Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Kayla Bretan, and I am from Shelton, Connecticut. As a passionate psychology major, I am deeply intrigued by the complexities of human behavior, particularly within the realm of industrial/organizational psychology. My aspiration is to immerse myself in this field and collaborate with major companies to enhance workplace dynamics, optimize productivity, and foster a positive organizational culture.

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, Film, Female Representation, Film Coding

BIO

I am Amara Woodward, and I'm from Tampa, Florida. I am a first-year student here at FSU in the Honors college, and I am a Behavioral Neuroscience major on a pre-med track. I would like to be a sports psychiatrist once I am done with school, and I would ideally like to work with collegiate and professional sports organizations and teams. There aren't many research topics that I'm not interested in, but some of my current interests are how trauma is expressed in the body, sleep studies, and how mental health impacts daily functioning.

Role of Deliberate Ignorance on Overestimation of Racial Equality

Abstract

Racial inequality is a widespread issue in the United States, both in our history and in our contemporary society. The pervasiveness of racial inequality may be due to the misperception of many that racial inequality is a vestige of the past. Ignorance of the oppression of a significant percentage of people in the United States presents a barrier to impactful progress toward eliminating racial inequality. In this study, we investigated whether participants would seek to inform themselves regarding potentially new information about race-related issues and how seeking such information would impact their misperception of racial inequality. Participants were randomly assigned to either a race or non-race condition, where they had an opportunity to reflect and read on hypothetical scenarios and popular misconception about race-related or non-race related topics. We found deliberate ignorance to be positively associated with overestimating modern racial equality and information seeking was negatively associated with overestimating modern racial equality in the race-condition. In the non-race condition, deliberate ignorance or information seeking were found to have no association with the estimation of racial equality. Further, we found that condition significantly affected overestimation of racial equality; people in the race-condition – who had the chance to correct their race-related misconceptions – were less likely to overestimate present-day racial equality than people in the non-race-condition. This points to the fact that when we provide people with accurate information related to racial issues and they decide to seek out this information, they sometimes do correct their misperceptions about racial equality.

Keywords: prejudice, justice motivation, ignorance, racial inequality

BIO

I'm a fourth year majoring in Biological Science from Orlando, Florida, and I'm planning on applying to Physician Assistant school after graduation.

Preliminary Evaluation of the African American Alzheimer's Caregiver Training and Support Project 2 (ACTS2) Facebook Live Workshop Series: A Mixed Methods Analysis

Abstract

The African-American Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training and Support Project 2 (ACTS2) is a faith-integrated, skills-training and support program for Black family caregivers of persons living with dementia in Florida. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ACTS2 initiated a bi-monthly Facebook Live Workshop series, offering practical information and resources for Black communities on dementia caregiving topics. Using mixed assessment methods, we evaluated viewer reach, engagement, and satisfaction with the workshop series. We used quantitative (e.g., online pre-registrations) and qualitative data (e.g., online evaluation surveys) to evaluate viewer reach, engagement, and satisfaction with 22 ACTS2 workshops, delivered from May 2020 to August 2023. The series reached a total of 1,193 individuals who pre-registered and at least 1,032 individuals who attended virtual workshops in live time. To date, the series reached at least 9,697 Facebook and 274 YouTube user views. Thematic analysis of attendee engagement revealed three themes: (1) requesting additional information and community resources; (2) attendees disclosing caregiving experiences; and (3) gratitude towards workshop presentations. From the pool of pre-registrants, 98 completed evaluation surveys. Most survey completers reported workshops were “extremely informative” or “very informative” (92.9%) and rated overall quality of workshops as “excellent” or “good” (90.8%). Three themes emerged from survey data: (1) gratitude for workshop presenters’ testimonies; (2) satisfaction with ACTS2 community resources; and (3) centering Black dementia caregiver experiences. Initial findings suggested that the ACTS2 Facebook Live Workshop series was successful in engaging community members across Florida while serving as a useful tool in providing information for Black dementia caregivers.

