Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Brittany Mears, I am a student from Blountstown, Florida, with a strong interest in medicine and biomedical research. My current research focuses on Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy, with the goal of contributing to a deeper understanding of this condition and its clinical implications. I am passionate about advancing medical knowledge and aspire to become a physician, where I can integrate research and clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. Beyond academics, I actively engage with developments in healthcare and remain committed to community involvement.

Investigating the β-Adrenergic Response in a TNNC1 I4M Mouse Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition of the myocardium marked by ventricular enlargement and ventricular wall thinning causing systolic disfunction. The estimated prevalence of DCM is about 1 in 250 individuals. Among the most common causes of DCM is genetic variants in the sarcomeric proteins, the sarcomere being the basic unit for striated muscle contraction. Studying sarcomeric proteins allows a better understanding of how these mutations are likely pathogenic. Cardiac Troponin C (cTnC), encoded by TNNC1, is the calcium binding protein of the myofilament which allows contraction to occur. Variants in TNNC1 are considered more susceptible to causing cardiomyopathy. Our lab developed a mouse model carrying a missense mutation in TNNC1, the I4M (Isoleucine at position 4, Methionine), this heterozygous mutation identified in a pediatric patient diagnosed with severe DCM. We aim to explore the beta-adrenergic response in the animal model using dobutamine which binds to beta-adrenergic receptors in the cardiomyocytes. The beta-adrenergic pathway is a key signaling mechanism of the sympathetic nervous system that enhances heart rate during the fight-or-flight response. However, prolonged activation can lead to desensitization, reducing its effectiveness over time. We administered the drug to mice at a dose of 0.75 mg/kg and assessed their cardiac response using echocardiography at baseline and five minutes post-injection. The results showed that both the I4M and the control responded to the drug, we aim to further compare the drug response between both groups using statistical tests to assess if there was a significant difference in the drug response.

Keywords: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), I4M mutation, cardiac troponin C (cTnC), echocardiogram, dobutamine, isoflurane

BIO

Hi, my name is Bryan Pineda. I am of Cuban descent, and I from Miami, Florida. I plan to pursue a second Bachelor's degree in Communication Science & Disorders in addition to my current Behavioral Neuroscience degree. With these two degrees I hope to then be able to attend medical school and, if not, continue my education through a Master's program in Speech Pathology.

Does Sympatry Reinforce the Behavioral Divergence of Pseudacris feriarum in South Carolina?

Abstract

Pseudacris feriarum (P. feriarum), Pseudacris nigrita (P. nigrita), and Pseudacris brimleyi (P. brimleyi) are three species of chorus frogs found in the Southeastern United States (North and South Carolina [NC and SC, respectively]). P. feriarum exists in isolation in NC but coexists with the other species in SC. The purpose of this study is to determine how the neural circuits of P. feriarum evolved as a result of sympatry, and how the divergence of the neural circuit and general brain structures contribute to the variance in behavioral phenotypes. By analyzing the neurological changes that arise as a result of this species divergence, it would be possible to determine whether sympatric populations of P. feriarum in SC can be considered an early stage of speciation. Females from each population were presented with pairs of stimuli and those chosen by the females were recorded. The data collected from these calls will then be inputted into a program coded on MATLAB, allowing us to quantify, visualize, and analyze the divergence of the females’ preferences through neural circuit modeling. This would also provide an improved understanding of how degrees of sympatry can affect a species. Once final results are obtained, it can be determined whether the calls and mating preferences of allopatric populations of P. feriarum can be considered an early stage of speciation. Because of this, some potential contributions to the field of evolutionary biology would be further knowledge of local ecologies, as well as a better understanding of how populations undergo speciation.

Keywords: Sympatry, Allopatry, Divergence, Neural Circuit Model

BIO

I’m excited to be pursuing my academic career at Florida State University, where I plan on majoring in Economics and Accounting. I have always had an interest in research, and through the UROP program, I was able to explore my interest further and help on a research project that matched my goals. Throughout my time here, I am ready to make meaningful connections with my peers and mentors to shape my future career path.

