Research Symposium

BIO

Hi, my name is Garret McNab, and I'm from Wesley Chapel, Florida. My major is Political Science, but I also enjoy learning about history and psychology. I'm hoping to do more research in the future and appreciate UROP for the opportunity.

From Propaganda to Protest: The Effect of Music in WWII Germany and France

Abstract

Music is often described as the most emotional form of art, where one can show one's entire range of feelings by putting it into song. Contrary to this, war is commonly seen as cold, unfeeling, and brutal. However, the two are often interlinked during any era, with soldiers singing as they march into battle, citizens creating songs of pride, and countries declaring themselves through song. This begs the question, how does wartime music affect the course of war, and how does it change in response to a country’s goal?
Through analysis of World War II era France and Germany, this study finds differences between military and wartime music in WWII France and Germany through examination of propaganda songs, soldier marches, and resistance anthems using historical records and contemporary accounts. Archival sources will be evaluated to understand the music’s role in morale, propaganda, and national identity. It is expected that wartime music in both France and Germany played a crucial role in shaping public sentiment, boosting soldier morale, and reinforcing ideological narratives. While Germany's music heavily aligned with state propaganda, France’s music reflected a rebellious national experience, with resistance at its core. This study highlights the power of music as a tool of wartime influence, offering insights into its psychological and cultural impact during WWII. Understanding these musical dynamics enhances our knowledge of propaganda, resistance movements, and the broader sociopolitical landscape of war.

Keywords: music, history, war

BIO

My name is Nifemi Bankole and I am an undergraduate Biology major from Jacksonville, Florida. I have always had a vested interest in the natural sciences and appreciate the UROP experience for giving me the opportunity to explore it!

Enigmatic Echoes: Deciphering the Social Context of Song-Type Matching in a Territorial Songbird

Abstract

Song-type matching occurs when a territorial songbird responds to an external song with the exact same song-type. Its social context remains unclear but may relate to territorial aggression. To explore this, we investigated: 1) how social environment influences song-type matching, and 2) whether song-type matching predicts aggression cues. Vocal samples from 17 Grey-browed Brushfinches (Arremon assimilis) were collected during pre- and post-breeding seasons. "Neighbor" songs, shared between birds in adjacent territories, were broadcast at two locations: the shared border (where territories of neighboring birds meet) and the opposite, non-neighboring border. Song-type matching was noted if the bird’s first response matched the same song-type as the broadcasted song. Physical and vocal aggression were scored using principal component analysis. Results showed song-type matching significantly predicted physical aggression. When birds did not match, they displayed no significant physical aggression in both seasons. However, when they matched, aggression was significantly higher post-breeding than pre-breeding. Other tests showed little to no correlation, suggesting these factors are not intrinsically linked. The lack of association between song-type matching and vocal aggression may reflect weak vocal responses, indicating song-type matching is not primarily used to signal aggression vocally. In the pre-breeding season, song-type matching predicted lower physical aggression, but this result was not statistically significant, preventing definitive conclusions. Further research with larger sample sizes or additional behavioral metrics is needed to clarify these patterns and better understand the relationship between song-type matching and aggression in territorial songbirds.

Keywords: Ecology, Bioaccoustics, Communication

BIO

Hello! I’m Gannon Walcot, a sophomore from Schuylkill Haven, PA, currently majoring in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences with a focus on Clinical Professions. I have aspirations of attending medical school and specializing in Cardiology. My research interests lie within the healthcare field, particularly focusing on the cardiovascular system, as well as nutrition and its impact on health. I’m dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and look forward to contributing to the field through both my academic journey and future career.