Keywords: Alzheimer's, Dementia, Caregiver, African American

BIO

Hello, my name is Alejandro Acosta and I am a sophomore majoring in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. My project focuses on analyzing Morphological Complexity in Teacher’s Instructional Dialogue. Morphology is the study of units that contain a meaning that may be added to words and there are two forms of morphemes: derivational and inflectional. Derivational morphemes typically alter the meaning of the word they are being added to and change the grammatical class of words while inflectional morphemes affect the grammatical format of the words they are attached to but don’t change their grammatical category. Morphological awareness is very important for learning vocabulary and how to read.

Analysis of Morphological Complexity in Teachers Instructional Dialogue

Abstract

Morphology is present in all written and spoken languages and has been proven to have a significant effect on learning yet it is still a severely understudied area. Morphemes are the smallest parts of linguistic expression and can be classified into prefixes, suffixes, and roots/bases. It is known that morphological knowledge is essential for learning and using academic language. However, little research has been conducted on the morphological complexity of teachers’ spoken language input during class instruction. This study focuses on two research questions: “What types and frequencies of derivational morphemes occur in teachers’ instructional dialogues?” and “Do morpheme types and frequencies differ by instructional subject?” The study utilizes 15-minute transcripts (n~1500) collected from 2nd-grade teachers (n=40) who each taught mathematics, science, English, and social science. These transcripts were examined using Morpholex (Cobb, 2023; Laufer & Cobb, 2020) an online affix profiler that categorizes the morphemes according to Bauer and Nation’s (1993) Levels of morphological complexity. Preliminary results show that derivational morphemes have a low frequency across teachers and subjects. Although morpheme frequencies differ between subjects, they have been found to be lowest in mathematics. Research findings will be discussed in light of opportunities for classroom morphological instruction.

Keywords: Cognitive Science, Morphology, Speech

BIO

I am a current student at Florida State University who is majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I received my Associate in Arts Degree from Miami Dade College in high school. My passion is in the healthcare field and I have volunteered at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, interned abroad with Clinica Sorolla, and shadowed doctors during my time in college! I am becoming a Certified Medical Assistant this semester and will be interning in Pediatrics over the summer. I am currently a research assistant at FSU with Dr. Bryant Chase in the Biology department where we conduct research on muscle mechanics and biopysiology. Outside of academics, I am a part of Seminole Striders, volunteered with FSUs School of Theatre, and was Delegate Assistant for Dance Marathon with Alpha Epsilon Delta.

The Applications of Printing 3D Structures

Abstract

3D printing is a form of manufacturing physical object from a three-dimensional digital model. ChimeraX is a software used to manipulate and analyze atomic structures and their molecular components. ChimeraX was used to modify 7KO4, a structure of cardiac native thin filament, and other high-resolution structures such as 8UWW (troponin), to prepare for 3D printing. Through the EMDB website, these structures were downloaded, modified, and through trial and many stl files later successfully printed. For the purpose of building a structure that can be separated and differentiated, ChimeraX will be used to color the different components of a muscle cell (actin, tropomyosin, and troponin). These components can then be magnetized with the aim of reassembly to understand how their processes work together. When 7KO4 was printed, it was used as a model to clarify findings in muscle mechanic laboratories among researchers in the Biology Department. We hope to bring awareness to the benefits of visual model usage in educational settings as well as for future research purposes through the use of 3D printing and ChimeraX. This project demonstrates the importance of a physical cellular structure that is normally understood in its photographed two-dimensional state. Outside of the educational sphere, 3D models can aid in the identification of missing components or contribute towards higher understandings of the molecular structures. These prints can be modified and added to as new research develops and ideas are discovered.

Keywords: Muscle Mechanics, 3D Printing, Calcium Concentration, 7KO4, Education

BIO

Hi, I'm Sarah. I am a sophomore at Florida State majoring in Psychology and on the Pre-Med track.

