Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Elizabeth Brown, I'm from Jacksonville, Florida. I am second-year undergraduate here at Florida State University, majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience. I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a degree in Clinical Neuropsychology. My research interests focus on Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Examination of Spatial Navigation Impairments in TgF344-AD Rats Through Resting-State fMRI, DTI, and Place-Action Training

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disease that progressively impairs spatial navigation abilities with early symptoms including disorientation and wandering. Since difficulty navigating is among the earliest signs of AD, it is vital to understand how brain network dysfunction contributes to impairments of egocentric and allocentric navigation. In particular, understanding the connection between key brain regions, especially the parietal and retrosplenial cortex, can provide insight into how AD impacts navigational abilities. To examine the progression of the disease, two female littermate pairs TgF344-AD rats underwent three pre-trainings and a place-action task in a ''plus'' shaped maze to evaluate their navigational abilities. After testing, behavioral data, histology, and cell counting are analyzed to examine the brain structure and disease impact, comparing blinded animals to counterparts. During specific time points in the rats' trials, the rats undergo resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) and DTI scans at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory to correlate with their pathology. The expected results are predicted to support the hypothesis that AD rats will have progressed brain network dysfunction, causing impaired egocentric and allocentric navigation. Previous longitudinal results demonstrated that as the rats age, control animals maintain stable performance with few impairments, but AD rats will either fail to respond to tasks or show worsening performance. Additionally, the study indicates that older AD rats will have a greater accumulation of tau and β-amyloid than control rats. The expected results suggest as AD progresses, age-related brain network dysfunction impairs spatial navigation, highlighting the importance of studying the disease's progression.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, spatial navigation

BIO

Bex Pennell is a senior graduating with a B.A. in General Music and a Certificate of Specialized Study in Music Entrepreneurship. An avid vocalist since childhood, Bex is now the President of FSU's Gospel Choir and sings a variety of styles including classical, jazz, and pop. Bex has also picked up the bass guitar and the spoons during their time at FSU. Bex is intrigued by the intersection of music and culture, presenting “Holding out for a Hero”: A Musical Dissection of Shrek 2's Climactic Showdown" as a finalist for the FSU Undergraduate Music Research Symposium in April 2024. In May 2024, Bex helped premiere FSU's first completely student-led opera, "The Saturday's Sorrow" by DaSean Stokes as Assistant Creative Director. Combining their passion for performance, musicology, and arts administration, Bex's project "The Cultural Currents of Yacht Rock" hopes to illuminate the vast outreaches of a well-loved genre not often discussed in academic settings.

The Cultural Currents of Yacht Rock

Abstract

This thesis, The Cultural Currents of Yacht Rock, delves into the cultural significance and defining characteristics of the genre popularly known as “Yacht Rock,” a term retroactively applied to a specific collection of songs produced between 1976 and 1984. This project will explore the unique musical qualities that constitute Yacht Rock, while also examining how these elements translate personally and interpersonally through the creation of a web series providing short form explanations on the essence of Yacht Rock. A central focus of this study is the interplay between the original musicians who crafted the Yacht Rock sound and the reinterpretation of the genre through contemporary media, particularly the influential web series Yacht Rock that defined its modern identity.

Keywords: music, pop culture, rock, musicology

BIO

Economics student from Orlando, Florida. Interested in sustainable development, environmental studies, and how firms operate.

Inter-hospital Collaboration: Why Hospitals May Share

Abstract

Is inter-hospital collaboration effective to ensure patient outcomes are favorable? What apprehensions are there that reduce the amount of inter hospital collaboration? Examining 18 existing papers on this topic, literature reviews were conducted to analyze the global usage, apprehension and success rates of inter hospital collaboration and cooperation and what some of the apprehension may be about. The data collected and analyzed within the papers pertained to patient transfer numbers, patient success rates, readmission rates, discharge data, and referrals data.
Through conducting this literature review, results across these 18 papers show a positive correlation between patient outcomes and collaboration between hospital networks, and that the geographical proximity between hospitals shows a correlation to the willingness of the hospitals to work together. The implication of this research points to the conversation of implementing increased utilization of hospital collaboration across the globe, and increased study on this topic to convince hospitals that collaboration is the correct ethical decision when the patient outcome looks favorable.