Examining the Effects of Children’s Word Specific Phonological Awareness on Word Reading Accuracy Within a Lexical Quality Theoretical Framework

Abstract

Although the significant relation between phonological awareness (PA) and word reading is well documented, questions remain about the nature of this relationship over time. This is particularly important given that the development of lexical representations is item-based and depends on the unique interaction between the skills a child brings to the task and item/word characteristics. This study integrates a word specific measure of PA to further clarify the relationship between the quality of an individual’s phonological representations and word reading accuracy.
Method
Second-grade (n=80) and first-grade students (data collection in progress) attending Title-I schools in the southeast United States completed the Phonological Awareness Screening Test (PAST; Kilpatrick, 2021) and read the same 52 words. Children also completed other child-level, word-level and child-by-word level measures of reading and reading related skills.
Results
Preliminary results from logistic cross classified random-effects models using our sample of secondgrade students indicated significant child-level (decoding and vocabulary) and word-level (spelling-topronunciation transparency rating, frequency, and phoneme length) predictors of word reading
accuracy. At the child-by-word level, a child’s word specific PA, letter-sound knowledge, and familiarity
were not significant predictors. Initial results suggest these second-grade students have sufficiently redundant orthographic, phonological, and semantic representations of the words in our study. Redundancy can facilitate word recognition in the absence of complete and precise word knowledge (Adlof et al., 2016). The lack of significant child-by-word effects in our models may represent the important role redundancy played in their word reading accuracy and the potential consequences of lexical quality (Perfetti, 2007).

Keywords: phonological awareness, word reading accuracy, psychology

BIO

Legion Taylor is a first-year economics major from Wakulla County, Florida. Around campus, he is a member of the Presidential Scholars program and volunteers at the Food for Thought Pantry.

Identity and Community in Gaming

Abstract

In today’s world, gaming, both online and physical, is a prevalent activity. Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) have been present in the United States for the last 50 years, while online communities have offered an alternative to physical communities for much of the 21st Century. In this project, we studied research done by anthropologists and other professionals to discern how TTRPGs can serve as mediums for self-exploration and expression, and what makes online communities different from physical ones. This research was conducted through a review of available peer-reviewed literature on the topics in the form of books articles, as well as interviews with professionals in this field. In terms of online gaming, analysis focused on online communities and their organization outside of society’s typical structures. Research found that in very broad online spaces, people organize themselves in unorthodox ways; people from diverse social backgrounds are able to interact without the restrictions of their daily lives. For TTRPGs, we focused on the representation of minority identity groups within these types of media and the experiences of diverse players as individuals and groups. This subject found that the diversity and representation of TTRPGs has evolved over time, and despite remaining issues, players are able to connect with fictional characters and with other players and explore and express themselves and their prejudices and identities through TTRPGs. This research is significant to the fields of anthropology and psychology and could change the ways that community, bond formation, and identity are studied in the future.

Keywords: Internet Gaming Community Online Tabletop

BIO

I am currently a second year undergraduate student at Florida State University. I am from Houston, TX and I am studying biological science on the pre-medical track. I am especially interested in going into the field of psychiatry. As someone with a strong passion in research surrounding biology, neuroscience, and anatomy, I am very interested in studying how brain functions differ through different experiences, as well as in different organisms.

Chemosensory Evolution in the Blind Mexican Cavefish

Abstract

Having evolved in a cave environment, blind Mexican cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus) have developed enhanced non-visual senses to compensate for their lack of vision. This study investigates the behavioral changes in response to odorants as a result of this change in sensory input. The study involves comparing the behavioral response of blind Mexican cavefish and closely related surface fish, who have maintained sight and physical eyes, to various concentrations of different odorants. The study evaluates behavioral responses to odorants in multiple contexts, in both adults and juveniles. By recording their behavioral movements in these different conditions, our goal is to find differences in the chemosensory response of blind Mexican cavefish compared to surface fish. We have found increased behavioral response to both attractive and aversive odorants in cavefish relative to surface conspecifics, in the form of alterations in their proximity to the stimulus source. This study provides a basis to evaluate the behavioral adaptations that have emerged as a result of adaptation to the cave environment, and will aid in understanding how organisms adapt to extreme conditions such as a complete absence of light. This study also provides insight into the behavioral effects of circuit-level and molecular adaptations, which can reveal how evolutionary processes shape organismal function.

