Digital Commons Network^™

Alcohol Use Among High School Students In Select Florida School Districts, A Comparison Of Pre-Covid And Covid Years, (2019, 2021), Marlee Dauphin, Roohika Rastogi

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Background: The widespread concern about alcohol use among high school students underscores the urgent need for effective prevention and education programs. Comparing underage drinking statistics before and during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential for understanding patterns of behavior during this unique time period. This knowledge can potentially illuminate changes in risk factors and guide targeted interventions to protect the well-being of adolescents in the post-pandemic era.

Methods: The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data was used to analyze alcohol use behaviors in six Florida counties. We used student responses to examine alcohol-use initiation and whether they were currently drinking at …

Assessing Sociodemographic Impact On Mental Health Experience In University Students, Kaitlin Bohorquez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The COVID-19 pandemic helped shift mental health conversations from taboo to embraced among younger generations. With this shift, young people may be more willing to report on their mental health status, aiding professionals in understanding the relationship between mental health and overall health status. Research supports that factors vary among youth mental health experiences, but gaps in knowledge on the extent sociodemographic factors contribute still exists. This study investigates associations between the mental health experiences (MHE) and sociodemographic factors among college students. This knowledge can inform how to craft mental health programs to suit the needs of diverse university student …

Assessing The Impacts Of Social Media In Educating Individuals On The Importance Of Influenza Prevention, Alianys Rodriguez, Daniella Martinez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Social media serves as a powerful tool for organizations to spread information to the public. This research, conducted in collaboration with Broward Regional Health Planning Council (BRHPC), a nonprofit organization that has an online presence on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn, investigates the benefits of using social media as a platform to educate and raise awareness regarding the importance of influenza vaccines among individuals and communities. In the realm of public health, individuals must understand the importance of influenza vaccinations, as a way to prevent the spread of the seasonal flu and minimize its impacts on different communities. A total …

Assessment Of Brain Function And Soccer Penalty Kick Performance In Collegiate Soccer Players, Toniann Brezina

Undergraduate Student Symposium

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research study is to assess National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s and women’s soccer players brain function while taking penalty kicks wearing an electroencephalogram (EEG) band and a heart rate monitor. An EEG is a device used to assess brain activity and will record four types of brain wave activities: alpha, beta, theta, and delta. Heart rate data provides additional insight during strenuous activity. Minimal research exists on EEG and soccer penalty kicks, but multiple published studies discuss high activity in the beta wave along with a low heart rate indicating a focused but relaxed …

Assessment Of Wearable Vert Technology In Collegeiate Volleyball Athletes, Nicole Stanchfield

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The purpose of this research study is to assess the use of the VERT device with (NCAA Division II Volleyball players. The VERT is a wearable and portable device that measures multiple variables including workload, jump height, frequency, intensity, and impact. Previous research indicates accurate data overall on jump performance which can then be applied to player work loads and injury risk. NCAA Division II Volleyball players included in this study will use the VERT device for one collegiate volleyball season, including practices and games. A typical season includes between 4-5 practices in a week and 1-3 games per week. …

Burst Size Determination Of A Newly Discovered Yersinia Pestis Bacteriophage, Jewel Mousa

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The escalating global resistance to antibiotics has called for innovative alternatives to combat bacterial infections. Bacteriophages, viruses that can specifically target and destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria, have emerged as a promising potential solution in phage therapy. This research focuses on a newly discovered phage capable of infecting Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of the bubonic plague, through the lytic cycle. In the lytic cycle, bacteriophages infect and replicate within bacterial cells, causing the cells to burst and release newly formed phages. Specifically, this study aims to characterize this recently discovered phage, utilizing experiments to determine its burst size, which indicates …

Changes In The Nse And S100b Levels In Plasma Following Treatment With Peripheral Neuropathy-Inducing Chemo Drugs, Shriya Selvakumar, Priya Vontikommu

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) is a common chemotherapy-induced side effect that impacts 50% of all patients who receive chemotherapy. Treatment with Bortezomib (BTZ), Cisplatin (CIS), and Vincristine (VIN) has been established as the most common triggers of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) among cancer patients. Therefore, it was hypothesized that identifying diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers that can accurately predict the onset or progression of CIPN would help to determine the eligibility of the above-mentioned drugs for chemotherapy use and also would help to proactively prepare the patients for protective care. Therefore, our initial goal was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset and …

