Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Martha Baxley, and I am a second-year biomathematics major from Ocala, FL. I have a passion for both mathematics and microbiology, and I hope to one day use these passions to help others through medical research. After undergraduate school, I plan to get both an MD and a PhD. I also have a deep appreciation for the arts and make it a point to exercise my creativity regularly, whether it be through writing, photography, painting, or playing my trumpet.

Microscopic Bioart

Abstract

Bioart is the intersection of art and biology. The combination of these two fields can aid in better engagement and communication within the biological sciences, as well as draw attention to ethical and political issues related to the science. By photographing microscopic specimens that play significant roles in the environment, with a special emphasis on the shapes they form, this project aims to increase awareness and appreciation of the microscopic natural world. The two specimens of focus in this project are desmids and lily flower buds. Desmids are a type of unicellular algae often used to monitor conditions of wetlands, and the flower bud cross section highlights the flower’s role in plant development and reproduction. Both have distinctive symmetry. Light microscopy techniques such as brightfield, darkfield, and differential interference contrast (DIC) were used. The flower bud pictured was embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained. The photos taken represent specimens with environmental importance, but with the goal of appealing to aesthetics, they also allow visual engagement independent of their scientific significance. Increased awareness and appreciation of microscopic life are key to promoting its research and preservation.

Keywords: biology, microscopy, art, photography, bioart

BIO

My name is Spencer Cohen and I am a Freshman majoring in International Affairs and Human Rights & Social Justice with a concentration in Geography and a minor in Arabic, originating from Sarasota, Florida. I am currently planning on pursuing the career path of refugee law however, i am still entertaining my many options for the future.

Ungentlemanly Warfare

Abstract

WWII marred the lives of millions of people all across Europe while simultaneously disrupting the status quo of many. This oppression and suppression implicated by the German third Reich in France was devastating to all those involved. There were however a select group of individuals from the British Military destined to resist the efforts of the third reich, that of which is the Special Operations Executive, rather the SOE. This branch of research particularly focuses on the F section, the all female unit of the SOE. These women risked their livelihoods to go undercover as couriers and wireless operators in Vichy France and the stories associated with their journeys are practically undocumented. The goal of this research is to expose the trials and tribulations of the agents in the SOE F Section, something that is woefully underrepresented in the commonplace of social speech.

Keywords: SOE, WWII, Spy-network, Vichy-France

BIO

Sarah Eschrich is a current Senior double majoring in Physics & Astrophysics and Classics. Her research interests are interdisciplinary by nature, exploring research at the intersection of those two fields utilizing modern physics knowledge and technology to improve scholars’ understanding of cultural records and material culture from antiquity. After graduation she is seeking a career in academia, integrating quantitative methods and techniques from her background in STEM to better collect, analyze, and interpret information about past peoples and cultures. From central Florida, Sarah is also a professional ballet dancer and instructor with the Tallahassee Ballet where she enjoys the opportunity to educate the next generation of young dancers.

Searching for the Seventh Sister: Cultural Records of Astronomical Phenomena in the Pleiades Cluster

Abstract

The Pleiades – a star cluster in the Taurus constellation – is one of the most notable features in the night sky. Because of this, many mythical accounts, spanning geographically distinct cultures, can be identified, each offering an explanation for the cluster’s current location in the sky. While identifying the themes and commonalities between these myths can provide important observations about the culture that produced them, examining these accounts for remnants of observed astronomical phenomena can also serve to illuminate the celestial history around us. This study collected and compared eighteen different cultural accounts of the Pleiades myth and identified the similarities between the mythic accounts. By comparing these conclusions with astronomical data and models for the evolution of the star cluster, this study suggests that the Pleiades cluster has dynamically expanded over time. In combination with an examination of the variability in luminosity of the seven stars, this provides scientific support for the recorded perception by ancient cultures that one star “disappeared.” Since the Pleiades cluster is relatively young and is located near to Earth, studying its evolution is crucial for understanding the physical processes that govern more complex and distant star clusters. Understanding the observations that ancient people made concerning the Pleiades can provide necessary context with which to understand these stories, but, ultimately, this type of interdisciplinary study can be used to better understand the myths and stories about the natural world that have persisted into the modern era and provide observational evidence for past astronomical phenomena.