Effects of Parental Permethrin Exposure on Fetal and Offspring Obesity Development

Abstract

This study explored the impact of a parental diet consisting of permethrin, an insecticide, or corn oil on lipid accumulation in offspring mice. 10-week-old female and male mice were administered high-fat diets (HFD) supplemented with either permethrin or corn oil during mating, pregnancy, and lactation. After weaning (3 weeks), both male and female offspring’s lipid panels, body weight, and weight of white adipose tissue (eWAT)
accumulation were recorded. Permethrin exposure significantly increased body weight, eWAT, triglycerides (TG), and insulin in both male and female offspring. Contrastingly, permethrin exposure had no effect on fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol (TC) for
either male or female offspring. Interestingly, male offspring exposed to permethrin experienced a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and an increase in lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol while females who were exposed were unaffected. These
results suggest underlying sex differences in metabolic responses to permethrin and uncover the obesogenic potential of permethrin exposure during fetal and offspring development.

Keywords: Effects of Permethrin on Offspring

BIO

My name is Nina Scarboro, and I am a freshman at Florida State University majoring in International Affairs. Originally from Naples, Florida, I aspire to work in government, where I can play a role in shaping policy and fostering stronger international relationships. For my research project, titled “Reading and Feeling with Japanese Literature”, I am fortunate to be mentored by Dr. Matthew McWhinney. This project aligns closely with my passion for global affairs, as studying literature from a foreign culture provides me with a deeper understanding of historical issues and helps me develop a more nuanced, multifaceted perspective on them.

Reading and Feeling with Japanese Literature

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, Empathy, Sympathy

BIO

I am currently a second-year undergraduate student at Florida State University, majoring in Biological Sciences. I hope to deepen my understanding of evolution and ecology through graduate studies, with the long-term goal of pursuing a career in research.

Do Range Size and Environmental Variables Predict the Benthic-to-Pelagic Shift of North American Minnows?

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms driving the shift of North American minnows from benthic to pelagic zones in freshwater ecosystems. Our finding of an on average larger range size in benthic species compared to pelagic species suggests that there are possible predictors of this transition. Through an analysis of species distribution data, including range size, and an examination of the environmental conditions within these ranges, this research examines the factors influencing this microhabitat shift and its potential consequences on ecosystem dynamics.

Keywords: Evolution, Ecology, Fish

BIO

I am Sophia Mena and I am majoring in Applied Math with a minor in Spanish. I have been able to do my research through the directed reading program here at Florida State University.

Bias-Aware Machine Learning for Equitable Credit Lending Decisions

Abstract

Biases in machine learning models have significant implications across sectors such as hiring, medical insurance, and auto loans, often negatively affecting marginalized communities the most. This research focuses on developing a model to promote equal credit lending opportunities by identifying applicants with strong credit quality while addressing inherent biases. Using a training and testing dataset, we employ a logistic regression model trained on both quantitative features (e.g., FICO score, payment-to-income ratio, loan-to-value ratio, etc.) and qualitative features (e.g., gender, race). One of primary objectives is to identify and mitigate biases within the model, particularly those affecting marginalized groups such as Black and Hispanic applicants. This research also aims to accurately qualify candidates with a good credit quality. From preliminary analysis, we anticipate for features like FICO score, total number of never delinquent or derogatory trades, and never delinquent trades reported significantly influence approval odds, while biases are expected to emerge among features like race and gender. These findings can provide a framework for financial institutions to improve their credit approval systems, promoting equitable access among all applicants.

Keywords: Machine Learning and Bias

BIO

I am a second-year student from Tampa, FL. My research interests lie in the market research and advertising sectors, though my minor in Humanities has often led me to focus on the demographics of consumers and how that affects evolving marketing strategies and consumer behaviors. In addition to my schoolwork and research, I am also Assistant Director of Public Relations with FSU's college radio station, WVFS! My love of music drew me to the station, but its wonderful atmosphere has kept me there and pushed me to take on a leadership position as its future Director of Public Relations. In my free time, I enjoy creative writing. Though my personal manuscripts are fantastical, my hobby has taught me not to fear the demanding nature of scholarly reading and writing, both of which I plan to continue throughout my academic and professional career.

