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Snapping Shrimp Acoustic Activity As An Indicator Of Ecosystem Health Across Mangrove, Seagrass, And Coral Reef Habitats In The Florida Keys, Catherine Salazar, Alexander Wheeler Apr 2026

Snapping Shrimp Acoustic Activity As An Indicator Of Ecosystem Health Across Mangrove, Seagrass, And Coral Reef Habitats In The Florida Keys, Catherine Salazar, Alexander Wheeler

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass provide refugia, nursery areas, and feeding grounds for many marine species. These ecosystems have faced declines in habitat complexity through natural and anthropogenic causes. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is used to track changes in habitat characteristics through the monitoring of acoustic species, like snapping shrimp. Snapping shrimp are among the most active species inhabiting shallow subtropical marine environments, and their abundance, often tracked through their acoustic activity, are strong indicators of a healthy ecosystem. This study compares the acoustic activity of snapping shrimp across mangrove, seagrass, and coral reef habitats in Key Largo, Florida, as …

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Disrupting Stat3 Signaling In Glioblastoma Stem Cells Using Nitro-Modified Curcumin Analogs, Sneha Subhash, Swara Chindhade, Maria Moreno Hollweg, Kyuree Chang Apr 2026

Disrupting Stat3 Signaling In Glioblastoma Stem Cells Using Nitro-Modified Curcumin Analogs, Sneha Subhash, Swara Chindhade, Maria Moreno Hollweg, Kyuree Chang

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is frequently overactivated in cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM), where its dysregulation is associated with aggressive disease and poor patient survival. STAT3 supports tumor progression by promoting proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and immune suppression. Although numerous STAT3 inhibitors are under preclinical and clinical evaluation, none have yet achieved FDA approval. GBM remains a highly lethal brain cancer with limited therapeutic options, underscoring the need for new targeted treatments. Nitro-containing compounds, known for their strong electron-withdrawing characteristics, are emerging as potential anticancer agents. A library of 41 nitro-containing chalcones …

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Ticked Off: A Systematic Review Of Alpha-Gal Syndrome Mechanisms Apr 2026

Ticked Off: A Systematic Review Of Alpha-Gal Syndrome Mechanisms

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alpha-gal syndrome is characterized by an IgE-mediated immune response against galactose-α-1,3-galactose. In the United States, the principal vector is the Lone Star tick, whose range has expanded nationwide. 110,000 cases have been reported since 2010, with the CDC estimating 450,000 as many cases go unrecognized. Vomiting, difficulty breathing, and hypotension can occur immediately or hours after exposure. Ongoing exposure to alpha galactose with AGS increases mast cell inflammatory response, raising coronary artery disease risk. Perioperative ingredients like gelatin, monoclonal antibodies, and stearic acid have triggered anaphylactic shock in AGS patients. These complications hinder diagnosis. The inclusion criteria required original research …

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Reengineering Bone Health: Preventing Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis Without Jaw Damage, John Voudouris Apr 2026

Reengineering Bone Health: Preventing Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis Without Jaw Damage, John Voudouris

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Glucocorticoid ("steroid") drugs are essential for treating autoimmune diseases, but long-term use often weakens bones, leading to a condition called glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO). In the United States, steroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone are prescribed to over 10 million patients annually, and roughly 30% of long-term users develop GIO, contributing $20-30 billion in annual health-care costs. To this end, bisphosphonates are commonly used to treat GIO by preventing bone-loss; however, they can also cause a serious adverse effect called medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Thus, safer jaw-protective treatments are urgently needed. In this study, we tested a different strategy …

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Analyzing The Variation In Microplastic Intake Of Waterhyacinth And Pennywort In Lake Okeechobee, Aashvi Gowrisankar Apr 2026

Analyzing The Variation In Microplastic Intake Of Waterhyacinth And Pennywort In Lake Okeechobee, Aashvi Gowrisankar

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The Florida Everglades ecosystem faces many threats, including municipal pollution and agricultural runoff. This study compares the microplastic intake of two types of floating vegetation in Lake Okeechobee. Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) has a greater root mass and surface area than its native equivalent pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellate). We hypothesize that water hyacinth would have greater microplastic intake due to its increased capillary action. Our project was conducted using three guiding questions: which plant type had the greatest microplastic intake, did accumulation vary with location, and did concentration vary among roots, stems, and leaves in each plant …