Keywords: Mythology, Pleiades, Star Cluster, Variable Stars, History of Astronomy

BIO

I am Olivia Lang, a first year student pursuing a double major in Political Science and Economics. Currently, I attend Florida State University but am originally from the Chicagoland area. I am passionate about politics, writing, and music. Ultimately, I would love to become a political journalist. In my free time I love to write, play my cello, or spend time with my two cats.

I am a staff writer for Her Campus at FSU covering topics from current events, lifestyle, and all things FSU. Articles I write are published bi-weekly, and I take pride in my ability to frequently brainstorm and curate articles.

I am a member of Women in Pre-Law Society, Undergraduate Moot Court, and the Global and Public Affairs LLC. Currently I am employed as a Research Assistant, analyzing Florida legislation to investigate how political power is contested on the state level. With these involvements I’ve discovered my love for politics and will carry that enthusiasm into my future career!

Political Contest for State Power in Florida

Abstract

The study examines whether labor unions or big businesses hold more political influence. In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 256, a bill which increased membership requirements for public-sector unions. This contributes to a recent trend of states imposing greater requirements for public-sector labor unions. For example, Wisconsin's Act 10, a bill which limits collective bargaining rights.

Different perspectives on Florida’s legislation are analyzed; the roles of the corporate business interests that lobbied in favor of the bill and the union members that fought against it. The research seeks to better understand how state power is contested in Florida, with respect to union efforts.

Research consisted of transcribing and analyzing the content of Senate committee meetings, interviews, and relevant documents. The bulk of the research is on Senate Bill 256, analyzing the votes of different Senators and people who came to speak in public comment. Although an overwhelming majority of people in public comment spoke against S.B. 256, the bill was passed. The voices of a few think tanks had more political sway than the majority of individuals.

The results thus far show how unions no longer hold power over legislation through collective bargaining and public comment. On the contrary, power now resides in corporately funded think tanks. Overall, the research demonstrates that the changing dynamic is of interest and deserves more attention from the public.

Keywords: Politics, Florida, Power, Public, Lobby

BIO

I am a first-year student from St. Augustine Florida, in the Clinical Professions major on the Pre-Med track. My research is in food safety and seafood species identification. Seafood mislabeling is something that is near to me, being so close to the Atlantic and St. Johns, I have grown up near the local fishing industries.

Combating Seafood Fraud: Development of two Seafood Assays

Abstract

The aim of this project was to develop an assay for the identification of Royal Red shrimp (Pleoticus Robustus), and Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) seafood species. In the United States, the multi-billion-dollar seafood industry mislabels up to forty percent of seafood sold is mislabeled [NOAA]. Not only is this illegal, but it can have health implications, as some species are associated with health risks. This practice also harms local industries as the fraudulent species are often imported.
The current method for identification of a seafood sample is DNA barcoding, which takes 2-3 days, and is very costly, as samples must be shipped offsite and processed with sophisticated equipment and highly trained staff. We therefore decided to develop a rhPCR-lateral flow technique that would show results in a matter of hours with minimal training and equipment.
For the development of the respective assays, DNA was extracted using standard DNA extraction kits. Then, various primers were designed and tested for species specificity. The primer showing the highest specificity was converted to a rh primer, which is activated by the RNase H2 enzyme, and was optimized for PCR reaction conditions. After optimization, the reaction was subject to lateral flow testing to show the presence of the target species.
We expect to standardize an assay that shows species specific identification of the target species within 120 minutes. This now means that there will soon be an on-site, timely and cost-effective method for identification of seafood samples to combat mislabeling and ensure authenticity.

Keywords: Seafood, PCR, Species Identification, DNA

BIO

Isla is a senior Interdisciplinary Social Science major, specializing in Urban Studies and Urban Sociology. She joined the DeVoe L. Moore Center in August 2024 as a public policy intern. Her research focuses on the relationship between entrepreneurship and third places. Outside the DMC, Isla is involved with University Housing where she works as a Desk Assistant.