Gendered Depictions of Household Care Responsibilities in Advertisements: A Quantitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Social learning theory and social cognitive theory both state that human behavior is greatly impacted by the representation of behaviors around them. The purpose of this study is to determine the representation of and expectations for behavior of demographic groups such as gender and race in household cleaning product advertisements. Quantitative content analyses are commonly used to determine the general distribution of characteristics across a set of media. Here, demographic based role assignment bias in cleaning product advertisements was measured using such an analysis. A reliable test was first built by a group of three coders through four rounds of practice coding and one round of reliability coding. Then, the advertisements to be featured in the final data analysis were coded and subsequently assessed to determine broader patterns. Bias in these advertisements has the potential to shape viewer’s expectations of individuals that fall into those demographics, thus pushing certain people into homemaker roles. There is a history in the United States of expecting women to be homemakers, and household product advertisements of the recent past consistently placed women characters into homemaker roles. It is necessary, then, to determine whether this pattern still exists, or if modern social justice movements have encouraged advertisement companies to produce a more diverse cast of characters, thus diversifying thought among viewers. Once the distribution of cleaning product advertisements is determined, it would be reasonable to pursue other forms of media, such as television and movies to truly understand the media atmosphere shaping American minds.

Keywords: Advertising, Gender, Race, Marketing, Business,

BIO

I am a second-year junior pursuing my undergraduate studies to attend medical school. I am passionate about neuroscience and aspire to become a neurosurgeon. Beyond academics, I am committed to personal growth, service, and leadership, continuously seeking opportunities that align with my career goals and values.

Enhancing Inclusion in Clinical Trials: A Scoping Review of Strategies for LGBTQIA+ People and People Living with HIV

Abstract

Including diverse populations in research is crucial for addressing the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in clinical trials, which can lead to healthcare disparities and less effective treatments for diverse populations. By identifying barriers and strategies for better inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals and people living with HIV (PLWH), the study aims to inform policy and guidance for practice that fosters more equitable representation and improve health outcomes for these communities. A lack of LGBTQIA+ diversity in clinical trials also negatively impacts individuals living with HIV as gay, bisexual, and men who have sexual intercourse with other men are more likely to contract HIV; however, people of any gender or sexuality may contract HIV. People living with HIV experience increased comorbidities such as pain, sleep disruption, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline, among others. Yet, PLWH is often excluded from clinical trials addressing treatments for these conditions. The underlying goal of this project is to perform a comprehensive scoping review of existing research on inclusion and diversity in clinical trials, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community and PLWH From this, the goal is to help summarize potential strategies for improving representation and highlight gaps in the literature. Improving clinical trial diversity will ultimately improve access to treatments and technologies that improve the health of LGBTQIA+ people and PLWH.

Keywords: LGBTQIA+, HIV

BIO

I am a senior History major completing my Honors in the Major this semester. My research interests focus on women's fashion in the American colonies, Britain, and France during the 18th century. I will be attending the University of Glasgow's Dress and Textile History graduate program in the fall.

The Politics of Fashion: Women's Clothing in Colonial America 1760-1775

Abstract

My research discusses women’s fashion during the Revolutionary War period in North America, specifically focusing on how political beliefs influenced the styles of clothing women wore. The material culture of the colonies was changed by the dramatic shifts occurring in a short period of time, from tolerating monarchical rule, to pushing for independence and a new governmental system. My research reveals how women used clothing during this period as a way to communicate personal political beliefs and societal values.
I will examine the British colonies of North America, and their relationship with England and France leading up to and during the Revolutionary War. I intend to focus mainly on upper class, wealthy women, due to their ability to keep up with the rapid changes in styles from London and Paris and alter their wardrobe to fit the newest modes.
From the period of 1760 to the start of the Revolutionary War, I discuss the conflict between nonimportation acts and the colonial dependence on England for imported goods. During the Revolutionary War, I look at how wartime impacted women’s clothing, and how social pressures further influenced what women wore. Women’s perceived virtue and status was determined by the clothing they wore, and the type of fabric used in their clothing. Implications of clothing changed throughout the period, and varied by location, creating an inconsistent but socially necessary language of fashion.

Keywords: history, fashion, colonial america

BIO

My name is Rowan Sturgill, and I am a first-year applied mathematics major from Lexington, Kentucky. I am a premedical student with a passion for the molecular biology of medicine, which has inspired me to continue biomedical research after my previous experience. I plan to continue research in this field to learn about and contribute to the scientific side of medicine, which I hope to study in the future.