Keywords: Interhospital, Collaboration, Cooperation

BIO

Kayla Spicer is a third-year Biological Science major at Florida State University with a strong passion for microbiology. Born and raised in Miami, FL, she is driven by a deep curiosity about microbial interactions and their implications for human health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. With a long-term goal of pursuing research in graduate school, Kayla is committed to expanding her expertise in microbiology and contributing to advancements in the field.

An ambitious and dedicated student, Kayla is an active member of the organization, Alliance for Black Women, where she fosters community engagement and leadership. She also enjoys reading, writing, and volunteering, complementing her analytical and problem-solving skills in scientific research. Kayla is eager to gain hands-on experience in microbiology research, particularly in areas related to microbial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, and plant-microbe interactions. She looks forward to contributing to innovative scientific discoveries and advancing knowledge in microbiology through dedicated research and collaboration.

Plant Responses to Beneficial and Pathogenic Microbes

Abstract

Understanding how plants differentiate between harmful and beneficial bacteria is essential for advancing agricultural sustainability and plant health. Gaining faster insights into these defense mechanisms enables early disease detection and timely intervention, ultimately improving crop resilience. Additionally, harnessing beneficial microbes can enhance plant stress tolerance and support sustainable farming practices. The primary research question guiding this study is: "How do plants distinguish between harmful and beneficial microbes?" We hypothesize that pathways involved in membrane repair play a crucial role in this differentiation, specifically by detecting bacteria that produce pore-forming toxins versus those that do not. To test this hypothesis, we utilize the microplate method, in which seeds are planted into 96-well plates, allowing plants to grow with their roots submerged in the wells while the plants/leaves are suspended above them. The roots are exposed to different treatments, either pathogenic or beneficial bacteria, and plant growth is monitored over several weeks. Bacterial growth is quantified by absorbance and fluorescence. Expected findings suggest that plants exposed to pathogenic bacteria producing pore-forming toxins will exhibit reduced growth, increased absorbance and fluorescence, and potential membrane damage. In contrast, those exposed to beneficial bacteria will maintain standard growth patterns and lower levels of absorbance and fluorescence. These results will provide valuable insights into how plants recognize microbial threats and could inform future strategies for enhancing crop resistance to pathogens.

Keywords: Plant Pathology, Biological Research, Microbiology, FSU Research, Women In STEM

BIO

My name is Claire Sullivan, and I am a first year Honors student majoring in Community Patient Care at FSU. Through working as a UROP mentee in Dr. Hanley’s lab, I have learned about the potential of mind-body interventions to help manage chronic pain. This experience has broadened my understanding of the research process and has strengthened my appreciation for integrative medicine and its role in improving patient well-being.

Mindfulness Trainings Decrease Acute Pain Intensity and Pain Unpleasantness in Chronic Pain Patients

Abstract

Chronic pain is a surprisingly common but potentially debilitating condition. Though approximately 50.2 million American adults suffer from chronic pain, chronic pain patients often struggle to manage their symptoms and are generally unaware of non-pharmacologic pain management options (Yong et al., 2022). Emerging evidence indicates mindfulness could be an accessible and cost-effective way to treat chronic pain (Hanley et al., 2024), and self-transcendent experiences during mindfulness training appear to confer important therapeutic value. The present study provides preliminary analyses from an ongoing randomized controlled trial evaluating whether different styles of mindfulness practice (mindful breathing alone vs. mindful breathing with direct pointing) differentially impact self-transcendent experiences in the service of improving pain-related outcomes. Here we only report on changes in acute pain intensity and pain unpleasantness - each measured with a single-item, validated numeric rating scale - from immediately before to immediately after 35, 30-minute mindfulness training sessions involving 10 different adults with chronic pain. Due to the small sample size, we did not compare the two different styles of mindfulness practice. Generalized linear mixed modeling revealed that mindfulness significantly decreased both pain intensity (T1: 4.60 ± 1.16, T2: 3.49 ± 1.16, p < 0.001) and pain unpleasantness (T1: 4.22 ± 1.07, T2: 2.71 ± 1.07, p < 0.001) from before to after mindfulness training. These preliminary results indicate that brief mindfulness training can reliably decrease acute pain among adults with chronic pain regardless of the specific mindfulness practice instructions.