Third Places: The Marketplace for Ideas

Abstract

Not home or work, third places are instrumental spots within a community for people to gather and connect. Examples of third places include coffee shops, libraries, and parks. However, they are changing, as places like Starbucks see an increase in drive-through-only and pick-up-only locations. Despite this, research shows when a Starbucks cafe is introduced into a neighborhood that did not have one, entrepreneurship increases (Guzman et al., 2024), showcasing the economic benefits these spaces can bring. This research asks “What relationship, if any exists, between third places and entrepreneurship?” and “What are the current and future trends for third places in cities?”
A literature review was performed to identify the most commonly studied forms and trends related to third places with a specific search conducted for entrepreneurship. Based on the reviewed papers, the different functions of third places were categorized.
Preliminary results reveal the most common types of third places studied are cafes/coffee shops, libraries, and virtual/digital spaces. The common themes were economic development, knowledge exchange, socializing, and community development. Multiple papers found a relationship between cafés and entrepreneurship, noting that in areas with cafés, startups are more likely to be nearby.
Policymakers should start thinking creatively about partnership and mixed land use opportunities. There are entrepreneurship opportunities in partnerships between local (or even chain) cafes and local establishments. Policymakers should also consider reforming the current one-use zoning policies. Future research should feature the best practice cases in regulatory reform to encourage the creation of third places.

Keywords: third places, entrepreneurship, zoning, cafés

BIO

My name is Jakyah Hayes, and I am a junior at Florida State University, as well as a proud Tallahassee native, born and raised in the heart of the city. Growing up in multicultural environments—from my Muslim godfather's influence to participating in African dance classes and cultural fairs at Hartsfield Elementary—Tallahassee instilled in me a deep sense of curiosity and respect for diversity.
I discovered anthropology at Tallahassee State College, where I earned an Associate Degree in Arts and Science with honors and excelled in the STEM program. Winning first place at the NSF REU (PIACCART) Symposium during the summer of 2024 for my research on storm resilience in underrepresented communities in Tampa Bay heightened my interest in minority community research through anthropology and archaeology.
I am also a beginner Arabic student, aspiring UROP leader, and a henna artist. I often volunteer my henna services at local student and nonprofit organization-led events.
My goal is to become an underwater archaeologist and maritime specialist focusing on shipwreck microbiology. I am committed to being a good steward of the Earth and encouraging others to do the same.

Building the Anthropology Museum Digital Footprint at Florida State University

Abstract

This study emphasizes the methodology and significance of building the foundation of an anthropology museum website. Many studies reveal the significance of anthropology and the impact it plays as a historical study. Through CreateFSU and WordPress, we used trial and error to create the Anthropology Museum Website at Florida State University. The website encompasses the museum classes offered by Dr. Amy Kowal, her biography, and the current and past exhibitions in the Anthropology Department. The purpose of this research is to reach a broader audience of individuals who are interested in museum anthropology, reveal the interdisciplinary process in learning how to create a website while building one, and the importance of digitizing the anthropology department’s history with the hopes to preserve its cultural relevance. This research is ongoing and currently results in the completion of the creation of the museum anthropology website with templates and with Dr. Kowal’s direction access for future students to add material.

Keywords: Anthropology, Museum, Website

BIO

Kiera is a second year Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience major on a premedical track at Florida State University. She has aspirations of becoming a Neurosurgeon or Cardiothoracic surgeon. She is highly interested in the relationships between nutrition and brain health. She is hailing from Pensacola, Florida.

Lexical Bias in Phoneme Identification: Effects of Signal Quality and Cognitive Load

Abstract

When presented with an ambiguous speech sound between /b/ and /g/, listeners are more likely to perceive it as /b/ when followed by “_ack,” as “back” is a real word while “gack” is not. This tendency, known as lexical bias in phoneme identification, reflects a preference for real-word interpretations. Research suggests that reducing signal quality, such as hearing through a cochlear implant device, can increase lexical bias. Similarly, cognitive load from multitasking may also amplify this effect. However, the interaction between signal quality and cognitive load in shaping lexical bias remains unclear. To investigate this, young adults with normal hearing (N=18; ages 18–22) completed a phoneme identification task while simultaneously performing an image memory task with either low or high cognitive load. The low-load condition required memorizing four identical images, while the high-load condition involved four different images. In the phoneme identification task, participants classified speech sounds along a /b/–/g/ continuum, presented in the context of “_ack” or “_ap” to manipulate lexical bias. Speech sounds were either unaltered or vocoded to simulate cochlear implant hearing. Results revealed that lexical bias increased with degraded signal quality. However, neither cognitive load nor the interaction between signal quality and cognitive load was statistically significant. These results suggest that signal quality may be more prominent in driving the lexical bias effect than cognitive load.

