Digital Commons Network^™

Addressing Society’S Needs Through Research, Kazi S. Salsabil

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

The Focused Volunteer Community Service course, part of the U-LEAD program at the University of Central Florida (UCF), is a service-learning course. This course emphasizes the significance of community service, engagement, and leadership, all of which I applied in my volunteer role as a research assistant at the Adult Development and Decision-Making Lab. In this role, I participated in research projects exploring the impact of misinformation, specifically examining whether individuals can accurately distinguish between real and fake information based on personal characteristics and neural mechanisms. The goal is to utilize the findings to inform future interventions designed to reduce the …

The Impact Of Caffeine On Neurotransmitter Production By Lactobacillus Spp., Angela Caruso

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

Caffeine, a prevalent stimulant, has inconclusive effects on the gut-brain axis. Key probiotics such as Lactobacillus play a chief role in gut health and neurotransmitter production. These bacteria are able to effectively influence brain function and overall health. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of caffeine on Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus reuteri to determine antagonistic or synergistic effects on the bacteria’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production and synthesis of serotonin-related metabolites.

The methodology for this work begins with treating bacterial cultures with varying concentrations of caffeine and then incubating at 37ºC for 48 hours. Supernatants …

Gaba And Dopamine Dual Therapy: A Potential Treatment For A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Ahmed Abdalla, Jemimah Olajide

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

Lung cancer is the deadliest and second most prevalent cancer in the United States, with approximately 230,000 new cases and 125,000 deaths reported yearly, according to the American Cancer Society. Annually, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Recent research has shown that GABA and dopamine independently induce apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Parameters such as LD50 and IC50 are essential to determine optimal concentration for human toxicity and CI analysis can be utilized to understand the synergistic interactions between two agents. In this research project, the relative effectiveness of GABA and dopamine …

The Secret World Of Elementary Schools, Aneillio J. Orosco

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

My project revolves around working in the Library at Ventura elementary. I worked with library books, new and old textbooks, and special projects for students at the school. I learned that a small action can make a big difference. I also learned that impacts can be big or small from your community engagement.

Purification And Application Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Effector Ctl0398, Zachary E. Wagner, Kenneth Garcia

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterial pathogen which utilizes secretion of effector proteins which target host cellular processes, while evading the host immune system. Using the pUAST vector and the GAL4/UAS expression system, it is possible to enhance the expression of any select Chlamydia protein effector. We took steps to purify one of these effectors, CTL0398, through PCR amplification, Gel Electrophoresis, and Colony PCR. These procedures were done with the hopes of future studies uncovering the true function of the select effector, and if there is any manifested phenotypic change in drosophila.

Stay Ahead Of Your Health: Screen And Educate, Ananda Amritt

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

This service-learning project aims to promote the importance of preventative healthcare screenings, focusing on Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) testing for detecting Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Electrocardiograms (EKGs) to monitor heart health. Through this initiative, I have developed and distributed 50 educational brochures to inform patients about the significance of these screenings in identifying cardiovascular risks early and taking preventive measures to avoid more serious health complications.

The project has involved collaborating with Orlando Health Clinic LLC, to distribute these materials to various communities. The goal is to empower individuals with knowledge about their health, encourage proactive measures, and reduce the …

Empowering Communities In Crisis: The Reach Hub As An Emergency Management Lifeline In Orlando, Mohammad Newaz Sharif

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

This service-learning engagement with the REACH (Resilience, Education, and Advocacy Center for Hazard Preparedness) Hub project was conducted as part of PAD6397: Managing Emergencies and Crises course at the University of Central Florida. It explores the intersection of academic knowledge, community resilience, and equitable emergency management through the REACH Hub which a solar-powered, mobile infrastructure developed in collaboration with UCF researchers, the City of Orlando and other local partners. Designed to serve vulnerable communities during and beyond disasters, the REACH Hub provides critical resources such as power, internet access, refrigeration, and educational outreach. The project aligned closely with course objectives, …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Fish Oil Supplements At Reducing The Recurrence Of Atrial Fibrillation, Timothy J. Horanic

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

The purpose of my project, Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fish Oil Supplements at Reducing the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation, was to analyze whether omega-3 fatty acids could lower the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence compared to a placebo. AF is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart failure. Through review and analysis of clinical trial data, patients who took fish oil experienced a lower recurrence rate of AF (46.8%) compared to the placebo group (73.4%), though the difference was not statistically significant. I also examined two supplemental studies …

Virtual Volunteering Support For The Usda Horticulture Center In South Florida, Nikhita Sridhar

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

During Fall 2025, I completed 40 hours of virtual service with the USDA Horticulture Center in South Florida. My volunteer work involved simple but essential support tasks, including organizing digital files, entering basic data into spreadsheets, sorting and labeling plant-related photos, and helping prepare materials for outreach activities. Even though the tasks were basic, they directly supported the Center’s research, data organization, and community education programs. This project highlights how small, consistent contributions improve workflow efficiency in agricultural research and help strengthen public outreach efforts.