Keywords: Chronic Pain, Mindfulness, Integrative Medicine, Psychology

BIO

My name is Kristina, I am a first-generation college student at Florida State University. I am a Sophomore majoring in IMS- Clinical Professions on a pre-med path. My career goals include pursuing a career in the pediatrics field. I am passionate about giving back to my community through volunteer work and research.

Visualizing the Invisible: Microscopy Techniques in Bio Art Creation

Abstract

This project answers the research question: How do different types of microscopy techniques contribute to the visualization and creation of Bio Art? Investigating the different types of microscopy techniques is essential to making complex science more accessible and engaging by blending it with art. This research shows how microscopy, which is commonly used for scientific research, can also be a tool for scientific expression and education. During this research, undergraduate students were trained on the different types of microscopies on different microscopes, including Dark Field, polarized light, brightfield, and phase contrast, in the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida. Students were also taught how to use different editing apps, including Photoshop and DaVinci, to be able to add artistic elements to their images. Students showed their progress bi-weekly through a series of PowerPoint on their images and knowledge. Results include different images of different samples ranging from everyday items to complex microorganisms photographed and edited in a way that makes them look appealing and artistic. The research findings show how different techniques of microscopy result in a new perspective of art on scientific images, highlighting the connection between science and art. The next steps include further study, practice, and research of different techniques when using microscopes, including fluorescent and electron microscopy, as well as making qualifying images public and accessible. The results suggest that different microscopy techniques can transform scientific images into visually appealing representations, making microscopic structures more engaging.

Keywords: BioArt Microscopy Art

BIO

Hi, I’m Sequoia Ernst. I’m a senior majoring in Exercise Physiology. I got started in research through the UROP program and am now working in Dr. Watso's cardiovascular applied physiology lab assisting with work on inspiratory muscle training. Once I’m done at FSU I plan to pursue graduate school to continue doing research. Ultimately I hope to complete a PhD and work as a professor. I’m interested in the intersections of the cardiovascular, pulmonary and neurological systems, memory and learning, blood-flow restriction exercise training, metabolic syndrome, and plant-based nutrition research.

Association Between Body Mass Index and Cardiovascular Responses During Eucapnic Voluntary Hyperpnea Among Young Adults

Abstract

Introduction: High body mass index (BMI) is linked with exaggerated cardiovascular responses during exercise. However, the association between BMI and cardiovascular responses during hyperpnea independent of exercise is unclear. Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that higher BMI correlates with greater cardiovascular responses during eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH). Methods: Inclusion criteria were 20-45 years old, BMI <40 kg/m2, no cardiometabolic or pulmonary diseases, uncontrolled hypertension, or nicotine use. We measured beat-to-beat hemodynamics (photoplethysmography) and ventilation (spirometry) during a 5-minute rest period and 8-minute EVH test at 60 L/min ventilation. We correlated cardiovascular responses (Δ; EVH final 30 seconds minus rest) with BMI using Spearman’s rank (ρ) correlations before and after adjusting for maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV; 10-15 seconds on room air). We present data as mean±SD or median[IQR]. Results: The sample (n=22) characteristics were: 24[6] years old; 45% female; 14% Asian, 5% Black, 82% White; 36% Latinx. BMI (29.0±6.2 kg/m2) showed weak moderate correlations with Δmean arterial pressure (ΔMAP) (19±13 mmHg; ρ=-0.48, P=0.03) and Δheart rate (ΔHR) (12±8 beats/min; ρ=-0.45, P=0.04). However, BMI had negligible correlations with Δcardiac output (ΔCO) (0.9±0.5 L/min; ρ=0.02, P=0.94) and Δtotal vascular conductance (ΔTVC) (-2±9 mL/min/mmHg; ρ=0.03, P=0.88). Adjusting for MVV (140±27 L/min) did not meaningfully affect the correlations between BMI and ΔMAP (ρ=-0.50, P=0.02), ΔHR (ρ=-0.47, P=0.03), ΔCO (ρ=-0.04, P=0.85), or ΔTVC (ρ=-0.01, P=0.98). Conclusion: Contrary to our hypothesis, these data suggest a higher BMI is associated with a lower ΔMAP and ΔHR during EVH among adults with and without obesity free from overt disease.

