Research Symposium

BIO

I am an international student from Nepal, currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering. For my UROP project, I worked under Dr. Meredith McQuerry at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. Our project looks at limitations added by further PPE onto firefighter suits.

Personally, I intend to be involved in research throughout my time at FSU and continue on to graduate school.

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

Abstract

Air is an insulator and in excess, can lead to heat stress in some applications, such as structural firefighter turnout suits. As firefighters need to be protected from heat and flame insulation is needed. However, bulky, large, and oversized gear can easily lead to reduced ergonomic mobility and excess buildup of metabolic heat. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to study the air gaps formed within turnout suits, and for the first time, with and without a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Four ensembles were assessed using a three-dimensional body scanner in the FSU Body Scanning Laboratory. These ensembles included a nude compression layer, base layer typically worn underneath the turnout, a turnout suit, and the turnout suit with an equipped SCBA. Scans were conducted on 11 professional male and female firefighters. An SS20 Size Stream body scanner was used to perform three replicate scans per ensemble per participant. Findings indicate differences in surface area, volume, and air gap size between ensembles including with and without the SCBA. Future research should continue to explore the effects of air gaps within firefighter turnout suits that may be formed depending on other contributing factors and how these gaps affect the performance of firefighters.

Keywords: Firefighters, SCBA, PPE, Anthropometry

BIO

Tommy McCall is a dedicated student at Florida State University hailing from Tallahassee, Florida. Currently pursuing a major in Sport Management, Tommy transferred from Tallahassee Community College, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences to their academic journey. Alongside their major, Tommy is planning to minor in Business, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded education in achieving their goals. Driven by a passion for sports, Tommy aspires to work in marketing for a professional sports team. This ambition is fueled by a desire to combine their love for sports with their skills in business and marketing, making a meaningful impact in the dynamic world of sports management.

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

Abstract

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

Keywords: Gilman Scholarship, Narrative Inquiry

BIO

I am from Tampa, Florida and am second-year senior at FSU. I am studying psychology with a minor in sociology. I am interested in going to law school, specifically focusing on family law. I have always had a passion for research since high school, and I was very excited to learn about the qualitative research process through UROP. I will be able to apply my understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research in my future academic endeavors.

Paradigms of Parenting: Intensive Parenting Across Identities Explored Through Mixed Methodology

Abstract

Intensive parenting attitudes are a set of beliefs about parenting focused on five themes: essentialism, fulfillment, challenging, stimulation, and child- centered. This construct has been previously studied in White, middle-class mothers, and research on this topic has lacked demographic variety. This study focuses on expanding research to include participants of varying demographic backgrounds, including mothers and fathers, different economic groups, and different racial identity groups. Utilizing a convergent mixed-method design, quantitative, qualitative, and integrative analyses were conducted. Through a confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance analyses, a popular intensive parenting measure showed configural invariance across racial groups and scalar invariance across economic groups. Semi-structured interviews revealed how key domains of intensive parenting were described in a racially and economically diverse sample. Integrative analysis findings highlighted how contextual variables played a key role in quantitative and qualitative results. More research is needed to fully understand how to quantitatively measure intensive parenting attitudes for racially minoritized populations.

Keywords: Intensive Parenting Attitudes, Mixed Methodology, Demographics

BIO

Izbeth Flores Aparicio is a Panamanian international student in her fourth year at Florida State University. She is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Criminology and a minor in Child Development. Currently, Izbeth works as a Family Life Education Intern at the Florida Center for Prevention Research (FCPR) at FSU, where she helps with a federal Healthy Marriage grant, which funded the study (HHS-2020-ACF-OFS-ZB-1817). Flores also serves as the Psi Chi Treasurer at FSU and is an active member of the Hispanic Honor Society in 2023-24. Her research interests focus on psychological development and the practical application of knowledge to enhance the well-being of children and young adults. Furthermore, her research interests in criminology are driven by a desire to contribute meaningful insights to understanding criminal behavior and to improve societal systems and the well-being of individuals impacted by crimes. Her future goals are to obtain a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.