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Advances In Aortic Valve Replacement For The Recovery Of Elderly Patients In Southern Florida, Khushi Faldu Apr 2026

Advances In Aortic Valve Replacement For The Recovery Of Elderly Patients In Southern Florida, Khushi Faldu

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve, is a significant health burden in aging populations, as in Broward County, Florida, where the elderly demographic is rapidly expanding. The classical approach to valve replacement is performed via Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR). Recently, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive alternative, has emerged as a life-changing option for patients with a high surgical risk. Using inductive methods, this study compiled and analyzed data from existing research records and publications comparing endothelial recovery following TAVR and SAVR. We aim to design a teaching case study to highlight how procedural choice …

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When Peers Matter: Peer Communication And The Association Between Parental Dependence And Superiority Cognitions, Preya Pandya, Bala Sivani Paddala, Anisha Nandra Apr 2026

When Peers Matter: Peer Communication And The Association Between Parental Dependence And Superiority Cognitions, Preya Pandya, Bala Sivani Paddala, Anisha Nandra

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Although parent-child relationships have been widely studied during childhood and adolescence, less attention has been given to how these relationships continue to influence adjustment during emerging adulthood. This developmental period is marked by instability and exploration, as young adults begin transitioning into adult roles such as higher education, employment, and long-term relationships. Research suggests that parenting continues to matter during this time, with successful separation-individuation representing a normative developmental task. Excessive parental dependence, however, may be associated with maladjustment. At the same time, peers play an increasingly important role in emerging adulthood, and positive peer relationships are often linked to …

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The Impact Of Social Media On Oral Hygiene, Daniela Guzman, Kamelia Vega Apr 2026

The Impact Of Social Media On Oral Hygiene, Daniela Guzman, Kamelia Vega

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Social media has become a dominating channel for health communication, influencing how adults accept, interpret, and act on oral health information. This Prisma review examines whether exposure to social media impacts the overall oral hygiene behaviors in adults, specifically focusing on proper oral health practice, consumer behavior, and the type of information being consumed. Guided by a review framework, peer-reviewed studies published across multiple databases were screened for relevance, methodological quality, and alignment with the research question. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional analyses , qualitative investigation, and interventional studies designed to examine the relationship between social media use …

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Mediterranean Diet Adherence And Bone Density: No Link In University Cross-County Athletes, Auston Hsieh, Sathvi Gandra, Kiana Medina Apr 2026

Mediterranean Diet Adherence And Bone Density: No Link In University Cross-County Athletes, Auston Hsieh, Sathvi Gandra, Kiana Medina

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Bone stress injuries are common among collegiate cross-country runners, occurring at rates of 28.6 and 16.1 per 100,000 athlete-exposures in women and men, respectively. Adequate, individualized dietary patterns have been shown to reduce bone stress injury risk by supporting bone mineral density (BMD); however, there is a lack of consensus on the most advantageous dietary pattern. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with improved BMD in general populations; however, its relationship to BMD in collegiate athletes remains unclear. Therefore, this study assessed the association between MD adherence and BMD in university competitive cross-country runners. Nineteen participants (sex, 7 male, …

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Parent-Child Relations, Ego Identity Exploration, And Self-Esteem In Emerging Adulthood, Japji Madan, Amala Vadakumcherry, Vivan Majumdar Apr 2026

Parent-Child Relations, Ego Identity Exploration, And Self-Esteem In Emerging Adulthood, Japji Madan, Amala Vadakumcherry, Vivan Majumdar

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Self-esteem has long been a central focus of psychological research, with positive development linked to factors such as academic achievement, peer relationships, and parent-child bonds. Sub-optimal parent-child relationships, however, can negatively impact self-esteem. While prior studies have largely emphasized extrinsic buffers (e.g., peer support) that mitigate these effects, less is known about intrinsic factors that may promote adjustment in the context of sub-optimal parenting. Emerging adulthood, a period characterized by identity exploration, may provide such intrinsic resources. This study examines whether ego identity exploration moderates the relationship between parent-child relationship quality and self-esteem in emerging adults. Participants were 132 emerging …

