Research Symposium

BIO

Jad Dargam is an Information Technology honors student and research assistant at Florida State University's School of Information. He is also pursuing a minor in Innovation and has been accepted to the BSIT/MSIT combined pathway to begin taking graduate level coursework. In Spring 2025, Jad interned at the FSU Office of Digital Learning and served on the College of Communication and Information's Student Leadership Council. He previously presented at the 2025 Florida Undergraduate Research Conference.

Surveying the Scroll: A Mixed-Methods Study of College Students’ TikTok Privacy Literacy

Abstract

TikTok continues to be one of the most popular social media platforms amongst college students, even as policymakers and industry experts continue to highlight privacy concerns with how it collects, stores, and uses user data. This includes a total ban of the platform from public universities in the state of Florida. As the platform engrains itself into daily life for most college students, it is important to assess how undergraduate students comprehend and manage privacy features, approve of university policy regarding TikTok and how their actions are influenced by familial and social beliefs.

This study aims to do so by using a mixed-methods approach that incorporates a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews. Questions will measure students’ usage of TikTok, their own privacy concerns, and behaviors on the platform. This data will be examined in the context of social and cultural norms that the participants provide in order to better understand how user experience is shaped on experience and knowledge.

The findings of this study will help researchers better understand how college students dictate their actions on TikTok through the perceived value of their privacy and data. It will also evaluate the effectiveness of institutional polices that aim to block TikTok. A preliminary study conducted by the principal investigator has shown limited change in college students’ behavior and beliefs through prohibiting TikTok usage on campus. The final study will add to the conversation regarding how humans interact with technology that has the potential to expose personal information and create safety concerns.

Keywords: TikTok, Privacy, Information Literacy

BIO

Victoria Valko is a Public Health student at Florida State University, minoring in Information Technology. Originally from McLean, Virginia, she is interested in the intersection of healthcare, technology, and policy, with a focus on improving patient care and healthcare systems.

Set to graduate in Spring 2026, Victoria is actively involved in research and leadership at FSU. She serves as President of the Bachelors of Science in Public Health Student Association (BSPHSA), Co-Secretary of the Health Informatics Student Association (HISA), Co-Chair of the 2025 Public Health Professions Conference (PHPC), and a Data and Research Intern at Integrated Musculoskeletal Care (IMC). Additionally, she works as the Outreach Assistant for FSU’s Institute for Successful Longevity (ISL), supporting research initiatives focused on aging and longevity. In Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, she will also serve as a UROP Leader, mentoring students as they navigate the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program.

Victoria plans to pursue a master’s degree in administration, management, or public health. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, traveling, cooking, and spending time with the people she cares about.

Optimizing Digital Health Tools: LabGenie’s Patient-Centered Visual Design

Abstract

The LabGenie project seeks to improve patient comprehension of lab test results through AI-driven tools that enhance understanding and communication with healthcare providers. Effective interpretation of lab results is crucial for patient engagement, particularly among older adults who face unique barriers to accessing and understanding medical information.

This study utilized participatory design workshops to refine visual aids for lab results. Five workshops were conducted across three senior centers in New York and one in Tallahassee, Florida. Seventeen participants aged 65 and older evaluated prototype visuals, providing feedback and discussing factors influencing comprehension. Most preferred color-coded visuals (n=14), descriptive labels (n=14), and goal ranges (n=12). Some suggested larger, bold fonts for improved clarity (n=5). Preferences for color representation varied, with some favoring solid colors for immediate warnings (n=5) and others preferring gradients for flexible interpretation (n=8). The term “risk” was perceived as urgent and informative (n=10), whereas “borderline” was seen as more understandable and motivating (n=6). For trend visualizations, most participants favored black dots on a colored background (n=11) with goal ranges (n=12).

Findings suggest refining prototype visual designs to enhance comprehension and empower patients in managing their health. By improving lab result interpretation, the LabGenie project aims to support shared decision-making and improve health outcomes, particularly for older and at-risk populations.