Novel versions of Cyclophilin A based markers to visualize HIV-1 capsids inside living cells

Abstract

This project aims to evaluate the amino acid composition in the host protein
Cyclophilin A (CypA) domain required for its binding to the HIV-1 capsid. A
chimeric version, CypA-DsRed (CDR), binds capsids with high avidity and serves
as a marker for HIV-1 uncoating. A series of CypA modifications were evaluated
in CDR for the ability to (1) bind capsids and incorporate into virus particles, (2)
affect virus infectivity and (3) bind to native HIV-1 cores in vitro. HIV-1 particles
were prepared by co-transfecting 293T cells with plasmid DNA encoding HIV-1
and CDR mutants, and their incorporation into virus particles were assessed.
Confocal microscopy of virus supernatants showed that the truncated CDR
versions were incorporated into HIV-1 virions, but less efficiently. The effects of
CDR incorporation on virus infectivity and binding on glass were then evaluated.
Analysis will collectively help pinpoint the amino acid residues in CypA domains
that effectively bind to the HIV-1 capsid protein.

Keywords: Biology, cell, virus, medicine, HIV

BIO

Helena Helmke is a sophomore at Florida State University, majoring in History and International Affairs. Currently, she serves as a UROP research assistant for Dr. Elizabeth Coggeshall on the project Dante Today. In this role, Helena contributes to the digital archive cataloging references to Dante Alighieri’s "Divine Comedy" across various forms of media, including adaptations, quotations, and even superficial mentions. Her work primarily involves transferring and curating archived content to a new, more user-friendly platform. Helena’s primary academic interests lie in 20th-century history, with a focus on the United States, Europe, and East Asia. Despite her historical focus, she is also passionate about Dante’s works, particularly the "Divine Comedy," and enjoys exploring their cultural and historical significance. Helena gained a diverse research experience through her semester abroad in London, and she plans to continue her academic journey with honors in her major, aiming to deepen her research and knowledge in history. Beyond her academic pursuits, Helena is deeply engaged in philanthropy on campus. She has served on multiple philanthropy committees for various student organizations. She looks forward to further developing her research skills and contributing to meaningful projects throughout her academic career.

The Resonance of Dante’s Works in the 20th and 21st Century

Abstract

Medieval Italian poet Dante Alighieri is widely considered one of the greatest writers in history with his most famous work, The Divine Comedy, resonating across time and culture. The influential nature of Dante’s works inspired the project Dante Today, which is a digital archive created to catalog and cite references to Dante across varying media. The archive employs a crowd-sourcing method to collect data, allowing the public the opportunity to upload a sighting of the references they uncover. The references archived range from superficial uses of Dante’s name to direct quotations to adaptations of his epic poem. Currently, the website is undergoing a transition to a more user-friendly platform. In our work to transition to the new version of the website, our team has been copying old posts to be uploaded. The transference of the old posts to the new website has required a fair amount of research and close examination of the archive's sources because we often come across dead links or missing photos. Furthermore, the new website has implemented a more comprehensive tagging system, which requires an in-depth look into each sighting to properly tag the post with its corresponding terms. The Dante Today project has established a community that emphasizes the impact and influence of Dante and his works across art, politics, and culture, serving as an archive for further research inspiration.

Keywords: literature, culture, website, modern languages

BIO

I am a second-year civil engineering student here at FSU and I am from Tampa, Fl. I have particular interests in structural and mechanical design, and my research focuses primarily on optimization techniques. As I am intrigued by geological exploration, I intend on specializing in petroleum engineering in my post-graduate career. I am looking forward to studying extraction optimization in the field. Outside of class, I enjoy playing flag football and going to the beach.