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Determining The Life Cycles Of Gordonia Rubripertincta Phages, Joshua Yue, Aron Balazs, Jenny Cristina Gallardo Arauz, Akshaj Gandra, Yuktha Milukuri, Suhani Ketan Pothiwala Apr 2026

Determining The Life Cycles Of Gordonia Rubripertincta Phages, Joshua Yue, Aron Balazs, Jenny Cristina Gallardo Arauz, Akshaj Gandra, Yuktha Milukuri, Suhani Ketan Pothiwala

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Antibiotic resistance continues to rise globally, increasingly limiting the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial treatments and prompting the exploration of alternative therapies. Bacteriophages are viruses that can specifically infect and kill bacteria, and have emerged as a promising solution, particularly for infections resistant to antibiotics. This study is part of the Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program, which aims to isolate, characterize, and catalog bacteriophages for research and potential therapeutic use. We focused on bacteriophages infecting Gordonia rubripertincta, an actinobacterium with growing clinical relevance as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients and catheter related infections. …

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Dollar$ And $Ense: A Financial Aid And Academic Records Newsletter - Spring 2026, Nova Southeastern University Apr 2026

Dollar$ And $Ense: A Financial Aid And Academic Records Newsletter - Spring 2026, Nova Southeastern University

Dollars & Sense Newsletter

No abstract provided.

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From Prediction To Prevention: How The Va Uses Analytics To Reduce Chronic Disease And Mental Health Risk, Leelakrishna Angadala Apr 2026

From Prediction To Prevention: How The Va Uses Analytics To Reduce Chronic Disease And Mental Health Risk, Leelakrishna Angadala

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Predictive analytics has become an essential component of preventive care strategies within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which serves a medically and psychosocially complex population at elevated risk for chronic disease and mental health conditions. This research examines how the VHA has leveraged predictive analytics to improve early identification, prevention, and targeted intervention for chronic illnesses and mental health disorders. Specifically, it explores established initiatives such as the Care Assessment Needs (CAN) score for identifying veterans at high risk of hospitalization or mortality, the Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for Veterans (REACH VET) program for suicide risk prediction and prevention, …

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Targeting The Metabolic-Neurodegenerative Axis: In Silico Repurposing Of Fda-Approved Pleiotropic Metabolic Modulators For Alzheimer's Tau Protein, Maanya Chitrapu, Juhi Vora Apr 2026

Targeting The Metabolic-Neurodegenerative Axis: In Silico Repurposing Of Fda-Approved Pleiotropic Metabolic Modulators For Alzheimer's Tau Protein, Maanya Chitrapu, Juhi Vora

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Extensive research has established a link between insulin deficiency and insulin resistance and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) type-neurodegeneration, coining it "Type 3 Diabetes". While research typically focuses on glucose regulation, the comparative structural efficacy of broader metabolic agents against neuropathology remains distinctively underexplored. This study addresses this gap by performing a novel in silico comparison of three drug classes (Glucose, Lipid, and Cardio-Metabolic regulators) to identify superior scaffolds for obstructing the pathological Tau protein, which plays a major role in causing AD through its hyperphosphorylation. The Tau paired helical filament (PDB ID: 5O3L) was retrieved from the RCSB Protein Data Bank. …

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What Genograms Can Tell Us About Family Dynamics That Quantitative Data Cannot, Connor Mccarville, Jessica Frye, Maegan Mcdonough Apr 2026

What Genograms Can Tell Us About Family Dynamics That Quantitative Data Cannot, Connor Mccarville, Jessica Frye, Maegan Mcdonough

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Genograms are an important clinical tool that is used to visually represent family relationships and their dynamics, but their effectiveness in empirical research remains limited. This mix-methods study examined the alignment between qualitative genogram visualizations and quantitative assessments of family dysfunctionality among individuals who exhibited high levels of risky sexual behavior. Based on preliminary data, currently with seven individuals with a high level of risky sexual behavior, we created genograms through interviews with young adult participants who described the emotional quality of each family relationship. Quantitative data on risky sexual behavior and whole family functioning were collected using the Family …

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Tissue-Specific Stable Isotope Fractionation In Subarctic Pinniped Species, Morgan Michalek Apr 2026

Tissue-Specific Stable Isotope Fractionation In Subarctic Pinniped Species, Morgan Michalek