Keywords: patient engagement, health literacy, shared decision-making

BIO

My name is Michael Hill and I am from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I am majoring in history with a minor in Museum Studies. I am fascinated with the Long 19th Century and hope to have a career someday working in an archive.

Creating Digital Exhibits

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, museums have been forced to diversify their exhibits into the digital world. However, many museums have limited experience and/or resources in designing digital exhibits. Therefore, a book with theories and case studies would greatly help museums form a strategic plan to create digital exhibits. Many experts in the museum field and developers of digital museums were asked to share their knowledge in chapters about their theories or exhibits they run. In my role as editorial assistant, I proofread chapter submissions, created chapter summaries, and verified references for my mentor. The result from expert consultation reveals that digital exhibits need to be accessible to everyone everywhere, need to be visitor-focused ensuring that visitors have an ideal experience, and must have a way to involve the community. Completion of these goals will ensure that any museum can have a successful digital exhibit. The results of my studies suggest that digital exhibits must be visitor-focused and serve as a Third Place to be successful. The implications of this are that physical and digital exhibits have varying degrees of needs that museums need to be mindful of if they wish to be successful.

Keywords: Digital Exhibit, Musuem, Third Place Theory, Edu-curation

BIO

Amelie Galbraith is a Creative Writing major originally from Berkshire, England. Although her core passions lie within literature and the creative arts, Amelie's research interests extend to special education, disability advocacy, and psychology. Her younger sister has a rare chromosomal abnormality, and this personal experience inspired her to be a part of research that helps better special education in the United States. Amelie aspires to be a writer and journalist committed to illuminating untold stories.

Enhanced Self-Determination Instruction: Empowering Students with Disabilities

Abstract

In the field of special education, increasing evidence suggests that students with disabilities can hugely benefit from self-determination instruction: a method of instruction which helps students create goals for themselves and feel empowered. Studies show a positive correlation between self-determination levels of students with disabilities and improved post-secondary outcomes in education, employment, and independent living—three critical areas for students transitioning out of school support structures. This research study explored the question: “How does enhanced self-determination instruction influence the self-determination skills of transition-aged students with disabilities?” The study focused on the implementation of enhanced self-determination (a combination of C3ForMe’s person-centered, small-group communication activities with standard self-determination curricula) to help students develop skills in decision-making, self-awareness, self-advocacy, and goal-setting. Positive psychology grounds the research, focusing on the strengths of students with disabilities. Participants included 16 students (ages 11-15) in intellectual disabilities (InD) classrooms, two special education teachers, and two paraprofessionals. Students received 28 lessons over 14 weeks. The research team administered the AIR Self-Determination assessment to measure students’ levels of self-determination before and after the instruction took place. Preliminary findings suggest that enhanced self-determination instruction positively impacts students’ self-determination skills. This study underscores the importance of individualized, person-centered instruction in special education and its potential to improve outcomes for transition-aged students. Future research could explore ways to adapt self-determination instruction for students with disabilities beyond intellectual differences, such as developing a program for nonverbal students, students with limited mobility, and students with differing cognitive abilities.

Keywords: special education, disability, self-determination

BIO

Julia Lobodzinski is from Fort Lauderdale and is pursuing a double major in Economics and Criminology with a minor in French. Passionate about intelligence analysis, she is particularly interested in research relating to data collection and analysis to understand crime patterns and policy effectiveness. Julia hopes to contribute to intelligence operations and security efforts through data-driven decision-making and strategic analysis.

Disability Homicide Database

Abstract

Violence against people with disabilities is a serious social issue, and fatal violence (specifically violence committed by family members and caretakers) is of particular concern.
o Addressing this violence requires understanding the details of these incidents and their outcomes, yet detailed data of such violence does not currently exist.
o This project will create a database of known homicides of disabled people in the United States, spanning the last several decades.
o During the research period, the research team will assist with collecting information (via media reports, newspapers, and other sources) on disabled homicide victims, analyzing patterns in these cases, and writing and disseminating research reports.

