database, fragment pairs such as a Cadmium-116 and Molybdenum-104 were identified. Further angular correlation of the deexciting gammas will allow us to understand the angular momentum correlations in the two fragments and the mechanism of fission. Following the analysis of this reaction, the spontaneous fission of Californium-252 from the ground state will be investigated, comparing the difference in angular momentum and mass fragment distribution of an induced to a spontaneous fission process.

Keywords: Nuclear, Fission, Physics

BIO

I am a first-generation Cuban American. I immigrated to the United States at the age of three under the "Wet Foot, Dry Foot" policy. Growing up in Miami, a vibrant hub of Cuban culture, I was exposed to the rich traditions and historical narratives of my heritage. This immersion sparked an interest in the political and social dynamics of the Cuban American community, particularly in how immigration and historical contexts such as communism influence voting behaviors. I have dedicated my research to exploring these complex relationships, aiming to unravel the multifaceted relationship between cultural identity and political ideology. My work not only reflects a personal journey but also serves the purpose of contributing meaningful insights to the Cuban American political landscape. I aspire to attend law school, equipping myself with the tools necessary to advocate for justice and represent the interests of my community. Ultimately, my goal is to venture into politics, where I can effect change and champion the causes that reflect my values and experiences.

Casting Ballots, Remembering Revolutions: A Generational Study of the Effects of Communism on the Voting Choices of Cuban Americans

Abstract

This study examines the intergenerational effects of communism on the voting behaviors of Cuban Americans in the United States. Through a generational lens, the research investigates how each generations proximity to immigrating and experiences with communism shape Cuban Americans' political attitudes, ideologies, and voting choices. Drawing upon Beck's theory of Partisan Realignment, the study categorizes respondents into three generational cohorts – first-generation exiles, second-generation children of exiles, and third-generation Cuban Americans. The first generation, having immigrated to the United States, is hypothesized to exhibit stronger Republican partisanship and ideological conservatism. The second generation, influenced by familial attitudes and anti-communist sentiments, is expected to mirror the political leanings of their parents. In contrast, the third generation, being further removed from the landing, may display evolving political dynamics and a weaker attachment to anti-communist ideologies. Data is extracted from the Cooperative Election Study, providing a comprehensive survey of presidential vote choices, ideological orientations, and generations. Hypotheses are tested using cross-tabulations and regression analysis, controlling for demographic factors such as age, gender, and education. The study aims to illuminate the nuanced relationship between generational experiences with communism and Cuban American political engagement. Findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of immigrant political behaviors in the United States and shed light on the significance of historical context in shaping voting preferences. Ultimately, the research seeks to uncover the complex relationship of political ideologies within the Cuban American community and its implications for local, state, and national elections.

Keywords: Intergenerational Political Dynamics, Cuban American Voting Behavior, Communist Influence

BIO

I am a student at Florida State University majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Chemistry. I am pursuing a position in Software Engineering upon graduation. I attended FSU International Programs in the Summer of 2023. My hometown is Woodinville, WA. I am an avid runner, skier, who loves the outdoors, and travel.

Fractal Dimension of Thermonuclear Deflagrations in Type Ia Supernovae

Abstract

Type Ia supernovae are the largest thermonuclear explosions in the universe. They are created when a white dwarf star (WD) accretes matter, usually from a companion star.  As this material accumulates on the WD surface, it may become dynamically unstable and collapse if its mass reaches a critical mass of ~1.4 solar masses.  While approaching that critical mass, theoretical models indicate stellar core compresses, thermonuclear reactions start, and convection develops transporting heat from the core to about half of the WD radius. Computational models also demonstrated that as the thermonuclear heating intensifies a small amount of mass may undergo ignition resulting in formation of a subsonic burning front known as a deflagration. Those flame fronts initially increase their size by advancing radially, but quickly become unstable as the buoyancy force due to gravity leads to additional acceleration of flame front segments more extended in radius due turbulence naturally existing in stellar interiors. This process is known as the Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI), in which a lighter, expanded due to burning thermonuclear ashes tries to support denser, unburned fuel against gravity. RTI results in strong deformation of the flame surface. In numerical simulations, complexity of the flame front appears increasing with the increasing numerical resolution. Because an increase in the flame surface area results in an increases of the effective flame speed, this puts in question numerical convergence of RTI computer models. This problem could be addressed if there exists a universal scaling relation between flame surface area and physical scale.