Keywords: Evolution, Cavefish, Olfaction

BIO

I am a freshman in the Honors Program at Florida State University, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry on the pre-medical track. I am passionate about scientific research and currently work as a research assistant in the Lemmon Lab within the biology department. Outside of academics, I serve as the Community Service Coordinator for Sigma Delta Tau and am an active member of the medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon. Additionally, I have experience working and volunteering in hospital settings with both adult and pediatric patients. In the future, I plan to attend medical school to pursue a career in neurosurgery. To prepare for this path, I am actively seeking opportunities to gain research, clinical, and volunteer experience.

Comparing Within Vs. Between Individual Mating Call Variation in Upland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris feriarum) Population

Abstract

A primary goal of evolutionary biology is to understand the forces driving the generation of Earth’s biodiversity through speciation. Reinforcement—the evolution of behavioral reproductive isolation due to selection against hybridization—is one such force that can contribute to speciation by reducing interbreeding between closely related species. It can also indirectly cause divergence in mating behaviors within a species, leading to reproductive isolation among populations. Chorus frogs (genus Pseudacris) provide a model for studying reinforcement, as male acoustic signals and female mating preferences have evolved in response to species overlap. The Upland chorus frog (P. feriarum) exhibits call divergence between populations that do and do not overlap with the Southern chorus frog (P. nigrita). However, it remains unknown whether P. feriarum individuals with extreme call phenotypes recognize each other as the same species or if they have become behaviorally isolated, representing an incipient new species. To investigate this, we studied a population of P. feriarum near Macon, Georgia, where individuals exhibit a broad range of call phenotypes. Specifically, we examined whether pulse rate (PR) and pulse number (PN) vary more among individuals than within individuals. We predicted that if extreme call phenotypes indicate reproductive isolation, call variation among individuals would exceed variation within individuals. We analyzed 400 frog calls, with 20 calls per frog, to assess this. Our findings contribute to understanding how reproductive behaviors evolve through reinforcement and their role in driving speciation.

Keywords: Reinforcement, Speciation, Divergence, Evolution, Acoustic Signaling

BIO

I am a dedicated and inquisitive student with a passion for reading and exploring diverse topics across multiple fields of study. With a strong interest in scientific research, I am particularly focused on advancing knowledge in the dental field. Aspiring to become a general dentist, I am eager to engage in research that enhances patient care, treatment methodologies, and overall oral health. My commitment to lifelong learning drives me to seek new opportunities for academic and professional growth, with the goal of making a meaningful impact in the field of dentistry.

Reading and Feeling with Japanese Literature The Makioka Sisters by Tanizaki Jun’ichirō

Abstract

This research seeks to determine what language devices, plot developments, descriptions of nature, and other forms of writing influence the reader’s empathy to shape their experience of reading Japanese literature. The research presented is a part of Dr. Matthew Mewhinney’s larger book project on reading and feeling in Japanese literature. The methodologies used in this project align with the practice of close reading, as careful attention was directed to the actual experience of reading while using annotation to record thoughts about the text as they occurred. The framework utilized to record the data was a reading log. This reading log served to isolate specific passages from the readings that invoked empathy in the reader, along with an explanation of the technique that the author used to accomplish this. The main results of the methodology point to the influence of narration technique, characterization, dialogue, irony, and plot development as the main contributors to an empathetic response in the reader. These findings are important because they underline the most effective methods of invoking emotional responses in the reader. Some potential future developments in the research would be to read the novels in Japanese as opposed to their English translation to determine whether the empathetic passages remain the same in either language. This knowledge could help writers around the world put more emotion into their writing. This research contributes to the field of Japanese literature because it outlines the most effective techniques to invoke empathetic responses in the reader.

Keywords: Japanese, literature, sympathy/empathy, reading

BIO

My name is Grzegorz Rusin, I am from Jacksonville, Florida and am currently earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry at Florida State University. My past research experience lies in the study of evolution, having completed the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) in an apprenticeship with Dr. Emily Lemmon studying the evolutionary divergence of male chorus frog mating calls in sympatry. My current research interests are still rooted in evolution but leaning to a microbiological scale, with a special interest in agriculture. My short term career aspirations are to complete a Directed Individual Study (DIS) in microbiology next semester with long term goals of successfully completing graduate school. After earning a PhD in Microbiology I will work to opening up my own laboratory to provide research opportunities for other undergraduate students.