Characterizing Visual Literacy In Biochemistry: Interpreting The Symbolic Language Embedded Within Biochemistry Representations, Sahil Sheth, Manav Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Representations play a key role in communicating concepts and phenomena in courses such as chemistry, biology, and biochemistry. While representations have the potential to help students develop conceptual understanding of a subject, integrating multiple ideas to interpret and use the representations can be challenging. For example, biochemistry students are faced with the unique challenge of having to combine their knowledge of both chemistry and biology to make sense of complex biological structures and processes. Using the Visual Literacy Framework proposed by Schönborn and Anderson, the objective of our study is to investigate the symbolism embedded within biochemistry representations and how …

Christian Monasticism And The Making Of Modern Medicine In London, Nicole Shaker

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Christian monasteries were the first formal healthcare settings in London. They defined doctors as Jesus-imitators, hospitals as inclusive shelters, and medicine as the holistic treatment of mental, spiritual, and physical maladies. Today, London’s medical students are taught to strive towards Christian values like empathy and patience and London’s model of free healthcare represents inclusivity and generosity. But because medicine has evolved away from faith, London’s healthcare ultimately displays a watered-down image of its roots in love-based monastic service. This paper will examine how three values of monastic medicine in London during the Late Middle Ages— agape love, hospitality, and holism— …

Climate Change Attitudes About Human Responsibility Among The Nsu Community, Anshu Jasani

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This research is about how people self-report climate change attitudes about human responsibility. Self-reports precede actions (Critchfield & Perone, 1990), so a predictive model of attitudes is important. Ransdell (2016) surveyed a similar NSU sample in 2015 and found that 62% reported a belief that climate change is mostly human-caused. The present study is a replication with some additional questions. As before, all with NSU email addresses were sent the survey once, without any incentive or follow-up. In this survey, the main goal was to predict Question 6 which showed participants' views on climate change as mostly human caused. The …

Comparative Genomics Across Ganoderma Species To Identify Anti-Cancer Producing Secondary Metabolite Clusters, Abril Chao, Omobolanle Ayangade, Rajendra Pangeni Ph.D., Braham Dhillon Ph.D.

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom-forming fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. G. lucidum, also known as lingzhi or reishi, is consumed in several Asian cultures to promote health and longevity. Bioactive molecules with anticancer properties have been isolated and characterized primarily from the species Ganoderma lucidum, and the cytotoxic potential of other species in the genus Ganoderma remains relatively unclear. Bioactive molecules isolated from mushroom fruiting bodies are demonstrated to have cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines. Triterpenes and polysaccharides are the two major groups of compounds that exhibit antitumor and …

Comparing Methodologies In 2-2'-Bipyridine Synthesis, Valentina El Khouri Faieta, Emily Andersen, Cameron Martinez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The purpose of this study is to determine the most economical and efficient way to synthesize functionalized bipyridine adducts for future incorporation into ruthenium complexes. These complexes show promise in treating bladder cancer and their extensive conjugated system demonstrates strong photovoltaic activity.

Two distinct approaches will be contrasted. The first method uses several disubstituted 2-bromopyridine substrates in homo-coupling reactions to create functionalized bipyridines, at the expense of long reactions times. The second route utilizes unsubstituted 2,2’-bipyridines and functionalizes them in a symmetrical pattern using a microwave synthesizer, to attempt to drastically shorten reaction times.