The Florida Marriage Enhancement Project: Improving Marriages Across the State

Abstract

As society undergoes continuous changes, the role of marriage education becomes increasingly crucial in helping couples navigate the complexities of modern relationships. Previous literature has demonstrated positive impacts of marriage education on family life, including lower rates, increased relationship stability, improved parenting abilities, and reduced risk of intimate partner violence (Stanley et al., 2020). In a landscape where relationships are multifaceted, understanding the impacts of marriage programs becomes essential. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the skills-based marriage education program, Adventures in Marriage (AIM), in enhancing relationship quality among couples. Using independent sample t-tests, findings demonstrated noteworthy improvements in the couples' conflict management skills, fostering a healthier approach to addressing disagreements. Partner trust and affection exhibited substantial enhancement, indicating a positive shift in emotional dynamics within couples. Couples participating in AIM reported increased partner intimacy, contributing to a deeper emotional connection. The program's positive influence on perspective-taking suggests an enhanced ability to understand and empathize with each other. Results from this study have important implications for the field of marriage education. The positive outcomes contribute to a boarder understanding of the impact of skills-based marriage education programs and prevention programs that address specific facets of marital relationship dynamics, which are increasingly relevant. This study also implies family policy, as it further justifies the need for increased funding at the state and federal levels to support marriage education.

Keywords: relationship quality, communication, family relations, romantic partners, couple/coupled

BIO

My name is Diego Jose Fernandez Mota. I am was born in New York, but have lived in the Dominican Republic, Texas, and in several small towns in Tampa, Florida. As a first-generation American, I have used my unique experiences to provide a different perspective to my research. I am very passionate about volunteering and creating a social impact. Although my career goals are not defined yet, I know that I want to dedicate my life to helping those in need and creating social impact. Some of my hobbies include running, lifting weights, playing guitar, and spending time with friends.

Artificial Intelligence in Independent Music Study: Value Maximization of Open AI’s ChatGPT and GPT Creator

Abstract

OpenAI's ChatGPT and GPT Creator have the potential to revolutionize the music education sector. However, there is a lack of research on how users with no coding or prompt engineering experience can effectively use ChatGPT and GPT Creator. To address this issue, a case study was conducted to identify the techniques that generate the best responses in ChatGPT and GPT Creator for independent music learners. The study involved creating questions about learning an instrument, specifically the ukulele, developing prompts based on those questions, and iteratively testing and comparing the responses. One technique that generated high-value responses was starting the conversation with a set of instructions that included a persona, user knowledge, and task information. Future research should focus on testing the techniques identified in this case study with actual music learners.

Keywords: ChatGPT; AI; Music; Artificial Intelligence; GPT Creator

BIO

Isabel is a freshman from Wethersfield, CT. She is interested in pursuing a research career in the topics of age-related changes in cognition, Alzheimer’s Disease risk factors, and the impact of technology on brain structure and function.

The Effect of Sleep on Cognition in Aging Adults

Abstract

Background. Episodic memory and executive functioning are core components of human cognition that are necessary for recollection of events, focus, multi-tasking, and working memory. Sleep quality and age are both important correlates of cognitive functioning; however, their potential interactive effects on cognition are not well understood.
Methods. We completed secondary data analysis of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Wave 2 study (Mean Age = 54.52; N=1,255). Participant demographics and sleep quality were collected via survey, while cognition was assessed via a telephone cognitive assessment. We used hierarchical regression to evaluate whether poor sleep quality would have a greater negative impact on executive functioning and episodic memory in older adults compared to middle-aged adults and younger adults.
Results. Older age was significantly associated with poorer performance on measures of executive functioning and memory; however, there was no direct relationship between sleep quality and cognitive measures. There was also no significant interaction between sleep and age in either cognitive domain. However, there was a non-significant statistical trend for poor sleep quality to have a greater impact on the executive function of younger adults compared to older adults.
Conclusions. This study found that sleep quality was not associated with executive functioning or episodic memory regardless of age. This contradicts former literature, which indicates an association between sleep and cognition and age and cognition. Of note, participants were overall cognitively healthy at baseline, which may have limited our ability to detect a true effect.

