Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Prior Abusive Dating Experiences And Gender On Romance Scam Victimization And Monetary Loss, Trevor Rowe

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Online romance scams are a rapidly expanding cybercrime that affects millions of people each year, financially and emotionally. This study examines an underexplored question: Will individuals with a greater number of abusive partners be more vulnerable to romance scam victimizations and lose more money?  Adult dating app users (N = 518) completed an online survey. After controlling for being approached for relationships, those with a greater number of past abusive partners were more likely to be victims and lost more money. In addition, men reported a higher frequency of romance scam victimizations and more money loss.

Protein-Lipid Interactions Using Model Membrane And Native Membrane Vesicles, Nick Pufall

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This project explores how proteins interact with lipid membranes using both simplified model vesicles and more complex native membranes. Small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) were synthesized and characterized to study lipid binding with bovine serum albumin using fluorescence techniques. While model membranes provide control, they lack the complexity of real cellular environments, so native membranes were also investigated to better capture protein–lipid interactions. By comparing these systems, this work aims to better understand how lipids are transported and delivered within cells, and how these processes influence signaling and membrane protein function.

Enhancing Elementary School Projects Aimed Towards Education On Perennial Vining Plant Green Walls That Lower Surface Temperatures In Urban Cities​, Conor J. Mcguire

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Anthropogenic climate change has signaled a rise in global temperatures for decades, and urban cities have been the victims of some of the most extreme heat from those temperature increases. Green walls are used to shade and cool buildings, especially in urban areas, but are not widely adopted. Education programs aimed towards providing students with an understanding of green wall benefits and an ability to get involved in the research of these walls.

Exploring Attentional Mechanisms Of Speech-Gesture Integration, Lisa Gallo, Elizabeth Wakefield

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Gestures are hand movements that provide information and can clarify ambiguous speech. For example, in the sentence “Sparky is a pet”, the type of pet is unclear; however, if the speaker produces a flapping arm gesture, listeners could infer that Sparky is a bird.

Despite gestures sometimes providing the only information needed to resolve ambiguity in a spoken message, not all individuals integrate gesture into their understanding of speech (e.g., Winter & Duffy, 2020; Demir-Lira et al., 2018). The mechanisms underlying this variability remain unclear.

Here, we investigate one potential mechanism supporting integration: visual attention to gesture. We ask:

1) …

Guna Nuchukana Figurines In The Father Grollig Legacy Collection, Haley Dozier

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

From 1961-1962, Captain Kitt S. Kapp travelled throughout Panama on his Kapp-Darien Expedition. While his academic interests mainly pertained to fabrics from the Guna people, he also obtained many Nuchukana figurines, which are carved wooden figures created to ward off spirits that cause illnesses. Later in his life, Kapp donated his collection to places like the Smithsonian and British Museum. At some point, eleven Nuchukana figurines found their way into the hands of Father Francis Grollig, who founded the Department of Anthropology at Loyola and collected many artifacts from around the world. Upon Grollig’s death, a part of his collection …

Method Development Of Extraction And Measurement Of Heavy Metals From Chicago Industrial Corridor Soil Samples, Abigail Stacy, Lizzy Bruening

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Heavy metal pollution threatens environmental and human health, particularly in urban areas with long industrial histories. This study explored soil analysis methods for heavy metal detection, comparing acid digestion with nitric acid and acid washing with citric and oxalic acid. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) was used to quantify copper, cadmium, chromium, and lead in soil samples. While acid washing is a greener method, the results were less consistent than the acid digestion method. By identifying the most effective procedure for assessing heavy metal contamination, this research enhances environmental assessments and contributes to improved mitigation strategies to address pollution.

The Polysemous Word Flow Task: A Novel Way Of Understanding Creativity, Brady Flanagan

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Creativity is defined as the generation of new ideas to solve problems and likely involves the interplay of three brain networks:, the Default Mode Network (DMN), the Executive Control Network (ECN), and the Salience Network (SN). The recently developed Polysemous Word Flow Task (PolyFT) may serve as a model to assess triple network activity. In this study, we plan to use Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to correlate two components of the PolyFT, clustering and switching, with the triple network model. We predict that the clustering component is tied to DMN function while the switching component is tied to ECN function.

Ceramics From The Central Valley Of Oaxaca?, Brianda Gonzalez

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This is an ongoing project that initially aimed to identify a selection of ceramic sherds from the Father Grollig Legacy Collection. “Legacy collection” refers to the fact that it was not curated according to modern standards, including a lack of proper documentation. With several scholarly sources in the field of archaeology and feedback from other scholars, my goal became to get as close an identification as possible. This research has demonstrated that even with significant time and effort dedicated to a legacy collection, the answers will not always be straightforward.