Comparing Within Vs. Between Individual Mating Call Variation in Upland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris feriarum) Population

Abstract

A primary goal of evolutionary biology is to understand the forces driving the generation of Earth’s biodiversity through speciation. Reinforcement—the evolution of behavioral reproductive isolation due to selection against hybridization—is one such force that can contribute to speciation by reducing interbreeding between closely related species. It can also indirectly cause divergence in mating behaviors within a species, leading to reproductive isolation among populations. Chorus frogs (genus Pseudacris) provide a model for studying reinforcement, as male acoustic signals and female mating preferences have evolved in response to species overlap. The Upland chorus frog (P. feriarum) exhibits call divergence between populations that do and do not overlap with the Southern chorus frog (P. nigrita). However, it remains unknown whether P. feriarum individuals with extreme call phenotypes recognize each other as the same species or if they have become behaviorally isolated, representing an incipient new species. To investigate this, we studied a population of P. feriarum near Macon, Georgia, where individuals exhibit a broad range of call phenotypes. Specifically, we examined whether pulse rate (PR) and pulse number (PN) vary more among individuals than within individuals. We predicted that if extreme call phenotypes indicate reproductive isolation, call variation among individuals would exceed variation within individuals. We analyzed 400 frog calls, with 20 calls per frog, to assess this. Our findings contribute to understanding how reproductive behaviors evolve through reinforcement and their role in driving speciation.

Keywords: Reinforcement, Speciation, Divergence, Evolution, Acoustic Signaling

BIO

My name is Skyler Haas, and I am from Tampa, Florida. I am a Sophomore here at Florida State University and I'm currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science with the Bio/Chem track. I am interested in the analytical side of Computer Science, whether it be database management or algorithms for data analysis. I hope to expand my horizons and participate in more experiences like this one in the coming year. My favorite activity to do right now is bike around campus at night with my new bike.

Neural Circuit Model for Chorus Frog Mating Behavior

Abstract

We currently know very little about how alterations in neural circuits translate to changes in behavior. The
upland chorus frog (Pseudacris feriarum) is a prime subject for advancing our knowledge in this realm because
their mating behaviors (consisting of male advertisement calls and female preferences for those calls) vary
across populations.
We seek to identify the connection between neural circuits and mating behavior, focusing on the variables that
are most likely to result in evolution. To do so, we fit neural circuit models to the behavioral data gathered from
presenting alternative mating calls to female frogs testing and noting which calls attract the most females. This
study was conducted in two populations that are known to differ substantially in their behaviors, an Alabama
population and a Florida population.
In the end, my project hopes to find the evolutionary trajectory in neural circuit parameter space that allowed
divergent evolution between these two populations. Specifically, I want to determine which neural circuits
components have evolved. Additionally, I also hope to predict how female hybrids between these populations
would behave when mating

Keywords: Neural Circuit, Chorus Frog, Mating

BIO

Hello! My name is Lilly Welch. I am from Columbus, Ohio and I am a sophomore at Florida State University. I am majoring in political science with the goal of attending law school post grad!

A Women of Resistance: The Life of Marie Loewenstein

Abstract

In early 1943, over 1700 Jewish men and children were captured by the Gestapo in Berlin, Germany, and taken to Rose Street to be detained. The imprisonment of these citizens resulted in an act of civil resistance that has long gone unrecognized throughout history. The Rosenstrasse protest was one of the most significant acts of civil resistance in the heart of Nazi Germany, where hundreds of German women gathered to demand the release of their Jewish husbands who faced imprisonment. I worked with the Rosenstrasse Civil Courage Foundation to research the women and their families who participated in the protest. The research aimed to highlight the significance of the event and to serve as an educational tool for the protest to be remembered, working to find the ancestors of the protesters and creating a collection of stories, artifacts, and testimonies that humanize and bring history to life. That was accomplished by using genealogical data and information from sources like Ancestry DNA. Through the research, I was able to better understand many of the brave women who partook in the protest. The project focused on one individual, particularly Maria Lowenstein. Research uncovered many of the pivotal moments of her life, making it possible to write a biography highlighting her bravery. Through the work with the Rosenstrasse Civil Courage Foundation, I was allowed to see into the lives and stories of these brave people who have been lost to time.