Keywords: Aging, cognition, sleep

BIO

Hello! My name is Kenson Moore and I am from Eustis, Florida. I am a dedicated Psychology student at Florida State University. My career aspirations center around attaining a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, focusing on research in eating disorders and body image among young women.
In addition to my coursework, I'm dedicated to completing my honors thesis, further exploring appearance anxiety in college-aged women. Previously, I have worked as a Therapeutic Assistant at Canopy Cove Residential Eating Disorder Facility, providing support to individuals on their path to recovery. Currently, I'm involved in research as a Research Assistant at the Keel Eating Behaviors Research Clinic.
Outside academia, I'm committed to raising awareness about mental health. I've been involved in projects like "The EVERYBody Project" and "RENEW," fostering discussions on body image and emotional well-being.
Looking ahead, I'm eager to contribute to the field of psychology!

Cookie Cutter Girls: A Content Analytic Investigation of the "Clean Girl Aesthetic" on TikTok

Abstract

It is well-known that social media includes highly idealized content that contributes to the spread of the thin ideal. Many researchers have utilized content analytic procedures to examine specific social media content areas, including thinspiration, fitspiration, and body positivity. However, no content analyses have focused on a popular micro trend known as “Clean Girl Aesthetic.” The present study involved a content analytic examination of the themes and characteristics of the “Clean Girl Aesthetic” on TikTok. TikTok videos included in the present content analysis were identified by entering the keywords “Clean Girl Aesthetic” into the search bar on TikTok. Results suggest that the majority of these TikTok videos include women who appear to be in their 20s who are thin, white, and blonde. It was rare for these women to embody characteristics that were not consistent with the thin-ideal, such as acne, wrinkles, or cellulite. Furthermore, the vast majority of women were seen wearing neutral colors, minimal makeup, and gold jewelry. Themes of motivation, commercialism, productivity, and minimalism were common. However, other themes seen in social media’s portrayal of the thin-ideal, including thin praise and diet culture, were rare. These results suggest that the “Clean Girl Aesthetic” trend on TikTok promotes the thin-ideal and commercialism to achieve this ideal but does not include as deleterious of messages as other types of content such as thinspiration. Future research should utilize experimental methods to examine how viewing “Clean Girl Aesthetic” videos impact viewers, especially those who may not embody the thin-ideal themselves.

Keywords: Clean Girl Aesthetic, Thin-Ideal, Beauty Standard

BIO

My name is Colson Gantt and I am a sophomore majoring in International Affairs and French. I am from Tampa, Florida. I am academically interested in research about French literature, French culture, international relations, political topics, and human rights issues. I am currently involved in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program where I have gotten the opportunity to conduct research. I hope to continue to gain research experience during my time as an undergraduate at Florida State.

Culture, Conversations, and Social Networks in 18th & 19th century Italy: Madame de Staël's Italian Influence

Abstract

Salons and salonnières of the 18th century can teach us a lot about our world today when examined through the lens of social network theory. Salons were a place where people could gather to discuss political, social, and intellectual knowledge with peers. This project examines how Parisian salons of the second half of the 18th century had an influence on the arts, literature, and culture of Italian salons. Salons were born in Renaissance Italian courts but many of the most influential ones of the 18th century were found in Paris. Madame de Staël was one of the most well-known French salonnières and writers of the period, as she paved the way for women to have a voice in society through her formidable example. This project explores how her travel diaries, letters, and books she wrote described Italian culture from an outsider's perspective as she examined that society with the (sometimes biased) lens of a French/Parisian woman looking at a foreign culture. Novels such as Corrine ou Italie, and Delphine, and some of her accounts of her travels across Europe reveal a shifting mode of understanding women’s agency and their position in society. The impact of Madame de Staël’s fame and works, and Parisian salons on Italian culture offers an explanation of certain Enlightenment and pre-Romantic literary and political ideas that developed in Italy during the last part of the 18th century.