Peer Mentoring Service Learning At The L.E.A.D. Scholars Academy, Estefanie D. Parra

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

As a second-year LEAD Scholar, I’m excited to share my experience as a Peer Mentor for first-year scholars enrolled in LDR 2001. In my presentation, I share my personal definition of peer mentor, reflecting on the personal growth and lessons I have learned throughout my semester as a Peer Mentor. I will also explore the role of service learning through peer mentoring within the L.E.A.D. Scholars Academy, highlighting how mentoring not only supports the academic and personal growth of first-year students but also develops leadership skills. Overall, this has been an incredibly rewarding journey that has deeply impacted me.

My Service-Learning Experience, Conserving And Restoring Canaveral National Seashore, Thomas Cole

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

Thomas Cole

[email protected]

3177992

My service-learning experience, conserving and restoring Canaveral National Seashore

During my time spent completing service learning course service-learning marine conservation and restoration.. I had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of projects that benefit marine conservation and restoration. These included mangrove gardening, Beach trash removal, constructing oyster habitat structures and a wading bird camera footage experiment. Each of these experiences relate to the conservation and restoration of Canaveral National Seashore. This National park is home to thousands of species of plants and animals, with 47 of those species being federally listed as special concern, …

Assisting Orlando Health With Patient Experience & Logistics, Usman S. Ahmed

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

This showcase is a narrative of my experience as a volunteer for the Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, operated by Orlando Health. Orlando Health is a non-profit organization that operates a network of general and specialty hospitals across Orlando. Their stated mission is “To improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve”. One of their largest clusters of healthcare facilities by far is located in the Doctor Phillips area of Orlando, which includes the hospital where I volunteered. As a volunteer, my job was to improve the background operations of the fifth floor. More specifically, …

"Little Minds, Big Imaginations", Kayla Shreve, Analiese Kuriakose

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

Our project focused on service-learning through weekly reading sessions at UCF’s Creative School for Children. During our time we visited three age groups: toddlers, pre-k 1, and pre-k 2. We took turns reading aloud, encouraged participation, and built a love for storytelling among young learners. Each week, we selected books from the UCF CMC library and devoted 30 minutes to each class. Over time, we observed growth in the children’s attention span, enthusiasm, and social skills. During one combined session, both pre-k classes eagerly listened to ten books for over an hour and still wanted more reading time. Many students …

The Education Foundation Of Sarasota County: Comitmment To Community, Eric Kallas, Gabriel Cordero Arrieche, Quinn Fitzgibbons, Julissa Medina, Karl Johnson, John Mcmahon

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

We are working with the Education Foundation of Sarasota County to assist them in getting students prepared for a future at college; while the organization has many other objectives and activities, this is the one we are focused on. We chiefly do this by acting as a volunteer for online workshops, as we are too far away to reliably provide in-house assistance. Our assistance was built upon providing students advice on what colleges are looking for in potential applicants, and to how to get into them as part of one workshop, and assisted with general ACT and SAT prep in …

Effect Of Cequa™ In Subjects With Dry Eye Disease, Lillian Nguyen, Linda Canales, Caitlyn Kelly

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

This project evaluated the clinical efficacy of Cequa™ (Cyclosporine 0.09%) in individuals with Dry Eye Disease (DED) who showed minimal improvement with lower-dose cyclosporine (0.05%). The study explored real-world pharmaceutical applications, focusing on clinical trial design, patient-centered outcomes, and treatment limitations. A review of peer-reviewed literature demonstrated that Cequa 0.09% produced statistically significant improvements in both corneal health and symptom reduction when compared to Restasis® and Lifitegrast (Xiidra®).

