University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg, MS
Omar's Bio: I am a Senior at the University of Southern Mississippi majoring in Computer Science. I conducted research on using deep learning algorithms to combat the spread of AI-driven misinformation, using open-source datasets to test widely used deep learning models. I plan to... Read More →
Major: Political Science:Pre-Law, University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Bashar’s research looks at how Christianity has contributed to the normalization and establishment of patriarchal structures in the United States. Bashar focuses on feminist theology, intersectionality, and church-state separation. He also acknowledges Christianity’s role in liberation... Read More →
Presenter, University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg, MS
I am an undergraduate senior Speech Pathology and Audiology major, at The University of Southern Mississippi. I am interested in bilingualism research in the speech and hearing sciences. My future aspirations are to become a clinical speech language pathologist and use that experience... Read More →
Roman Harvey is an undergraduate at Concord University pursuing an Interdisciplinary Degree in Music, Art, and History. Harvey’s academic profile includes a place on the Dean’s list for four semesters, nomination for the 23-24 Presidential Excellence Award, and McNair Scholarship... Read More →
Major: Psychology, Southeastern Oklahoma State University
I am a senior psychology major, sociology minor. I am the president of the Southeastern Oklahoma State chapter of PsiChi, a McNair Scholar and a member of Blue Key Honor Society. My research interests include mindset theory, emotional intelligence, perceived social class, as well... Read More →
I’m currently at senior, majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in English and will be completing undergrad in Spring of 26’. I have interest in researching family law, specifically the rates of youth in the system, but I’m open to other ideas. Over the summer, I did research... Read More →
A’niyah McThomas is a Psychology major at Dillard University with a passion for clinical psychology, focusing on pediatric health, maternal health, and sports psychology. She researches racial disparities in education under Dr. Joan Blakey and is active in leadership roles including... Read More →
University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg, MS
For many college students, the transition into the workforce is shaped not only by academic knowledge, but also by access to less visible resources, often referred to as cultural capital. While past research has been done that discusses how cultural capital is transferred through... Read More →
University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg, MS
Cass Lewis, a senior at the University of Southern Mississippi majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Biological Sciences, researches how helmet weight impacts concussion risk. Their work analyzes linear and rotational acceleration in helmet-to-anvil impact tests, highlighting differences... Read More →
University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg, MS
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Southern Mississippi and a McNair Scholar. I enjoy watching anime and playing on my PlayStation 5. My research focuses on Black maternal health disparities in Mississippi, where I examine how structural racism, socioeconomic factors... Read More →
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, affects over 55 million people globally and is characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). The gut microbiome and the brain form a complex, bi-directional relationship, known as the microbiota-gut-brain axis, where communication between the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and central nervous system (CNS) plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases. Disruptions to this axis can contribute to AD pathogenesis. Alterations in the gut microbiota composition induce increased permeability of the gut barrier and immune activation leading to systemic inflammation, which in turn may impair the blood-brain barrier and promote neuroinflammation, neural injury, and ultimately neurodegeneration. The gut microbiota as the source of a large amount of amyloid, LPS, and other toxins, may contribute to systemic inflammation and disruption of physiological barriers, allowing for the translocation of bacteria and their products from the GI tract to the CNS. Specifically, bacterial amyloids, like curli, may interact with human amyloid proteins, accelerating their deposition and aggregation in the brain. The bacterial amyloid curli may be associated with gut epithelial neuroendocrine activation, potentially impacting central Aβ pathogenesis in the AD brain.
To address the issues that arise in electronic devices dimensionally scaled down, such as data loss from current leakage, quantum tunneling, and reduced charge-carrier mobility, a new field of electronics called Spintronics has emerged. In spintronics, both electron charge mobility and spin orientation are used to store and transfer data, enabling faster data transmission and processing. Nevertheless, current research still experiences a myriad of issues, such as reliable spin-selectivity at microscopic dimensions, device power consumption, and fabrication damage. This makes it difficult to achieve desirable traits in solid-state devices. To employ the chiral-induced spin-selectivity effect (CISS) in solid-state devices, our group developed a chiral molecular intercalated super-lattice (CMIS) to analyze the structural stability and phase-pure nature of electrically responsive chiral materials, considering their highly asymmetrical properties for solid-state devices. Using X-ray diffraction, we characterized and analyzed Molybdenum Trioxide (MoO3) that we grew into single and polycrystals. We then intercalated the crystals with left-hand phenylethylamine (s-PEA) chiral molecules to create a MoO3/s-(1)-PEA CMIS structure. We repeated X-ray diffraction analysis to confirm a negative two-theta degree shift, indicating an increased spacing between crystallographic layers and successful intercalation. We plan to repeat the process with the right-hand molecule and compare our results.
Environmental justice examines how environmental challenges intersect with racial and economic inequality. A key issue still overlooked is the accessibility of state-level renewable energy programs for low-income and marginalized communities. While there’s growing research on clean energy and equity, questions remain about how these programs actually serve the people they aim to support.
This project explores the accessibility and effectiveness of renewable energy programs in five states: California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and New York. Through a comparative analysis, it evaluates economic benefits, community involvement, affordability, long-term impact, environmental outcomes, and outreach to marginalized communities.
The goal is to identify patterns, gaps, and successful practices in program design and implementation. By analyzing different models, this research highlights what equity looks like in action and offers insight into how programs can better meet the needs of marginalized communities.
The findings aim to inform more inclusive energy policies by addressing barriers such as cost, ownership restrictions, and limited public awareness. Ultimately, this research contributes to the environmental justice movement by supporting cleaner, more equitable energy transitions while centering the voices and needs of those most impacted by climate and energy policy.
HIV risk behaviors remain a public health concern among people living with HIV (PLWH), particularly those facing mental health or substance use challenges. This study examined whether psychiatric severity predicts HIV risk behaviors and whether this relationship differs by sex. Understanding how psychiatric and demographic factors contribute to risk behaviors may inform more effective prevention strategies. A secondary data analysis was conducted using baseline data from the NIH-funded ART Adherence and Secondary Prevention of HIV study (R01-HD075630), which included 101 HIV-positive adults prescribed antiretroviral therapy. HIV risk was measured using the HIV Risk Behavior Scale (HRBS), with hierarchical linear regression models testing associations between psychiatric severity, sex, age, sexual orientation, and substance use diagnoses. Psychiatric severity was not a significant predictor of total HIV risk. However, sex and age significantly predicted HIV risk behaviors across all models, with males and older participants reporting higher scores. Cocaine dependence was also associated with increased HIV risk. These findings suggest that while psychiatric severity may not be a direct predictor, demographic and substance-related factors play a key role in HIV risk and should be prioritized in targeted interventions.
This study examines Lauryn Hill’s work through feminist and rhetorical criticism to explore the essential balance African American women maintain to survive—a balance rooted in the interplay of self-advocacy, self-love, and resilience. This is critical because African American women navigate a world that challenges their worth, silences their voices, and tests their endurance. Survival, in this context, means thriving in a society designed to diminish them, all while holding onto their optimism, power, and individuality. Through Hill’s work, this balance becomes a metaphor for a deeper truth: the constant negotiation between speaking out against oppression and nurturing well-being. Hill’s words reflect a path for African American women to simultaneously fight systemic injustices, preserve inner strength, and cultivate spaces of peace and sisterhood. This delicate equilibrium allows for survival that isn’t just reactive but transformative—creating empowerment and fostering love amidst adversity. Further research will go beyond Hill’s work to explore other manifestations of this balance in Black women’s lives. This includes gathering further data to uncover how rhetoric interacts with other factors influencing self-preservation and community care, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of how Black women safeguard their energy, resolve racial trauma, and build lives rooted in self-love and resilience.