Keywords: Rosenstrasse, Civil Courage, WWII

BIO

Diana Chirila is a first-year Honors student and Presidential Scholar at Florida State University, majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience.

Investigating Knockdown of Mitochondrial Genes on Reproduction in C. elegans

Abstract

Genetic research is essential for understanding the biological mechanisms underlying individual differences in traits and diseases. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a widely used model organism, provides valuable insights into how genes regulate various biological processes. C. elegans are a species of transparent nematodes, or roundworms, that are about 1 mm in length as adults. Genetically identical C. elegans show varying reproductive output correlated with differential expression of mitochondrial translation elongation genes. This project investigates the effects of knocking down expression of four of these genes, gfm-1, tsfm-1, tufm-2, and tufm-1 on the reproductive capacity of C. elegans. To achieve this, I will use RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce expression of each gene in young adults by exposing individual worms to gene-specific RNAi bacteria. Following RNAi treatment, the progeny laid by individual worms in a 24-hour period will be counted. Data analysis and visualization will be conducted using R. It is expected that the knockdown of these genes will significantly impact progeny production, providing insights into their roles in reproduction. This research has broader implications for human genetics, understanding gene function in C. elegans can contribute to our knowledge of biological pathways, including mitochondrial translation. Due to time constraints, this study is limited in scope, but future research will expand to additional genes and incorporate different experimental assays to understand molecular mechanisms. Preliminary data indicate that knocking down these genes affected progeny count, suggesting that gene expression differences in genetically identical individuals can be causal to affect progeny production.

Keywords: Genetics, Biology, C. elegans, Model Organisms

BIO

I am a second-year student at FSU. I am from Cary, North Carolina. I was interested in this research project because I love high-end fashion and also shopping sustainably, so this project enabled me to explore my interests. After FSU, I plan to attend law school.

Optimizing M-commerce for Young Consumer Engagement with Second-Hand Luxury Goods Websites

Abstract

Despite the expanding pre-owned market for luxury goods among young consumers, little research exists to understand their perceptions and purchase intentions regarding secondhand luxury goods (SLG) platforms. This study aimed to understand young consumer perceptions and purchase intentions toward SLG platforms through M-commerce and provide actionable insights into marketing and consumer behavior strategies for entrepreneurs and start-ups in the SLG market. Through snowball sampling and in-depth Zoom interviews, 41 young consumers were interviewed to identify the main themes and understand their shopping behaviors on SLG websites. The study identified four key themes: brand value, trust, engagement, and social media. The results showed that a positive website experience, discounts, authenticity guarantees, product transparency, virtual try-on features, and various safety implementation methods would motivate them to buy off SLG websites over the source. In conclusion, for a start-up to have a successful SLG website tailored to younger consumers, it should prioritize features such as item authentication, clear return policies, detailed product information, filters for brand and price, and reputable reviews. They should also consider facilitating direct connection from their website to physical brick-and-mortar stores by incorporating social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Promoting the eco-friendly aspects of SLGs, such as waste reduction, could also appeal to young, eco-conscious consumers.

Keywords: second-hand luxury goods, e-commerce, m-commerce

BIO

Rebekah is a second year undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences from Fort Myers, Florida. She has an interest in gastroenterology, dentistry, and pathology. She is involved with the Pride Student Union as their Membership Coordinator, and Hillel at FSU, along with her research in Dr. Jordan's research laboratory.

Post-transcriptional regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism by Y-box binding protein 1