Keywords: Cardiovascular Health Obesity Respiratory

BIO

My name is Mira Scannapieco and I am an Undergraduate Junior majoring in economics. I was born and raised in Nashville, TN and graduated high school with an International Baccalaureate Diploma, sparking my interest for research. I will be graduating from FSU in Fall 2025 and plan to work in economics during the spring before attending law school in Fall 2026. While law has always been my passion, I have fallen in love with economics, and hope to have the opportunity to continue this interest beyond my undergraduate years, potentially furthering my research in economics and public policy.

United States Housing Choice Voucher Gap

Abstract

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is a government funded program designed to assist low-income families in affording safe and decent housing in the private market. However, despite many qualifying individuals, only a small number of people receive vouchers. The difference in the number of available housing choice vouchers and the number of households who qualify for these vouchers has previously been believed to be one in four, meaning one in four qualifying households will receive a voucher. Using data collected from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) database, which provides data on previous HCV recipients, as well as US Census data, this investigation has been able to estimate the number of qualified households more accurately and, as a result, more accurately estimate the HCV gap. Using a Python code, trends both within states and across different regions have been identified, allowing for a better understanding of the distribution of HCVs across the United States. We plan to take these findings and further our research, analyzing the demographic breakdown of qualifying households and voucher recipients as well as eventually integrate the number and demographic characteristics of the households applying for the HCV program to fully understand this gap, its causes, and its potential implications for low-income families.

Keywords: Housing Affordability, Public Policy, Economics, Government, Python

BIO

My name is Alastair Jurs and I am from Jacksonville Beach, Florida. I am currently majoring in criminology at FSU, and I am in honors here. I am a freshman and I am looking to apply to law school in the future. I am currently a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Presidential scholars, and Urop on campus.

The Organization, Economics, and Investigation of the Minutemen Terror Group in the 1960’s: Race, Religion, and Culture.

Abstract

Amid the Red Scare the American populace was terrified by a wave of communism that they believed would steal their way of life. Due to this, there was a wave of hyper nationalism that was fueled by fear, religion, and culture. its these factors together led to the creation of the extremist minutemen militia group in the early 1960’s. This militia was founded by Robert DePugh based upon anti-communist and nativist ideals which they resorted to membership fees to fund their actions but as they scaled up they enacted insurance fraud and extortion rackets. The Minutemen used these funds to stockpile weapons all over the US in the case of a communist attack or if they believed they must take government into their own hands. The group at it’s origin started as a couple of extremists who believed they were fighting the good fight but, through the use of extensive propaganda such as DePugh’s monthly magazine “On Target” their members grew significantly. When weapons and evidence of arms trafficking were discovered, the FBI launched a full-scale investigation that revealed a command and organizational structure far beyond what they could have imagined. All the research on the poster was obtained through archived FBI documents on their investigation of the Minutemen. This project explores the organization, economics, and investigation of the minutemen terror group in the 1950’s and how their creation was influenced by race, religion, and culture.

Keywords: Criminology, Terrorism, Religion, Red scare, Extremism

BIO

My name is Cassandra Torres and I am currently a first-year pursuing a dual degree in Political Science and Editing, Writing, and Media. I have a passion for understanding politics and policy as well as political and sports journalism. I intend to go to law school and hope to continue my research journey as research is a field I am very passionate about!

A Review of Police Use of Force Policies in Florida

Abstract

This research project examines how the adoption of "8 Can't Wait" policies within law enforcement protocols impacts the
reduction of police use-of-force incidents. Police use of force has become a prominent issue, especially following tragic
cases of civilian deaths in police custody. In response to these incidents, there has been growing pressure to reform law
enforcement's approach to handling resistance. This project specifically conducts a systematic review of use-of-force
policies across various city and county police departments in Florida. These policies were gathered through public records
requests and email inquiries. The study will assess which jurisdictions have implemented the "8 Can't Wait" policy
proposals, as well as an additional policy requiring the provision of emergency medical services in urgent situations.
After completing the review of these policies, the project will analyze any potential statistical correlations between the policies and reported use-of-force incidents.