The first mode utilizes deactivating groups …

Comparing The Effects Of Invasive Waterhyacinth On Aquatic Communities, Maria José Gacharná Ferro, Colby Holbrook, Reginald Kempson Iii, Andrew Kuntz, Layla Lacelle, Claire Scobie, Indaya Byer

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Waterhyacinth is an invasive freshwater species that rapidly grows across water bodies, creating dense mats that disrupt local ecosystems. Our goal was to measure the impact of waterhyacinth on aquatic communities. We tested the hypotheses that waterhyacinth supported different fish and invertebrate species than native aquatic plants, used more dissolved oxygen (DO), and provided different levels of support to abundant invertebrates like amphipods. The fish communities under both plant groups were collected using a 1m2 throwtrap and a backpack electrofisher. This allowed for comparison between fish communities and method efficiency. We compared invertebrate community assemblages by collecting samples of roots …

Conserved Domains In Promoters Of Differentially Expressed Genes Under High Night Temperature Stress In Rice: How To Find Them And What Can They Tell Us?, Emalynn Tobias, Jenna Handal, Paul Lup, Michael Egozi

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Crop plant response to stress involves changes in gene expression patterns. The complex process of regulation of gene expression involves cis- and trans-acting components. One of the key steps in understanding changes in gene expression associated with a plant’s response to stress begins with identifying “conserved domains” in the promoters of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By providing binding sites for transcription factors, the conserved domains can play a crucial role in gene regulation. In this study, we aim to identify the cis-regulatory elements (CREs) in the promoters of 149 DEGs that were identified in the transcriptomic analysis of two rice …

Determining The Function Of The Protein Of Interest 2qru Using Bioinformatic Tools And Wet-Lab Experiments, Samhita Doranala, Michelle Milman, Marissa Bonsangue, Eliezer Gurovich

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Proteins are complex macromolecules that play a vital role in the facilitation of biological processes. Protein research and documentation are crucial for future advancements. They aid in developing medications, disease diagnosis and treatment, and the understanding of structural biology. Thousands of proteins have been stored in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) since 1971. Although their structures are known, many of their functions have yet to be determined.

This study was conducted in order to shed light on the biological role of a previously uncharacterized protein of interest (POI) with the PDB ID: 2QRU. A two-pronged approach involving both bioinformatics and …

Determining The Optimal Infection Temperature And Burst Size Of Gordonia Rubripertincta Bacteriophage, Genesis Aguilar, Bianca A. Gonzalez, Sarah Moya, Jose C. Padron, Dani Sheil

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Antibiotic resistance represents a significant global health crisis, especially within hospitals, creating a necessity for the search for alternative therapeutic agents to combat drug-resistant pathogens. One source of treatment is phages specifically targeting G. rubripertincta, a gram-positive, aerobic actinomycete bacterium which has shown intrinsic resistance to some antibiotics. Furthermore, G. rubripertincta can cause endocarditis and CNS infections in immunocompromised individuals. Several phages such as Alyssamiracle, Fribs8, Genamy16, and NovaSharks, have been discovered that successfully target G. rubripertincta. The goal of this research is to determine the optimal infection temperature and the burst size of these phases. By growing …

Developing A Better Animal Model Of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Me/Cfs), Roberto Fileni, Amanda Lee, Medha Mageswaran

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a rare but extremely debilitating disease characterized by severe fatigue, even after only mild exertion. In fact, ¼-⅓ of patients are house- or bedridden, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatment. Patients with ME/CFS display hypocortisolism, overactive serotonergic systems, and elevated TGF-β levels, suggesting that ME/CFS includes dysfunction of the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. Current animal models of ME/CFS use immune activators but lack the complex multisystemic nature of the disease and bear a closer resemblance to depression than ME/CFS. One recent study showed that an adrenalectomy (ADX) better matched the characteristics seen …

Eating Disorders: A Public Health Perspective, Avisha Thota

Undergraduate Student Symposium

There are six primary eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder (BED), avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, pica, and rumination disorder. The purpose of this project is to identify the underlying patterns between cultural taboos and/or low food insecurity (FI) and the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. It was hypothesized that if either cultural taboo about eating or low food insecurity is present, then the development of an eating disorder is more likely. A comprehensive literature review extracted keywords and reoccurring patterns from various primary and secondary sources. The hypothesis was partially supported, as the two factors have …

Effective Use For Design, Aruhi Kodeboyina

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Flyers, which foster human connection and communication, are integral when looking at human interaction throughout various stages of life. They require a balance between attractability and simplicity through both words and visuals, and they can create and/or foster a space for discussion and discourse. In this study, I examine the relationship between texts, visuals, phrasing, and audience in the process of making flyers. Relevant scholarship suggests that the wording/framing on the flier has a large part in whether people are influenced by it. Using my own primary research methods, I also found that participants paid a lot of attention to …