Keywords: speech perception, lexical bias, signal quality, cognitive load

BIO

Jasmeen Santos-Ramirez is a second-year student at Florida State University, pursuing dual degrees in Political Science and Human Rights and Social Justice. She is originally from Largo, Florida, and plans to attend law school after graduating. Some of her involvements on campus include: Orientation Leader '24, Global Scholar '25, interning at the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, and has completed 250 hours of community service in Tallahassee.

Alumni Engagement and Student Success Through Shared Affinities

Abstract

Our research project, "Alumni Engagement and Student Success Through Shared Affinities", aims to investigate the relationship between alumni engagement and student success at Florida State University. Through our investigation, we identified the reasons and methods for alumni remaining connected to the university, and determined which student groups alumni are most likely to engage with. Over five months, we conducted 40 interviews with students and 40 interviews with alumni to gather qualitative data on the engagement levels of each constituent at the university, as students or after graduation, based on the constituents we interviewed. In one-on-one meetings with our research mentor, Ms. Jacey Darrah, we analyzed our interviews and received data from Undergraduate Studies (UGS) event surveys and email communications to determine the correlation between alumni participation methods, the spaces in which they were involved, and any limitations to their participation. The project demonstrates that alumni who were heavily involved with affinity programming during their undergraduate years are more likely to remain active post-graduation, and similarly, engaged students are more likely to interact with alumni. The findings suggest that inviting more alumni to campus events and encouraging student participation in professional development organizations can broaden the university’s alumni base, potentially increasing future donations and funding for university programs.

Keywords: Affinity groups, alumni engagement, alumni outreach, institutional advancement, student-alumni relationships

BIO

Hello! My name is Anna Chumakov, and I'm a first-year Honors student pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Environmental Science. I'm originally from Massachusetts and some of my involvements on campus include Presidential Scholars, the Florida Association for Environmental Professionals, and ACM.

Investigating the U.S. East Coast sea level change

Abstract

Since 1993, global mean sea level has risen by approximately 100 mm (~3.9 inches), as estimated by NASA. However, this increase is not spatially uniform, as sea level change exhibits significant variability across different regions and timescales, ranging from hours to decades. Understanding the patterns and underlying mechanisms of regional sea level variability is essential for improving future projections and mitigating the associated impacts on coastal communities. This project focuses on quantifying the sea level variability along the US East Coast using observational data.
 
To assess long-term trends in coastal sea level change, linear analysis was performed on the sea level time series from five tide gauge stations spanning Florida to North Carolina. The results show a consistent rise in sea level at all locations. A review of existing literature was also conducted to place these findings in the broader context of sea level change research.
 
Preliminary results confirm a persistent rise in sea level along the U.S. East Coast, indicating potential roles of the Gulf Stream change, melting glaciers, and other climate-related processes in the sea level change. These findings highlight the increasing impact of greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere, which contributes to the acceleration of global and coastal sea level rise. This study underscores the urgent need for strategic measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly for vulnerable coastal regions.

Keywords: sea level, tide gauge, python

BIO

Hi! My name is Santiago Porras, and I am a sophomore from El Salvador. I am passionate about neuroscience and genetics, driven by a lifelong curiosity to understand the complexities of the human body. My goal is to become a medical doctor who not only applies practical knowledge in patient care but also contributes to advancing scientific research. I hope to bridge the gap between clinical practice and research, making meaningful discoveries that can improve lives.

The Predictive Accuracy of the CAIDE Score in the U.S. Population

Abstract

Aging has become a critical public health issue in the United States due to increasing life expectancy and dementia prevalence. The Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE) score was developed to assess the risk of dementia. However, its performance may be challenged by population demographics and the evolving nature of risk factors. This study aims to validate the predictive accuracy of the CAIDE score, focusing on the U.S population, using data from All of Us. Participants who consented to share their electronic health records (EHR) data and had data for CAIDE score calculation prior to 2017 were included in the cohort. Their scores were calculated accordingly, and their clinical diagnoses of dementia and cognitive impairment were obtained from the “Conditions” domain. The predictive accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curves (AUCs), along with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy (ACC), and Youden’s J index, both within the entire cohort and a subsample of participants aged 39 to 64. Among all 990 participants, the AUC was 0.574 [95% CI, 0.498–0.636] without incorporating follow-up time and 0.596 [95% CI, 0.535–0.663] when follow-up time was included. Correspondingly, for the 583 participants aged 39 to 64, the AUC was 0.510 [95% CI, 0.411–0.607] and 0.589 [95% CI, 0.499–0.692]. The CAIDE score's performance in the recent U.S. population study appeared suboptimal. The score should be used cautiously, with further improvements needed to improve its predictive performance.

