Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Fatigue And Circadian Disruption In Long-Haul Ferry Pilots: Human Factors Challenges And Mitigation Strategies, Parneet Makkar

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Fatigue and circadian rhythm disruption present significant human factors challenges in long-haul aviation operations, particularly for ferry pilots (pilots responsible for transporting aircraft long distances between locations) who often travel across multiple time zones before beginning flight duties. Circadian rhythms regulate the human sleep-wake cycle and are closely tied to cognitive performance, alertness, and coordination. Rapid travel across time zones can disrupt these rhythms, producing symptoms commonly associated with jet lag such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and reduced cognitive functioning. For ferry pilots, long travel periods and irregular schedules may increase the likelihood of fatigue before flight operations even begin. …

Mri-Based Estimation Of The Hip Joint Center In Infants Using Two Sphere-Fitting Methods, Victoria Melendez

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Accurate estimation of the hip joint center (HJC) is critical for biomechanical modeling and clinical assessment. Common methods include predictive methods (e.g., regression equations) and functional methods such as sphere-fitting. In infants, femoral head-based methods are often limited due to incomplete ossification of the anatomy and poor visualization in computed tomography (CT) images. This study evaluates an alternative approach using MRI-based sphere fitting of the ossified acetabular rim, comparing its accuracy to traditional femoral head-based methods. MRI scans of three male infants (ages 10.7- 12.7 months) were used to manually place landmarks on the ossified acetabulum and the cartilaginous boundary …

Metabolic Regulation And Immunity In The Spaceflight Environment, Graeme Grainger, Riley Dienna, Astrid Senko, Angela Cebula, Arden Rodriguez Arden Rodriguez

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Long-duration spaceflight exposes astronauts to chronic ionizing radiation and microgravity that disrupts homeostasis in the immune system and cellular metabolism. While simulated spaceflight models demonstrate altered T-cell polarization and sex-dependent shifts toward regulatory phenotypes, the metabolic mechanisms driving these immune changes remain unclear. Immune cell function is tightly linked to metabolic programming, with effector T cells relying on glycolysis and regulatory T cells favoring oxidative metabolism, making them highly sensitive to shifts in nutrient availability and redox balance. Emerging research further suggests that neutrophils act as metabolic regulators capable of reshaping the immune microenvironment through oxidative stress, cytokine production, and …

Assessing Non-Thermal Plasma In Cutaneous Regeneration, Arden Rodriguez, Meliah Martin, Graeme Grainger, Arineh Shahbazi

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Chronic and acute wounds remain a significant clinical challenge, particularly in austere and resource-limited environments where access to advanced care is restricted. Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) has emerged as a promising, non-invasive modality with reported antimicrobial and regenerative properties; however, its mechanisms of action and effects on human skin tissue require further characterization. The scope of this project is to engineer and utilize a 3D human skin epithelial model to evaluate the effects of NTP on wound healing. We will first build a 3D epithelial tissue model that will simulate human skin, followed by modeling and evaluation of wound pathology and …

Extracting Aromatic Compounds From Dehydrated Rose Buds, Lana Sheridan

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Eugenol (C10H12O2), methyl eugenol (C11H14O2), and 2-phenylethanol (C8H10O) are chemically aromatic, natural compounds commonly present in various botanical sources and essential oils. Structurally, eugenol is a methoxyphenol bearing an allyl side chain; its methyl ether derivative, methyl eugenol, shares a similar framework but features a methoxy group replacing the free phenolic hydroxyl group found in eugenol. 2-Phenylethanol is an aromatic alcohol comprised of a benzene ring linked to an ethanol moiety. The objective of this project was to isolate and characterize these compounds in dried rose buds using distillation followed by chromatographic and spectrometric analysis. For the experiment, a steam …

Steam Distillation Star Anise, Makayla Maso, Kiara Maso

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Star anise (Illicium verum) contains several volatile organic compounds responsible for its characteristic aroma, including trans-anethole, estragole, limonene, and linalool. These compounds differ in structure and chemical properties, which influence their behavior during isolation and analysis. Trans-anethole and estragole are classified as aromatic phenylpropene derivatives that contain benzene rings and ether functionalities. In contrast, limonene and linalool are non-aromatic terpenes, with linalool additionally possessing an alcohol functional group. These compounds are widely utilized as flavoring agents and fragrance components, while terpenes such as limonene and linalool are also commonly employed as solvents and in formulation chemistry due to their volatility …

Extraction Of Cedarwood Essential Oils Via Steam Distillation, Forrest Dohner

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Many natural materials, including pine and eucalyptus, produce distinct scents due to the presence of volatile organic compounds. In cedarwood, this aroma arises from a combination of aromatic molecules, which are organic compounds containing conjugated carbon ring systems that interact with olfactory receptors. Specifically, cedarwood contains three primary compounds responsible for its scent: cedrol, cedrene, and thujopene. The objective of this experiment was to extract these essential oils from cedarwood and identify their chemical composition. Steam distillation was used to isolate the volatile components by passing steam through the cedarwood, causing the essential oils to vaporize at temperatures below their …