The purpose of this study is to explore the extent and underlying causes of food insecurity among undergraduates. It focuses on how inadequate access to nutritious food impacts students’ academic performance and well-being, while also identifying those most at-risk. The USDA’s Short Food Security Survey will serve as the primary tool to assess food access. It will also include questions about demographics and how campuses can reduce hunger. Research indicates food insecurity is widespread in higher education, with nearly 25% of undergraduates experiencing limited food access within the past month. Students at community colleges, private for-profit institutions, and minority-serving schools report exceptionally high rates. Groups most affected include: African Americans, Pacific Islanders, women, and Pell Grant recipients. Food insecurity has been linked to poor concentration and energy levels, lower grades, mental health issues, and higher dropout rates. Historical accounts demonstrate this issue is not new. As the cost of living, tuition, and student debt rises, students are often forced to choose between basic needs. West Virginia’s Hunger-Free Campus Act shows promise by aiming to increase access to nutritious food and support systems. By gaining a deeper understanding of the problem, institutions can develop more effective solutions to address campus hunger.
This literature review explores the longstanding economic disinvestment in African American communities and how its legacy continues to shape these neighborhoods today. Focusing on both financial withdrawal and the loss of human capital, this research examines how systemic neglect has impacted infrastructure, opportunity, and community well-being over time. Drawing from media, reports, and scholarly analyses across disciplines, it highlights the historical roots of disinvestment and the ongoing consequences in areas such as housing, education, employment, and healthcare. Additionally, this work considers current efforts aimed at reinvestment, emphasizing the importance of community- centered strategies that avoid the harmful effects of gentrification. Ultimately, it argues that meaningful reinvestment must be intentional, equitable, and rooted in restorative justice for African American communities.
Epithelial tissues maintain selective barriers through the utilization of macromolecular complexes known as tight junctions. Tight junctions are essential for regulating cellular barriers, mediating drug delivery, and controlling paracellular transport. Tight junctions in vertebrates have a multiplex architecture consisting of the associated proteins claudins, occludins, zonula occludens (ZO-1), and junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs). The claudin integral membrane protein family is the fundamental component of the tight junction and is responsible for selectivity. Due to the small size of claudins (~20 kDa) and occludin (~55 kDa), and the disordered nature of ZO-1, tight junctions are unamenable to conventional structural methods. To overcome this limitation, this study proposes a two-tiered approach to image the analogous apical junction structure in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The C. elegans CLC-2 and VAB-9 are claudin-like proteins that maintain conserved residues in key positions. This research plans to fluorescently label these homologs, with the intention of performing structural studies using cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM). The first approach is a single particle analysis of CLC-2 and VAB-9 purified proteins for Cryo-EM imaging. The second, is a cryogenic electron tomography (Cryo-ET) approach to obtain tomography data in situ to understand how the apical junctions are organized.
The rise in generative artificial intelligence (AI) usage amongst students across universities has posed significant challenges and questions regarding institutional response and developing policies to ensure ethical application. Investigating how public and private universities in Ohio respond to the expanding integration of AI through curriculum offerings and policy development is significant in examining the gap between AI adoption and institutional policy response. Through analysis, research reveals a widespread lack of transparent, explicit, and enforceable AI policies for students despite high AI usage levels among the university population and the development of AI curricula and programs. Both sectors show policy gaps, however, private institutions lag further behind in formalizing AI governance. The research draws upon document and guideline examination of institutional websites, university policy catalogs, and curricular offerings regarding AI across a sample size of all public and private universities in Ohio. Proactive, transparent policy creation is essential to govern AI usage and ensure student accountability and institutional receptivity to rapidly evolving technological advancements within society. The findings uncover a growing disconnection between developing technological transformation and institutional governance, illustrating an urgent need for universities to establish frameworks and policies about ethical AI usage.
Refugees are individuals forced to flee their home countries due to persecution, war, or violence and cannot safely return. While many receive cultural orientation programs before and after arriving in the United States, these resources are often designed for adults, leaving refugee youth without adequate guidance during a critical period of transition. This project centers the voices of refugee youth, exploring how they perceive and adapt to the U.S. resettlement process. Using a phenomenological approach, we are conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 30 youth (ages 14–22) living in a Midwest city. The transcripts are being coded thematically using NVivo to identify key patterns and shared experiences. These insights shed light on both the challenges youth face and the strengths they carry during pre-migration and resettlement. Findings will contribute to a peer-reviewed article and inform the development of a literary comic, a creative, accessible tool for youth, educators, and resettlement stakeholders. By highlighting youth narratives, the project not only fills a gap in orientation resources but also recognizes young refugees as experts of their own experiences. Their stories have the power to educate, advocate, and shape more inclusive support systems for future generations.
Osseointegration is a surgical technique that allows for the direct skeletal attachment of a prosthetic limb, offering a modern alternative to traditional socket prostheses. While socket prosthetics remain widely used, they are often associated with issues such as skin irritation, poor fit, discomfort, and limited mobility, which can negatively impact an amputee’s daily life. This research explores the full recovery timeline of osseointegration, beginning with surgery and continuing through rehabilitation and eventual functional prosthetic use. To investigate this topic, a comprehensive review of current literature was conducted, drawing from case studies and long-term clinical data primarily from Europe , where osseointegration is more commonly practiced. Results suggest that osseointegration may offer improved outcomes in prosthesis comfort, mobility, and wear time. Patients often report a greater ability to perform daily activities with less discomfort and fewer skin complications. However, challenges such as risk of infection, the need for multiple surgeries, limited access in the United States, and lack of insurance coverage remain significant barriers. Understanding the timeline to recovery is crucial for setting patient expectations, guiding rehabilitation protocols, and expanding access to this promising approach in prosthetic care.
Research has shown that the environment is important for maintaining positive mental and physical health. However, most research has focused on negative features (e.g. violence, disorder), while ignoring the potential influence of positive features of the environment. School neighborhood characteristics influence adolescent well-being. This study examines how positive community characteristics located in school neighborhoods, specifically those that feature positive messaging, opportunities, community health, and identity, are related to adolescents’ stress and anxiety. Data for this study include objective characteristics of Chicago high school neighborhoods attended by a sample of primarily Black and Latinx adolescents. Google Street View (GSV) and a coding protocol were used to identify school neighborhood characteristics. Participants completed a survey and reported on their stress and anxiety. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine relationships between positive school neighborhood characteristics and adolescents’ stress and anxiety. There were no significant relationships between positive community design and outcomes. However, there were relationships between specific positive community features and differences in outcomes across participant demographic characteristics. These findings expand knowledge on positive community features in the environments that Black and Latinx adolescents frequent and offer insight into ways that these features might be used to support adolescent well-being.
Theological legalism is characterized by rigid adherence to religious rules over grace. Although linked to negative mental health outcomes, legalism’s impact on Protestant Christians remains understudied. To analyze the effect of legalism, this study proposes a quantitative, cross-sectional design in which 100 Protestant participants aged 27 and above will complete the Perceived Perfectionism from God Scale and self-reported mental health assessments. It is hypothesized that higher levels of legalism correlate with declining mental health (guilt, shame, anxiety) among Protestants, while grace-based perspectives foster well-being. Results are anticipated to reveal significant associations between legalism and adverse psychological outcomes, contrasting with the protective effects of grace. This research addresses a critical gap in sociological and theological literature, potentially unveiling how doctrinal interpretations shape mental health within Christian communities. Findings could inform pastoral care and interventions to promote grace-centered spiritual practices to enhance and enrich the mental health of believers.