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing global health challenge characterized by excessive hepatic lipid accumulation in the setting of obesity and insulin resistance. Current therapies remain limited, underscoring the need to identify molecular drivers of disease progression. Y‐box binding protein-1 (Ybx1) is a single‐stranded nucleic acid binding protein implicated in MASLD in diet‐induced obesity (Jordan et al., bioRxiv, 2024), yet its role in hepatic lipid metabolism remains unclear. We performed an integrated multi‐omic analysis and identified ten genes bound by Ybx1 that displayed altered mRNA and protein expression. We hypothesized that these genes contribute to lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. To test this, we knocked down eight of these genes in hepatocyte‐like Huh7 cells using siRNA. Cells were then exposed to 0.25 mM oleic and palmitic acid for 16 hours to mimic a high‐fat diet, stained with Oil Red O, and analyzed using ImageJ. Lipid content was quantified by extracting Oil Red O from intracellular droplets and measuring absorbance at 492 nm. Preliminary results indicate that among seven genes with transcripts stabilized by Ybx1, siRNA against three—Carnitine O-Acetyltransferase (CRAT), Vanin 1 (Vnn1), and Abhydrolase domain containing 2 (Abhd2)—reduced lipid accumulation. In contrast, knockdown of Carboxylesterase 3 (Ces3), a gene negatively regulated by Ybx1, increased lipid storage. These findings reveal a dual regulatory role for Ybx1 in hepatic lipid metabolism and identify potential targets for MASLD therapy. Future work will validate these targets using overexpression, confirm Ybx1:mRNA interactions by ChIP‐qPCR, and test Ybx1’s role in mRNA stability with RT-qPCR.

Keywords: biology, liver, obesity, genetics, RNA

BIO

My name is Savannah Clark and I am currently working towards my B.S. in Psychology at Florida State University with minors in Child Development and Criminology.
I am currently involved in two labs; I work as a DIS in Dr. Christopher Lonigan's Laboratory investigating the development of executive function in preschool aged children. I am also a DIS in Dr. Sara Hart and Dr. Callie Little's National Project on Achievement in Twins Laboratory, which investigates reading and math achievement in twins. My research interests include the influence of parental psychological distress on child academic achievement as well as peer influence on emotional development throughout adolescence.
After graduating from FSU I will pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to obtain my counseling license.

Exploring How Parental Psychological Distress Shapes Child Reading Achievement

Abstract

Parents have a substantial impact on children throughout adolescent development, education being a large category in which this influence is salient. Can and Ginsburg-Block (2016) found that parental involvement in academics has been linked to higher educational achievement in children, as well as positive outcomes in cognitive development and social-emotional functioning. Similarly, parental psychological distress is known to influence children’s emotional wellbeing but is largely unexplored in relation to child literary skills (Amrock & Weitzman, 2014). To address this literature gap, we plan to use data from the National Project on Achievement in Twins (NatPAT) to examine parent ratings of psychological distress in relation to their children’s reading achievement, using scores from the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment. We hypothesize that higher levels of parental psychological distress will correlate with lower reading achievement among children; similarly, lower levels of parental psychological distress will correlate with higher reading achievement in children. We plan to first test the strength and direction of the relationship between parental psychological distress and children’s reading achievement using a Pearson correlation. We will then use a multiple linear regression to determine if parent mental health predicts children’s reading achievement. Doing so will fill a needed gap in research pertaining to parental influence on child reading achievement, as well as bringing awareness to parents of their impact on their child’s academia.

Keywords: psychological distress, parental impact on children, reading achievement

BIO

Dedicated pre-med student passionate about the intersection of science and patient care. Actively involved in research, exploring medical advancements while developing a strong foundation in healthcare.

Kinetic Isotope Effects in the Photoisomerization of ¹³C-Labeled trans,trans-1,4-Diphenyl-1,3-Butadiene

Abstract

All-trans−β-carrotene, composed entirely of 13C, undergoes 2Ag
excited state decay 1.43 times slower than natural β-carrotene.1
Differences in C-C stretching frequencies between excited and
ground state account for this result.1 We wish to determine
whether a 13C kinetic isotope effect is also present when the
excited state decays primarily via torsional motion. We will carry
out a 1H NMR study of the photoisomerization of
trans,trans-1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene (tt-DPB) labelled with
13C at the 1 position. 1H NMR analysis of the cis,trans-1,4-
diphenyl-1,3-butadiene (ct-DPB) photoproduct should reveal the
relative torsional relaxation rates of the 12C12C and 13C12C double
bonds. tt-DPB-13C is already on hand.2 We plan to compare the
photochemical and photophysical properties of tt-DPB-13C to
those of natural tt-DPB.