Keywords: Force Policies in Florida

BIO

Hi everyone! My name is Avaree, I am from Grand Rapids Michigan, and I am currently in my first year at FSU. I am studying Criminology and Psychology with the hopes of finding a career in the federal law enforcement field. Some of my hobbies include going to the beach with friends, running with my dogs, and generally being outdoors!

The Development of an Optimal Wetsuit

Abstract

This study aimed to subjectively evaluate wetsuits for scuba divers and identify areas for improvement in future product development. Wetsuits are a very important piece of protective gear for people with varying water-related hobbies and professions. However, there are some issues with current wetsuits being too thick or too tight. A qualitative approach was used with 42 participants (n = 19 females, n = 20 males, n = 3 others), who regularly engage in water sports. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using NVivo software to identify the main themes. Results revealed four key areas of concern: fit, comfort, materials, and function. Common discomforts highlighted by consumers included tightness around the back of the knees, elbows, ankles, and shoulders. Participants also noted that wetsuits did not accommodate individuals with longer torsos or larger chests. Despite these challenges, participants preferred higher-quality wetsuits with thermal liners to enhance comfort and safety. These findings suggest that improvements in wetsuit design should focus on mobility, fit, and material adaptability to enhance the user experience and safety in water sports.

Keywords: Wetsuit, Comfort, Diving

BIO

Hello I am Theo Koren I am originally from Philadelphia (go birds) before moving down to Winter Garden Florida about 12 years ago. I am majoring in Geography and plan to do a double major in PoliSci as well as 2 minors in Business and London Study Center Interdisciplinary Studies and the Global Citizenship Certificate and U.S. National Intelligence Studies, Undergraduate Certificate. I am going to London next fall for the Study abroad program and during that time I plan to visit Rome and Athens during the fall and spring break over there.

Representation of Women in Bollywood Films

Abstract

This project is looking specifically at Bollywood films produced by female directors and how female characters in Bollywood films differ from characters in films produced by men. Female directors are somewhat rare in the Bollywood film industry, especially those who are backed by Indian film production companies. While not always the case, female directors tend to give more agency to female characters in Bollywood films. Women are less sexualized and seen as objects of desire and instead have dreams and aspirations. Each female character was categorized through a process called "film coding“, which looks at the number and qualities of female characters. A survey gets filled out about every major female character. Each survey for that specific character is then cross-referenced to make sure data is accurate and reported accordingly. Preliminary data reveals strong correlations between female directors and female characters having more “favorable” traits. These traits include any behavior that does not result in violence or abuse at the hands of another party, including but not limited not clothing choice, temperament, and reactions to confrontation. Men on average outnumber women in Bollywood films 6:1, this includes in the films themselves and set workers. In spaces where there is a female director on the set of Bollywood films, there is an increase in women working on film sets. With more women directing movies in the Bollywood film industry, audiences see female characters with more autonomy, and more women have jobs on film sets.

Keywords: India, Bollywood, Feminism

BIO

Daria Tiubin is a second-year student from Sarasota, FL, pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Criminology with a minor in Women's Studies. At FSU, she is involved on campus as a Resident Assistant in Landis, is a FSU Service Scholar, an intern at Second Harvest, and an Honors Legal Scholar. Within research, she is interested in delinquency, criminal behavior, and life-course research. After graduation, she hopes to start law school and pursue a career in criminal defense or civil rights law.

Participant Retention Within a High-Risk Population

Abstract

High-risk populations, those with a lower socioeconomic status or living in a high crime/low-income area, often change phone numbers, addresses, and email handles. Researchers conducting surveys and studies rely on these methods of contact to reach respondents for participation. Over the past ten months, a sample of approximately seventy participants have been contacted for a follow-up interview as part of the Rochester Youth Development Study. If a participant responds to the call, they are given the option to complete an interview over the phone or a survey via email. If they are unresponsive, alternative measures are taken to reach them. However, conducting research calls, phone interviews, and email surveys has been challenging due to participant attrition. When participants discontinue their involvement, data on high-risk family dynamics is lost, potentially compromising the study’s generalizability and validity. Currently, about half of the participants in this sample have been unresponsive. Although interviews are still being conducted within the larger sample, a significant portion remains unreachable. In response, strategies to enhance retention in longitudinal studies have been developed. Effective methods include dual contact attempts, reaching out to participants' children in certain cases, and using third-party platforms to obtain updated contact information. Finding an effective solution to maintain contact with high-risk populations in longitudinal studies is crucial for improving a study’s generalizability and validity.