Relationship Identification Between Triggers And Changes In The Brain And The Overall Human Electrophysiology During Migraines, Dominic Sandell, Jonah Dematto, Gianpiero Lara, Jasmine Rosales, Legacy Wilson, Zachary Young

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

One of the most common neurological conditions in the world is migraines; nearly 1/4th of the working population suffers from this condition and exhibits a large variety of triggers. The current treatment method for migraine uses few different medications for all migraines, regardless of triggers. Our hypothesis is that there is a specific relationship between the triggers of migraines and the electrical changes in the brain during migraines. It is known that electrical activity in the brain occurs during migraines; it is unclear whether these changes differ across triggers. The study incorporates two different data collection methods: electrophysiological tests (Electroencephalogram …

Gene Therapy Strategies To Enhance Antifungal Immunity In Microgravity, Riley Dienna

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

During spaceflight, the immune system of astronauts becomes impaired due to microgravity, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections caused by pathogens such as Candida albicans. One of the most common clinical treatments for aggressive candidiasis is amphotericin B, a polyene antimycotic that targeted ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane and compromised the stability of the membrane. However, due to the chemical similarities between ergosterol and cholesterol, this treatment also affects the somatic cells of patients it is administered to. A novel treatment is therefore required to combat the aggressive fungal infection while minimizing damage to the host’s cells. This project …

Production And Analysis Of Lavender Essential Oil: Extraction, Composition, And Applications, Mary Zoeller

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Steam distillation was performed to extract essential oil from lavender and analyze its chemical composition. Lavender is known to contain several compounds such as linalool, terpinen-4-ol, and linalyl acetate, which contribute to its characteristic aroma and biological activity. The purpose of this experiment was to isolate these compounds without decomposition and identify them using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Approximately 14.851 g of lavender was heated with water to generate steam, which carried the volatile compounds into a condenser where the vapor was cooled and collected. The distillate was transferred to a separatory funnel to isolate the organic layer from the …

Using H2ax As A Biological Indicator To Assess Radiation-Induced Bone Loss In Microgravity Environments, Angeline Nichols, Enoch Tonkin, Ana Lobaton, Jahzara Hope

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Long-duration space missions expose astronauts to microgravity and chronic low-dose radiation, both greatly impacting skeletal health. While mechanical unloading in microgravity is a well-known driver of bone loss, recent evidence indicates that radiation independently contributes to bone deterioration by increasing osteoclast activity, which remodel bone faster, and suppress osteoblast differentiation. H2AX, a histone protein that rapidly phosphorylates into y-H2AX in response to the double strands of DNA breaking, has emerged as a sensitive biological marker for radiation exposure. This project aims to determine the efficacy of H2AX in the presence of radiation-induced DNA damage in bone marrow, compared to microgravity …

Analysis Of Non-Thermal Plasma’S Effects On Melanoma: A Biological Examination, Violet Ochrietor, Mia Nilsen, Arden Rodriguez, Ally Schwennesen

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that may present as a real and increased risk during long-term spaceflight due to radiation exposure and limited treatment options. Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) that affect cellular functioning without causing temperature related damage to surrounding tissues. This project investigates the effects of NTP on melanoma cells through a biological examination of exposure time, frequency of plasma, and cellular growth conditions. Human melanoma cells and keratinocytes will be cultured and exposed to the …

Exercise Intensity And The Effects On Mood And Wellbeing, Emily Amortegui, Ashley Albert, Riley Ensor, Keyanna Keyanna Jackson

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

With many students dealing with anxiety, sadness, and high levels of stress, mental health issues among college students have grown in intensity. A lot of research has been done on the possible benefits of physical activity for mental health, but most of it focuses on correlations rather than the biological mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of varying exercise intensities on physiological stress markers and mood in college students ages 18 to 25. To assure precise intensity levels, participants from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will work out at low, moderate, and high intensities while wearing heart …

The Effect Of Snris On Pilot Reaction Time In Simulated Flight, Isabella Owen, Aidan Roach, Micah Henry, Casey Tressler

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Many aviators who are prescribed serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to treat mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder must halt their duties for a set amount of time. This is due to aviation authorities having data that suggests SNRIs and SSRIs lead to inhibitions in mental processes that can cause crashes or death. Most of the research that has been conducted examined the effects of SSRIs on individuals without mental health disorders in non-flight settings. This study will explore the effect SNRIs have on …

Effects Of Microgravity And Gamma Radiation On Biofilm Growth, Anya Pavlidis, Kaitlyn Mills Mills, Eva Mcclory, Grant Erlinder, Allen Qiu