Keywords: database, homicides, disability

BIO

Meher Irani is a second-year student majoring in Accounting and Finance in the Honors program at Florida State University. Passionate about research, Meher Irani is currently working on a project titled Educational Privatization and School Choice through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. Their research focuses on analyzing the impacts of public and private education on test scores and access for vulnerable populations. Through this experience, they have gained valuable skills in data analysis, academic research, and policy evaluation. Meher Irani looks forward to applying these insights to future studies and professional opportunities in Accounting and Finance.

A Comparative Analysis of Equity in Public and Private Schools in the United States and the Global South

Abstract

The goal of this project was to conduct a comparative analysis of equity in
public and private schools in the United States and the Global South.
Understanding these effects is needed for shaping education policies that
promote equitable opportunities for all students in the United States and
the Global South. The database I used elicited articles on the themes of
student performance variations in private schools compared to public
schools. I also found articles on different policies framing student
performance and different policies. By analyzing this data, the research
aims to identify a pattern in educational equity and the implications of
privatization. In the Global South, privatization provides few chances for
certain underprivileged groups while also escalating systemic injustices,
but in the United States, it tends to deepen socioeconomic divides. These
results highlight the necessity of well-rounded educational policies making
sure that privatization enhances rather than detracts from public education
systems.

Keywords: Education, Privatization, Equity

BIO

Tara Lambert is a first-year accounting major from Holmdel, New Jersey. She is working towards her master's in accounting and hopes to become an auditor after graduation.

The Evolution of Medicaid Eligibility across the United States from 2017-2024

Abstract

This research project examines how Medicaid eligibility in the U.S. changed from 2017 to 2024, focusing on how recent global events have impacted the healthcare system. The research question guiding this study is: How was Medicaid eligibility affected over the years in the U.S.? Investigating this question is an important part of understanding how events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, shifts in political leadership, and natural disasters have influenced access to healthcare for low-income populations. My research team and I collected Medicaid eligibility data from official state websites to answer this question, gathering information on all 50 states and [I forgot the last one]. By analyzing changes in eligibility criteria—including income thresholds, residency status, social security status, etc—this study identifies patterns and key factors influencing Medicaid access. The research project findings suggest that Medicaid eligibility fluctuated in response to local events and global changes like political leadership changes, economic shifts, and major crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Some states expanded access to Medicaid, while others imposed stricter criteria, reflecting broader national debates on healthcare policy. The results emphasize the crucial influence of external events on how states formulate their Medicaid policies, highlighting the necessity for adaptable healthcare strategies that guarantee ongoing access to vital medical services during crises. This research is a fraction of the broader conversation about healthcare reform, stressing the importance of upholding a flexible and fair Medicaid system amidst global change.

Keywords: Medicaid eligibility requirement

BIO

Greg Selg is a first-year Finance major from St. James, New York. When arriving at FSU, he indulged himself into a plethora of involvements like UROP, Securities Society, Greek Life, PEVC Club, Undergraduate Finance Workshops, and finance-related internships to name a few. He looks to pursue a career in finance – specifically in investment banking or private equity – where he can leverage his analytical skills, leadership experience, and passion for financial markets.

Closing the Gap in Homestead Exemption Participation Rates

Abstract

Many eligible Florida homeowners, especially in minority communities, do not claim the Homestead Exemption, missing out on significant property tax savings. This study investigates whether simple policy interventions, such as mailed letters and text reminders, can increase participation rates.

We identified 12,000 eligible homeowners who had not claimed the exemption and randomly assigned them to three groups: a control group (no intervention), a treatment group receiving a mailed letter, and another treatment group receiving both a letter and the opportunity to receive a text reminder.