Optimal Design of Excavator Buckets for Post Building Collapse Rescue Operations

Abstract

Building collapses often bury people beneath debris, necessitating search and rescue operations following such incidents. This was made from events like the surfside condominium collapse in Miami, which led to the deaths of 98 individuals. While significant attention has been given to the search for trapped individuals in previous literature, the rescue process itself has not received adequate scholarly focus. This highlights the need for more in-depth investigations into rescue operations to improve its efficiency. Rescue efforts heavily rely on the use of heavy machinery to remove debris and reach trapped individuals. Among these, the excavator bucket plays a critical role as a primary tool on disaster sites. This study aims to enhance the efficiency of rescue operations by optimizing the design of the excavator bucket. The proposed improvements focus on minimizing pressure exerted on trapped individuals during operation and completing tasks in the shortest possible time.

Keywords: Excavator Bucket, Rescue, Building Collapse

BIO

My name is Collin Paoli, and I am from Orlando, Florida. I am a Criminology major with a Human Development minor. I'm excited about my journey ahead—I'm aiming to attend law school and ultimately become an attorney after completing college.

Understanding Assaults on the Police: A Systematic Review on the Strength, Limitations, and Future of National Data Sources for Empirical Research

Abstract

Assaults on the police represent a pressing public policy issue, especially as law enforcement faces challenges in recruitment and retention due to the unique occupational dangers associated with policing. A growing body of empirical research has sought to understand the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of these incidents; however, its development is complicated by the limitations of national data sources on police assaults. The aim of this systematic literature review is threefold: (1) assess the prevalence of each national data source on police assaults, (2) synthesize the limitations of these data sources as detailed in prior research, and (3) describe the unique feature of each data source that can facilitate future research. To this end, searches of literature published from January 1960 to September 2024 were performed using a combination of search strategies, such as electronic database searches, reference searches, and forward citation searches. Studies will be screened against a set of inclusion criteria and coded to address the study’s three key research questions. It is anticipated that the results of this study will highlight the key strengths and limitations of current national data on this crucial public policy issue. Further, it will illuminate opportunities to improve the state of police assault data and facilitate translational policing research.

Keywords: criminology police assault

BIO

My name is James Banks and I am a motivated freshman at Florida State University currently pursuing a pre-law track. With a keen interest in politics and the dynamics of political polarization, I am passionate about understanding the complexities that shape our legal and political systems.

As an engaged learner, I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills to real-world situations and am actively seeking part-time internships in legislation, politics, and law. I believe that practical experience is key to developing a comprehensive understanding of the field, and I am excited to contribute to meaningful projects while learning from experienced professionals.

Measuring Elite Sentiment on the Palestine-Israeli Conflict

Abstract

Since 1947, The United Nations has been investigating the possible solutions and actions to the Palestine-Israel conflict. This research project aims to determine the actions, condemnations, and language used toward the governments of Israel and Palestine and whether they are positive or negative to each government. We started collecting data for this project by skimming through the UN resolutions marked under the section “The Question of Palestine” and sorted sentences on an Excel sheet based on whether they were calls for action for the government of Palestine or Israel. Each resolution was marked by the year and resolution number and went in descending chronological order. In the process of going through the general assembly resolution, We found that the majority of resolutions featured language that either condemned or expressed concern over Israel’s actions and supported the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine. The most common calls for Israel were to cease all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and demands for the stoppage of violence and destruction against Palestinian people and structures. The results of these studies show that the United Nations has a much greater tendency to condemn the actions of the Israeli government rather than those of Palestine. The results also show that the exact verbiage and sentences were used repeatedly throughout the resolutions and that the United Nations tends to build on sentences from previous resolutions, demonstrating that this is an ongoing issue that continues to change rapidly.

Keywords: Israel-Palestine, Elite Sentiment,

BIO

I'm originally from Oregon City, Oregon; I'm here taking a break from the rain. I am interested in anything to do with law, especially how laws have been shaped and developed in historical context. I'll be graduating in May 2027 with a dual degree, and will attend law school to hopefully become a criminal prosecutor.