The Morphological Analysis Pathway to Reading in Multilingual Learners

Abstract

Many educators struggle to keep up with the unique needs of the growing population of English learners who are simultaneously attaining academic skills and language proficiency through elementary education. Thus, it is vital that educators build a child’s morphological awareness at a young age, breaking the otherwise gap in their literacy proficiency.
While many different approaches can be taken to improve reading comprehension, in both English and Spanish speaking children, the Morphological Analysis Pathway to Reading (MAP-R) seems to be an effective method for remedying the aforementioned knowledge and academic vocabulary.
Following a five- year period funded by the U.S. Department of Education using a technology-based approach in delivering literacy instruction for multilingual elementary aged students with or at risk of learning disabilities, we hope to improve the Florida curriculum and delivery of instruction.

Keywords: Morphological Analysis Pathway to Reading

BIO

I'm an ambitious undergraduate student pursuing a double major in Accounting and Management Information Systems. My passion lies in becoming a trusted consultant who provides strategic financial guidance to organizations.

With hands-on experience gained from shadowing professionals in various roles at KPMG and entrepreneurial ventures, I've honed my skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. My academic journey is driven by my goal to obtain a CPA license and a Master's Degree in Accounting.

I'm dedicated to making a positive impact, as evidenced by my involvement in founding Hand to Hand Charity. Let's connect and explore opportunities in the dynamic world of finance and consulting.

The Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Conspicuous Consumerism

Abstract

As artificial intelligence grows we see its impact in marketing growing as well, with consumers being persuaded by marketing campaigns with artificial intelligence. To examine the impact this growth has had, we designed a survey to ask people from all different backgrounds what their opinions on artificial intelligence are as a whole and what impacts they believe it has on consumer behavior.

Keywords: Consumerism, Artificial Intelligence, Conspicuous Consumerism

BIO

I am from Port Richey FL, and I am attending FSU as a double criminology and psychology major. I am in my second year and plan to graduate by Spring 2025. During my time in undergrad, if I continue assisting in research, I would like to pursue more criminology related projects, as it is my main field of interest. After I graduate, I plan on doing FSU's 1 year graduate program for criminology. Once I finish all of my schooling, my plan is to move back down south and to attend a police academy and become a sheriff's deputy for a local sheriff's department.

Relationship between Procedural Fluency and Strategy Selection

Abstract

Math is a subject that many people around the world struggle with, yet it is also a subject that remains prevalent in our lives through adulthood. Previous studies had shown that procedural fluency is positively correlated with math achievement, but not with strategy selection. Within this study, many relationships were observed, one of which being the relationship between procedural fluency—the ability to apply procedures accurately and efficiently—and strategy selection—the task of choosing between different means that serve the same goal which allows us to solve problems more efficiently with fewer errors. The aim of this study is to observe the relationship between procedural fluency and the strategy participants selected in the domain of algebraic equations. 103 students in grades 8-12 who had learned linear equation solving at the time of the study participated in a series of tasks that assessed procedural fluency and strategy selection in a whole-class format. The results of this study concluded that there is a weak positive correlation between procedural fluency and strategy selection, indicating that there is a slight relationship between a student’s understanding on procedural fluency and their use of innovative strategies.

Keywords: Algebra, Strategy flexibility, procedural fluency, education

BIO

I am a first-year meteorology student with a concentration in climate change from Olean, New York. My research interests include solar radiation modification, links between climate change and severe weather (specifically hurricanes), Arctic warming and the stratospheric polar vortex, and potential methods of geoengineering and climate mitigation. Outside of work/school I enjoy reading (often about physics), creating art, traveling, and spending time in nature. After graduation, I hope to pursue a PhD in meteorology and eventually work for NASA as a climate scientist.