By analyzing government tax and voter registration records, we will measure how these outreach methods influence sign-up rates. Our hypothesis is that both treatment groups will have higher participation rates than the control, with text reminders providing an additional boost.

If effective, this research could inform future tax policy and improve awareness of tax relief programs, particularly in underrepresented communities.

Keywords: Economics, Finance, Business, Tax, Banking

BIO

Merrill is a second-year student from Naples, Florida, pursuing a dual degree in Public Health and International Affairs. She is passionate about global health and health equity. Following graduation, Merrill plans to earn a Master of Public Health degree.

Factors Influencing HIV-Related Partner Communication Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in a Cash Transfer Program in South Africa

Abstract

This research examines the sociocultural factors that impact HIV-related partner communication among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 in South Africa while focusing on cash transfer programs and education in improving HIV-related partner communication. Specifically, this study addresses how these determinants influence discussion regarding HIV testing, prevention, and treatment among different partner types (intergenerational, transactional, and committed relationships). Understanding the roles of these factors is paramount to identifying barriers and facilitators of open communication between sexual partners. Assessments of peer-reviewed and grey literature published or reported within the past ten years were conducted using key search terms such as “HIV partner communication,” “AGYW,” and others. PUBMED, Google Scholar and FSU libraries were used to analyze studies examining HIV communication, conditional cash transfer interventions (CCT), dyadic interventions, and the influence of individual, interpersonal, and community-level factors on HIV-related AGYW behavior. The findings suggest that lower education level, parental status, the presence of rigid gender norms (e.g., male dominance in decision-making), and HIV-related stigma play a significant role in AGYW’s communication about HIV with their partners.
Cash transfer programs appear to facilitate increased communication by improving AGYW’s education attendance and economic independence. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that address sociocultural factors by challenging harmful gender norms, reducing stigma, and promoting educational and economic opportunities while emphasizing the importance of AGYW’s communication as a key HIV risk-reduction strategy. Furthermore, these findings suggest the need to promote education and economic opportunities among AGYW to improve HIV-related partner communication.

Keywords: HIV-related partner communication, South Africa

BIO

Ella Owens is a first-year Business Management major with a minor in Economics. She is from Orlando, Florida, and is on track to graduate in the Spring of 2027. Currently, Ella is interning with the Florida Democratic Party, where she is eager to learn more about policy work to enhance her studies. She is interested in pursuing law school, hoping to study international policy law, and is inspired to advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves on a larger scale. Her favorite UROP experience has been interviewing Ukrainian CEOs and individuals to hear real-time experiences from those affected by the Ukraine-Russia War and to witness their perseverance and adaptability.

Entrepreneurship during Crisis: Resilience and Recovery in Wartime Ukraine

Abstract

The Ukrainian entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to be significantly and negatively impacted by the war with Russia, resulting in damaged infrastructure, weaker investor interest, a strained mental state, and an overall lack of stability. There is also widespread post-Cold War sentiment that the government is responsible for the economy, and individual entrepreneurial mindsets were rare prior to the Russian invasion. This exploratory study aims to understand the pre-war and current entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ukraine. We use a mixed-method approach consisting of both semi-structured interviews and an open-ended survey, interviewing 21 Ukrainian entrepreneurs. Many of these individuals were still based in Ukraine, though some did relocate out of the country due to the conflict, but continued operating Ukraine-based ventures. These individuals were identified using the Crunchbase database where we randomly sampled those listed as founders or co-founders. In addition to the interviews, given Ukraine being an active conflict zone, 10 additional individuals agreed to be interviewed via a web survey. Preliminary data analysis is scheduled to begin in March 2025.

Keywords: Ukraine, Entrepreneurship, Recovery, Resilience, Crisis

BIO

My name is Hannah Gendusa, and I am a senior majoring in Biological Sciences with minors in chemistry and psychology. For the past three years, I have worked as a research assistant in Dr. Jon Maner’s Evolutionary Psychology lab, contributing to various projects with a particular focus on life history theory. Beyond research, I have been actively involved in the Medical Response Unit, serve as President of a research organization, and work part-time as a medical assistant in a pediatrics office—what can I say, I like to stay busy! After graduation, I plan to continue my research involvement while pursuing a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice.