Psychedelic Policy: An Overview of Drug Law in China and Japan

Abstract

Psychedelic drugs have been a recent source of contention in western countries; they are seen both as dangerous and as therapeutically significant. While there is an extensive body of documentation about how psychedelics are regulated in the US and Europe, there has been less research on the legal situation of psychedelics elsewhere. The research’s objective was to discover when China and Japan prohibited psychedelics, how they are regulating them in the modern day, and whether the laws allow for any research into therapeutic use. Using online legal and academic databases, the projected cross-referenced human-translated laws with Google Translate’s version of the original texts and analyzed the portions that were relevant to psychedelic drug use and research. By supplementing legal analysis with a selection of relevant academic papers written in China and Japan, the research discovered that Japan’s current law was written in 1953 (with major changes in 2002), and psychedelics were prohibited as early as 1948. China’s current law was written in 2008 and has since been clarified by a number of bureaucratic regulations. China has a longstanding history of hallucinogenic plant use in traditional medicine, while Japan does not. The project noted that Chinese laws do not allow for research, with the exception of ketamine for PPD, while Japanese laws allowed for extremely limited, non-therapeutic research. Ultimately, the research suggests that China and Japan have extremely strict regulations on psychedelics, which limits any potential research on therapeutic use.

Keywords: policy, psychedelic, drug, china, japan

BIO

My name is Emily Arredondo and I am from Miami, FL. My goal is to continue research in public health as well as clinical research. I strive to become a physician and hope to continue research as an MD.

Descriptive Database For Collegiate Recovery Programs

Abstract

The Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) represents Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs), which create a balanced environment for students who are in
substance use/ addiction recovery. A descriptive database has been curated of studies analyzing the effects of CRPs of college populations. We identified potential articles, wrote
literature reviews, codified admitted articles into the database to better convey CRP research in a digestible way. When a new article was presented to the database, we would find its APA citation, log all of the authors, write a thorough literature review, and add any additional tags relating to Social Justice, Theoretical Framework, Methodology, etc. Additionally, we were assigned a topic of interest to write up a research brief, a synthesis of the articles found under the umbrella to better understand the descriptive database. The database ended up being published with around 140 articles, with a common trend
indicating student and staff satisfaction with their respective CRPs. The data extracted from the database suggest a positive impact of CRPs on student recovery in many different aspects, including but not limited to social life, academics, and personal life sentiments. These results indicate a need for funding of these programs as their
purpose have resulted in better quality of life for many students in recovery.

Keywords: CRP, ARHE, Substance-use, Recovery

BIO

My name is Ian Sanchez De Jesus and I’m a first-year psychology major from Gulf Breeze, Florida. I have a general interest in all fields of psychology, but I am especially interested in social psychology, both as a research interest and as a future career field. I love learning about how different social situations can affect people at the individual level. My goal is to continue learning about this and being involved in research to further my own knowledge and also contribute to our overall understanding of social psychology.

Students’ Engagement with Duolingo-based Language Learning

Abstract

A large amount of research exists about the mixed benefits of Duolingo and other similar language-learning apps. However, there is little understanding of how students engage with the apps. This research project aims to explore students’ initial conditions, components of their app engagement, and their perceived benefits of app-based learning. We recruited college students who are regular Duolingo users and are simultaneously taking a basic language course for the same language. We planned to conduct semi-structured interviews with selected participants 3 times over the course of a semester. Using a grounded theory method, we coded and analyzed several interviews to capture students’ feelings, thoughts, and actions when engaging with the Duolingo app. Our preliminary analyses suggest that students begin to engage with the app based on prior multidimensional needs: social (e.g., friends), emotional (e.g., boredom), or cognitive (e.g., language interest). Using the app appears to be an expression of student agency that further sustains behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement. While learning the language with Duolingo often feels inconsistent, the game-like experience offsets the app’s shortcomings and keeps the students engaged. Finally, students reported app engagement benefits that they expected to further support their classroom learning. This study’s final findings will provide Duolingo user and learner insight into app-based learning processes which, in turn, might show how apps can contribute to learning and instruction. 

Keywords: Duolingo Engagement Language Learning

BIO

Hannah Thomas is a freshman at Florida State University persuing a major in History and minor is Psychology, hoping to graduate in the Fall of 2026. When she isn't studying, she enjoys reading, cooking and working out. She looks forward to pursuing higher education after she graduates.