Stratospheric Aerosol Injection Effects on Global Climate Classification

Abstract

While there have been several studies on the concepts of solar radiation modification (SRM) and global climate zones, the link between these areas of research has yet to be extensively studied. It is already widely known that global warming produces systematic shifts in climate classification, and that stratospheric aerosol injections, in climate simulations, offset some effects of greenhouse gases on global and regional climate by reflecting more sunlight into space. Here, we aim to combine this knowledge to explore Earth’s climate under the influence of SRM. By analyzing the percentage of land area changing climate zones in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) and Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP) datasets, specifically patterns of change in near surface air temperature and precipitation variables within G6sulfur simulations (scenarios in which warming from greenhouse gas emissions is reduced via stratospheric aerosol injection), we expect a lesser percentage of land area shifting to a different climate zone as compared to a world without SRM’s influence. If instead the percentage of change within shifting land area is similar to predicted scenarios without SRM, then we would expect these changes to be more random instead of systematic. Although we are confident about mean global temperature change under SRM, we lack confidence about regional changes regarding the distribution of these modifications. Knowledge of Earth under the impacts of SRM provides a potential geoengineering method as well as accurate planning for the future of Earth and society, hopefully allowing for further mastery of climatic change.

Keywords: climate change, meteorology, science

BIO

I am a sophomore from Sarasota, FL on a pre-med track pursuing medical school. My research interests include public health, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, and film studies.
My current career goals focused on healthcare:
1. Gain a strong understanding of the healthcare climate and find my role as a well-rounded contributor.
2. Become a strong leader and teacher through serviceship and experience.
3. Learn and grow from academic and community spheres to prepare myself for the medical field.

The Relationship Between Gender Identity and Film Production: A Look at Female Bollywood Directors

Abstract

Around the world occupational gender inequalities are persistent, from differences in pay, choice of occupation, complexity of work, and career opportunities. When looking at gender inequalities in the workforce among different countries, they are often the consequence of societal factors like gender segregation and the underlying social structure which make certain inequalities hard to overcome. Specifically in the cultural discipline of cinema, gender inequalities are very prevalent and complex. In the Indian cinematic world of Bollywood, gender roles are apparent in both the workforce and the films themselves. India has a history of social stratification which makes it increasingly difficult for women with no prior links to Bollywood to enter the film industry. There are few female directors in India, yet these individuals continue to push the boundaries of gender roles in cinema, and fight against the masculinization of the industry. Despite the growing social awareness and activism against gender inequalities around the world, these directors continue to struggle finding opportunities for their movies to be made, and finding peers who they can trust and will support them in their journey. Through interviewing these directors, their individual stories will be compared through the program NVivo to manage, analyze, and visualize data. This project looks at the relationship between gender identity, and film production among female directors in Bollywood by transcribing and qualitatively analyzing personal interviews.

Keywords: Bollywood, Female Directors, Gender Inequalities

BIO

My name is Chloe Bontoux and I am a senior majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. Some of my research interests strongly align with with the research being conducted in the IDCD Hart Lab with twin studies. I have been fortunate enough to receive course credit in Biology and Psychology for my participation in this lab for the past five semesters as a DIS and now a volunteer. After graduation, I plan to continue obtaining patient care experience over the summer while applying to Master's Programs to become a Physician Assistant.

The Parental Expectations and Socioeconomic Status of Florida Students with Learning Disabilities and Low Reading Performance

Abstract

We plan to investigate the parental expectations and socioeconomic status (SES) of low readers with and without diagnosed learning disabilities (LD). Past literature suggests parental expectations are lower for children with an LD diagnosis (Taylor et al., 2010). Studies also highlighted that students of high SES are diagnosed more with LDs than lower SES students (Kealy & McLeod, 1976). This poster will use data from the Florida Twin Project that collected information from twin children. Surveys were completed by parents and were linked with student’s state achievement exam scores. Parent expectations were measured by parent reporting of homework expectations and highest education level they expect their child to achieve. SES was measured by parents’ report of total household income and highest level of parent education. Students were grouped into 3 categories: LD (n= 75), low readers without an LD diagnosis (n= 53), and typical readers (n= 926). Those who scored under the 25th percentile of reading without an LD diagnosis, we considered to be our low reader group. These three groups of students were compared to each other on the four measures of parent expectations and SES, using a Two-Way ANOVA model. We hypothesize that parent expectations will be lowest in students with an LD diagnosis in comparison to low and typical readers. We also expect to find that SES is lowest in low readers without an LD diagnosis. Learning about trends can help inform society about how parent expectations and SES can translate across students of different reading abilities.