Unpredictability In Childhood Is Associated With Shorter Psychological Time Horizons

Abstract

From a life history perspective, high levels of unpredictability experienced in early development can teach people that long-term pursuits are unlikely to come to fruition because the chaotic nature of their environments cannot be counted on to pay long-term dividends. Consequently, people may adopt a shorter-term time horizon and invest their energy in more immediate goals. The current research documents associations among perceptions of childhood unpredictability, delay discounting (Studies 1 and 2), and the motivational time horizons to which people set their important life goals (Studies 3 and 4). Higher levels of unpredictability were associated with preferences for immediate (albeit smaller) rewards rather than delayed (but larger) rewards in a delay discounting task and shorter (rather than longer) goal time horizons. These associations held over and above perceptions of childhood harshness and several demographic characteristics, and were observed in both college and community samples (Total N=1,686). The findings from this work suggest that people may calibrate their psychological time horizons to the levels of unpredictability they experienced in early childhood.

Keywords: Psychology, Unpredictability, Goal-making, Delay Discounting

BIO

Originally from Voorhees, New Jersey, I am now a freshman seeking a dual degree at Florida State University. My on-campus involvements include Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity, Inter-Residence Hall Council, Freshman Leadership Institute, and Executive Leadership Institute. I plan to continue my education through law school and have career aspirations in the government and criminal justice. In my free time, I love working with children, working out, playing cards, and socializing.

Minority Party Power Capacity in Congress

Abstract

The growing polarization of political ideology and perception of compromise within the United States Congress has impacted the minority party’s significance in conducting legislation. We argue that the capacity of the minority party to exert legislative influence is a function of three factors:

1) Constraints on the majority party, creating opportunities for the minority party
2) Minority party cohesion on the issue at hand
3) Sufficient motivation for the minority party to legislate rather than electioneer

Building on previous research conducted by FSU Political Science Professor Andy Ballard, who analyzed the 99th through 109th Congressional sessions, this examination fills in the gaps, compiling data from bills proposed during the 116th Congress. Utilizing an Excel spreadsheet to assess these legislative proposals, their languages retrieved from the Library of Congress, we coded each by two criteria:

1) Major topic of the bill
2) Minor topic of the bill

Ultimately, bills were more likely to reach the floor, as well as become law, when majority constraint was high and minority cohesiveness was high, underscoring the importance of the minority party’s influence in the legislative agenda and lawmaking. Our updated assessment has important implications for theories of congressional party power and our understanding of minority party influence on Capitol Hill.

Keywords: politics, congress, legislation, laws, bills

BIO

Carter Grimm is a freshman from St. Petersburg, Florida who aspires to attend law school and pursue a career in the legal field. On campus, Carter is involved with the Student Alumni Association, the Inter-Residence Hall Council, and the Psychology Club. He has also worked at Publix Super Markets, Inc. for almost four years. Carter has a demonstrated passion for learning, and completing the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program has greatly developed his research and analytical skills.

Speech Pause Dynamics and Anxiety

Abstract

The distribution and lengths of pauses in speech can be a source of insight into the rapport and relationship between the speakers. Pause dynamics can also provide clues to an individual’s state of mind. Because pauses in conversation are so meaningfully rich, speakers use these pauses as social cues in their everyday interactions. For example, violating implicit rules of pause dynamics by waiting too long to respond can harm conversational outcomes. But how long is too long? We present work that addresses this question. Participants were presented with audio recordings of question-answer turn exchanges, each featuring varying pause durations. Participants were asked to indicate whether they believed that the respondent waited too long to answer the question. Participants also completed anxiety questionnaires and a temporal bisection task. This study determined that pauses of approximately 1000 milliseconds are considered “too long”. This finding is consistent with previous research. The results of this study also provide preliminary evidence that intrapersonal characteristics such as anxiety levels as well as item characteristics such as question complexity and ease of retrieval can alter this threshold. These results are consistent with the literature review we conducted regarding the general mechanisms of speech cognition and speech pause perception. Overall, the results of the literature review led to the expectation that dopaminergic disruptions should lead to disruptions in temporal processing.