Gait impairments and lower extremity weakness are widespread issues affecting older adults, individuals with neurological conditions, and athletes, often leading to increased fall risk and reduced independence. Low-cost elastic bands are frequently used in rehabilitation, yet their biomechanical effects on walking remain poorly understood. This case study evaluated how two elastic-assisted devices, a novel gait device and a Thera-Band configuration, influence walking biomechanics in a healthy adult male. Using 3D motion capture and an instrumented treadmill, we compared joint angles, vertical ground reaction forces, and spatiotemporal gait parameters across three conditions: unassisted walking, Thera-Band assisted walking, and walking with the novel gait device. Joint angles, vertical ground reaction forces, and spatiotemporal parameters were similar across the three conditions. However, subjective feedback indicated the novel gait device required less perceived effort than the other conditions. While the elastic-assisted walking conditions seemed to maintain the biomechanics of natural, unassisted gait, the perceived reduction in effort suggests potential benefits that warrant further investigation. Future research should include a larger sample, and investigation into additional kinetic and electromyographic variables to better characterize the biomechanics of elastic-assisted gait. These foundational biomechanical insights may ultimately inform the development of more effective elastic-assisted rehabilitation technologies.
LGBTQIA+ History has been a difficult area to find and extract sources from as a result of the lack of guides for research, previous deterrents of exploration by outside forces, and internal silences stemming from fear and prejudice. Many sources available today have taken years to uncover and are often from the perspective of third parties, such as police reports, medical records, or investigations done by social purity societies, which make it difficult for historians to uncover these communities' stories from less biased firsthand sources such as queer people themselves. The Princeton LGBTQIA+ Oral History Project, a program from the Gender + Sexuality Resource Center at Princeton University, seeks to undo this methodological problem by conducting oral history interviews in which alumni and past faculty are able to have their lived experiences before, during, and after their time as part of the Princeton community recorded and archived to better contextualize the university's history in relation to LGBTQIA+ identities. Using an Ethic of Care along with Queer Methods, the question of what previously silenced narratives emerge when members of said community are asked firsthand about their experiences has been slowly answered from the project's interviews and ephemera collection starting from 2017.
Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder of the spine produced from left or right curvature greater than 10 degrees that is typically identified in childhood. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by cessation in breathing (apnea) or partial reduction in breathing effort and airflow (hypopnea). While previous research has investigated both of these disorders separately, little research has been done on their co-occurrence, and the mechanism through which scoliosis can cause OSA remains unclear. This study investigated whether an individual diagnosed with childhood scoliosis (i.e., infantile, juvenile, or adolescent) will be at a higher risk of developing OSA. Data from the Pitt+Me research database was used to provide the number of children (ages 0-18) with scoliosis, OSA, or both conditions. A chi-square test will be used to analyze both categorical variables to determine if there is a relationship. The expected outcome is that individuals reporting childhood scoliosis will have OSA at a higher rate than seen in the general population. This study aims to inform researchers and healthcare providers of the concerns for OSA in those diagnosed with scoliosis, and to propose sleep apnea screening as a crucial component of their care plans.
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the US, yet remains difficult to predict due to its complex, individualized causes—genetic, physiological, lifestyle, and environmental. Recent studies use smartphone-based surveys to capture real-time affects (e.g., happiness, anger) and behaviors (e.g., suicidal ideation), but low compliance makes prediction difficult with limited data. Our goal is to improve “cold start” prediction: forecasting suicide-related events (SREs) for patients with little recorded history. Our first finding is counterintuitive: training standard classifiers (e.g., KNN, Logistic Regression) on more patient data does not improve predictive performance. We explain this by showing that precursors to SREs differ across patients—one patient’s risk may stem from anxiety, another’s from hopelessness—leading to conflicting patterns when data is pooled. This suggests a need to model patient variability. To address this, we propose using Meta-Learning Gaussian Processes (MLGPs), which incorporate a latent variable capturing patient similarity. This allows the model to adapt quickly to new patients by leveraging patterns from similar individuals, improving prediction even with sparse data. On synthetic data mimicking real-world structure, MLGPs outperformed baselines in both positive predictive value and sensitivity. We plan to apply MLGPs to real longitudinal data to aid early identification and intervention for at-risk patients.
My research is a correlational study focused on rural Appalachia students who attend Concord University, at least 18 years of age, to view any relationship between drug use and mental health using a self-reported survey. This study is currently being conducted so I do not have results, but I expect to have analyzed data by the commence.
In 1954, Operation Wetback swept through the American West and Southwest with quasi-military precision to deport en masse the growing number of undocumented Mexican immigrants. Throughout the campaign, the Border Patrol recast itself as a national security force, using highly militarized tactics and spurred by rhetoric of "liberating" enslaved workers, as well as by lawmakers who used the Red Scare to frame Mexican laborers as subversive "enemy aliens.” To fully understand Operation Wetback’s impact, this paper focuses on its consequences within specific communities in the South Bay–Monterey area. Drawing on local journalist accounts and oral histories, federal policy documents, and statewide labor and census data, this paper argues that Operation Wetback’s militaristic and racialized approach not only displaced undocumented Mexican workers but also stripped all Californians of Mexican descent of their dignity and security, as their neighborhoods became dispiriting spaces dominated by fear. The campaign initially unfolded with the support of Mexican American community leaders, who understood mass deportations as a means of economic and social advancement to protect their status in U.S. society. However, their efforts backfired when state-sanctioned fear campaigns collapsed distinctions between Mexican Americans and undocumented Mexicans, leaving even assimilated citizens vulnerable to suspicion and coercion.
Diagnostic testing is the backbone of medical decisions, playing a crucial role in detecting diseases or abnormalities in a patient’s health. Diagnostic laboratories are driven by innovation, constantly implementing new tests and instruments. One significant advancement is Total Laboratory Automation (TLA), a system that performs repetitive tasks in laboratories, effectively reducing human operators while increasing productivity and cost-effectiveness. TLA systems are implemented in large laboratories with high sample volumes such as Atlantic Health’s consolidated lab. With increased automation, comes various ethical considerations about the role of laboratory personnel, job displacement, and limitations of TLA systems. Previous research has focused on the optimization of diagnostics while not considering how this impacts the field of medical laboratory science and the workplace. The goal of this research is to examine the benefits and ethical consequences of total laboratory automation in diagnostic laboratories. The research method used for this study is participant observation, qualitative data was collected through conversational interviews. This work is important to consider when implementing total automation in diagnostic laboratories and evaluating how automation impacts employees and patients.
The opioid epidemic has been a major public health and economic crisis across the U.S. in recent years, with opioid-involved overdoses constituting a significant proportion of drug-related deaths both nationally and in Alabama. This preliminary report presents the incorporation of Alabama data into a model consisting of a system of ordinary differential equations previously developed for analyzing the opioid crisis in Tennessee. This work models the dynamics of opioid use within Alabama in recent years with the goal of identifying the most effective policy strategies for mitigating the tragic impact of the state-level opioid crisis.
Sandflies are flying, biting, blood-sucking arthropods known to be vectors of Leishmaniasis, a zoonotic disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans. This disease represents a global health problem due to its presence in all countries surrounding the Mediterranean basin as well as most countries in South and North America where the disease is considered endemic. Although sandflies are known to be the vector of several Leishmania species, little is known about their vector capacity for other zoonotic pathogens such as Bartonella. This genus of bacteria is known to cause Bartonellosis, an infectious zoonotic disease that could cause diseases such as Carrión's disease, trench fever, cat-scratch disease, and neurological disorders. Beyond being able to transmit Bartonella bacilliformis, a potential fatal pathogen in humans, some preliminary data generated by the Intracellular Pathogen Research Laboratory, showed that other Bartonella species (such as B. henselae, B. bovis, and B. merieux) are present in sandflies. This study focuses on assessing the prevalence of different Leishmania and Bartonella species in sandflies collected from Italy, Portugal, and Iraq (all endemic regions for sandflies). The information gathered by this work will help to assess the potential risks of zoonotic infections by exposure to these vectors.