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios are widely used to evaluate marine mammal diet, trophic position, and nutrient assimilation. However, interpretation is often confounded by tissue-specific isotopic discrimination, which alters isotope ratios during nutrient assimilation and tissue synthesis. Quantifying these offsets is essential for ensuring accurate trophic reconstructions across multiple tissues with different biochemical compositions. This study measured δ13 and δ15N values in muscle, blood, blubber, brain, collagen, kidney, liver, skin, fur, and vibrissae of Steller sea lions (Eumentopias jubatus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and northern fur …

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Overcoming Gbm Stem Cell Resistance With Resveratrol Analog E03, Alma Partenza, Vansh Linga, Maanas Mallela Apr 2026

Overcoming Gbm Stem Cell Resistance With Resveratrol Analog E03, Alma Partenza, Vansh Linga, Maanas Mallela

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis, driven by GBM stem cells (GSCs) that promote growth, recurrence, and treatment resistance. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is frequently hyperactivated in GBM, contributing to cell survival and proliferation, making it a key therapeutic target. Resveratrol (RSV), a natural anticancer polyphenol downregulates AKT signaling but is limited by poor bioavailability and potency. We developed diaryl acrylonitrile analogs of RSV to improve potency, stability, and drug-like properties for targeting GSCs. This study aimed to synthesize, evaluate the anticancer activity of these analogs against GSCs, and elucidate their mechanism of action to …

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Gene Loss And Ecological Adaptation In Honeybee Venom: Exploring The Absence Of Melittin In Apis Andreniformis, Diya Patel, Grace Wong, Rishubh Madaboosil, Kaylee Reyes Lazo, Jovonne Grant, Isabella Garcia Apr 2026

Gene Loss And Ecological Adaptation In Honeybee Venom: Exploring The Absence Of Melittin In Apis Andreniformis, Diya Patel, Grace Wong, Rishubh Madaboosil, Kaylee Reyes Lazo, Jovonne Grant, Isabella Garcia

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Genetic divergence within the Apis honeybee genus is shaped by geography, climate, and ecological specialization, leading to variations in morphology, behavior, and venom composition. Comparative genomic analyses have revealed both gene loss and lineage-specific adaptations that contribute to these traits. In this study, we investigate the evolutionary, molecular, and biochemical factors influencing venom production across honeybee species, with a focus on the unexpected absence of a detectable melittin gene in Apis andreniformis (Black Dwarf Honeybee). While melittin constitutes 40-60% of the venom in Apis mellifera, BLAST searches failed to identify a homolog in A. andreniformis, despite its venom …

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Is Left Ventricular Dysfunction Associated With Increased Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease Independent Of Classical Vascular Dementia Pathways?, Priyanshi Patel Apr 2026

Is Left Ventricular Dysfunction Associated With Increased Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease Independent Of Classical Vascular Dementia Pathways?, Priyanshi Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This poster examines the potential connection between left ventricular dysfunction and the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults. Studies suggest that reduced heart function may affect brain health by limiting blood flow to the brain, increasing inflammation, and interfering with the brain's ability to clear harmful proteins such as amyloid-β and tau. These processes resemble changes commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease. In population-based studies, individuals with heart failure or structural abnormalities of the left ventricle appear to have a higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, even after accounting for major risk factors such as hypertension and clinical …

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Pattern Formation In A Β-Amyloid Plaque Model For Alzheimer's Disease , Hannah Prudhomme Apr 2026

Pattern Formation In A Β-Amyloid Plaque Model For Alzheimer's Disease , Hannah Prudhomme

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder with complex physiological mechanism that are not fully understood. Over 7 million Americans are known to be living with the disease, and an Alzheimer's diagnosis accounts for 60-70% of dementia cases. Current hypotheses attribute the cause to an interplay between β-Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, resulting in central nervous system disruption and decline in cognitive functioning. In this project, we study a spatial dynamical system model that incorporates the interaction between β-Amyloid monomers, oligomers, microglia, and interleukins in the context of plaque aggregation. We establish conditions for the existence and stability of a spatially …

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Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Exacerbates Cognitive Deficits In A Mouse Model Of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, Lauren Rosenberg, Victoria Pullido-Correa, Ariana Hernandez, Chana Vogel, Bianca Echeverria, Iliana Uribe Apr 2026

Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Exacerbates Cognitive Deficits In A Mouse Model Of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, Lauren Rosenberg, Victoria Pullido-Correa, Ariana Hernandez, Chana Vogel, Bianca Echeverria, Iliana Uribe

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects around 69 million people each year, with mild TBIs (mTBIs) making up the majority of cases. These injuries, often sustained during contact sports, military service, or incidents of domestic violence, typically involve brief or no loss of consciousness and few immediate symptoms. However, repeated occurrences significantly elevate the risk for long-term complications, including dementia. While repetitive in mTBI is strongly linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), the relationship with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), characterized by the accumulation of amyloid peptides in the cerebral vasculature, remains understudied. Given that CAA significantly contributes …

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Virtual Reefscapes: Modeling Fish Abundance On Artificial And Natural Reefs In Broward County, Jesse Caruana Snachkus Apr 2026

Virtual Reefscapes: Modeling Fish Abundance On Artificial And Natural Reefs In Broward County, Jesse Caruana Snachkus

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This project involved constructing a VR simulation of fish abundance on artificial and natural reefs in Broward County. Two environments, SS Tracey, and a section of the Florida Reef Tract, were created to highlight ecological differences between artificial and natural reef habitats. All environments and species models were designed in Blender, a 3D modeling software, and each fish species was animated to showcase naturalistic behavior. The completed assets were then assembled in VR using the Open Brush application. This project integrates art, technology, and ecology to make marine environments more accessible and engaging for a wide audience. A combination of …

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Discovery And Genome Annotation Of Tuti And Charminar: Two Newly Discovered Gordonia Rubripertincta Bacteriophages, Tracey Alexis, Melissa Bassily, Jayden Courtney, Tamanna Dipen Shah, Javier Estepa, Malak Gadelkarim, Wayne Jean-Baptiste, Elias Leyes, Anushka Malay, Mackenzie Nezat, Mahisvi Vemulapalli Apr 2026

Discovery And Genome Annotation Of Tuti And Charminar: Two Newly Discovered Gordonia Rubripertincta Bacteriophages, Tracey Alexis, Melissa Bassily, Jayden Courtney, Tamanna Dipen Shah, Javier Estepa, Malak Gadelkarim, Wayne Jean-Baptiste, Elias Leyes, Anushka Malay, Mackenzie Nezat, Mahisvi Vemulapalli

Undergraduate Student Symposium

As the most abundant organisms, bacteria are both beneficial and harmful, highlighting the significance of regulating their growth. Bacteriophages (phages) are ubiquitous viruses that require a host bacterial organism for replication, making them an essential component of the microbial ecosystem and used as tools for killing bacteria. Since their discovery in 1915, phages have been used in real-world applications including alternatives to antibiotics, diagnostic agents, pest control in agriculture, wastewater treatment, and bioremediation. Since bacteriophages remain mostly undiscovered, continued isolation and genetic characterization of novel phages are essential for advancing scientific knowledge and potential applications. Through Nova Southeastern University's SEA-PHAGES …

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Addressing Burnout In Medical Education: A Meta-Analysis Of Florida Medical School, Riddhi Banjeree Apr 2026

Addressing Burnout In Medical Education: A Meta-Analysis Of Florida Medical School, Riddhi Banjeree

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Burnout and mental health issues in medical students in the United States have become increasingly prominent -- posing challenges for student well-being, patient care, and the future of the physician workforce. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a loss of personal accomplishment. These traits can develop early in med school, perpetuate throughout their training years, and are reinforced by demanding academic workloads, competitive exams, and emotionally taxing clinical experiences. The purpose of this project is to examine mental health, counseling, and wellness resources offered across eight medical schools in Florida - U Miami, UCF, UF, USF, FAU, FIU, …

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Gathering College Students' Interests In Bone Health By Promoting Vitamin K2 Consumption, Nida Haider Apr 2026

Gathering College Students' Interests In Bone Health By Promoting Vitamin K2 Consumption, Nida Haider

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The human skeleton requires constant sources of nutrients (calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin K) for bone remodeling, maintaining bone mass, and bone density. While there is existing evidence regarding the benefits of calcium and vitamin D3 on bone health, there have been recent studies of the effects of vitamin K derivatives (vitamins K1 and K2) on bone maintenance. The growing popularity of the new over-the-counter supplement named "Vitamin D3 + K2" has initiated our interest in a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the vitamin K derivatives' roles in bone health regulation. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that naturally exists …