Keywords: Psychology, Cognition, Anxiety, Speech, Pauses

BIO

My name is Witley Lafrance, and I am from South Florida. I'm a psychology major on the pre-med track. I've developed an interest in the relationship between psychology and medicine. This interest has inspired me to go to medical school and eventually pursue a career that combines my passion for science and my passion to help people

Undefined: How do People Understand the Concept of Zero?

Abstract

This study investigates undergraduates’ knowledge about and confidence with arithmetic involving zero, and their perceptions of various related mathematical arguments. To conduct this research, we interviewed 50 participants recruited through Sona. Each participant answered a demographics survey, then solved arithmetic problems, both with and without zero, and rated their confidence in their solutions. Participants then evaluated various mathematical arguments and completed a Cognitive Reflection Task. Preliminary analyses showed that participants were significantly less accurate and less confident on arithmetic problems involving zero than on those not involving zero. Further analyses will test several preregistered hypotheses regarding relations between arithmetic with zero, cognitive reflection tendencies, and perceptions of arguments. These results may help educators address students’ misconceptions about math involving zero.

Keywords: Math, Cognitive, Zero

BIO

Riley Galpin is a second year at FSU majoring in Pure Math and Computer Science with interests ranging from fine arts to linguistics and AI.

Exploring the Structure of AI-Induced Language Change in Scientific English

Abstract

Scientific English has undergone rapid and unprecedented changes in recent years, with words such as “delve,” “intricate,” and “crucial” showing significant spikes in frequency since 2022. These changes are widely attributed to the growing influence of Large Language Models like ChatGPT in the discourse surrounding bias and misalignment. However, apart from changes in frequency, the exact structure of these linguistic shifts has remained unclear. The present study addresses this and investigates whether these changes involve the replacement of synonyms by suddenly ‘spiking words,’ for example, “crucial” replacing “essential” and “key,” or whether they reflect broader semantic and pragmatic qualifications. To investigate structural changes, we include part of speech tagging in our analysis to quantify linguistic shifts over grammatical categories and differentiate between word forms, like “potential” as a noun vs. as an adjective. We systematically analyze synonym groups for ‘spiking words’ based on frequency trends in scientific abstracts from PubMed. We find that entire semantic clusters often shift together, with most or all words in a group increasing in usage. This pattern suggests that changes induced by Large Language Models are primarily semantic and pragmatic rather than purely lexical. Notably, the adjective “important” shows a significant decline, prompting us to systematically analyze decreasing lexical items. Our analysis of “collapsing” words reveals a more complex picture, which is consistent with organic language change and contrasts with the patterns of the abrupt spikes. These insights into the structure of language change contribute to our understanding of how language technology shapes human language.

Keywords: Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models

BIO

Hi, my name is Nhu, and I'm from Hanoi, Vietnam. I'm currently pursuing a double major in Accounting and Finance. My research focuses on how labor market conditions, particularly wage fluctuations during the World War I agricultural boom, influenced human capital investment and student enrollment trends. Analyzing historical data, I explore the economic factors that drive education decisions.

Beyond research, I’m passionate about financial markets and economic policy. I aim to apply my analytical skills in consulting or investment banking, where I can work on complex financial challenges and develop strategic solutions. With a strong foundation in finance and a global perspective, I’m eager to make an impact in the industry.