Keywords: Literary salons, Italian Culture, French Influence, Romanticism

BIO

Hello! My name is Maria Huezo, and I am currently a junior at Florida State University, majoring in International Affairs. In addition to my major, I am working towards certifications in Emergency Management and Homeland Security and US Intelligence Studies, motivated by a deep interest in public service. My ambition is to further explore this field by pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at FSU.

My involvement in FSU's Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) has significantly enriched my academic journey, providing me the opportunity to conduct research over the past two semesters. Originating from Tampa, Florida, I am eager to apply the knowledge and insights acquired from my education and research endeavors toward making a meaningful impact in the public sector upon graduation. I am dedicated to contributing to improvements in public safety, security, and welfare, and am excited to see where this journey will take me.

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

Abstract

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

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

BIO

My name is Ajay Nehaul. I am a Political Science major. My hometown is Port St. Lucie which is a small town located in South Florida along the treasure coast. I am currently conducting research on the judicial system in Thomasville, Georgia to explore race-based disparities in judicial adjudication in the early 20th century.

History of Thomasville, Georgia

Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to gather historical information on Thomasville, Georgia utilizing both primary and secondary sources. The main purpose of this project is to analyze historical events in Thomasville, Georgia which encompasses the political climate in the 1800s, ethnic/racial tensions, the legal system, the history of plantations and other prominent architectural infrastructure.

Keywords: Thomasville Georgia, Thomas County, political climate

BIO

My name is Holly Denig and I am a second year student at Florida State University. As an Environmental Engineering major, and member of the Society of Women Engineers, I have developed a passion for innovation. I am excited to apply this passion to research that helps to improve electrical conductivity, with consciousness to environmental conservation.

Improving the Efficacy of Dye- Sensitized Solar Cells with the use of Organic Dyes

Abstract

Due to advancements in technology over the past three decades coupled with the increasing demand for sustainable energy practices, more types of solar cells have been constructed and utilized in recent years. One example of these solar cells is the Dye-sensitized Solar cells (DSSCs), which utilize organic dyes for greater photon absorption. The organic composition of dyes within the dye-sensitized solar cells is less efficient than synthetic solar cells, however, they are cheaper and easier to construct on a small scale. Different dyes used can influence the efficiency of DSSCs because their chemical structures differ (carbazole, coumarin, cyanine, and hemicyanine). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of different organic substances on photon absorption within DSSCs. We hypothesize that the best-performing organic substance will be the juice of raspberries because they contain the chemical anthocyanin which has been shown to increase photon absorption in past studies. We will also be testing dyes with chlorophyll and beta-carotene to make a comparison between the three chemical compositions. If this hypothesis holds, more DSSCs will be constructed with anthocyanin to increase energy conversion efficiency.

Keywords: Solar cells, Electrical engineering

BIO

I am a sophomore Exercise Physiology major from Fort Lauderdale, Florida with a passion for cardiovascular and exercise science research. My hobbies include working out, cooking, and enjoying time with friends and family.

Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Increases Skeletal Muscle Microvascular Blood Flow

Abstract

The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity has risen to alarming levels. An early indicator of CVD is the impairment of skeletal muscle blood flow (SMBF). This impairment is thought to be induced by elevated levels of oxidative stress, otherwise known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS production is escalated by excess body fat, advancing age, and consumption of high sugar meals. NADPH oxidase (NOX) is the primary producer of ROS in the blood vessels that is believed to contribute to CVD. The current project aims to expand on previously funded IDEA grant work by examining the effect of NOX on SMBF muscle in a CVD at-risk population. The main objective of this study is to determine the effect of NOX produced ROS concentrations on SMBF at rest and four hours following meal consumption in older adults who are overweight or obese. Our hypothesis studies the idea that NOX produced ROS concentrations will impair SMBF for the entire four hours post-meal in older adults who are overweight or obese. Participants will visit the laboratory and have up to two microdialysis probes inserted into their muscle to assess in-vivo ROS and SMBF, at rest and up to four hours following the consumption of a high sugar meal. Findings of this study will benefit the at-risk population of overweight and obese individuals by determining risks of CVD and contributing to CVD research to aid in treatment and prevention.