An Analysis Of Soil Moisture Under Different Atmospheric Conditions, Justin Peabody

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This project presents analysis of data from a field research site at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus. Data was collected from soil moisture  sensors installed in onsite pots. This project provides preliminary assessment of quantitative relationships between soil moisture, atmospheric temperature, and precipitation, as well as preliminary indications of water absorption rates by uncovered soil. Funding was recently obtained from the Alvin J. Baum Foundation to install soil cover materials, temperature sensors and precipitation gauges onsite, allowing for more accurate assessment of relationships and comparison of rainwater absorption rates between various ground surfaces on the Lakeshore Campus.

Flex Lab Noise Minimization, Zyanne Fulcher, Nathan Carandang, Maddux Chan

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation describes the process of minimizing noise in the Flex Lab. Built in 2018, the Flex Lab is a large open space divided into three classrooms with two study areas in between. Its open design allows noise to travel easily, often distracting students and educators. During the Fall 2026 semester, our group of five collected data on noise levels and developed and tested solutions. Based on our findings, we designed a two-way AV system to reduce noise disruption and support student learning. This project strengthened our teamwork and enhanced our problem-solving skills.

Let's Talk About Age, Baby!, Kathryn Ravasio, Hector Mendoza

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The Longevity Gap refers to the intriguing difference in life expectancy between males and females. In C. elegans, XX chromosome animals live longer than those with XO chromosomes. This study examines if XOL-1, the protein that acts as the master regulator of sex determination, is involved in this difference in aging.

Β-Glucosidase B Mutant P41l Characterization And Analysis, Amal Naqvi, Caroline Machola

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This study characterized the β-glucosidase B (BglB) mutant P41L within the Design2Data (D2D) framework. We hypothesized that substituting proline with leucine at position 41, a non-active-site residue, would maintain catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) but decrease thermal stability (T50) relative to wild-type (WT) BglB. Foldit modeling, plasmid sequencing, expression in E. Coli, and affinity purification were used to validate the construct. Kinetic parameters with p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside and T50 values across 30–50 °C were obtained via plate-reader assays and D2D fits. P41L displayed higher catalytic efficiency and a T50 comparable to WT, refuting our hypothesis and suggesting an efficiency-enhancing, stability-neutral mutation.

The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) On The Development Of Reckless Behavior In Adulthood, Cheyenne Harvey

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Current literature suggests that there is a correlation between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and behaviors in adulthood (e.g., substance use, crime). Research also shows that childhood trauma can lead to increased risk-taking or reckless behavior later in life. A study by Assini-Meytin et al. (2021) found that having a higher number of ACEs is linked to more risky behaviors in adulthood. These risky behaviors are often ways to deal with emotional problems caused by early stress. Anda et al. (2006) points out that these experiences can cause lasting changes in brain development, especially in areas that handle impulse control. The …

Table Of Contents, Georgia State University College Of Law

Georgia State University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Faculty Masthead, Georgia State University College Of Law

Georgia State University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Member Masthead, Georgia State University College Of Law

Georgia State University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Copyright Page, Georgia State University College Of Law

Georgia State University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Inside Front Cover, Georgia State University College Of Law

Georgia State University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Cover Page, Georgia State University College Of Law

Georgia State University Law Review

No abstract provided.

The 1778 Fort Pitt Treaty: U.S. Betrayal Of Lenni Lenape Sovereignty And The Start Of Broken Promises, Veronica Riddle

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Aerodynamic Performance Analysis Of High-Powered Rocket Airbrakes, Simon Babcock, Samuel Worthington, Sophia Batchelor

Liberty University Research Week

This research investigates the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to derive a coefficient-of-drag (Cd) profile for a high-powered rocket with an active airbrake control system to drive precise apogee control and trajectory prediction. High-fidelity CFD simulations are used to produce a reliable drag-coefficient function across relevant Mach numbers with airbrakes retracted and extended into the relative airstream, enabling more accurate trajectory modeling and control strategies for rockets employing aerodynamic drag modulation. This accurate drag characterization is critical as small deviations in the rocket’s Cd can significantly alter the predicted launch behavior and stability during high-powered flight. Prior work in …

Gospel Reception And Response In Students With Profound Cognitive Disabilities, Reagan Lewis

Liberty University Research Week

This study attempts to build a bridge over a gap in research regarding how to measure children with cognitive disabilities’ understanding of the gospel, also incorporating information about ministry structure, caregiver responsibility, and methods for presenting the gospel. While there is a plethora of research surrounding the design of disability ministries, very little research has been done in the area of gospel reception, particularly in children with cognitive disabilities. This study utilized a qualitative research design to collect data for analysis and discussion. Specifically, this study included individual interviews, one focus group discussion with all participants at the conclusion of …

Differential Effects Of Curcumin And C646 On Mitogenic And Metabolic Signaling In Insulin-Stimulated Hepg2 Cells, Davis Raz, Rachael De Klerk