Despite extensive academic research and media coverage on refugees and undocumented migrants in Spain, these narratives often remain disconnected. This gap raises concerns about whether research fully captures the lived realities of displaced individuals. This qualitative study examines whether existing literature aligns with the experiences of refugees in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, and how these experiences compare to those of migrants elsewhere in the European Union. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a refugee center director, a volunteer Spanish teacher, a refugee, and an undocumented migrant. Findings indicate that while academic research generally reflects key aspects of the refugee experience, it often underrepresents a critical issue: the inability to access legal employment despite a strong desire to work. This challenge has profound impacts on autonomy, dignity, and integration but receives less attention than factors like housing or institutional conditions. Additionally, perceptions of Spain as a welcoming country vary significantly depending on individual backgrounds and circumstances. This research highlights the necessity of integrating firsthand narratives into academic and policy discussions to bridge existing knowledge gaps and better inform supportive interventions for refugee communities.
This study plans to examine the effect that context dependence has on students’ ability to memorize a list of words over the course of multiple trials. Concord University students participating in this study will be placed into randomized groups then presented and tested on a list of forty-five everyday words in either the same environment for each trial, the same location for each trial except the final trial where they will the tested, or in a different location for each trial except the final trial, where they will be presented and tested on the list in their initial location. The hypothesized findings are that the group that was in the same environment for every trial will recall more words on average than the other groups. Understanding the effect that context dependence has on memory may allow for better learning and study habits.
I’m a psychology major with a minor in neuroscience at Concord University. The topic of my presentation is the effect of CBD on anxiety-like behavior in rats.
Wednesday September 9, 2026 1:50pm - 2:05pm EDT Severn IIISheraton Inner Harbor Hotel 2nd Floor
This project looked into how the Holistic Critical Mentorship framework (HCM) acknowledges and supports the mentee's emotional needs, helping them build self-awareness, resilience, and emotional intelligence. I will look at current research, and literature on mentorship as a means to alleviate racial stressors impacting the mental health of BIPOC students in higher education. I conducted an interdisciplinary literature review analyzing empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and narrative-based research methods. By using an Indigenous lens on how systemic racism can impact all levels of the socio-ecological model, I was able to examine the extent to which mentoring programs that include critical race theory, reciprocate, and representation can ultimately be of benefit for BIPOC undergraduate students at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. This literature indicates that culturally affirming mentorship programs reduce isolation, enhance racial identity development, and offer protective emotional and psychological benefits for BIPOC students. Frameworks such as HCM provide multi-level support that aligns with public health strategies to mitigate minority stress and mental health disparities. By positioning HCM as a transformative framework that reframes mentorship as both a cultural and public health intervention is essential.
One in three Americans suffers from anxiety. However, current treatments are inadequate in accessibility and efficiency, suggesting the need for alternatives. Here, we explore neuromodulation as a means to reduce anxiety. First, we adapted a behavioral task with pupillometry to establish pupil dilation as a real-time indicator of anxiety with an uncertain threat (Study 1). Participants completed a digit countdown task (n = 15), in which visual cues — upward or downward triangles enclosing a series of randomized digits — signaled the potential delivery of either benign or aversive sounds and images. Findings show pupil sizes tracking anticipatory distress associated with the threat cue. Next, we attempted to modulate the neural substrates associated with threat anticipation, particularly the amygdala, using temporal interference (TI) stimulation (Study 2). High-frequency currents were delivered via two electrode pairs with a small frequency offset of 10 Hz, peaking at the amygdala. Participants completed the digit countdown as described under active or sham stimulation in a randomized block design (n = 4). Results indicate that TI stimulation dampens pupillary arousal responses to anticipatory anxiety for threat cues, suggesting the feasibility of non-invasive brain stimulation as an alternative to reduce physiological responses related to anxiety.
"Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a prevalent and successful pathogen that primarily infects epithelial cells of the orofacial mucosa. After primary lytic replication, it establishes lifelong latency in sensory neurons in the trigeminal ganglion (TG). Recurrent reactivation in the cornea leads to herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK), the leading cause of infectious blindness in developed countries. Neutrophils play a crucial role in managing ocular HSV-1 infections. Yet, the impact of HSV-1 on neutrophil effector function, particularly NET formation or NETosis, remains poorly understood. Our previous studies demonstrated that interferon-λ (IFN-λ) exerts antiviral and immunomodulatory effects against HSV-1-induced corneal pathology and regulates antiviral effectors in neutrophils. In this study, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms by which IFN-λ regulates neutrophil biology to modulate neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation (NETosis) and antiviral immunity during corneal HSV-1 infection. Our preliminary data using mouse bone-marrow derived neutrophils suggest that HSV-1 induces NETosis with increased expression of extracellular myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE) expression. Further, we show that IFN-λ positively regulates HSV-1-induced NETosis to promote anti-viral immunity. Further studies are under investigation to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which IFN-λ promotes anti-HSV-1 immunity by targeting neutrophils and NETosis.
Joint attention can be difficult for a child who is deaf, since they have to balance receiving visual language input while also paying attention to the world. Previous research has shown that signing deaf parents use tactile and visual strategies to direct their deaf child’s attention. However, there is little research done on non-signing deaf parent-child dyads. Here we asked what types of attention-getting strategies are used by deaf, non-signing mothers with their deaf child alongside how successful these strategies were in redirecting attention. We conducted a longitudinal case study of two non-signing deaf parent-child dyads. Non-signing deaf mothers used more tactile attention-getting strategies than visual strategies, with tactile strategies consisting of 78.7% of strategies used. However, .tactile strategies were only successful 51.4% of the time, while visual strategies were successful 65% of the time. The amount of attention getters used overall decreased as the child grew, but a trend cannot yet be established. Touch seems to be an important way for deaf, non-signing mothers to regulate attention. Considering that non-signing deaf mothers used similar strategies to signing deaf mothers, this indicates that the shared experience of deafness between a caregiver and child can shape how visual attention is scaffolded.
Abstract Background: γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors are the main inhibitory receptors in the CNS. Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are positive allosteric modulators at the BZD site but cause sedation. Pitrazepin is unusual among piperazine-containing psychotropics: it binds the BZD site yet acts as an antagonist or negative modulator, suggesting a path to anxiolytic or antipsychotic effects with less sedation. Objective: To analyze structure–activity relationships (SAR) for piperazine-containing tricyclic scaffolds related to pitrazepin and to model their binding at the BZD site of GABAA receptors, guiding future experimental research. Methods: Literature IC50 values (μM) were gathered for representative piperazine/tricyclic analogs. Ligand docking was performed on a homologous pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (ELIC) used as a model for the GABAA BZD site, followed by qualitative analysis of key residues reported to correspond to human GABAA positions (e.g., Y159). No synthetic procedures are included. Results: Across the series, active ligands feature a 6-7-6 tricyclic pharmacophore with a central oxazine or thiapine ring and a piperazine group; potency allows limited substitution at the 7-position. Docking predicts a conserved hydrogen-bond interaction near Arg194 and stabilizing contacts involving Gln146, Asp144, and His169. Re-orienting toward Gln125 and Val147 correlates with decreased aromatic stacking and lower predicted affinity. Literature data and docking together rank pitrazepin among the stronger binders in the series. Conclusion: A clear SAR pattern emerges for piperazine-containing GABAA ligands at the BZD site. Predicted interactions explain reported activities and emphasize residues, such as those analogous to Y159, as critical for binding. These findings encourage targeted biological testing of pitrazepin and similar compounds as negative allosteric modulators aimed at maintaining efficacy while reducing BZD-like sedation.