Effects Of Altered Tpp-1 Expression In Human Neural Progenitor Cells, Nitisha Gajavalli, Julia Langman, Amelia E. Zannoni, Grace K. Wong, Chase A. Gonzales, Roberto G. Fileni, Peter Stringer

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Batten’s Disease or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) is a pediatric autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder due to a deficit of the lysosomal protease tripeptidyl peptidase (TPP-1). The lack of TPP-1 leads to an accumulation of lysosomal waste and cell death. CLN2 is characterized by language delays, seizures, cognitive and motor decline, blindness, and early death. Currently, a clinical trial of the experimental treatment Brineura® (Cerilponase Alfa) is the only approved treatment for CLN2. The clinical trial involves infusion of human recombinant TPP-1 (rhTPP1) into the ventricles of the brain. Diffusion models suggest the protein will spread along …

Evaluating A Research Course Designed To Help Students Understand Protein Structure And Function, Omar Saleh, Jordan Nichole Carreras, Ryan Luib

Undergraduate Student Symposium

An educational curriculum has been implemented through the Farquhar Honors College (FHC) to integrate computational biology research for undergraduate students. Since its time as an independent study course, it has evolved into an Honors interdisciplinary course that is co-taught by professors from both the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry & Physics with support from the NSF-funded Connecting Researchers, Educators, and STudents program, and 3D Molecular Designs. The course is intended to be applicable to FHC students regardless of their academic background. Throughout the Fall 2023 semester, peer mentors worked with student groups to assist in literature comprehension, protein selection, …

Evaluating Telmisartan's Impact On Metabolic Health And Cognitive Function In Mice Subjected To A High-Fat Diet, Julianna Bonetti, Ariana Hernandez, Iliana Uribe, Victoria Pulido-Correa, Chana Vogel, Nikhila Paleati, Natalia Noto

Undergraduate Student Symposium

A high-fat diet can induce metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In turn, metabolic diseases increase the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g. dementia, anxiety, and depression). While telmisartan, an ARB (angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker), is known to treat hypertension, it can also reduce weight gain, while improving dyslipidemia and glucose metabolism in male mice fed a high-fat diet. However, it is unknown whether telmisartan can reverse behavioral changes caused by a high-fat diet. This study assesses the effects of treatment with telmisartan on metabolic outcomes and cognitive-behavioral function, …

Evaluating The Association Between Undergraduate Major And Telehealth Utilization, Nimisha Kumar, Rojie Ekanayake, Wardah Lodhi

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Telehealth is a rapidly advancing phenomenon that utilizes technology to provide long-distance healthcare services to patients. The convenience of telehealth services is essential during emergency situations. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased awareness and reliance of telehealth services worldwide. Additionally, telehealth provides time-saving crisis intervention amongst the recent worsening of the fentanyl and opioid crisis. Telehealth’s increased flexibility and convenience benefits populations facing barriers to healthcare access. As telehealth rapidly evolves, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence its adoption. The purpose of this study is to evaluate any associations between undergraduate students’ majors and telehealth …

Exercise As A Natural Kappa Opioid Receptor To Treat Binge Drinking Withdrawal, Eleanor Wind, Iliana Uribe, Ariana Hernandez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Binge drinking is a serious public health problem in the United States especially among college students. Clinical trials demonstrate positive results for the treatment of alcohol abuse with aerobic exercise. Research in animal models aims to answer questions regarding implementation across sexes and age groups by studying underlying neurobiological mechanisms such as kappa opioid receptor (KOR) activation. KOR antagonists have been shown to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms associated with ethanol withdrawal. Chronic treadmill exercise reduces KOR binding and G-protein activation in rodents, suggesting exercise could have an effect on symptoms of ethanol withdrawal similar to KOR antagonists. Previous research …

Expanding Shelter Dog Research And Service To Encompass University Campus Communities, Lea Stephen, Richa Patel, Raquel Walton