Keywords: Learning disabilities, reading achievement, students

BIO

I am Lennies Kamau, a second-year junior attending Florida State University. Currently, I am majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in both biology and chemistry. I consider myself a highly motivated individual with a passion for health sciences and research. My end goal is to become a certified Physician Assistant.

Emerging Trends in Plasmonic Nanomaterials: Exploring the Versatility of Lanthanide Doped Cd2SnO4.

Abstract

The field of nanomaterials has established itself over the past 30 years as an important branch of chemistry research because of its technological applications. More recently, plasmonic nanomaterials have become of great interest due to their uses in photothermal therapy, electrochromic windows, and enhanced radiation absorption. Plasmon absorption features originate from the oscillation of "Free" carriers at the nanoparticle (NP) surface, and these absorption features can range from the visible (300 nm) to the IR (3000 nm). More importantly, plasmonic metal oxide nanoparticles have emerged as a new class of plasmonic materials with high conductivity, high mobility, high carrier concentrations, and transparency in the visible region. These NPs have been steadily replacing the more expensive novel metal NPs, typically composed of gold and silver. For this reason, it is important to develop new plasmonic semiconductor nanocrystals (PSNCs) that take advantage of these properties. We have taken an interest in a novel PSNC, Cd2SnO4, which can be doped with other functional atoms (lanthanides, transition metals, etc.) while possessing the abovementioned properties.

Keywords: Nanomaterials, Plasmonic semiconductor nanocrystals (PSNCs), Cd2SnO4, Doping, Lanthanides

BIO

Growing up in Miami, Florida, I've seen the importance of mental health support in diverse communities, inspiring my journey into clinical psychology. My focus is on researching prevention and stigma reduction for minority communities, such as racial minorities and the LGBTQ+ population, aligning with my hometown's rich cultural tapestry.
In my future career, I aim to empower individuals within these communities to overcome obstacles and cultivate resilience. Through tailored interventions and advocacy, I aspire to guide clients in identifying strengths and making positive changes in their lives. My goal is to bridge the gap between research and practice, implementing culturally sensitive strategies to promote mental health equity.
As a clinical psychologist, I'll engage in empowering activities like conducting assessments to identify problem areas, providing evidence-based interventions, and collaborating with clients to foster resilience. By integrating research, practice, and advocacy, I hope to make a meaningful impact on mental health outcomes for marginalized communities.
Growing up in Miami has shown me the vital role of advocacy in supporting diverse populations' mental health needs. It's not just about providing therapy—it's about advocating for change and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

Examining Diversity in Eating Disorder Research: Trends in Reporting Practices

Abstract

Eating disorders represent serious mental health conditions, with considerable research efforts dedicated to understanding their contributing factors (van Hoeken & Hoek, 2020). However, a critical limitation in existing literature is the disproportionate emphasis on a
primarily white affluent adolescent females. This narrow focus impedes a comprehensive understanding of eating disorders, which affect individuals across diverse racial backgrounds (Qian et al., 2021; Santomauro et al., 2019).
Addressing this gap, our study aims to examine the representation of diverse groups in eating disorder risk factor research, concentrating on
race. Through an examination of longitudinal studies predating 2023, focused on identifying risk factors associated with the onset, maintenance, relapse, or remission of eating disorders, we gauge the frequency of mentions of these factors and explore potential temporal changes. Additionally, we aim to scrutinize the demographic composition within these studies, assessing its alignment with the genuine racial diversity of individuals affected by eating disorders.
This research holds significance in enriching our understanding of eating disorders through a more inclusive lens. This includes analyzing the extent to which authors report the racial characteristics of their samples, tracking changes in reporting these details over time, exploring the typical racial demographic composition of the studied groups, and assessing the accuracy of these groups in representing the broader population affected by eating disorders. The goal is to enhance inclusivity in eating disorders research, contributing to diverse and equitable interventions aligned with the imperative for nuanced, personalized, and culturally sensitive care for diverse racial populations grappling with eating disorders.