The project was developed within the framework of a Health Sciences Seminar course and adhered to a structured timeline with instructor feedback. Emphasis was placed on scientific analysis, effective communication, and teamwork. …

How Different Questioning Methods Allow For More Productive Discussions In And Out Of The Classroom, Sabrina A. Califano

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

This presentation explores the impact of different questioning methods in promoting more productive discussions both inside and outside the classroom. As an undergraduate learning assistant in CHM2046, I reflect on how open-ended and close-ended questions can shape student interactions. Open-ended questions encourage diverse responses and allow for deeper discussions, while close-ended questions direct conversations towards specific answers.

This approach of varying question types based on the student’s needs helped students feel more confident and engaged. This encouraged one-on-one interactions, improving students' understanding and participation. This experience also helped build my own communication skills, influencing my approach in various situations beyond …

Preserving Nature, Building Community, Alyson Spence

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

The scope of my project included volunteering at the Oakland Nature Preserve and restoring the park grounds after the effects of hurricanes Helene and Milton. My key activities were clearing downed trees, clearing trails of leaves, and marking them with logs so that the preserve could continue to be a place for people to enjoy nature. In interacting with the staff and other volunteers, I learned about the importance of community in supporting important causes. Additionally, it made me more inspired to reduce my carbon footprint and be more sustainable in my efforts to combat climate change, as well as …

Mastering Self-Belief: Overcoming Obstacles In Organic Chemistry, Ibrahim Itani, Vidhisha Rane, Alondra Agrait, Amelia Woodward

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

As students enrolled in CHM 4942, we had the honor of serving as Undergraduate Learning Assistants in organic chemistry. This experience proved to be a valuable opportunity for us to apply the skills, strategies and principles we learned in our pedagogy class. These newfound skills aided us in class where we helped with problem-solving and facilitating group discussions, as well as out of class where we answered discussion forums and conducted test preparation. Additionally, we believe that the impact we’ve made with students is so notable that there's an interest for ULAs in courses outside of chemistry. Not only were …

Levetiracetam-Induced Acute Kidney Injury In A Pediatric Patient, Makaila A. Geese Pharmd Candidate, Norm Fenn Bcps, Bcpps

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Presented at PPA Meeting.

Objective: To describe a case of acute kidney injury following levetiracetam administration in an adolescent patient.

Key takeaways:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) following levetiracetam is rare, especially in pediatric patients

Kidney injury was not correlated with supratherapeutic levetiracetam concentrations

Morganella Morganii Meningitis In A Neonate: A Case Report, Madelin Vessels Pharmd Candiadate, Cassie Rough Pharmd Candidate, Robyn Schmucker Md, Mph, Norm Fenn Bcps, Bcpps

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Presented at Midyear Clinical Meeting

Objective: To summarize the interventions that took place to add to the limited data that exists in the world surrounding the treatment and outcomes of M. morganii infections.

Key takeaways: 

• M. morganii meningitis is highly rare in neonates
• There are no defined treatment guidelines or outcomes available to date
• Cefepime sufficiently treated M. morganii meningitis, bacteremia, and concurrent E. coli urinary tract infection

Comparison Of Isoflurane To Sevoflurane In A Pediatric Patient With Refractory Status Asthmaticus: A Case Report, Janella Rianna N. Benitez Mba, Pharmd, Norm Fenn Bcps, Bcpps, Fashp

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Presented at Midyear Clinical Meeting.

Objective: To describe the use of inhaled anesthetics in a pediatric patient with severe, refractory status asthmaticus unresponsive to conventional therapies.

Inorganic Arsenite [I-As (Iii)] Represses Human Renal Progenitor Cell Characteristics And Induces Neoplastic-Like Transformation, Md Ehsanul Haque

Theses and Dissertations

Studies on populations exposed to inorganic arsenic (iAs) have shown an association between this particular exposure and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, there are few studies addressing how acute exposure of the human kidney to iAs might lead to long-term alterations that might lead to CKD or RCC. This study’s hypothesis is that renal exposure to iAs might alter the renal cells responsible for the repair and regeneration of nephrons damaged by iAs exposure or other renal toxicants. The kidney possesses a minority epithelial cell population that co-express PROM1 and CD24 that …

Evaluation Of Schlafen Family Proteins In Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Savannah Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the role of Schlafen (SLFN) family proteins in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a subtype known for its aggressive behavior and poor response to treatment. Through a series of studies, this dissertation examines the interplay between multiple SLFN proteins, chemotherapy resistance, and immune modulation, revealing the potential of SLFN12 as both a biomarker and therapeutic target for improving treatment outcomes, particularly in overcoming chemoresistance in TNBC.