Effect of Labor Market Conditions on Human Capital During World War 1

Abstract

This investigation explores how labor market conditions during World War 1 influenced long-term educational outcomes. The relationship between rising wages and human capital investment was examined across a variety of youth age groups. This research was conducted by transcribing data from historical publications into Microsoft Excel, either manually or with the assistance of OCR, analyzing this retrospective data, and supplementing this understanding through further review of human capital literature. Additionally, data analysis was conducted through a linear regression test to assess the relationship between wages and human capital decisions. Preliminary results indicate that World War 1’s agricultural boom led to distinct effects on various age groups of students. For older children, meaning those nearing high school completion, this boom incentivized entry into the labor force due to immediate earnings. However, for younger children just beginning school, higher wages facilitated a rise in educational investment due to increased income within parents. The preliminary results of this study suggest that older students prioritized immediate earnings over investment, whereas educational investment was more attainable with younger children due to household income increases. This research can provide insights as to how the labor market can influence educational and societal issues on a level that is relevant today. By emphasizing the role of income in education, this can influence how policy develops to encourage the rise of human capital investment.

Keywords: Labor Markets, Human Capital, WWI, Education Economics, Wages

BIO

My name is Francesca Josma, and I'm from Port Saint Lucie, Florida. I'm a first-year student at Florida State University, dual majoring in Public Health and Environment & Society, with a minor in Philosophy of Science. Prior to FSU, I attended Indian River State College. I'm passionate about advocating for human health, natural resource rights, and environmental sustainability, with plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in law. I aim to use my education to promote global health, human rights, and environmental justice through activism, volunteering, and policy work. I’m actively involved in several organizations that align with my values, including the Student Government Association, where I represent students' voices on campus. As an intern with GenCLEO, I advocate for climate justice through legislation and campus events. I also serve as the co-director of marketing for the Maji Project, an organization focused on providing clean water and sanitation to East African communities, where I lead fundraising efforts and manage marketing campaigns to support the project’s initiatives.

The Butterfly Affect: Eco-Puppetry for Envisioning a Joyful Environmental Praxis

Abstract

The Butterfly Affect is a performance-based experience that uses the stages of a butterfly as a symbol for change to encourage individuals to self-reflect on their personal growth and transformation. This research investigates how eco-theatre and eco-puppetry create a catalyst in the minds of people to encourage their self-reflection on their involvement in the Anthropocene and mobilize activism and cultural change. The connection between the puppet and touch in eco-theatre has been seen to have great effects on the person's ability to want to start the change themselves.
We explore the theoretical and creative aspects of eco-puppetry. First, we analyze the existing literature to understand what eco-puppetry is, its potential psychological effects, and how it impacts people’s engagement with environmental justice. Second, we reflect on our process of creating the various puppetry components of the project, such as The Butterfly Care Deck (for adults, children, and Spanish-English speakers), and the Paper Dolls. This research demonstrates how small actions or events can spark larger societal, political, and cultural movements, shedding light on the role of theater as a vehicle for social change.

Keywords: feminism; climate; social change; performance; environment science; psychology

BIO

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student from Orlando, Florida. I am graduating this spring and plan to apply to medical schools. My research interest lies on the possible improvement of medical devices through the discovery and synthesis of new materials for said devices. Besides my academics, I am a part of the Seminole Innovators, a volunteer at Big Bend Harvest, and a small business owner.

Synthesis and Characterization of GdMn6Ge6

Abstract

Previous reports on GdMn6Ge6 have demonstrated its magnetic complexities with respect to the unique Kagome lattice structure [1]. In order to fully understand its magnetic ground state, we synthesized high-quality single crystals of GdMn6Ge6 using the molten metal flux growth technique and investigated the magnetic and electronic properties of these crystals. Structural characterizations were done using Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Magnetic properties measurements as well as electrical and thermal transport properties measurements were performed along different crystallographic directions of the single crystals.