Keywords: Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Eating Disorders, Meta-analysis, Race

BIO

I'm Carter Dalili, a senior Economics major at FSU with a strong passion for the social sciences. However, my academic interests also extend into the realm of biology and biomedical sciences, where I'm actively involved in research. As I approach graduation, I aim to combine my love for science with my career aspirations by pursuing a path in medicine to become a practicing physician.

Pleiotropic Constraints on Evolution: The Correlation of Cuticle Color and Geotaxis in Drosophila simulans

Abstract

One long standing question in evolutionary biology is whether single genes that control multiple traits (pleiotropy) results in limitations on adaptive evolution. If it does, then our ability to predict adaptation (e.g., in the face of changing environments) is compromised. We are using a much-discussed correlation between body coloration and aggressive behavior as a system to address this question. Having found the predicted genetic correlation between cuticle color and aggressive behavior in Drosophila simulans using artificial selection (unpublished data), we then asked if any other behaviors co-evolved under selection on cuticle color. For example, the dopamine synthesis pathway is plausibly related to color, aggression, and other behaviors, such as geotaxis level. Negative geotaxis is the movement of individuals against gravity. This is a measure for general activity and motor development. Efficiency of geotaxis has been used to measure movement ability, with a slower rate of geotaxis associated with a loss of motor development and neurodegeneration. We therefore measured geotaxis ability of flies (D. simulans) selected for darker and lighter cuticle color. To measure geotaxis, flies are placed in a vertically sealed tube and timed for how quickly they climb to a predetermined mark at 3 inches from the bottom of the tube. Results suggest that time to climb to the top of the tube is faster in the dark-selected lines, suggesting that genetic correlations do constrain the independent evolution of cuticle color and behavior.

Keywords: Pleiotropy Geotaxis Drosophila simulans

BIO

Kate is an Honors Scholar and an Honors Legal Scholar at Florida State University, in Tallahassee, Florida, majoring in Political Science, on a Pre-Law track. She is minoring in Spanish, to become bilingual. Kate served as a Legislative Intern in the Florida House of Representatives during the 2022 legislative session and spent three summers interning for a Palm Beach County Commissioner.

Kate is a servant-leader in the university community and other communities. She currently serves as the Community Engagement Director for “The Big Event Tallahassee,” one of the nation’s largest student-run community service projects. She also regularly volunteers at Tallahassee schools and nonprofits through Engage TLH, a university group.

Kate is the current Social Chair for the FSU Women in Pre-Law Society (WIPS) and is a member of Noles Engaged Politics ("NEP"), Phi Alpha Delta (Pre-Law Fraternity). Kate is also a proficient violinist and played for a semester in the Florida State University Orchestra Sinfonia.

Kate is a native of Palm Beach County, Florida, and attended Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Class of 2022. As a high-schooler, she gave 321 verified hours of community service. Community service is an essential part of her life.

Investigating Minority Representation in Florida Sheriff's Offices

Abstract

Since the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020, the criminal justice system has come under increased scrutiny, prompting a reevaluation of law enforcement practices and their implications for social equity. Central to this discourse is sheriff's offices, which play a pivotal role in upholding public safety and administering justice at the county level. This research project examines the racial composition of Florida Sheriff's offices and investigates the correlation between their demographic makeup and the arrest rates for Black individuals, utilizing 2020 Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data by county. By analyzing the racial demographics of Florida Sheriff’s Departments alongside county arrest rates, the aim is to shed light on potential disparities in policing practices and outcomes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing systemic biases and promoting equitable law enforcement practices. To conduct this analysis, data from the Florida Sheriff's Association was utilized to examine the racial makeup of sheriffs across the state. Additionally, data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement from 2020 was used to investigate the percentage of Black arrestees in each Florida county. These datasets serve as foundational components for exploring the relationship between law enforcement demographics and arrest rates, shedding light on potential disparities and informing efforts to foster fair and just policing practices, such as racial bias training.