The Many Hats of John Forbes: St. Augustine 1773-1783

Abstract

The titles “The Versatile Clergyman,” “Lord High Everything Else,” “The Renaissance Man,” and “The Gentleman with Many Hats” all perfectly capture the Reverend Mr. John Forbes (1740-1783). While in St. Augustine during the British governance of the province, the Rev. Forbes took on the roles of Church of England clergyman in East Florida, member of the King’s Council, Judge Surrogate of the Court of Admiralty, Assistant Judge of the Common Law Court, and Chief Justice. However, apart from his salary as a clergyman and the income from his plantation, he did not receive remuneration for the other positions he held, even though his letters suggest the reason he took those roles was to provide for his family.

Keywords: St. Augustine, Rev. John Forbes, employments

BIO

I'm from Saint Louis/San Diego. I came to Florida State because of it's excellent academic opportunities and it's affordable price. As an aspiring researcher, I love asking questions and discovering examples of correlation and causation. Outside of the classroom, I love to write, listen to music, make music and play videogames.

Honesty and Observability

Abstract

In this project, we use an experiment centered on the likelihood of lies when the probability of detection changes. The experiment consists of a game where subjects receive a private message and are then given the opportunity to dishonestly report that message. Higher reports equal higher pay, so lying is incentivized. Previous experiments have focused on two settings: 1. The experimenter can verify the private message of every subject in the experiment such that he knows whether each individual subject is truthfully reporting, and 2. The experimenter cannot verify the private message of any of the subjects in the experiment such that it is impossible for him to know whether any individual subject is truthfully reporting. We expand on these settings of 100% and 0% observability by conducting trials at 20% and 50% observability, in which a proportion of decisions are observed but the remainder are not. We then analyzed and tested models related to the utility a subject receives from reporting different messages. Through this, we gain insight into the tension between personal gains and the desire to be (or appear to be) honest.

Keywords: Economics, Experimental Economics, Lying

BIO

I am Olivia Pielak, a sophomore at Florida State University majoring in Clinical Professions on a pre-medical track. I transferred from Rice University where I played Division 1 soccer for my freshman year. I am currently involved in psychology research and clinical experiences that align with my passion for emergency medicine and psychiatry. I'm passionate about understanding the factors that shape decision making from both a psychological and physiological perspective. I also believe that diversity in research is essential, as different perspectives lead to more impactful scientific discoveries. Looking ahead, I plan to attend medical school and specialize in emergency medicine, where I can thrive in high pressure environments making critical, life saving decisions.

An Exploration of Intrinsic Spirituality within the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide and Understanding its Role in Suicide Risk Reduction

Abstract

Emerging evidence has suggested that spirituality, especially when internalized as an intrinsic value, plays a significant role in mental health resilience. The intrinsic spirituality construct represents a deep, personal belief in spiritual guidance and meaning in life that is not contingent on external aspects or validation. Prior studies have highlighted that spirituality can offer a sense of purpose, fostering inclusion that can enhance adaptive coping strategies in times of stress. Thwarted belongingness (TB), feelings of alienation and social disconnection, and perceived burdensomeness (PB), belief of being a liability to society and feelings of self-hatred have been linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors via the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005). Although past research has concentrated on risk factors for suicide, new research suggests that enhanced spiritual beliefs and practices can moderate the association between social disconnection and suicidal outcomes. Notably, studies such as those by Kleiman and Beaver (2013) and Taliaferro, et.al (2009) have underscored the beneficial role of spirituality in reducing psychological distress and suicide risk. This study aims to demonstrate how individuals with higher levels of intrinsic spirituality, measured by the Intrinsic Spirituality Scale (ISS), exhibit stronger protective factors against TB and PB, leading to lower frequencies of suicidal ideation and behaviors. Participants will complete two sessions about one week apart where they complete questionnaires on intrinsic spirituality, TB, PB, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We expect for higher levels of intrinsic spirituality to protect against TB, PB, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Keywords: Spirituality, Suicidal Ideation, Risk Reduction