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A Descriptive Survey Of Reef Fish Biodiversity At The Erojacks Artificial Reef, Dania Beach, Florida, Daniella Michelle Acosta Reyes Apr 2026

A Descriptive Survey Of Reef Fish Biodiversity At The Erojacks Artificial Reef, Dania Beach, Florida, Daniella Michelle Acosta Reyes

Undergraduate Student Symposium

South Florida has one of the highest biodiversity's of reef-associated fish species in the United States. Reef systems play a crucial role in sustaining regional biodiversity. Ongoing declines in natural coral reef systems caused by climate change, coastal development, and other anthropogenic factors have increased the reliance on artificial reefs as alternative structures for coral and fish communities to aggregate. Artificial reefs play an important role in maintaining marine biodiversity and provide habitat for reef-associated fishes. The Erojacks Reef, an artificial reef system located off the coast of Dania Beach, South Florida acts as a gathering site for reef fishes. …

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A Review Of Reproductive Cycling In Batoid Dentition Morphology With New Data On Two Dasyatid Stingrays From The Western North Atlantic, Lacey Adamik Apr 2026

A Review Of Reproductive Cycling In Batoid Dentition Morphology With New Data On Two Dasyatid Stingrays From The Western North Atlantic, Lacey Adamik

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Elasmobranchs continuously replace their teeth throughout their lifespan, allowing changes in tooth morphology associated with feeding and reproduction to occur. In many batoid species, males will bite females during pre-copulatory behavior, placing male dentition under selective pressure to meet the demands of both diet and grasping of females. Previous research has documented sexual dimorphism and seasonal dentition changes in several species of batoids, suggesting that this phenomenon is widespread. Much of this research is observation-based, and quantitative studies of dentition are limited, particularly in pelagic species. Pelagic Stingray (Pteroplatytrygon violacea) specimens were previously collected by commercial fishermen, and …

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Investigating The Structural And Functional Roles Of Transcriptionally Active Rice Transposons, Eimaan Admad Apr 2026

Investigating The Structural And Functional Roles Of Transcriptionally Active Rice Transposons, Eimaan Admad

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Transposable elements (TEs) are crucial contributors to genome dynamics, evolution, gene structure, and regulation of gene expression. Once considered "junk DNA," TEs are now recognized for their significant roles in genome function and organization. TEs are epigenetically regulated through chromatin modifications, genomic imprinting, and the production of small RNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which in turn can influence gene expression. Despite a wealth of data from sequencing projects advancing TE research, their large size—often exceeding the read lengths of many sequencing platforms—has limited comprehensive analysis. Moreover, the high copy number and sequence similarity (often >80%) within TE families can …

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The Role Of Hip Internal Rotation And Ground Reaction Forces On Lower Back Pain In Amateur Golfers, Katrina Arndt Apr 2026

The Role Of Hip Internal Rotation And Ground Reaction Forces On Lower Back Pain In Amateur Golfers, Katrina Arndt

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Lower back pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal injury amongst golfers; the high velocity and repetitive motion of the golf swing on the lumbar spine leads to substantial compressive and torsional forces, making LBP primarily and overuse injury. An additional risk factor for LBP is limited lead hip internal rotation (LHIR), which forces the lumbar spine to compensate through excessive rotation. The golf swing also relies heavily on the efficient transfer of energy generated from the ground through the lower body, a process quantified by ground reaction forces (GRFs). While existing research has separately examined LBP and GRFs, there …

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The Effects Of Gender Crime Congruency On Jurors' Decisions And Confidence, Elizabeth Avila Apr 2026

The Effects Of Gender Crime Congruency On Jurors' Decisions And Confidence, Elizabeth Avila

Undergraduate Student Symposium

A basic principle of the U.S. court system is that every individual has the right to a fair and unbiased trial. While this is the ideal, it is not always reality. Jurors come in with their own beliefs and attitudes before the trial starts. These preconceived beliefs can jeopardize the integrity of the trial. An example of these beliefs is gender stereotypes. Gender stereotypes can influence a juror's attitude towards a defendant, to either have a more negative or positive view on whether the defendant's gender matched the nature of their crime. This is called gender crime congruency. In this …

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