Keywords: Exercise Science, Cardiovascular Disease, Creatine Monohydrate

BIO

My name is Samantha Amador and I am a Criminology major and will be pursuing a Dual Degree with Psychology, and I am on a pre-law track. I am Cuban-American and am from Miami, Florida. At Florida State University, I am currently involved in the Cuban American Student Association, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, and the Honors program. My research project focuses on finding common themes within the music released by the Billboard Top 10 Female Artists of 2023. This project has allowed me to delve into the entertainment industry, which is a field of interest of mine for my future legal career.

Echoes of Empowerment: Feminism in Music of 2023

Abstract

The aim and purpose of this project is to understand how prominent women discuss feminism, sexual agency, and womanhood in their music. Feminism is the concept of inclusivity for all regardless of our identities in order to create a free and safe environment for people to live in. Those that have researched feminism in music have largely focused on the presence of sexualization and feminist themes (or lack thereof) in rap and R&B music, finding that it is in these genres where these themes are most present, both in the lyricism and the music videos. There is very minimal research on the presence of feminism in pop music, especially by female artists, as well as on the impact of these topics on women in the industry. For this study, a qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze song lyrics by the Billboard Top 10 Female Artists of 2023 to find lyrics containing themes of feminism, sexualization, and womanhood in order to better understand their successes/failures, fame, and historical significance to women in the music industry.

Keywords: music industry, feminism, sexualization, pop music, women

BIO

I was born and raised in Tampa, Fl. I am currently in my second year of undergrad majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Biology on a pre-medical track. My research interests are in protein engineering and cardiovascular medicine. I aspire to go to medical school and eventually pursue a career in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.

Protein Engineering of Alpha-actinin Mutant Proteins to Test Biological Role in the Heart Muscle

Abstract

The heart has the ability to grow in size to a healthy caliber, similarly to the growth seen in many athletes and gestating woman. However, many different cardiovascular diseases and pathologic causation’s such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), prolonged bed rest, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) have the potential to cause an inimical physiological discrepancy between the mechanical capacity of the heart, and the human body’s hemodynamic demand. We ultimately seek the understanding as to how cardiac muscle cells recognize, process, and respond to internal and externally-driven stimuli fluctuations produced by mechanical stimulation for short, as well-as prolonged terms. Specifically, we will be studying the role of post-translational modification of the structural protein α-Actinin within cardiac muscle cells in response to mechanical unloading. The approach is to introduce pseudo-phosphorylation sites in an α-Actinin plasmid to subsequently express these constructs into cardiomyocytes. We have identified that the plasmid pAcGFP-N1 is the most suitable for our work. We will continue with identifying the primers needed to induce mutagenesis to introduce the following pseudo- phosphorylation’s: Ser50, Ser147, Thr43, and Thr237 for Aspartic Acid. The primers to induce the listed pseudo-phosphorylation sites were identified. Our results will help understand the mechanisms of sarcomere assembly driven by phosphorylation of α-Actinin.

Keywords: Health Sciences, Engineering, Biology

BIO

I am a pre-med anthropology major from Jacksonville, Florida who enjoys being active in community service and helping others. I am a member of the Medical Response Unit at Florida State, Phi Delta Epsilon Pre-Medical Fraternity, and a weekly volunteer at Champ’s Chance Dog Rescue. My research interests include cultural competency in healthcare, health disparities including access to healthcare, and health outcomes and interventions.