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is an important part of the extended amygdala, an area that conducts instant stress reactions, which helps to manage reward-related behaviors, motivation, and stress responses. The BNST utilizes a set of neurons that express corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a stress hormone, to send signals across the brain when faced with consistent difficult situations. These have been found to be connected to symptoms often seen in mood disorders, such as reduced motivation and reduced reward acceptance. However, it is unknown what structures BNST-CRF neurons communicate with to create stress responses. Their projections to regions such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), an area implicated in motivation, and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), an area tied to reward consumption, lack sufficient characterization. Our aim in this study is to investigate BNST-CRF-expressing neuron projections with the use of viral circuit tracing; the use of viruses to track neurons within the brain, answering the question: “Where do BNST-CRF neurons project to?” We hypothesize that we will achieve better characterization of the NAc and the VTA, as well as create better projection data for other areas.
Psychology Major, Rutgers University- New Brunswick
Title: The Role of the BNST and CRF in Modulating Reward-Seeking Behavior. Abstract: The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is an important part of the extended amygdala, an area that conducts instant stress reactions, which helps to manage reward-related behaviors, motivation... Read More →
Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:10pm - 2:25pm EDT Loch Raven IISheraton Inner Harbor Hotel 2nd Floor
Black/African American individuals experience racial stress, which is caused by racial discrimination that erodes their mental health and contributes to disparities in their intentions toward seeking psychological help. Interventions, such as those based on restorative justice, may help to mitigate some of the consequences Black Americans experience as a result of racial stress, however, research has rarely examined such issues. The purpose of the current study was to assess whether there is a relationship between Black Americans’ experiences of racial stress and support for restorative justice. We aimed to examine whether help-seeking stigma mediated the relationship. In a sample of 544 Black/African American adults, a mediation analysis was conducted with participants who completed an online qualtrics survey. The results are that individuals experiencing higher racial stress also reported more supportive attitudes toward restorative justice, greater racial stress was associated with greater stigma related to help seeking, help-seeking stigma does not significantly influence restorative justice attitudes, and help-seeking stigma does not mediate the relationship between racial stress and restorative justice attitudes. The impact of racial stress does lead Black/African American individuals to have less support restorative justice. Help-seeking stigma does mediate the relationship between racial stress and restorative justice attitudes.
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are popular biotherapeutics used for the treatment of diseases, such as cancer, infections, and neurological disorders. Exploiting the target specificity of antibodies, cytotoxic small-molecule drugs are sometimes attached to antibodies to form a class of targeted therapeutics known as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). To evaluate the safety and efficacy of these therapeutics, bottom-up or middle-up proteomic approaches are generally employed. Typically these approaches use enzymes to digest/break the proteins into smaller fragments. Mass spectrometers (MS) are then used to analyse the fragments to obtain information about the protein. Enzymatic digestions can take hours, however, it has previously been demonstrated that enzymatic reactions in microdroplets can reduce the reaction time to microseconds. This capability was capitalized previously by using Agilent’s Jet Stream Source (AJS), which is an ionization source for Agilent’s mass spectrometers. This study will therefore use AJS coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer to characterize ADCs. Additionally, this study will evaluate various enzymes, such as GingisKHAN and IdeS Xtra from Genovis, that can be used for these bottom-up and middle-up approaches. To assess digestion efficiency, the MS signals of the antibody digest produced by both microdroplet and traditional in-solution reactions will be compared. Next, to ensure clean and simplified MS signals, enzymatic sugar removal or deglycosylation of the ADCs will be assessed with the AJS source. Moving forward, this work can facilitate quantifying the amount of drugs attached to the antibody, otherwise known as the antibody-to-drug ratio (DAR).
In the United States, Latine adolescents aged 14–24 face disproportionately high rates of negative sexual health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and higher birth rates. Although considerable research highlights racial and ethnic disparities, much of this work is limited, which treats Latine adolescents as a monolithic group, overlooking the rich diversity in culture, background, and lived experiences. The lack of studies focused specifically on first generation immigrants is a key gap this systematic review aims to address. This review will examine the sexual health outcomes of first generation Latine adolescent immigrants and compare them to those of their non–first generation immigrant peers. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Communication Source. Studies were included if they focused on adolescents, reported at least one sexual or reproductive health behavior or cognition outcome, disaggregated results by immigrant generation, used a U.S.-based sample, and used a quantitative research design. A total of 13 articles met our inclusion criteria. Final analysis will be completed this summer, with results ready for the conference. This review aims to explore differences in sexual health outcomes between first and non–first generation Latine adolescents and highlight persistent research gaps.
With the emergence of antibiotic resistance, there has been a rise in the pursuit of novel antimicrobial agents. Histone-derived antimicrobial peptides (HDAPs) have shown promise in combating antimicrobial resistance by acting against bacteria. Utilizing Histone subunits 3 and 4, proven to act against certain strains of bacteria, we developed a peptide library consisting of fragmented histones. The peptide library is studied to analyze trends in Histone properties and characteristics that might lead to the antimicrobial activity of the whole peptide.
Microglia are an essential component of a healthy central nervous system. Overactivation of microglia in the central nervous system can lead to neurological disorders, including neurodegeneration. However, due to the unique environment in which microglia grow and develop, it is difficult to study the causes and effects of how microglia go into this type of state. Thus, trying to find a cell line that can model microglia-like behavior in vitro is an important step in trying to understand the mechanisms of neurological degeneration.
THP-1 cells are widely used due to their ability to differentiate into macrophage-like cells. The aim of this research project involves trying to differentiate THP-1 cells into their different macrophage-like states (M1/M2) and measuring gene expression to determine whether this cell line exhibits similar phenotypic characteristics of activated microglia, which also comprises of 2 states
This research project conducts an external benchmarking across higher education institutions with high research activity (R1 designation) to examine how undergraduate Latinx Studies programs, if offered, are structured, situated, directed, administered, and supported. The study aims to generate actionable insights to inform the development of a Latinx Studies program at a predominantly white university like the University of Pittsburgh.
As Trans and Nonbinary gender identities gain more recognition in Higher Education, universities are conducting research to better understand the experiences of these students. By doing so, universities hope to create better support systems around Trans and Nonbinary gender identities. Previous research shows that Trans and Nonbinary college students experience severe mental health distress due to external factors invalidating their existence (Goldberg, 2019), university administrative identification systems used to employ oppressive structures around gender (Copeland, 2025), and the centering of whiteness in LGBTQ+ spaces that push out Trans and Nonbinary students of color (Day, 2024). These studies are typically conducted across multiple universities, but not at multiple campuses across a singular university. Our current study investigates if Trans and Nonbinary students at one university but across multiple campuses experience what previous literature has identified, despite location and cultural differences across three campuses. We hope our findings can be used to create better support structures at individual campuses and university-wide for Trans and Nonbinary students at Rutgers University.
EM professionals operate in high-stress, noisy environments where they are routinely exposed to alarms, sirens, and traumatic events. Emergency medical (EM) professionals include healthcare workers in pre-hospital care (EMS) and the emergency department (ED). Noise may impact the accuracy of vital signs recorded in the field and impede clinical decision-making when patients first arrive at the emergency department.
This study investigates noise exposure levels in EM workers, with the goal of identifying potential risks to their hearing health and patient care outcomes. There is currently limited and outdated data on EM workers, unlike firefighters and musicians.
Noise exposure levels will be measured using Apple Watch sound level data (measured in decibels). This data will be combined with a survey about hearing health and the impact of noise on job performance. Participant recruitment and data collection will begin in late Summer. The long-term goal of this work is to raise awareness of potential unrecognized health risks in EM workers and also provide data to help guide hearing conservation protocols, noise-reduction policies, and burnout/safety risk mitigation programs.
This project examines why low-income households are disproportionately vulnerable to cyberattacks and highlights the lack of affordable, accessible protections designed for them.