Keywords: Photochemistry, Chemistry, Kinetics

BIO

Abigail is a second-year student at Florida State University from St. Petersburg, Florida. She is a student in the Honors Program and she is studying Editing, Writing, and Media with a minor in Communications. She is highly involved in the Honors Program at FSU, where she is currently training to serve as an Honors Colloquium Leader. Additionally, Abigail is involved in FSU's Kappa Kappa Gamma Chapter and Her Campus at FSU, where she serves on the executive board. Upon graduating from FSU, Abigail plans to attend a graduate program in Communications.

U.S. Migrants in Contemporary Japan

Abstract

As migrants cross borders, their ideas about justice, innocence, and victimhood travel with them. Our research investigates how interpretive frameworks developed within the U.S. in response to our civil rights movements can be redeployed abroad in ways that ultimately help support the continuance of U.S. imperial influence abroad. We focus on three lenses: the “charisma man”, traveling yellow peril, and liberal anti-racism. The data was taken from a collection of Dr. Owens’ findings from over two years of immersive fieldwork and participant observation conducted in Japan, 85 interviews, and a cross-analysis of cultural texts. We have found that U.S. citizens teaching English in Japan have common experiences shaped by their identities. First, many U.S. men experience being viewed in a new way as “white/western men”, which can inspire partying in expat bars, making fun of their own racialized sexual “charisma”, and challenging racialized exclusion from public life in Japanese courtrooms. Second, in the English teaching market, they are more likely to attain jobs over more qualified Filipina women with advanced degrees because they are seen as “native English speaking,” but they can simultaneously feel threatened by Filipina labor competition and contest the terms of their employment through unions. The implications of these findings are that U.S. migrants bring along ideas concerning race, gender, and labor relations when they move abroad, affecting their actions and influencing the English teaching labor market in Japan.

Keywords: U.S. Migrants, Japan, Transnational American Studies, Critical Japan Studies

BIO

My name is Jordan Feingold, and I am from Lake Worth, Florida. I am a second year at Florida State University majoring in Interdisciplinary Medical Science specifically focusing on pre-clinical professions while being on a pre-medical track. My goal after medical school is to become a surgeon and being in involved with research has taught me a lot not just in the medical field. Through my research I have learned about overcrowded classes specifically in Malawi and how that impacts not just the students but also the teachers. In addition to research, I am also an active member of Alpha Epsilon Delta and involved with Hillel while also volunteering at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Exploring Instruction and Management Strategies in Overcrowded Classrooms

Abstract

Large class sizes present unique challenges and opportunities for educators, particularly in resource-limited settings. These are classes that have more than 80 students and a single teacher. This project aims to explore the teachers’ beliefs about large class pedagogy and management strategies. Over the summer of 2024, a research team conducted interviews and focus group discussions with head teachers, section heads, and classroom teachers at 10 schools. A total of 20 classroom teachers were included. Audio files were transcribed and translated from Chichewa to English, as needed. The transcripts were then coded using NVivo 14 qualitative data analysis software. The team used open thematic coding along with an a priori codebook. Preliminary findings reveal that group work is a common classroom management strategy utilized by teachers in overcrowded classrooms. The current line of research specifically investigates the use of student grouping and its impact on instruction. By understanding the cultural and contextual aspects of using grouping to support instruction, researchers can develop better teacher training programs. This line of research opens the door to further study large class pedagogy and methods to make learning environments better for students around the world.

Keywords: Classrooms, management, overcrowded, strategies

BIO

Hi, I'm Alex! I am a music and sociology double major. I am originally from Blacksburg, VA but have lived most of my life in Tallahassee, FL, so I am a local! My primary research interests lie in the intersection between art (especially music) and sociology, chiefly looking at demography and equal opportunity access to arts resources across social stratifications of gender and race. I hope to become an academic and researcher full-time for my career, and am so glad to have had this opportunity to work on arts-based research with Dr. Donald and the rest of the team!