Breast cancer, the most common cancer worldwide, includes various subtypes like TNBC, which lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it resistant to conventional therapies. SLFN proteins, first discovered in mice, regulate …

Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity And Adaptive Responses In Renal Progenitor Cells: Molecular Insights From Transcriptomic And Proteomic Analyses, Eloho Ighofose

Theses and Dissertations

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent known for its efficacy against various solid tumors, but its clinical utility is limited by dose-dependent nephrotoxicity. The renal proximal tubule, particularly its epithelial cell population, is highly susceptible to cisplatin-induced injury due to its role in solute transport and high metabolic activity. Recent advances suggest that renal progenitor cells play a key role in epithelial repair following nephrotoxic injury; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their response to cisplatin remain poorly understood.This study investigates the impact of both acute and chronic cisplatin exposure on immortalized human renal progenitor cells (HRTPT, CD24⁺/CD133⁺) using a …

Sharing Your Science: Special 2025 Edition, Wilson Gonzalez-Espada

Faculty Research at Morehead State University

The Sharing your Science stories were completed as part of a 2025 Science Communication Summer Internship (COMM 647), a collaboration between the Kentucky Academy of Science and the Departments of Engineering Sciences and Communication, Media, Art & Design, Morehead State University, KY. This work was made available as an Open Educational Resource thanks to the Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning, the Camden-Carroll Library, and the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs, Morehead State University.

Shadows From The Double-Wide: A Reflection On Home, Brittani K. Brown

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

My studio practice acts as a personal anthropological investigation into my upbringing in the rural South. I utilize photographic, textile, print, and virtual mediums that have a unique historical and/or modern connection with the South. Almost a decade after deciding to leave my Southern Baptist religion behind and even longer after covering up my Southern accent, I find myself in a place of tension-ridden nostalgia for the place I grew up.

The community of artists in the Southeast region of the United States continues to grow and create a more cohesive picture of the South and Southern identity through their …

Evolving Perceptions Of Self And Others: The Effects Of Communing With Nature While Thru Hiking The Florida National Scenic Trail, Stella P. Arbeláez Tascón

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This body of artwork comprises a thesis that documents and exposes the artist’s inner workings as she regained balance after experiencing deep emotional trauma. This individual’s healing transformation was prompted by her immersion in nature while walking the Florida National Scenic Trail in its entirety, 1,130 miles (or 1,818 km), from the Everglades to the panhandle, in three and a half months. The artistic research conducted, and autobiographical body of work created from it, aims to help others reconnect with their own strengths and to seek wellness in the restorative properties of Nature, while advocating for an empathetic approach to …

Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Uav) And Closed-Circuit Television (Cctv) Video For Multi-Object Multi-Camera Vehicle Tracking (Momcmvt) In Traffic Monitoring, Siyuan Tang

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This study integrates Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to enhance traffic monitoring through a Multi-Object Multi-Camera Multi-View Tracking (MOMCMVT) framework. By combining UAV and CCTV data, the framework provides a more comprehensive and accurate representation of traffic dynamics. The Automated Roadway Conflict Identification System (ARCIS) is utilized to stabilize UAV footage using the Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithm, while the Channel and Spatial Reliability Tracking (CSRT) algorithm ensures robust vehicle tracking in CCTV footage. To address perspective disparities and limited overlapping coverage, perspective transformations and GPS adjustments are applied, aligning image coordinates with real-world locations. The …

Beyond The Script: How Theatre Shapes Motivation In Second Language Acquisition, Amaya B. Gattis

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Motivation is considered a significant factor in second language acquisition, potentially affecting language learners' language acquisition ability (Dörnyei, 1998). This study explored the impact of participating in a theatre experience on language learners’ motivation to learn English during a classroom experience. The main objective of this research was to assess the influence of performing in a short play on adult multilingual learners’ motivation to learn English. A mixed-methodology research design was employed to measure reported motivation levels and observe language development using a pre- and post-treatment questionnaire, field observation, and a semi-structured post-treatment interview model for data collection. The results …

The College Admission Genre: A Deep Dive Into Student Identity And The Impact Of Creative Nonfiction On College Admission Essays, Isabella Crimmins

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This exploratory case study was conducted to determine the connection between student writing identity and how writing identity, if at all, ties into how well high school students write narrative essays when applying to college. As upperclassmen students in high schools across the country determine their post high school path, many students are required to write college admission essays and scholarship applications. These essays, often classified as narrative writings, can often be difficult for students if they are not explicitly taught the nuisance of audience and style these essays rely on. This study utilizes research on student writing identity and …