Differences in Health Care Priorities Between Wixárika Patients and Mexican Doctors

Abstract

The treatment of groups such as older adults, indigenous populations, and migrants is so poor that Latin America is considered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as one of the most inequitable regions in the world. Health disparities in indigenous populations are a crucial issue, and a lesser-known source of the issue, language barriers, may be part of the problem. Language barriers can pose challenges for individuals seeking healthcare assistance, and healthcare providers attempting to offer relief. Much research has been conducted on health disparities in indigenous populations, but little of it focuses primarily on language barriers and their effects. The Wixarika people are an indigenous population in Jalisco, Mexico that speak the Huichol language, and because of that, have had issues receiving healthcare and treatment from primarily Spanish-speaking healthcare workers. This study analyzes primary data collected from patient and physician interviews in Jalisco, with the patients being Huichol (Wixarika). This data was reviewed to understand what major discrepancies exist between physicians' interpretation of the most pressing issues affecting the community and those of the Wixarika patients by contrasting physician and patient reports. The results indicate large differences between patients’ and physicians' health priorities, indicating insufficient patient-care provider communication, likely due to language barriers in this case. This poster also includes a brief analysis of some of the other factors that could contribute to these health disparities.

Keywords: Healthcare, Indigenous, Disparities

BIO

Hi, my name is Emily Hall and I am a second-year student double majoring in Political Science and Criminology, on the pre law track! I am from Tampa, FL and work remotely for a Personal Injury Firm. I am also a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and Phi Alpha Delta at FSU. I am interested in pursing a career in Criminal Law but I have also found a love for research because of UROP!

Exploring the Relationship between Affordable Housing Locationing and Economic Disparities: Impacts on Wellbeing and Mental Health

Abstract

Affordable housing is a critical component of urban development, providing essential shelter and stability for individuals and families across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. As urban areas continue to grapple with growing populations and limited resources, the provision of affordable housing remains a persistent challenge, particularly in the context of widening economic disparities. This study seeks to investigate how the locationing of affordable housing units in neighborhoods of varying socio-economic status influences residents' sense of community, perceived discrimination, stress, anxiety, and overall well being. We will utilize a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from residents living in affordable housing complexes located in communities representing different socio-economic profiles: affluent, medium-income, and low-income neighborhoods. Participants will complete a structured questionnaire assessing various dimensions of their housing experiences. While the results of the study are not yet conclusive, it contributes to the scholarly discourse on urban planning and housing policy by providing empirical insights into the complex dynamics of affordable housing locationing and mental health outcomes within urban contexts. We aim to inform policy and practice initiatives by creating inclusive, supportive environments that foster the wellbeing and resilience of all residents, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Keywords: Low Income Housing and Mental Health

BIO

My name is Stephanie Kirk and I am a Criminology major at Florida State University. I am an active member of the Honors College as well as Phi Alpha Delta, and I aspire to be criminal defense lawyer or hopefully join the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Federal Investigation of Polygamous Mormons Under the White Slavery Act

Abstract

With the hopes of describing the history and story of those engaging in polyamory as members of the FLDS, who have been marginalized by society, our research delves into FBI files from the 1930s to 1970s during the period of the federal White Slavery Act of 1910. Our objective aims to uncover various findings of the FBI by decoding reports, letters, and numerous other primary sources. Concurrently, we annotate Excel documents with all of the information we find to construct a timeline tracing the evolution of the group. These FBI files give insight into why some of these individuals involved in the FLDS have been surveilled throughout history and simultaneously provide enlightenment of the contrasting beliefs of members of this polygamous group. Early discoveries in these files consisted of the names of individuals involved in these practices, as well as the revealing of four main leaders in the group. In this presentation, our focus will be on the images and newspapers procured from these files as well as any additional compelling information associated with the FLDS.

Keywords: White Slavery Act

BIO

My name is Danielle, I am a sophomore studying Biological Science with a focus on human health. Currently, I work as a medical scribe, where I am learning of the intricacies of medical treatment plans. Simultaneously, I'm on a path towards becoming a certified medical assistant to gain clinical experience and advocate for equitable and high-quality patient care.