There is a growing interest in how mindfulness may be linked to pain management. Chronic pain affects many people, and management tools can be expensive or have unwanted side effects, such as fatigue and nausea and even opioid addiction. This study looks at whether mindfulness may improve one's psychological health and immune function and therefore offer an easily accessible strategy for chronic pain relief. Participants in this study took part in a 30-day intervention where the experimental group used the mindfulness app Smiling Mind, while the other control group used a journaling app called ColorNote. Pre- and post-intervention, we tested pain tolerance through a cold pressor task, took blood samples to test for C-reactive protein, and offered surveys to track our participants' progress. Our hypothesis states that compared to participants in the control group, the mindfulness group will show more improvements in psychological well-being, increased pain tolerance, and better immune function. Research on this topic is still ongoing; however, we hope to use these findings in the nursing practice to find a solution to chronic pain and help promote health equity in the healthcare field. Overall, we want to improve the quality of life for those with chronic pain conditions.
Neighborhoods are not merely physical spaces; they significantly shape residents’ well-being. Research indicates that communities fostering stronger ties and promoting a sense of belonging lead to a greater sense of pride in neighborhoods. As a result, a sense of belonging can affect residents’ decisions on whether to move out of a neighborhood. This study aims to determine how a sense of pride affects perceptions of a neighborhood and the role well-being plays in residents' decisions to move out of a neighborhood. The data set included 682 participants, whose ages ranged from 18 to 65, located in urban centers around the Boston metro area. Regression analysis was conducted to determine which variables influence a sense of pride in residents, as well as which predictors significantly correlated with a resident's decision to move, pertinent to their well-being. Results discuss that neighborhood favors, social services, job opportunities, and being Black were related to a sense of pride. Furthermore, affordability, job security, and a sense of belonging were key factors in determining whether residents would move within the next five years. The data emphasize the need for greater “social psychological investments” to influence individuals' perceptions of their neighborhood and their sense of pride.
As of 2021, Suicide remains a leading cause of death among U.S. service members, with 30,177 post-9/11 active-duty personnel and veterans dying by suicide. This number is more than four times the number killed in combat (Suitt, 2021). In response to this alarming trend, the Department of Defense established the Suicide Event Report (DoDSER) system and launched targeted prevention efforts, including the Task Force on the Prevention of Suicide in 2008 (SPRIRC, 2022). Despite these efforts, military suicide rates remain high, particularly among firearm-owning service members, which is a group that account for approximately 66% of all military suicides (Department of Defense, 2023). The prevalence of suicide risk among different income levels within firearm-owning service members remains largely unexplored. My independent project under the NJ Gun Violence Research Center will address that gap by examining the relationship between income level and suicidal ideation. Understanding which firearm-owning service members are most at risk for suicidal thoughts is key to developing targeted interventions, like promoting secure firearm storage. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design and logistic regression analysis, this study examines whether income level is associated with suicidal ideation among a high-risk population of firearm-owning service members.
Victims are instrumental in determining case outcomes. Black victims tend to report to police more than White victims; men report less than women, and reporting behavior of sexual minorities are inconclusive. Research which evaluates how these identities overlap to influence reporting behavior is limited. To investigate these overlapping influences, this study uses an intersectional framework to evaluate the differences in police reporting behavior of victims of violent crime by considering race, gender and sexuality, while employing a mixed methods approach. The quantitative approach involves a secondary analysis of the 2023 National Crime Victim Survey (NCVS). The qualitative approach involves conducting interviews with victims of violent crime. Quantitative analyses indicates intersectional differences do exist; White sexual and gender minorities were least likely to report (OR = .38, p =
Academic progress is traditionally measured in terms of skill mastery, aiming to ensure students have the right tools in their toolsets to prepare them for the next stage of their academic or professional lives. However, because of the flaws in existing assessment philosophies and the ever-changing nature of the world, students don’t always leave as well-equipped as they should be. To ensure that students leave the classroom prepared to handle whatever comes next, we propose a new curriculum/assessment model that emphasizes skill-acquisition efficiency (SAE), the ability to adapt learned skills for unfamiliar situations. This experiment examines the effectiveness of our initial method for measuring SAE and any patterns that may emerge regarding how students learn. This method assigns weights to assessment exercises based on their novelty compared to a given curriculum. Our results show that there may be a correlation between a student’s ability to absorb learning material efficiently and their ability to adapt that knowledge for novel situations.
Recent studies have shown a decline in college enrollment for Mexican Americans in 2021, possibly driven by the confliction between cultural factors and the college enrollment experience. This study seeks to explore potential barriers in the college admissions process of Mexican Americans (Chicanos) in Hampton Roads, Virginia. The proposed research aims to identify barriers contributing to low representation of Mexican descendent individuals in higher education. Using a quantitative approach, individuals of Mexican descent, aged 18 to 25, will be purposefully sampled to complete a 45-question survey. This study can contribute to understanding of barriers faced by Mexican Americans in enrollment and graduation in higher education. Understanding barriers will aid policy makers and program directors to meet the needs of Mexican Americans and increase higher education graduation rates. Additionally, the results of this work can provide a framework that can be applied to future research studies involving racialized populations across the United States.
This project explores the development of a community-centered voice assistant system for African American older adults through the integration of custom Alexa and ChatGPT APIs. The research began with the recognition that technology was never designed with this population in mind. Work conducted at the Thelma Lovett YMCA over the past two years has led to a focused interest in voice assistants, which—among available technologies—show promise in better addressing their needs. This system leverages an Alexa device to support a hybrid conversational interface that routes queries between Alexa’s native capabilities and ChatGPT’s language model via custom backend integration. The assistant is iteratively improved based on direct community input, with an emphasis on improving usability, comprehension, and trust. The result is a platform that expands Alexa’s default functionality through ChatGPT while aligning with the lived experiences and preferences of its intended users. This research demonstrates the potential of large language models and voice platforms to be adapted for community-responsive use cases and contributes to ongoing efforts in human-computer interaction.
The rising prevalence and increased risks of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adolescents, as evidenced by one in three teenagers having pre diabetes, demonstrates the urgency of investigation into accessible methods for early detection and prevention. Compared to adults, youth T2DM develops more rapidly and is linked to greater consequences. Adolescent girls with obesity are particularly susceptible to beta-cell exhaustion and insulin resistance throughout puberty, demanding the swift identification of metabolic risk factors. We investigated whether hedonic hunger, a psychological sensitivity to food cues measured by the Power of Food scale (PFS), is related to long-term glycemic regulation measured by Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), saturated fat intake, and added sugar intake of girls (ages 8-17). We hypothesized that higher hedonic hunger would be associated with higher glycemic indicators. Our early research shows a weak positive relationship between PFS scores and saturated fat intake but negligible positive association to added sugar intake and HbA1c levels, implying that self-reported hedonic hunger needs further investigation before becoming a non-invasive behavioral predictor of early metabolic risk. While further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and widespread applicability, early identification of behavioral risk factors could help inform T2DM prevention programs in this high-risk population.
Chronic psychological stress is now widely seen as a possible factor in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Those who show excessive cardiovascular reactivity to stress –larger spikes in blood pressure – face higher risks. Previous studies showing these connections are strictly correlational. In contrast, the randomized controlled trial we conducted is designed to test whether reducing stress and stress reactivity through a mindfulness intervention can lead to improvements in stress-related physiological responses, allowing causal conclusions. I worked in the Behavioral Medicine Research Group, headed by Dr. Thomas Kamarck, running a study to examine the feasibility of a smartphone-based mindfulness intervention for reducing stress and stress reactivity in older adults at risk for CVD. Participants were randomized to an intervention or control group and were followed 3 months post-treatment. Ambulatory monitoring assessments were administered to determine whether the intervention produces reductions in daily life stress exposures and reductions in responses to stress in the natural environment. In this presentation, I will describe the challenges that we faced in carrying out a randomized clinical trial in Health Psychology, future directions for the study, and possible applications of this research to my own future career interests in the field of school psychology.