Liberty University Research Week

Curcumin and C646 both inhibit p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity, but they differ markedly in their mechanisms, potency, and effects on cellular function. Both compounds have been investigated as modulators of the insulin-signaling pathway and have shown potential for improving insulin-signaling–related defects in experimental models. Our previous findings showed that curcumin positively impacted a metabolic pathway by reducing IRS-1 phosphorylation at S1101, a negative regulatory site, while maintaining downstream PRAS40 and RPS6 phosphorylation. Although C646 also reduced IRS-1 S1101 phosphorylation, it did not preserve downstream insulin signaling as effectively as curcumin. We hypothesized that target proteins within the mitogenic pathway, …

A Created Longing: Sehnsucht And The Creative Arts, Hope Dornfeld

Liberty University Research Week

The German concept of Sehnsucht is expressed explicitly in several musical selections from the Romantic era; however, the emotional state it represents is implicit in a much greater field of music, crossing a wide variety of styles, genres, and periods of history. The concept first gained popularity through the writings of Goethe and Schiller, and was employed in poetic, musical form through the works of the German Romantic composers. Significant research exists on the philosophical and theoretical implications of Sehnsucht. However, the extent of its intersection with the creative arts has not been explored in a great deal of depth. …

Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas)Exposure And Its Influence On Fetal And Early Childhood Development, Tahirou Diallo

Liberty University Research Week

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals ubiquitous in environmental and biological matrices, with growing evidence implicating prenatal exposure in adverse developmental outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes cohort-based evidence published between 2016 and 2026 to evaluate the effects of maternal PFAS exposure on fetal growth and early childhood development. Studies were identified through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, and were included if they assessed prenatal PFAS concentrations in relation to birth weight, gestational age, fetal growth trajectories, or childhood anthropometric outcomes. Findings across multiple cohorts consistently link higher prenatal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) …

Gamification As A Strategy For Interprofessional Learning, Chisom S. Enebechi, Aislinn M. Dorko

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Background: A Community-based, student-led clinic provides free health services to underserved areas, bringing together students from allied health disciplines to promote interprofessional collaboration and health promotion. Previous orientation sessions were lecture-based with a team-building activity providing limited opportunities for active learning. To address this, a gamified orientation activity was developed using realistic, scenario-based cases designed to exemplify common community health situations. Purpose: This quality improvement project aims to evaluate whether gamification improves students' perceived ability to communicate, collaborate, and understand roles and responsibilities when delivering team-based care. Methods: The project was guided by Bandura's Social Learning Theory and implemented using …

Crystal Science Is Not Fast Science, Seiya Katada, Campbell Casper, Lane J. Waller

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The science of crystal growth is a slow process by which material is dissolved in a medium and particles slowly deposit on the surface of a seed crystal in an ordered arrangement to form a larger crystal. Three different solutions were attempted to create the best Alum seed crystal. After seed crystals were tied or glued to a string, it was hung in a solution with dissolved Alum. Three different concentrations of growth media were used to determine the effect and how to grow the best crystal. Observations were periodically made, crystals were weighed, and additional powder was added to …

The Relationship Between Emotional Dysregulation, Self-Esteem, And Body Dissatisfaction, Daisy D. Trader

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The research literature suggests that body dissatisfaction may have a relationship with eating disorders (Costantini et al., 2026). Thus, an examination of factors related to body dissatisfaction (BD) could be a helpful avenue for better understanding eating disorders. Research suggests that low self-esteem (SE) and emotional dysregulation (ED) may be relevant factors in this relationship (Brytek-Matera et al., 2021). The current study aimed to examine these relationships to better understand disordered eating in adults. Research suggests that low self-esteem is correlated with body dissatisfaction (Abdoli et al., 2025). For example, Stapleton et al. (2017) found that self-esteem significantly predicted body …

Does Positive Or Negative Informal Social Media Impact Internalized Stigma Around Mental Health In College Aged Adults, Katrina G. Wicker

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The purpose of this research study was to look at how positive and negative informal social media impacts internalized stigma towards mental health in college aged adults. I hope to find some relation showing that the more positive a social media video is the less it negatively impacts someone's internalized stigma around mental health. Internalized stigma is how someone thinks and feels about mental health that ends up influencing how they behave when it comes to mental health. I want this research to show that social media is having an impact on those internalized stigmas, and that if we want …

Morphological Identification Of Echinostomas Found Within Dabbler And Diving Ducks, Sammy Schneider, Emma Harms, Miana Risser, Madison Becker

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Most ducks can be separated into two categories, dabblers or divers, depending on their feeding guild. Dabbler ducks are surface feeders and consume vegetation while diver ducks feed below the surface and consume aquatic animals. The Echinostoma species present in ducks may vary depending on their feeding guild. Three species of ducks from various regions of Wisconsin were donated by hunters for examination of endoparasites, particularly those from the genus Echinostoma. The sites of collection included Trempealeau, Marionette, and Onalaska. One species of dabbler duck, Gadwall (Mareca strepera), and two species of diver ducks, Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) and Canvasback …