Keywords: Dementia; cognitive impairment, CAIDE, predictive accuracy

BIO

Hi! My name is Hailey and I'm a marketing and management student from Port St. Lucie, FL. I am currently involved in organization such as Women in Business where I serve on the marketing committee. After undergrad I plan on attaining my MBA with a specialization in marketing. This research project has sparked my interest in the B2B industry and how collaborations between private firms can provide value to consumers.

Strategic Partnerships in Finance: Assessing the Customer Impact of Cross-Sector Collaborations

Abstract

Credit card partnerships are among the most common and influential cross-sector collaborations in finance. This research examines the benefits of these collaborations, focusing on whether they create unique value for consumers or primarily serve corporate profitability. Understanding how firms weigh customer benefits in their decision-making provides insight into the evolving dynamics of financial partnerships. Our study employs literature reviews of prior analyses on cross-sector collaborations and compares credit card data, allowing us to assess the relationship between firm profitability and consumer advantages in financial partnerships. As we progress, additional data refinement, statistical analysis, and consumer surveys will provide further insights into the long-term effects of these collaborations.

Though still in early stages, this research aims to explore various dimensions of cross-sector partnerships, including their sustainability, consumer reception, and broader industry implications. Next steps involve refining our methodology, developing long-term impact metrics, and assessing global trends in financial collaborations. This study contributes to the growing discussion on consumer awareness and financial decision-making. As customers become more conscious of their financial choices, businesses must adapt to these shifts. The findings will offer insights into how financial firms structure partnerships, balancing profitability with consumer value. This research can guide future studies on financial collaborations, helping companies and policymakers optimize strategies that benefit both firms and consumers.

Keywords: Cross-sector collaboration, credit card, co-branded card, finance

BIO

My name is Richenda Victor and I am from Naples Florida. I am on the pre-medical track and aspire to be a pediatrician in the future. Some of my hobbies include reading, spending time with my dog, and baking.

Collaboration Between Speech-Language Pathologists and Kindergarten Teachers

Abstract

Collaboration between speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and kindergarten (K) teachers benefits kindergarten students who may have academic and/or social concerns, and specifically those with diagnosed speech-language impairment (SLI). Students with SLI are at risk for later difficulty in reading and language-based math skills (Adlof & Hogan, 2018; Cabbage et al., 2018, Cross et al., 2019). The present study aims to provide a descriptive analysis of views regarding collaboration between SLPs and kindergarten teachers. We hypothesize that there will be similar collaboration ratings between the two groups but anticipate that SLPs will place a slightly greater emphasis on collaboration compared to K teachers. First, a cross-sectional survey was deployed to collect demographic information as well as ratings of collaboration for SLPs and K teachers. Dyads (SLP/K teacher) were then created for qualitative interviews and analyses. Even though our data collection is not yet complete, we collected data from 47 K teachers and 133 SLPs and a total of 171 responses. We anticipate concluding that both groups will have similar views in terms of their future collaboration.

Keywords: Speech-language pathology, Kindergarten, Collaboration

BIO

My name is Sofia Ysabella Nazario, and I’m from Orlando, Florida. I am on the pre-med track with a strong passion for biological research. My goal is to become a medical doctor, and I am dedicated to turning this dream into reality through hard work and continuous learning.

Mapping Histone H2B-mCherry Genomic Insertion Sites Relative to DNA Replication Chromatin States in Maize

Abstract

Chromatin dynamics are fundamental to understanding gene expression regulation and chromosome behavior during cell replication. Previous research from Dr. HW Bass' lab reported on the development of histone H2B-mCherry as a transgenic (introduced) reporter gene to study chromosomes in plants. In another project, they mapped DNA replication timing in maize, noting that some regions replicate early in S-phase of the cell cycle, while others replicate later, at middle-S or late-S. The early replicating regions are characterized as open chromatin. This project tests the hypothesis that the reporter gene preferentially inserts into the early S/open chromatin regions. To test this hypothesis, we have around ten independent histone H2B-mCherry transgene insertion lines of maize that will be used to map the location of the insertion. Once we map the genomic locations, we will know if they have preferentially inserted into genomic regions classified as early S/open chromatin or not. This new project involves isolating genomic DNA from the ten different insertion lines and using PCR cloning and sequencing to identify the exact site of insertion. The current status and results obtained will be presented.