Beyond my clinical endeavours, I'm driven to broaden my research horizons to become a well-rounded scientist. While my primary focus lies in biomedical engineering, currently aimed at curing brain diseases, I'm also intrigued by the effects of microplastics on human brain cellular longevity, and exploring innovative pharmaceutical synthesis.

Treating Brain Diseases: Curcumin Loading of Exosomes

Abstract

Maladies of the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors, are among the most difficult to treat as most medications cannot diffuse into the blood brain barrier (BBB). Administering medication via extracellular vesicles (EVs) would bypass this issue as they have an intrinsic ability to penetrate these biological barriers, do not elicit acute immune rejection, can be produced in large quantities, and are highly engineerable. One major obstacle that currently stands in the way of utilizing exosomes as drug delivery systems is how to effectively load them. The goal of this study is to determine the loading efficiency of curcumin into choroid plexus derived EVs using sonication, incubation, freeze-thaw cycling. The most efficient manner of loading EVs is invaluable information as it will allow for more efficient processes of treating the brain through EV drug delivery systems. We will compare the anti-inflammatory response on A-Beta treated cell culture of the loaded EVs to determine which method has the best loading efficiency. Findings from this study will allow for drugs to effectively be administered to treat brain diseases.

Keywords: Curcumin, Extracellular vesicles, Anti-inflammatory, Stem cell-based organoids, Cerebral cortex

BIO

My name is Loriz Arencibia and I am a freshman at FSU. I am interested in both social entrepreneurship and the impact that television has on American culture.

Using Thermal Cooling to Fight Heat Stress in the Construction Industry

Abstract

Due to the taxing nature of construction workers’ work, they are 13 times more likely to die from a heat-related illness in the United States (Acharya, P. et al., 2018). Therefore, the purpose of this research was to test different cooling garments on their effectiveness in preventing heat exhaustion in construction workers. Four proprietary t-shirts with different cooling technologies and two vests with active cooling pack techniques were used to determine optimal thermal comfort for construction workers in the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab®. The researcher collected physiological responses such as the skin temperature (TSK), internal core temperature (THY), sweat rate (SWA), temperature sensation, and comfort perceptions when wearing the cooling garments. A sweating thermal mannequin was used to replicate the metabolic work rate of construction employees. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVAs followed by individual two-sample T-tests to determine if significant differences were present between the clothing ensembles tested. Findings indicate that cooling technologies are effective in construction work apparel. Future research should continue to explore how cooling garments affect workers completing strenuous outdoor work.

Keywords: construction workers, heat stress, cooling apparel

BIO

My name is Frederick Raftis, and I am undergraduate at Florida State University majoring in biology. I have a strong interest in zoological and ecological research, and generally have a love and knack for learning. I hope to one day be able to make a career through my research ideas, and wish to share any information I acquire with the world.

Physiological Effects of Pregnancy on Atlantic Stingray

Abstract

Elasmobranch reproductive strategies have largely been underrepresented in marine research over the last 50 years. A large proportion of ray species are viviparous and females nourish their offspring through lipid-rich fluids called histotroph. The nutritional costs of creating these fluids are unknown but thought to be the greatest form of maternal investment of all sharks and rays. This study quantifies the total maternal investment from mother to embryo in Hypanus sabinus, the Atlantic stingray, throughout their 4 to 4.5 month gestation. Embryos at various developmental stages were weighed (g), dried at 60℃, and incinerated at 550℃. The percent change in mass, (Final (g) - initial (g)/initial (g) x 100, was calculated for water, inorganic, and organic matter from initial fertilized zygotes and final full-term embryos. By investigating the contents of the embryonic digestive tract, liver, external and internal yolk sac, and surrounding body, we aim to identify how maternal histotroph secretions are being distributed to embryonic development and growth.
Future research will investigate the biochemical content of intrauterine histotroph secretions, as well as the effect of embryonic maternal investment on the physical performance of gravid females at different stages of gestation. This research aims to advance conservation efforts through knowledge of how maternal investment contributes to pup quality and survival and associated maternal costs.

Keywords: Elasmobranch, Stingray, Marine, Biology, Histotroph