Keywords: magnetization, kagome lattice

BIO

Trevor Tice is a first-year finance major thinking about double majoring in accounting from Jacksonville, Florida. He is passionate about automobiles and took an interest in this project because of its potential impact in the automobile sector with the development of hydrogen cars. In his spare time he enjoys art, movies, and basketball.

How Competitive Is Hydrogen Today, and What Investments Are Needed to Make It a Mainstream Energy Source?

Abstract

This study analyzes the financial viability of hydrogen as an energy carrier, examining its economic feasibility, implementation challenges, and role in achieving global sustainable energy systems. With climate change and Net-Zero targets driving many countries to seek alternative energy solutions, green hydrogen has emerged as a promising candidate. Governments, including the United States, have invested billions in developing hydrogen technologies, particularly in storage capabilities and infrastructure expansion. However, widespread adoption remains limited due to high production, transportation, and storage costs. This study undertook a literature review, analyzing and synthesizing information from various sources on green hydrogen within the context of sustainable energy systems. Understanding hydrogen’s role in sustainability requires examining its production methods and comparing its financial viability against conventional energy sources like fossil fuels. Analysis of the available data suggests that hydrogen’s economic challenges stem primarily from its physical properties. Transportation as a gas requires either high-pressure containment or liquefaction—both of which add to the costs, while liquefaction uses an expensive, energy-intensive cooling process. My analysis suggests that the current cost of hydrogen fuel remains too high to incentivize a large-scale shift from traditional energy sources. Lowering costs through production and infrastructure advancements could enable greater adoption, potentially reducing carbon emissions and enhancing global sustainability. This research assesses hydrogen’s current competitiveness and the investments needed for it to become a mainstream clean energy source. The United States Department of Energy’s initiatives aim for an 80% reduction in cost by targeting $1 per kilogram within a decade.

Keywords: Hydrogen Energy Sustainability Economic

BIO

My name is Alesha Fisher and I am a first-generation, second-year student at Florida State University from Pembroke Pines, Florida. I am a biological sciences major, minoring in interdisciplinary science on a pre-medical track. In addition to my involvement in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, I am involved in the pre-medical chapter of the American Medical Student Association, FSU CARE, and I will be pursuing a Medical Assistant Certification this summer. Growing up on the coast with a very nature-oriented family, I have always had a fascination for the ocean and its marine life. As a result, I've been privileged to work with Mr. Donaven Baughman at the FSU Coastal and Marine Lab, conducting research with him for the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. In my study, we analyzed multiple stressors, such as salinity or predator presence, to determine if they affected the feeding rates of juvenile oysters. I hope to be able to further my research experience during the rest of my time at FSU and throughout my career.

The Effect of Salinity and Predator Cues on Feeding Rates of Juvenile Crassostrea virginica

Abstract

Crassostrea virginica is known as an important marine organism and bivalve that consumes algae through the filtration of seawater, especially in the areas of Florida’s Apalachicola Bay. If threatened, C. virginica close their valves to reduce feeding rates to prevent predation. As a consequence of the reduction in feeding, the presence of predators may lead to a decrease in oyster growth or survival, possibly leading to a decrease in oyster habitats. C. virginica were kept in small mesh cages suspended between 36 five-liter saltwater tanks containing three ranges of salinity: low, medium, and high, and a constant temperature. Adjustments to these values were made as needed. Eighteen tanks contained the predator Melongena corona (Florida crown conch). On filtration testing days, the C. virginica were initially fed around 100,000 cells of Tisochrysis lutea, a microalgae. A 5 mL vial sample was taken from each tank at three time points. The filtration rate was calculated by the change in algae density from one time point to the next. In trial A, the presence of predators significantly reduced feeding rates in the high salinity regime (p = < 0.05), while the other two trials were not significant but held similar trends. These results allow for future research on the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on the feeding rates of C. virginica. Furthermore, the results can show how oyster growth rates in areas containing a large predator presence may be affected.

Keywords: Oysters, Feeding, Salinity, Predators, Marine