Keywords: longitudinal, delinquency, interviews, participation, criminology

BIO

Ethan Messier is a sophomore from Sarasota, FL studying Chemistry and International Affairs with a concentration in Spanish. His research interests include organic chemistry, science policy and communications, medical biochemistry, and disparities in science education. Ethan is involved on campus as a Resident Assistant, an Honors Colloquium Leader, and a chemistry and mathematics tutor. He is also the Membership and Outreach Coordinator for the FSU Chapter of the American Chemical Society. After graduation, he plans to pursue his PhD in Chemistry.

Evaluating Family Leave Policies in University STEM Departments

Abstract

How does the quality of a family or parental leave policy influence the retention and recruitment of female graduate students and tenure-track faculty in university STEM departments?

There exists a clear gap between the percentages of women and men in STEM academia, both at the graduate and faculty level. By crafting a more comprehensive parental leave policy, universities can make parenthood more accessible for those working in STEM and reduce the gender disparity in these fields.

We have developed a rubric to systematically score university parental leave policies, allowing us to quantify the strength and effectiveness of the policies that currently exist. We plan to design and distribute a survey for faculty at Florida State University to collect data on the personal experiences of academics who have interacted with the family leave policies of their department. We aim to propose a set of policy recommendations to improve university family leave policies with the goal of increasing the level of female tenure-track faculty in STEM.

The preliminary findings based on the policy rubric show a positive correlation between the policy score, and the number of women on the tenure-track. Additionally, there exists a positive correlation between the rubric score and the university ranking according to US News and World Report. We are in the process of designing the faculty survey and expect the results to support our hypothesis that the quality of the parental leave policy at FSU has posed a significant barrier for female faculty in STEM departments.

Keywords: STEM, parental leave, maternity, university

BIO

Hi! My name is Emma Oliveras, and I am currently a junior majoring in Psychology. I am from Miami, FL.

I decided to attend FSU due to their psychology program. I knew I wanted to be a therapist, and was also interested in gaining research experience. Therefore, I figured obtaining a psychology degree here at FSU would be the right fit for me. Fast forward to three years, my career aspirations is to get my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, and to continue doing research on emotion dysregulation and how it affects different populations (e.g., industries, school environments, cultural environments, etc.). I would also like to open up my own private practice, and see patients as well!

During my free time I love to exercise, listen to music, and read romance novels.

Examining the Moderation and Mediation of Socioeconomic Status Between Childhood Trauma and Emotion Dysregulation​

Abstract

Background: Research has extensively examined the impact of childhood trauma across various social and cultural environments. For instance, previous studies have found that female college students with higher levels of emotional childhood trauma reported significantly greater emotional dysregulation. Similarly, researchers observed a 13% increase in eating disorder risk among college students from 2013 to 2021, though their study lacked validity. Existing research has established links between childhood maltreatment and prevalence of eating disorders, but few studies have extensively examined SES as a moderating factor of childhood maltreatment and eating disorder symptoms. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by exploring how SES influences these associations, offering a comprehensive perspective on the relationship between childhood trauma and eating disorders. Methods: Researchers will conduct a moderation analysis to examine if low-income households who experienced childhood maltreatment will display higher rates of eating disorder symptoms than students from higher SES backgrounds who similarly experienced childhood maltreatment. Researchers will also conduct a mediation analysis to determine whether individuals who experience eating disorder symptoms are mediated by emotional dysregulation. A questionnaire will measure childhood maltreatment, eating disorder symptoms, and emotional dysregulation while incorporating demographic data on annual family income. Future implications:This research seeks to inform targeted interventions by highlighting the impact of financial background on clinical help-seeking behavior. Keywords: Childhood maltreatment, eating disorders, socioeconomic status, mediation, moderation.