The University of Pittsburgh recently concluded the first phase of an advising redesign initiative, “The Undergraduate Academic Advising Coordination Project.” By conducting a literature review on relevant advising research, two surveys—one for students, and another for leadership and staff—were created. These surveys were sent to both populations, respectively, and served as a vehicle for feedback on current advising expectations as well as to provide an outlet for input from those who were involved in the first phase of the project. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the reflection and preliminary analysis process of both surveys. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be utilized to make improvements to ensure a streamlined process as we launch into the next phase of the project.
The supernova remnant (SNR) 1604, otherwise known as Kepler’s Supernova, is in the Ophiuchus constellation in the Milky Way Galaxy. It was observed in October 1604, notable for its significant brightness being seen even in daylight for up to three weeks. Previous studies showed ejecta knots traveling upwards of 10,000 km s-1, indicating the remnant is in free expansion. This is unusual for an SNR this old, as current evolution theories predict free expansion ending ~200 years post explosion as the ejecta interacts more with circumstellar material (CSM). Based on archival Chandra data, results are presented from resolved spectral analysis of two regions in the remnant showing high velocities, as well as two regions showing lower velocities. Based on a factor of solar abundance, the elemental abundances observed in Kepler’s spectra were resolved. The electron density and elemental mass was calculated based on the abundances found. Results indicate that electron density and mass do not play a significant role in determining spatial velocities of the ejecta dominated regions. Key Terms: Supernova remnants, X-ray astronomy, Spatial velocity, Mass and density relation
Vision impairment from damage to the cornea, retina, or optic nerve is a major global health issue. Current treatments, like corneal transplants, are limited by donor shortages and immune rejection. Regenerative medicine offers a promising alternative through the use of injectable extracellular matrix (ECM)-based microgels. These microgels aim to mimic the native ocular environment, supporting cell survival and delivering regenerative signals. Each target tissue will undergo a tailored decellularization process to remove cells while preserving essential ECM components, confirmed by histological staining (H&E, DAPI) and DNA quantification. The decellularized ECM will then be enzymatically digested and crosslinked into injectable microgels capable of gelling in situ. These will be evaluated using cell viability assays, attachment studies, and neurite outgrowth measurements to assess their ability to support neural and tissue repair. This research could provide a minimally invasive, customizable alternative to current treatments, offering a scalable solution not dependent on donor tissue. By promoting regeneration and enhancing cell survival, ECM-based microgels could become a transformative therapy for ocular diseases and injuries.
Since 2000, suicide rates among Black adolescents have surged by 78%, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This rise is particularly alarming given that Black youth are disproportionately exposed to chronic stressors such as community violence, racial discrimination, and a higher prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—all of which are strongly linked to suicidality and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Social connectedness, defined as one’s perceived availability of supportive relationships, is empirically recognized as a protective factor in trauma recovery. However, existing research tends to emphasize the presence of support without addressing how accessible or functional those supports are in the lives of marginalized youth. For Black adolescents in particular, identity may shape the availability of social support and its effectiveness in buffering against trauma-related distress. This study used a cross-sectional design to conduct a secondary analysis of de-identified baseline data from 124 trauma-exposed youth, ages 5 to 19, who received services through the Child and Families Healing After Trauma Clinic at Rutgers University between 2017 and 2024. By examining this interaction, the study aims to clarify how Black identity influences both trauma responses and the protective power of social connectedness—informing more culturally responsive interventions for marginalized adolescents.
As a McNair Scholar and pre-medical student, I am pursuing a degree in psychology with a focus on medical and behavioral sciences, along with studies in law and criminal justice. My research examines how early childhood experiences, both adverse and supportive, shape adult outcomes across emotional, psychological, behavioral, social, and physical domains. Drawing from developmental psychology, attachment theory, and trauma-informed frameworks, I investigate the long-term effects of early trauma, neglect, family instability, and caregiver relationships, as well as the protective influence of secure attachment, consistent caregiving, and supportive educational environments. My work emphasizes the early childhood period (ages 0–5) as a critical stage for brain development, identity formation, and coping strategies. These formative experiences often leave lasting impacts on mental health, emotional regulation, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. I look forward to connecting with graduate schools, learning more about their programs, and exploring opportunities to bridge clinical research with medical training, advancing healthcare models that address both symptoms and the developmental and psychological roots of patient well-being.
CubeSats are low cost, modular satellites that remain vulnerable to cyberattacks due to limited onboard security. Communication failures are common because few missions include strong encryption or real-time fault recovery. As the demand for secure space-based communication grows, there is a need for adaptive cybersecurity strategies designed for small, resource-constrained platforms like CubeSats. To evaluate adaptive cybersecurity strategies for resource-constrained platforms, this project presents a FlatSat-based testbed running Raspbian Linux to simulate CubeSat operations. It integrates COSMOS (OpenC3) for ground station control and GNU Radio with a software defined radio (SDR) to emulate RF threats (jamming and spoofing). Secure communication is implemented using the CubeSat Space Protocol (CSP) with advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption. Environmental sensors and Python scripts will monitor system performance in real time. The system will be evaluated based on its ability to detect and respond to cyberattacks, using metrics such as packet integrity, latency, and recovery time. This research provides a practical, economic framework for testing secure CubeSat communication using open-source tools. Results are hypothesized to demonstrate faster threat detection than unsecured systems. An affordable, open-source solution for testing CubeSat security will support the development of more resilient small satellite systems for NASA and academic research.
I am T^2 mathematics scholar at the University of Texas at Arlington striving to be a mathematics professor at an 4 year institution.Mathematics has been the constant thread running through my personal and academic life. My fascination lies in its ability to reveal hidden structures and... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:50am - 11:05am EDT SassafrasSheraton Inner Harbor Hotel 2nd Floor
An estimated 97.6 million adults aged 18 years and older had prediabetes in 2021, with the expected numbers on the rise. Prediabetes is a condition where an individuals blood sugar is elevated, whereas diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar is significantly increased due to the body’s ability to respond to insulin being impaired. Patients that are prediabetic are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Mechanistically, insulin and leptin resistances are known to cause these disease conditions. Arsenic is a metalloid abundant in the environment, and arsenic exposure has been associated with the increased incidence of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, the mechanism by which arsenic potentially causes metabolic disorders remains obscure. We hypothesize that exposure to arsenic leads to the leptin resistance through the dysregulation of the autophagic flux. The discovery of the mechanism linking arsenic exposure, diabetes and leptin resistance, which could provide new target molecules in preventing diabetes and obesity.
Students often struggle to reason effectively through formal logic problems. This project explores how strategic and reflective thinking emerge during problem solving in Deep Thought, an intelligent tutoring system for propositional logic. Using multiple data modalities–student conversation and system interaction logs–we aim to understand how different forms of reasoning contribute to performance and learning. We apply thematic analysis to student think-aloud sessions to identify segments of reasoning behavior, such as goal formation or self-correction. These tags inform a qualitative coding scheme used to analyze reasoning patterns across participants. In parallel, we use natural language processing (NLP) techniques to detect similar reasoning behaviors directly from raw conversation transcripts, enabling scalable classification of dialogue features. Finally, Python-based analysis of the numerical interaction logs allows us to examine how behavior unfolds over time in relation to hint usage, efficiency, and task completion. Together, these methods provide a dynamic view of student reasoning and lay the groundwork for real-time metacognitive support in education software.
Early parent-child interactions may play a critical role in shaping children’s later academic outcomes, particularly in mathematics. The current longitudinal study examines how the type of language parents use with their young children, specifically effort-based versus ability-based statements, relates to the development of math skills and mindsets over time. Drawing from naturalistic observations during home visits with children aged 6-7, interactions are coded for statement type (effort vs ability), valence, and target. Standardized math and reading assessments, executive functioning assessments, interviews measuring the child’s math identity and mindset, and parent surveys are also completed during home visits. By focusing on language that reflects either a growth (effort) or fixed (ability) mindset, this research aims to clarify the link between early feedback and later math self-efficacy. Preliminary coding and analysis are underway, with future implications for early education and parenting interventions that foster resilience and achievement in mathematical domains.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes severe, multisystem complications across the lifespan, with chronic lung infections and inflammation being among the most debilitating outcomes. My research focuses on thymidine-dependent Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants (TD-SCVs), investigating how these specific strains induce heightened immune responses compared to other bacterial mutants.