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Biofilms are collections of bacteria that commonly grow on a variety of surfaces. They are resistant to environmental impacts as bacteria fortify themselves to a surface. Biofilms are commonly found on Earth, but more problematically are also found on spacecraft. On the ISS biofilms have developed in spaces like the workout area, food spaces, and most concerning in the Water Recovery System (WRS). Biofilms tend to react differently to attempted cleaning methods in space than they do on Earth and can be located in extremely difficult to reach places.   This study aims to explore the effects of gamma radiation on …

Effects Of Sleep Duration And Perceived Stress Of Reaction Time In Undergraduate Students, Caitlin Wescott, Edna Urrutia, Ryan F. Rednick, David Still

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Sleep deprivation and psychological stress are common among undergraduate students and can negatively affect cognitive performance. Reaction time is an important indicator of attention and processing speed and plays a critical role in both everyday activities, such as driving, and high-performance environments where rapid responses are required. This study aims to examine how sleep duration and perceived stress levels influence reaction time in undergraduate students. Participants will report their sleep duration and perceived stress levels through short surveys and wearable sleep data, while reaction time will be measured using a standardized computerized reaction time test. By comparing reaction time across …

Interactive Effects Of Tissue Temperature And Hydration State On Tendon Mechanical Properties Using A Chicken Drumstick Model, Makayla Maso, Kiara Maso, Mikayla Hulvey

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This study focused on the effects of temperature and hydration on tendon extensibility. Four experimental groups were tested using chicken leg tendons tested ex vivo: cold and dehydrated, cold and hydrated, warm and dehydrated, and warm and hydrated. Each treatment group was pulled with an increasing load and measured. It was hypothesized that the warm and hydrated test group would extend the furthest. This was based on studies citing increased bodily flexibility with increasing body temperature as well as stiffness at lower temperatures. Combining temperature and hydration state allowed for not only individual effects of variables to be tested but …

Steam Distillation Of Jasmine, Mikayla Hulvey, Meliah Martin

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This experiment aimed to isolate various components, including benzyl acetate, linalool, indole, and farnesene, from jasmine buds. The functional groups include an ester in benzyl acetate, an alcohol in linalool, an amine in indole, and alkenes in farnesene. Jasmine buds were combined with distilled water and steam distilled using a standard distillation apparatus. The distillate, containing hydrosol and trace amounts of essential oil, was then collected for extraction using methyl tert-butyl (MTBE) for a liquid-liquid extraction. The organic layer was then separated, washed using brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and then transferred for later analysis. The essential oil obtained …

Numerical Analysis Of The Sir Model For Predicting Disease Spread, Victoria Gaibor, Isabel Tejada, Kate Moore

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This project, Numerical Solutions of the SIR Model for Predicting Disease Spread, investigates the application of numerical methods to analyze the dynamics of infectious diseases using the classical Susceptible–Infected–Recovered (SIR) model. The SIR model, a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, is widely used to describe how diseases such as COVID-19 propagate through a population. The primary objective of this study is to solve the SIR initial value problem using multiple numerical techniques, including Euler’s method, Runge–Kutta methods, and multistep methods, and to compare their accuracy and efficiency. The model is implemented using given initial conditions and parameters, and additional …

Simulating Pacemakers And Heartbeat Recovery Through Mathematical Modeling, Thomas Estrada, Jayla Edwards

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Title: Simulating Pacemakers and Heartbeat Recovery Through Mathematical Modeling   This study utilizes the Fitzhugh-Nagumo model to simulate cardiac electrical activity and the regulatory role of pacemakers through ordinary differential equations (ODEs). By defining the rate of change for membrane voltage, 𝑑𝑣/dt, and a recovery variable, 𝑑𝑤/dt, the model captures the heart's excitability and resting states. Central to the analysis is the stimulus current parameter, which represents the "kick" provided by a pacemaker to correct flatline conditions or weak heartbeats. Using Euler’s method for numerical integration, the research compares unstable cardiac rhythms against corrected periodic oscillations. Additionally, the project implements vector …

Hitl Ai For Digital Transformation In Healthcare, Ntando S. Sibanda, Petronella Muziti, Priscilla Mataure

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Limited labor capacity, disjointed information flows and delays in clinical decision-making are among the ongoing issues that primary health care (PHC) systems in resource-constrained settings must deal with. These issues limit service delivery and impede efforts to undergo digital transformation. This study investigates how improved decision support at the primary care level can facilitate incremental digital transformation through human-in-the-loop (HITL) artificial intelligence (AI). In order to identify system gaps, design a context-sensitive HITL AI prototype and assess its viability, usability and integration within standard PHC workflows, the study employs a design-based implementation research approach that incorporates qualitative interviews, workflow observations …

Finding And Using Validated Surveys In Health Science Research, Tracy Ashby

Library Class: Lunch & Learn

Join us as we introduce techniques for identifying and using validated surveys in health sciences research. Learn strategies for finding reliable, evidence-based measurement tools in the databases and gain tips on how to evaluate their quality and relevance.