Keywords: Emotion Dysregulation and Eating Disorders

BIO

I am currently a freshman studying Finance and hoping to double major in Accounting as well. I am from Dallas, Texas and hope to become a consultant after graduating. Some of my research interests include History and Government.

Work, Play, and Identity: Understanding Masculinity in German POWs through Labor and Sports Programs​

Abstract

This project examines the relationship between notions of masculinity and the treatment of German prisoners of war (POW) in America during the Second World War. During World War II, approximately 400,000 German prisoners of war (POWs) were interned in 700 camps across the United States. Their treatment was largely guided by the Geneva Convention, which established international standards for their safeguarding. However, cultural perceptions also played a significant role in shaping their experiences. Historian Matthias Reiss demonstrates in his scholarship that shared notions of race and martial masculinity contributed to relatively favorable treatment of German POWs and fostered unexpected connections between captors and captives despite their ideological differences.​

Building on Reiss’ findings, this study examines the performance of masculinity through labor and sports. Both activities, sanctioned by international law, enabled POWs to express their masculinity while in captivity. These familiar expressions of masculinity resonated with the local populace and American guards' own notions of masculinity and enabled them to see German POWs as relatable. In addition, this outlet for masculinity allowed POWs to preserve their honor and physicality after surrendering to an enemy force, at a time when they could no longer fulfill their traditional roles as combatants. Overall, this study argues that viewing the German POW experience through the lens of masculinity reveals how parallel visions of masculinity led to improved treatment of German prisoners during World War II.

Keywords: Masculinity, German, POW, Prisoners

BIO

Hi! My name is Riya Nair and I am from Jacksonville, Florida. I am a Freshman majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience on a Pre-Med track. I hope to someday become a doctor.
In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, spending time with friends and family, and traveling!

Representation of Women in Female Directed Bollywood Films

Abstract

One main way that cultural expectations and social norms are depicted in society is through film. Women are often depicted differently in movies depending on the gender of the director. To understand this phenomenon, this project analyzes women characters in women-directed films from Bollywood, the commercial film industry in India. Gender roles in Bollywood films are defined by the Indian culture, religion, and social norms. The goal of this study is to collect qualitative and quantitative data that may provide more information on how cultural expectations are portrayed in films produced by female directors. This project uses survey coding to determine types and frequency of female representation. Each female character within the films is examined in aspects including clothing, religion, relationships, education, and taboo behavior and are coded accordingly into the system. As undergraduate research assistants, we are trained to accurately code the data from each female character in each film into Qualtrics surveys. We are put into groups of at least two research assistants to ensure each character is coded more than once. After inputting the data, we compare survey answers to ensure the most correct data is being submitted. This project is still at its initial stages; therefore, we do not have conclusive results. However, we can begin to see trends across the films we have finished coding. Further research is necessary to better understand how women are being represented in Bollywood films, directed by women, because it provides insight into how women are perceived in India.

Keywords: Bollywood, Female-Directions, Representation

BIO

Hi! My name is Becca Sayad. I am a current biology student in the FSU Honors Program. I am originally from Tampa, FL. My research interests are in genetics and molecular biology. After I graduate from Florida State University, I plan to attend medical school and become a physician.

Investigating the Functional Association of Genes Sharing Cis-Acting Motifs in Maize Using Bioinformatics and Gene Ontology Analysis

Abstract

The research hypothesis is that genes sharing cis-regulatory elements also share biological functions. In maize (Zea mays), hundreds of DNA motifs exist, but their functions remain unknown. To test our hypothesis, we (1) intersected DNA motif families with genes to create gene lists and (2) performed Gene Ontology (GO) analysis using AgriGO. GO terms, such as "development" or "disease response," suggest biological pathways.

This research is crucial because motifs may identify genes responding to similar signals and environmental cues. We selected a motif family with at least 1,000 locations, obtained genomic coordinates as BED files, and used DeepTools Intersect to generate motif-specific gene lists. Our preliminary GO analysis revealed enrichment in specific pathways. For example, genes associated with the motif family "dym63" were enriched for **cellular response to stimulus** (GO:0051716, p = 2.40E-45), **reproductive process** (GO:0022414, p = 1.30E-40), and **organelle organization** (GO:0006996, p = 3.20E-35). The reproductive process category aligns with the motif's origin in developing earshoot, a reproductive tissue.