Keywords: Astrophysics, Supernovae, Computer Science, Rayleigh-Taylor, LAVAflow

BIO

My name is Amelia Bush and I am currently a senior studying psychology at FSU. Since my high school years, I have loved the topic of psychology, and I wanted to pursue it further in college. My goal in life is to make an impact in the field of psychology and to help inform more people about the increasingly growing concern of mental health. Currently, the research I am involved in studies diseases such as Vascular Dementia. In the future, I hope to further my horizons and learn more about dementia, and to eventually research Alzheimer's disease.

Spatial Navigation Skills in Vascular Dementia- A Meta Analysis

Abstract

Vascular Dementia is a serious disease linked to vascular injury. One of the most common early indicators of vascular dementia (VaD), is spatial disorientation. VaD patients may often find themselves confused or disoriented when navigating their surroundings. The study of spatial navigation could potentially provide clarity on cognitive decline linked to VaD. This project is a meta-analysis that will investigate the discrepancies in spatial navigation test performance between a healthy older adult population and a VaD population. While this study has not yet been completed, there will eventually be a measure of the effect size using the standardized mean difference (Hedge’s g). The analysis will examine characteristics such as the publication year, country of study, age, gender, education level, test administration method (real-world, virtual reality), type of measure (time, accuracy), and additional spatial tasks associated with the primary spatial navigation test. It has been hypothesized that the analysis will show a significant difference between the spatial navigation skills of healthy older adults and those with VaD.

Keywords: Vascular Dementia, Spatial Navigation, Meta-Analysis

BIO

My name is Alejandra Mejia, and I am a second-year student at Florida State University majoring in Media/Communication Studies and Economics. I am originally from Lima, Peru and then moved to Hollywood, Florida.

With the School of Communications at Florida State University, we conducted research analyzing modern magazine advertisements for how they represent women through their hair and non-verbal behavior. Then, we analyzed how they were being represented using Goffman’s gender analysis in advertisements.

I have been the social media chair for Script2Screen to continue to bring information for our weekly meetings in scriptwriting . I work as a Social Media & Connections Intern with Transfer Student Services, collecting information from students to be spotlighted and multiple communication material for transfer student events. I worked as a student organizer with UN-PAC, spreading the message to pass a set of Youth Power Reforms within FSU.

Additionally, I am a Southern Scholarship Foundation Recipient, living in a collaborative living house rent-free near FSU, and I am involved within my house as Media Coordinator. I have participated in FSUShadow opportunities for Summer 2023 and Spring Break 2024, and will go with FSU International Programs this summer to London to learn about documentary filmmaking.

Gender Stereotypes in Media Advertisements​

Abstract

Although women’s hair in magazine advertising has evolved throughout the years to include multiple ethnicities and hair texture, in the beginning there were trends of stereotypes being portrayed. Previous literature about advertising and magazine advertisements show the presentation of women’s image and societal position, there is a movement towards “racial grammar” and the overall shape, texture and style it presents.The analysis involved gendered representations of non verbal behaviors from print advertisements. The textual analysis was performed through the framework of Erving Goffman’s gender advertisement with representation. For some, hair is a very special identifier and something that represents people’s identity and image..The different categories were: relative size, feminine touch, function ranking, family scenes, ritualization of subordination, and licensed withdrawal. With this framework, the research team were able to quantify and analyze the advertisement through a specific set of ideas. There has been analysis of the current presentation of women in advertisement but not in concentration with hair. Some of the current trends seen in the preliminary stages of the research were of black women’s natural hair in association with difficult situations, blond women shown as always relying on someone and brunettes as independent with expertise. In communications, working towards more diversity and realizing what messages are being sent to the public will be beneficial to lead. Through analyzing and identifying these trends, advertisers can be more conscious of what is being shown and have a previous screening of bias and gender advertisement.

Keywords: Magazines, women, advertisement, communication