Abstract Book (Pdf), Lsu Health School Of Medicine

Summer Research Internship Program

Abstract Book for the 20XX Summer Research Internship Program.

Participants are listed alphabetically by last name.

Accessibility statement: The attached document has been formatted to meet PDF/UA v1 standards.

A Phenomenological Study Of Parent Experiences During Transition From Early Intervention To School-Based Services, Kelly F. Gregoire, Halie Mayfield, Jeryl D. Benson, Johnna Estep

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Abstract

Importance: Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners and members of the Early Intervention (EI) to school-based transition should understand the barriers to a successful transition to better advocate for their clients and tailor their involvement in the transition process.

Objective: To explore the lived experience of parents of young children participating in the transition process.

Participants: Fourteen parents of young children (ages 2.5-6 years) with a developmental disability.

Outcomes and Measures: Semi-structured interviews focusing on parent and family experiences with the transition process.

Results: Seven resulting themes emerged from the data representing parent perceptions related to their experience of the system. …

Awareness Of The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program Among Healthcare Providers Caring For Older Adults, Anannya Pushkarna, Melanie Turk

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Introduction:

Prediabetes is a prevalent condition among older adults and represents a crucial opportunity where early interventions can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lifestyle modifications are first-line management. The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP), a 12-month lifestyle change program initiated in 2018, is fully covered by Medicare, yet uptake remains limited. This study assessed healthcare providers’ beliefs about prediabetes and awareness of the MDPP.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was administered electronically to a national sample of physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs). Questions addressed beliefs about prediabetes, barriers to care, and knowledge/awareness of the …

Uncovering The Path To Diagnosis Among Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Mini-Study, Jeffrey D. Whitaker, Rick Zoucha, Melissa Kalarchian

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often persists into adulthood, yet many adults are first diagnosed only after years of functional strain, compensation, and alternative explanations for their difficulties. Purpose: This study explored how adults first diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood described navigating the process of obtaining a formal diagnosis. Methods: A constructivist grounded theory mini-study was conducted with seven adults, ages 27 to 43, who reported receiving their first formal ADHD diagnosis at age 18 or later. Participants completed semi-structured Zoom interviews focused on early experiences, symptom interpretation, help-seeking, and formal assessment. Data were analyzed using initial, focused, and theoretical …

High Burden Of Elevated Fib-4 In Metabolically At-Risk Primary Care Patients: Simple Predictors To Guide Hepatic Fibrosis Triage, Ridwan Ademola Lawal, Fatimah Bello, Rashmee Patil, Juliana Yang

Research Symposium

Background: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), including metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Current guidelines recommend fibrosis-based risk stratification using noninvasive tools such as the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index in patients with metabolic risk factors, followed by secondary assessment (e.g., transient elastography or enhanced liver fibrosis(ELF) testing) for those with elevated scores. However, data on the real-world prevalence of elevated FIB-4 in U.S. primary care populations, particularly in safety-net settings, and the downstream implications for fibrosis evaluation remain limited. We aimed to quantify the burden of elevated FIB-4 in a primary care setting …

Pharmaceutical Industry Manufacturing Trend For Tablet Dosage Forms And Opportunities For The Future: A Case Study Of Current Practice And Future Developments, Tarang Patel

Discovery Day

INTRODUCTION: Tablet dosage forms remain the most widely utilized oral drug delivery system due to their stability, ease of administration, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. Over recent decades, advancements such as high-speed compression, improved granulation techniques, and regulatory frameworks (bioavailability, validation, and quality assurance) have significantly shaped modern pharmaceutical manufacturing. However, current systems remain largely semi-automated and resource-intensive, highlighting the need for technological transformation.

METHOD: This study presents a case-based evaluation of a contemporary pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing facility. The analysis maps the complete production workflow, including material handling, dispensing, granulation, lubrication, compression, coating, inspection, and packaging. Operational practices were reviewed alongside quality …

Enhancing Research Communication With Visual Tools, Sonya Fogg

Library Class: Lunch & Learn

Understand the role of visual communication in medical research. Distinguish between data visualizations, infographics, and visual abstracts. Identify best practices and some resources and tools for creating effective visuals.

Program (Pdf), Department Of Orthopaedics

Dept. of Orthopaedics: Robert D. D’Ambrosia Lectureship & Research Day

Program with abstracts for the 22nd Annual Dept of Orthopaedics Annual Robert D. D’Ambrosia Lectureship & Research Day held June 20, 2026.