Community Art Therapy (CAT) with Adolescents in Grenada and St. Lucia

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of community art therapy (CAT) in Caribbean adolescent populations and to what extent their artworks demonstrate self-esteem and resilience. Community Art Therapy is the practice of conducting group sessions of art therapy in the context of different cultures and clients. Art therapy-based studies have been conducted in several cultures, but studies of CAT with Caribbean populations, especially adolescents, are limited. Therefore, our study asks (1) What visual themes and symbols depict Caribbean adolescent art during CAT? And (2) How do visual themes in Caribbean adolescents' artwork from CAT relate to self-esteem and resilience? Previous research has indicated that CAT is often beneficial for adolescents (Devidas & Mendonca, 2017; Sutherland et al., 2010). Art therapy can bring out expressions and emotions that more traditional therapy techniques may struggle with. CAT sessions were conducted in the Caribbean islands of Grenada and St. Lucia between 2023 and 2024, and 30 photos of artwork were collected from Caribbean adolescents. The arts-based research (ABR) model was used to inquire on the Caribbean adolescents’ artwork by trained researchers. The process involves analyzing the qualitative visual arts data over time, coding the data, and then categorizing our codes from the observations. Preliminary findings indicate that Caribbean adolescents’ artworks include themes of family, goals, joy, simplicity, brightness, and more, although some works expressed less positive themes. Overall, findings demonstrated the effectiveness of CAT in fostering emotion expression. Future research should expand upon the treatment of CAT in Caribbean islands and other populations.

Keywords: community, art, therapy, adolescents

BIO

I am a second year biochemistry major from Chandler, Arizona. Outside of UROP, I am also the Director of Academics for my sorority Alpha Phi. In the future, I hope to enter a career in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals.

Determining Behavioral Sex Differences to Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mice

Abstract

Over one-third of Americans suffer from chronic sleep deprivation in today’s society because of high work demands and added daily stress. Chronic sleep loss can lead to many health and neurodegenerative issues such as anxiety, depression, memory loss, and even Alzheimer's. This project studies the difference between male and female behavioral responses to a later bedtime using physical cues. To conduct this experiment, male and female mice were sleep deprived 5 hours a day, for 5 days to mimic a strenuous work week with hours extending past typical sleep onset. A protocol of manually tapping and shaking the cages when the mice first started to fall asleep was used and tallies of each tap and shake were recorded. This data was then plotted and analyzed in GraphPad Prism. The results show that the female mice required significantly fewer taps and shakes on average compared to the males, suggesting they were more active. Future experiments could study the implications of possible neuroprotective factors through RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis. Analyzing the over or under expression of certain genes, as well as hormonal fluctuations in females during sleep deprivation could provide insight on a possible neuroprotective effect.

Keywords: neuroscience, sleep, behavioral

BIO

Здравствуйте & Hallo! I am a senior from Orlando, Florida majoring in Russian & East European Studies and minoring in German Language and Public Administration. This is my first independent research project, it is also my Honors in the Major thesis. My coursework has demonstrated that utilizing personal accounts as the principal source is significantly more impactful than using them as supplementary information. My research interests include human rights/genocide education, collective memory, and conflict resolution. Eventually, I hope to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Conflict Resolution; though, for now, I plan to get practical experience in the field with an NGO. Also, I am spending five weeks in Dresden, Germany this summer to study the German language and contemporary culture!

Remembering Historical Tragedy and Healing Through Film: The Life and Memory of Władysław Szpilman

Abstract

Memory Studies is a relatively new field of study, which was first established and discussed at length by Maurice Halbwachs in La mémoire collective. Memory is the culmination of past experiences, either of an individual or a group (collective), which that individual or group recognizes. Simply put, history exposes what happened, how something happened, and why conditions objectively change over time. Memory is how historical events are felt and how they are interpreted by those who experienced them. This study synthesizes a literary analysis of Władysław Szpilman's memoir, "The Pianist," a film analysis of Roman Polanski's adaptation of Szpilman's memoir, and a historical analysis of the major events in Poland between 1933 and 1945 in order to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of survival in the Warsaw Ghetto. Specifically, this study compares portrayals of survival, freedom, music, and hope through different mediums. For the memoir, the point of view, diction, tone, syntax, mood, and the passage of time are analyzed. For the film, the study focuses on the use of sound/music, camera angles and framing, colors, and structure. The interdisciplinary approach emphasizes that Władysław Szpilman was more than a survivor; he was a renowned pianist and composer who greatly contributed to Polish music and culture both before and after World War II. The findings indicate that although literature, film, and history contain different approaches to representing the past, only when combined can these mediums fully convey the weight of the Holocaust.

Keywords: Collective Memory, Holocaust, History, Human Rights, Film