Keywords: honors legal scholars; deviney; public administration; legal; arrest

BIO

Hi, I'm Sequoia Ernst. I'm an undergraduate research assistant under Dr. Baker and Dr. Hickner in the FSU Laboratory of Integrative Vascular and Metabolic Physiology. We're studying how exercise and supplements affect oxidative stress and cardiovascular damage. I'm majoring in exercise physiology and planning to continue with research after I finish my undergraduate education.

Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Increases Skeletal Muscle Microvascular Blood flow

Abstract

Chronically elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), free radicals that can hinder skeletal muscle blood flow (SMBF), are a known symptom of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, interventions aimed at decreasing ROS concentrations and increasing SMBF are crucial to lower CVD risk. Recent evidence has shown that creatine monohydrate (CM), a common sports performance supplement, may decrease the risk of CVD. The current study sought to determine if CM supplementation could lower ROS concentrations and improve SMBF in response to a meal, a known stimulator of ROS concentrations. Seven participants (n = 7; 3 males, 4 females, 26 ± 4 years, 27.1 ± 5.4 kg/m2, 30.8 ± 9 % body fat percentage) had microdialysis probes placed in their leg to measure in-vivo ROS (Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)) concentrations and SMBF (ethanol outflow/inflow ratio, inversely related to blood flow) at rest and for four hours post-meal consumption. Procedures were performed both before (PRE) and after (POST) five days of CM supplementation (20 g/day). Following CM supplementation, ethanol outflow/inflow ratio was lower (higher SMBF) POST CM supplementation compared to PRE CM supplementation at 0-20 min (p= 0.036) and 20-40 min (p = 0.049) following meal consumption. At POST CM supplementation H2O2 concentrations were significantly elevated at several time points following the meal (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, this data shows that five days of CM supplementation could be an effective strategy for enhancing blood flow following meal consumption which may help to lower CVD risk.

Keywords: Health, Creatine, Supplements, CVD, Cardiovascular

BIO

My name is Nihaal Rana, and I am a second-year Clinical Professions major from Pensacola, Florida. At FSU, I am involved in the Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity as a member, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program as a research assistant, and I have been working as a Patient Care Technician. I hope to attend medical school in the future and become a dermatologist. I have enjoyed doing research and I am grateful for the opportunity to conduct research through UROP.

The Impact of Microaggressions Through the Usage of Cannabis Among Transgender Individuals Through a Biopsychosocial Lens

Abstract

This study examines transgender individuals and their usage of cannabis as a coping mechanism to deal with high levels of societal oppression and microaggressions. Many transgender individuals look to substance abuse and use these substances to cope with negative feelings that may occur as a result of discrimination, sexual assault, and mental health difficulties such as depression or anxiety disorders. The research aims to further explore how engaging in cannabis use aids in managing societal discrimination within the transgender community. The data is examined through the biopsychosocial model, which was created by George Engel to explore the psychological impact of oppression on transgender individuals in their biological, psychological, and social lives. The biopsychosocial model is a way of understanding how the subjective experiences of an individual can assist with understanding the impact of discrimination in several aspects of themself. The model helps us understand the relationship between the biological and psychosocial factors in wellness. For this study, we are primarily focusing on the psychosocial aspect of this model which includes mental and emotional wellness, self-esteem, and social interactions within the transgender community.

Keywords: transgender, microaggressions, substance abuse

BIO

My name is Evelyn Barone and I currently attend Florida State University. My majors are Psychology and Public Health with a minor in Sociology. I am interested in being a Psychiatric Physician Assistant in the future! I enjoy spending time with friends, and drawing, and my favorite TV show is New Girl.