Social media has been linked to poor sleep among adolescents. Poor sleep and not getting enough sleep contribute to problems with physical and mental health, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. There is a gap in the literature that centers on why teens use social media late at night and whether social pressure may influence teenagers to continue to be on social media despite the need for sleep. The goal of the current study is to examine why teenagers use social media before bedtime, which may include pressure to stay connected to friends around bedtime and etiquette in messaging friends at bedtime, and how this affects sleep quality and duration. These findings help ascertain the motivations of teenagers for valuing social media over their amount of sleep, despite the negative effects that can occur for their mental health. Results that show correlation can create precedence for future studies to continue to examine how social media negatively impacts teenagers' sleep habits.
With the rise of radiation threats and nuclear energy demands, there is a growing need to have a method to detect radiation efficiently. However, with the rise of scintillators being used today for radiation detections the high refractive index of a scintillator results in higher total internal reflection (TIR) resulting in lower scintillation efficiency. This creates an inaccurate measurement of the ionizing radiation. However photonic crystals (PhCs) are an innovative way to not only reduce TIR but also be cost-effective with many different fabrication methods such as nanoimprint lithography. Using modeling software OptiFDTD to vary the PhC size parameters and observe the effects on scintillator light yield. Upon further investigation through simulations Si3N4 was chosen as the main material for the PhC due to its refractive index of 2.0. Pairing this with a Lutetium–yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) scintillator and its refractive index of 1.82 provides a favorable ratio with Snell's law to enhance light output. Where a pillar-based PhCs structure exhibited a high transmission percent of 30% in comparison to the real-life fabricated structures 17%.
Financial technology (fintech) tools such as mobile banking apps, peer-to-peer payment platforms, and budgeting software are changing the way people manage their money. However, access to these tools is not equal. Many low-income communities face structural barriers, including limited internet access, low financial literacy, and a lack of trust in financial institutions. This study examines how these barriers affect fintech adoption in two Southeastern Virginia communities with differing income levels. We hypothesize that lower-income individuals are less likely to use or trust fintech, compared to those in more affluent economic environments. This is not due to a lack of interest but rather to systemic challenges that reduce access and confidence. Using a mixed-methods exploratory sequential design, the study uses qualitative interviews conducted at two church communities, followed by a short survey shaped by those interviews. The survey gathers data on said person’s fintech usage, trust, and digital comfort. This study aims to bring a community-level perspective towards a broader conversation about digital financial inclusion. Findings may support more equitable fintech design, developing local financial literacy programs, and presenting outreach opportunities that meet the needs of underserved populations.
The Hampton Roads region of Virginia faces increasing climate-related threats, including flooding and marine debris accumulation. An estimated 99.6% of downtown Norfolk properties will risk flooding within the next 30 years. While infrastructure interventions such as the Norfolk Sea Wall project aim to address these threats, disconnected community engagement inevitably fails to provide adequate environmental education. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-integrated STEM camp in enhancing high school students’ environmental awareness, self-efficacy, and intentions to advocate for climate change. The one-week program will engage 20–30 students from the Tidewater region in hands-on training using a Surface Autonomous Vessel (Blue Boat) and a handheld sonar device to collect bathymetric data and GIS software to map marine debris and mitigate pollution and flooding hazards. A pre- and post-survey design will measure changes in environmental knowledge, STEM interest, and perceived ability to impact local climate issues. The study hypothesizes that participants will exhibit significant gains in environmental awareness, with increased self-efficacy associated with stronger intentions to advocate for climate change. Conclusions from this study will enhance climate resilience efforts and inspire youth to shape local policy recommendations in vulnerable coastal communities.
Accurate measurement of the in-situ strength of cemented paste backfill (CPB) is essential for effective mining operations but remains challenging due to the limitations of current methods. This study introduces a novel hydraulic fracturing technique designed to enhance the precision and cost-effectiveness of CPB strength assessment. The objective was to develop a hydraulic fracturing system that utilizes pressure-time curve analysis to determine late-stage strength of pastefill.
The proposed technique involves applying hydraulic fracturing to measure pressure-time curves during the fracturing process. By analyzing these curves, we can accurately define the strength of CPB at late stages, addressing a critical gap in existing measurement techniques. The developed system is both practical and economically viable, making it suitable for widespread adoption by mining operators.
Our results show that this method provides reliable and precise strength data, significantly improving upon traditional approaches. The ability to measure in-situ strength more accurately while reducing costs represents a notable advancement in mining technology.
The significance of this work lies in its potential to enhance safety and operational efficiency. By offering a more accurate and cost-effective solution for strength measurement, this technique enables better-informed decision-making and improved backfill management practices, directly addressing key limitations in current methods.
Major: Mining Engineering, Michigan Technological University
Current 4th year Mining Engineering Student at Michigan Technological University. Currently looking for internships/research for the 2025 summer as well as future job offers.I aided Dr.Rohit Pandey of Virginia Tech and his graduate student James Frimpong in research involving backfill... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 12:10pm - 12:25pm EDT Severn IISheraton Inner Harbor Hotel 2nd Floor
No staining method exists to enable simultaneous, high-resolution labeling of the gram-negative and gram-positive cell envelope. This project proposes the development of a cellular staining protocol, intended to visualize a “Tricolor” model in pathogenic bacterial species, selected for their relevance in infection and laboratory utility. The “Tricolor” concept has not been realized in gram-negative bacteria and few examples have been engineered in gram-positive models. The development of a comprehensive staining protocol will prove beneficial to cell biology research, offering precision labeling and visualization. A novel benzoboroxole-based dye, OM-488, was engineered for high-affinity complexation with carbohydrate-rich components of the outer membrane and cell wall. OM-488 was applied as a staining reagent to non-capsular species: E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). Parameters of the staining protocol were refined. Serial dilution and colony counting were used to investigate OM-488 toxicity. Samples were imaged with fluorescent microscopy. Results between control and variable plates in serial dilutions revealed no significant differences in cell viability when treated with OM-488, indicating non-toxicity. Fluorescent probes exhibited optimal glycan targeting when prepared under neutral (7.4 pH) conditions and exact treatment durations. Subsequent imaging depicted precise selection and labeling of the outer membrane and cell wall. Future steps will incorporate HADA, a fluorescent D-amino acid, for peptidoglycan staining in addition to OM-488 to produce a dual color model. Continued trials will aim to prove the selective binding to cellular targets and eliminate spectra overlap and bleed-through (crosstalk) between fluorophores of HADA and OM-488.
Debt-accumulative behaviors have remained societally relevant for decades, particularly following the widespread adoption of credit cards. More recently, fintech innovations such as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) have reshaped individuals’ cognitive and emotional relationships with debt, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior research suggests that higher financial literacy is associated with healthier credit behaviors (Lusardi & Tufano, 2015). This study explores the interaction between self-perceived financial literacy and actual financial knowledge, and how this dynamic influences behavior related to traditional credit cards versus newer BNPL systems. We conducted an anonymous survey to collect demographic data and assess credit-related behavior using the “Big Three” financial literacy questions. Additional items measured participants' confidence, self-perception, and emotional responses in relation to their quiz performance. We aim to determine whether individuals who perceive themselves as financially literate exhibit greater confidence in using debt-accruing tools. Furthermore, we examine whether self-perception biases individuals toward preferring one form of credit over another. Finally, we hypothesize that individuals with low financial confidence will show heightened emotional reactivity and reduced cognitive engagement in financial decision-making.