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Many animal shelters are actively exploring social enrichment (SE) programs to alleviate animal stress and reduce residency times. SE invests in resources for focal animals (e.g. field trips, play groups, and/or augmented cages) to improve health, temperament, and adoption prospects. SE hinges on many factors, including strategic design and resource recruitment (e.g. human volunteers) to implement data-driven protocols. We propose that college students can help expand and refine SE efforts of campus-adjacent animal shelters, while meeting student needs for meaningful service and research opportunities. To demonstrate this, we completed diverse SE-related activities over the last two semesters using public data, …

Exploration Of Mdm2-Aurkb Regulatory Interaction: Implications For Cell Cycle Arrest And Cell Death In Lung Cancer, Akshara Sriram, Esha Surana

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Lung cancer is the most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of 26.6% in the USA contributing to a higher mortality in comparison to other cancers. Among various abnormalities, MDM2 overexpression can positively influence the intracellular mechanisms and contribute to cancer progression through AURKB activation. Also, FOXO3A, a member of the Forkhead Box transcription factors linked to MDM2, serve as intermediates for various cellular mechanisms, including tumorigenesis, cell cycle progression, DNA damage, and cell death. Therefore, blocking MDM2 with specific inhibitors has become one of the promising strategies for the restoration of p53 mediated tumor …

Exploring Dysphagia In Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Literature Review, Katheline Hernandez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alzheimer's disease and dementia are progressive conditions that develop gradually, potentially heightening the risk of dysphagia, a condition characterized by difficulties in swallowing. As Alzheimer's disease advances, it can impact cognitive and motor functions, potentially causing challenges in coordinating the muscles involved in the swallowing process. The aim of this literature review was to investigate and determine the prevalence of dysphagia among individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, identify symptoms associated with dysphagia associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, explore relevant dysphagia interventions employed by healthcare professionals, and pinpoint common assessments used to identify both dementia and dysphagia. The systematic …

Exploring The Genetic Elements Regarding The Early Onset Of Arthritis Due To Crohn's Disease, Vamsi Korisapati, Karam Asad

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Crohn’s disease is a rare inflammatory bowel disease that negatively impacts the lining of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease increases the probability of early onset arthritis, both of which are commonly associated chronic conditions. An overactive immune response is the primary cause of inflammation in Crohn's disease, and this inflammation can damage not only the digestive tract but also other regions of the body such as the joints. However, patients who are diagnosed with arthritis are typically prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are not recommended for patients with Crohn’s disease (ex. aspirin, naproxen, & celecoxib). On the other hand, disease-modifying …

Exploring The Therapeutic Potential Of Telmisartan Against High Fat Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Dose- And Sex-Dependent Study In Mice, Nitisha Dundigalla, Ariana Hernandez, Victoria Pulido-Correa, Chana Vogel, Iliana Uribe, Shalet James, Eleanor Wind, Natalia Noto, Valeria Cohen, Julianna Bonetti

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, often developing in response to poor diet consumption and associated metabolic disturbances (obesity, Type II diabetes). Telmisartan, an Angiotensin II receptor blocker commonly used for treating hypertension, may hold therapeutic value against the adverse metabolic effects of a high fat (HF) diet, including NAFLD. This project explores whether the effects of Telmisartan are dose- and sex-dependent in obese, prediabetic mice. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed high-fat (HF) or low-fat (LF) diet starting at ~3 months old; diet was maintained for the remainder …

Exploring Trends In Hate Crime Statistics And Trauma-Related Disorders In Asian And Black Americans, 2017-2021, Arun Jagarlamudi, Meghana Jagarlamudi, Varun Jagarlamudi

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The rise of COVID-19 and social movements (i.e., protests) were also accompanied with the rise of hate crimes, specifically against Asian and Black communities. Along with physical threats from hate crimes, long-term consequences of this include trauma-related responses such as developing feelings of anger and facing higher risks of PTSD compared to other crimes committed against these groups. This project explored a 5-year trend analysis of the relationship between hate crimes and trauma-related mental health disorders among Black and Asian populations in the United States. It was hypothesized that hate crimes and trauma-related disorders would be positively correlated and would …