Some GO terms appear too frequently, suggesting potential false positives. To refine our results, we are developing an independent test for significance. Ultimately, this study will clarify how gene motifs regulate biological pathways, informing genetic strategies for crop improvement.

Keywords: genetics, maize, DNA motif, gene ontology, bioinformatics

BIO

My name is Isley Kellison, and I am a sophomore studying biomedical engineering at FSU. I have a strong interest in organic chemistry, molecular biology, and cell and tissue engineering, which I plan to pursue in graduate school as I aim to establish a career in academia. My passion for art significantly enhances my research skills, whether through three-dimensional modeling and design, metal and glass work, or general illustration. My research incorporates these artistic abilities while allowing me to delve into my academic interests.

3D Printing Methods in Microfluidics

Abstract

We aim to ease access to microfluidic devices through the utilization of both traditional and 3D printing methods in prototyping devices that may be difficult or too intensive to make otherwise. Microfluidics is the control of small volumes of liquids, typically using microfluidic devices. It is integral to biochemical research but is often too expensive to access due to its currently intense production process: 3D printing offers a solution that can democratize access and open the field to more novel designs than can currently be achieved. We conducted an analysis of several previous studies that used 3D printing methods, and based on this information, we designed several prototypes to calibrate the precision of our printer, which we’d measure with a profilometer and look to adjust our process based on texture errors we'd find in the print. After several successful prints of planar structures, we are looking to explore different materials and three-dimensional devices, starting with a cell trap. This project is ongoing, but the results we have gathered so far have been promising for the effectiveness of 3D printing as an alternative to purely traditional methods of production. Errors we have encountered have been attributed to the thermal properties and solubility of the material we have been using in testing and calibration. The implications of applying 3D printing techniques in the production of microfluidic devices could lead to the advent of more novel designs in an exploration of microfluidics in high-complexity systems without high risk of lost time and resources.

Keywords: Analytical Chemistry, 3D Printing, Fluid Dynamics, Chemical Engineering

BIO

My name is Amy Le and I am a pre-medical student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience, with minors in Chemistry and Business. My interest for research resides in memory impairment and neurobiological degeneration, which show prevalence in the geriatric population. In addition to research, I work as a medical assistant in the endocrinology and rheumatology departments, and as a learning assistant for the biochemistry course. Upon graduation, I hope to matriculate in medical school and continuing my passion for medicine and research.

Longitudinal Characterization of Resting State fMRI, DTI, and Action-place Spatial Learning in the TgF344-AD rat Reveals Impaired Action-place Learning Emerging at 5-months

Abstract

A hallmark of preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is spatial disorientation. One potential cause is disrupted exchange between egocentric and allocentric reference frames. Both the parietal (PC) and retrosplenial cortex (RSC) are known for roles in encoding and transforming information between these reference frames. We hypothesized that pathology development in TgF344-AD rats lead to brain network dysfunction, which causes impaired allocentric and egocentric coordination. In TgF344-AD rats and littermate controls, reference frame coordination was assessed at 3, 5, & 8.5 months with an action-oriented spatial navigation task. Rats were required to associate actions (e.g., left turn) with locations. Days to criterion, number correct, incorrect and no response, side bias, head scanning, and procedural errors were measured. Graph theory was applied to longitudinal MRI data acquired at 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 16 & 18 months in vivo at 21.1T to assess functional and structural connectivity alterations by rsfMRI, and structural diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), respectively. We found that at 3-months, rats in both groups could not achieve criterion and declines in action-orientation performance emerged at 5-months of age. These alterations coincided with changes in the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex of TgF344-AD rats, with a delay in changes in weighted degree to later in life than controls. The 5 months group made fewer correct choices and had more no response trials than littermate controls. These findings highlight a new focus for understanding cognitive deficits by using allocentric and egocentric coordination as a novel predictor of early declines in Alzheimer's Disease.

Keywords: Alzheimer's, memory, spatial disorientation, neuropathology, amyloid beta, phosphorylated tau