Narratives Protect against Retrieval Induced-Forgetting of Naturalistic Information

Abstract

Retrieval practice increases the likelihood of later recalling practiced information. Interestingly, it also affects the likelihood of later recalling unpracticed material. In some instances, this can cause retrieval-induced forgetting (RIFO), which is assumed to be driven by the inhibition of unpracticed items during retrieval practice. In other contexts, retrieval practice can facilitate recall of unpracticed information (retrieval-induced facilitation; RIFA), which is thought to reflect integration at the time of encoding. Here, we asked whether narratives, which promote integration, protect against RIFO using an experimental paradigm with three distinct phases: encoding, retrieval practice, and final test. During encoding, participants viewed naturalistic stimuli that either contained a narrative or did not. We used an unaltered episode of the television show “Seinfeld” as a stimulus in the narrative condition, and an edited version of “Seinfeld” containing scenes from multiple different episodes as a stimulus in the no narrative condition. Retrieval practice was completed for a subset of the scenes immediately after encoding. In the final test stage, they completed either a cued recall task (Experiment 1, 24-hour delay) or a recognition memory task (Experiment 2, 7-day delay). We hypothesized RIFO in the no narrative condition of both experiments, but not in the narrative condition, which would benefit from the protective effects of integration. We found mixed support for these predictions. Narratives did indeed protect against RIFO in the narrative condition when using a recall task (Experiment 1), but not when using a recognition memory task (Experiment 2).

Keywords: Retrieval-Induced Forgetting

BIO

I am a senior at Florida State University in the Athletic Training major. I will be graduating this semester and plan on taking a gap year working as a Medical Assistant while I apply to Physician Assistant school.

Melanin and Behavior: Exploring Aggressiveness in Drosophila

Abstract

One long standing question in evolutionary biology is whether single genes that control multiple traits (pleiotropy) results in limitations on adaptive evolution. If it does, then our ability to predict adaptation (e.g., in the face of changing environments) is compromised. We are using a much-discussed correlation between body coloration and aggressive behavior as a system to address this question. In Drosophila, this correlation is possibly attributed to dopamine being a precursor to melanin production. Higher melanin production would then result in less free dopamine, possibly resulting in more aggressive behaviors. To test the prediction that darker individuals were more aggressive, we selected for darker and lighter flies (D. simulans) and periodically test for aggressive behavior. Every 5 generations, we tested for aggression and photographed each individual. We used ImageJ to measure the color of the thorax of the fly. We found that the darker flies are more aggressive, suggesting a pleiotropic effect. Our results suggest that dark-selected flies evolved to be more aggressive. The next step in this study is to identify candidate genes underlying the correlation and test for pleiotropic effects using transgenic approaches.

Keywords: Drosophila Simulans

BIO

Jane Cohen is a second year student at FSU, double majoring in music and history. A Tallahassee native, she is interested in learning about the past through historical newspapers and magazines, specifically focusing on nineteenth/early twentieth century popular culture. After graduation, she hopes to work in some sort of research, archival, or educational capacity. Jane is a member of Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority, and the Windjmamers Circus Music Historical Society.

Slaves, Hillbillies, and Fine Young Ladies: The Banjo's Transition Into and Out Of Mainstream Society

Abstract

Today, those who play the banjo are typically assumed to be white Americans from the rural South. Despite this popular image, the banjo was first created by African slaves in the Americas during the early eighteenth century, and was culturally associated with Black Americans until well after the Civil War. In both of these contexts, contemporary and historical, banjo players have been portrayed in a very similar way, always as poor, rural, and unsophisticated. However, from about 1880 to 1900, there was a major shift in these perceptions. In this period, known as the Classic Banjo era, the banjo was considered a fashionable instrument in white upper and middle-class urban society in the United States. Although a growing body of research exists regarding the African origins of the banjo, the Classic Banjo remains understudied. Using relevant advertisements, method books, and newspaper and magazine articles published between 1880 and 1900, this project analyzes attempts to elevate the banjo’s place in society, and the success of those endeavors. This study finds that the banjo’s rise in status was not accidental, and can largely be attributed to a successful advertising campaign undertaken by instrument manufacturers. The banjo’s new identity was well known in upper class society during this time, but it failed to permeate deeply into the culture, remaining a novelty fad that would quickly be forgotten.

Keywords: music, history, magazines, 19th century