Keywords: Genetics, Biology, DNA

BIO

Adeline Ryan is a second-year student at Florida State University, pursuing a degree in Psychology. She is originally from Saint Cloud, Florida, and plans to pursue a Master of Psychology after graduating. She aspires to become a child psychologist. She completed 50 hours of community service in the greater Tallahassee area.

Representation of Women In Female-Directed Bollywood Films

Abstract

This research has a focus on how Bollywood films directed by women portray female characters in the cultural expectations and societal norms found in India. Gender roles in India are typically women being characterized according to misogynist interpretations of how a woman should act in their society. This allows us to see how with female directors, women are portrayed differently in these films. Throughout this research, we gather quantitative and qualitative data through a process known as film coding. We go through different films and fill out surveys in Qualtrics, then compare answers to make sure everything is correct. While doing this process, we go through and mark different things such as clothing, religion, education, work, relationships, taboo behavior, and more which allows us to gather an understanding of how exactly the women in the films are being viewed as. This project is still in its initial stages so there is no conclusive data or results yet. However, while viewing these films we can begin to see the different trends in women while coding these films.

Keywords: Bollywood, Women, Representation, Film

BIO

Hello, my name is Kayla and I am from Boca Raton, FL. I am interested in chemistry and hope to eventually go into industry after completing graduate school. Currently I work in the Lazenby Lab fabricating platinum microelectrodes to be used for single-cell sensing. Aside from chemistry, I also love baking, reading and playing games on my switch.

Electrochemical Probe Fabrication and Characterization for Single-Cell Sensing & Detection

Abstract

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of electrochemical probes on the
micro and nano size scale for intracellular analysis. At the microscale, Pt microelectrodes are being fabricated for application in electrochemical aptamer-based sensors. These microelectrodes are made using heat-sealed platinum wire inside borosilicate capillary tubes. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is then performed in a solution containing potassium ferricyanide to characterize the electrode quality and ensure proper connection. The ratio of the insulating radius to the conductive wire radius (RG value) is found using optical microscopy, with an optimal RG value range of 5-10 that allows for probe positioning in
close proximity to the membrane of single cells. At the nanoscale, carbon-deposited nanopipettes are being fabricated for intracellular sensing applications. Here, nanopipettes are made using pulled quartz glass capillaries which utilize a pyrolysis process to fill the probes with carbon to serve as an electrode material. CV is then employed to analyze the probe performance and reproducibility. These two probes are essential in advancing microscale and nanoscale electrochemical sensing, and will provide improved tools for single-cell analysis and sensor-based detection in biological systems.

Keywords: Electrochemical Probes, Electrochemistry, Single-Cell Sensing

BIO

am a third-year undergraduate majoring in environmental science and minoring in biology. I joined Dr. Atwood’s lab to understand how a research lab operates, hoping to one day run my own. I have recently begun a new project that aims to create a record of ENSO variability in the eastern Pacific Ocean through proxy data gathered from Galapagos Islands coral skeletons.
I am originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, but I have been living in Fort Lauderdale since 2012. I enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, playing soccer, or doing some other sort of outdoor activity when possible.

Multi-trace Element Reconstructions of Modern Porites spp. Corals from Isla Floreana, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Abstract

Scleractinian (“stony”) corals are valuable archives that track past sea surface temperature (SST) variability before direct measurements were available through variations in the geochemical composition of their aragonite skeletons. Porites spp. corals are a commonly used genera in paleoclimate reconstructions because they are long-lived, slow-growing, and have clear seasonal banding patterns. Sr/Ca is one of the most used coral paleothermometers due to its strong inverse relationship with (SST). However, major uncertainties in Sr/Ca can arise due to variations in calcification during the coral biomineralization process. U/Ca is paired with Sr/Ca to reduce the offsets produced in Sr/Ca and calculate Sr-U, a mean temperature proxy.
The Galápagos Islands has unique oceanographic conditions relative to the rest of the Pacific. The Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) flows eastward at about 200 meters depth, shoaling at the western boundary of the Galápagos. This causes the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water throughout the archipelago. Changes in strength of the southeast trade winds and the South Equatorial Current (SEC) can also result in short extreme temperature swings that make Galápagos corals prone to significant stress. For this project, Porites spp. corals were collected from Isla Floreana (1°15'47" S, 90°21'40" W) in August 2024. 150-200 micrograms of coral powder was run for Sr/Ca and U/Ca to develop a time series and calculate Sr-U for Isla Floreana and evaluate its relationship with SST. Reconstructing SSTs in the Galápagos Islands will expand on the impacts that oceanographic conditions have on coral geochemistry.

Keywords: Coral, Paleoclimate, Reconstruction, Galapagos

BIO

I am undergraduate student from Jacksonville, Florida, and I am interested in pursuing medicine as a career!

Meta-Analysis: Dyslexia Predictors

Abstract

Dyslexia is a developmental learning disorder that is neurobiological in origin (Snowling 2022). It is characterized by having trouble decoding, recognizing, and spelling words (Cutting 2009). Some predictors of dyslexia include phonological awareness, phonological memory, rapid naming, family risk, and impaired spelling and reading ability of words. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine which combination of predictors most prominently lead to dyslexia, as there is no rigid strategy to identifying individuals with the disorder. We do this by finding thousands of studies related to predicting dyslexia, screening the title, abstracts, and eventually screening entire texts on Covidence. Data incorporated in the meta-analysis will be extracted from articles that pass through full-text screening to determine which predictors are most prominent in dyslexia identification. Though the meta-analysis is ongoing, and results are preliminary, this data can be used in further studies to identify individuals with dyslexia and aid early intervention.

Keywords: dyslexia, meta-analysis

BIO

My name is Aditi Jakkula, and I am currently a second year student at FSU, from Tampa FL. I am majoring in Biological sciences, on a pre-dental track, with the ultimate goal of pursuing a career in the dental field. My main area of interest in the research field is exploring enzyme function and catalysis rates based on interaction with other molecules, with the potential to enhance drug function and better the efficiency of antibiotics as a further application.

Investigating Lipid-Modulated Catalysis: The Impact of Lipid Interactions on Pancreatic Alpha-Amylase Activity

Abstract

The goal of this research is to investigate the influence of lipid interactions on pancreatic alpha-amylase catalysis with a starch-iodine assay. This investigation is integral to understanding the role of lipids in enzyme activity, specifically how lipids impact the function and catalytic rate of pancreatic alpha-amylase. Triplicates of test tubes with different lipid concentrations were created, as well as a control test tube with amylase and no lipid. The experimental tube had amylose, lipid, and buffer. The assays were then run, and the indicator displayed a blue color (for absorbance). Absorbance is measured by indicator color, and then data was analyzed based on rate of absorbance and absorbance level. Because of the amphipathic state of lipids, it is made susceptible to interactions with other molecules, which is what leads to the interaction with enzymes.The results of the experiment are expected to show enhanced function/ increased enzyme catalysis rate with lipid interactions introduced. The study by Ononamadu et al explores the effectiveness of two different assay methods to measure enzyme catalysis rate. Ultimately, there were inconsistencies observed between the starch-iodine and DNSa methods, which suggest that the former may not be suitable for screening extracts with high antioxidant potential. The results display that lipids have the potential to alter/enhance the function of certain drugs and antibiotics, using the better-suited DNS assay method as a catalysis measuring method. A further application of this study could be especially promising in the field of antibiotic enhancement, given that the DNS assay method is used.

Keywords: Lipid-Catalysis, Alpha amylase, Interactions

BIO

I am a second-year economics student from Miami, Florida. I am currently working on research involving the homestead exemption in Florida, and my major research interests are in statistics and insurance. I plan to become a CFP in the future.

Closing the Gap in Homestead Exemption Participation Rates

Abstract

This research examines the effects of letter reminders and text message reminders on the take-up rate for the homestead exemption. This is being investigated to find policy implications and methods to close the take-up rate gap of the Homestead exemption. Information is gathered by mailing letters to people who are eligible but have not signed up for the homestead exemption. In this letter, we offer text message reminders that could be signed up for. Using the participant's information, data is gathered, and demographic information is produced. I produced 3000 letters to be mailed to eligible non-participants.The expected results are that text message reminders and letter reminders will be greatly effective at getting non-participants to sign up for the homestead exemption.The significance of the expected result is that there is an issue with the government's communication of homestead exemption, which may affect areas that typically use fewer realtors and areas that have less access to the internet. This shows the need for a policy that will communicate information about the homestead exemption to those who may be less likely to have access to that information.

Keywords: Gap Homestead Exemption