Spring 2024 Exhibition: Book of Abstracts
The Undergraduate Research Exhibition, presented by the Office of Undergraduate Research, is a biannual, in-person event in which students showcase original research, scholarly projects, and creative works. Following the event, the EFSC community and the general public can view projects via this online archive.
Thirteen students took part in the Spring 2024 event on April 24, 2024. View the Exhbition's Flickr photo album.
Scroll to view all projects or use the alphabetical list of links by student researcher last name to view their project topic, abstract, poster, and/or creative work. Click on an image to display the larger version.
Moon-Based Radio Telescope on The Dark Side of The Moon
Student Researcher: Spencer Hedlund
Mentor: Dr. Daryl Davis
Abstract: A Radio Telescope on the dark side of the Moon would aid in the search for other extraterrestrial life in Galaxy or Universe. This construction would take multiple launches to position all the pieces for it in the correct locations. I got the Idea from Paul Hunt from Hunt Utilities Group LLC located in Pine River, Minnesota. HUG for short has done research on reusable energy such as solar panels both for electricity, water heating, and geothermal storage of the suns heat below the ground of buildings. They also study sustainable energy efficient housing, organic gardening, hydroponics with grey water systems, and were a cold fusion proving ground trying to prove others designs for Nikole to Copper fusion. Paul proposed that we use a 1000 mile spread of the moons surface on the dark side, but I believe a large crater like the one in South America or China would also work. Just instead being built onto the moons surface to aid the current infrastructure of satellites such as James Web, Hubble, etc. This would also aid the ground radio telescopes with less interference from our Earth base satellites that hog the night sky with radio signals. Because Artemis is already going to stay on the moon currently, this could be a later supplemental mission project with autonomous systems for minimal human factor repairs or set up after the initial setup time and cost. All feed back on this subject would be great. Why would this technology benefit humanity as a hole species? What would we discover in the far reaches of space, Space bearing civilizations, or more emptiness? Could this be a multi country mission or project to split the enormous costs that would be associated with it?
The Extent of Our Capabilities
Student Researchers: Briona Jones and Liam Hanney
Mentor: Dr. Robert Caruso
Abstract: Self-efficacy beliefs determine how people feel, think, motivate themselves, and behave (Bandura, A. 1999)1. According to Albert Bandura, an influential social cognitive psychologist, self-efficacy is defined as “The belief in one's capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to manage prospective situations.” (Bandura, A. 1994)11. The present study focused on examining the levels of self-efficacy demonstrated by first year college students separated into three specific areas, academic, social and emotional. The sample included 100 college students over the age of eighteen. The students were chosen randomly. Participants completed the Self-efficacy questionnaire through self-identification along the three aspects of self-efficacy identified by Dr. Albert Bandura: (1) social self-efficacy, which has to do with one’s perceived ability for peer relationships and assertiveness; (2) academic self-efficacy, which is concerned with the perceived capability to manage one's own learning behavior, to master academic subjects, and to fulfill academic expectations; (3) emotional self-efficacy, which pertains to the perceived capability to cope with negative emotions (Bandura, A. 1999)1. Students were asked to answer 9 questions (3 in each of the three aspects described above). Each item was scored on a five-point scale with 1 = not at all and 5 = very well. The questions were taken from the social self-efficacy questionnaire (Connoly, J. 1989)9, the academic self-efficacy questionnaire (Gafoor, K. 2003)7, and the emotional self-efficacy questionnaire (Qualter, P. 2014)6, all widely used and well-respected tools for evaluation of self-identified self-efficacy levels. The principal investigator, assisted by carefully selected undergraduate assistants, prepared a final report including evaluation of the data and recommendations for possible additional studies in the future.
The Impact of Turfgrass Variety on Absorption of Nitrate in Fertilizer Runoff
Student Researcher: Grayce Meredith
Mentor: Dr. Andri Evagorou
Abstract: Local waterways and marine life are being exposed to the dangerous effects of nitrogen in fertilizer runoff. The purpose of this experiment was to determine a native turfgrass species that will maximize nitrate uptake through phytoremediation without compromising the long-term health and function of the plant. The hypothesis for this experiment was that Floratam will yield lower nitrate values compared to Palmetto and Seville turfgrass. The Floratam grass would also display a greater protein content and increased diversity of types, indicating positive conditions for the plant and a lack of structural compromise as a result of additional nitrate absorption from initiation of the experiment to completion. The grass was tested in a closed hydroponic system with fertilizer runoff. Bi-daily nitrate and pH measurements were taken, and grass samples were collected before and after experimentation to be run in a Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Seville yielded the lowest mean nitrate value and a statistical significance, as well as increased pH spikes in comparison to the other test groups. Similar results were observed from the Palmetto experimental group, but the data better supported the positive effects of Seville rather than Palmetto. Floratam, contrasting expected results, yielded the highest nitrate values of the three turfgrass types. However, Floratam did show an increase in protein content and proteins that differed from pre-experimentation during gel electrophoresis, but a definitive conclusion was unable to be drawn due to the breakdown of the proteins of the other two grass types. The information collected from this study should be used to provide consumers and law makers with a cost-effective and sustainable way to improve nitrogen quantities in water bodies, such as the Indian River Lagoon.
Does Salinity Affect the Quantity of Nematodes in a Coastal Aquatic Environment?
Student Researcher: Julie McClellan
Mentors: Dr. Ashley Spring and Dr. Eyualem Abebe
Abstract: Nematodes, commonly known as roundworms, are microscopic nonsegmented worms able to adapt to a wide variety of environment conditions, allowing them to naturally exist in almost every environment. Their abundance, functional diversity, and adaptability make them naturally suitable as bioindicators of water quality and the effects of changes in their environments. Current taxonomy regarding nematodes indicates that the largest populations reside in saltwater environments, possibly due to the additional limitations on studying freshwater populations. Higher salinity aquatic environments (marine) will have a significantly higher quantity of nematodes than lower salinity aquatic environments (estuary).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Generated Artwork and Generative Filling Technologies
Student Researcher: Kyle McLaren
Mentor: Anthony Akers
Abstract: In the art world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way art is produced. AI-generated art has become widespread and Generative Filling technologies have made it possible to combine AI art and real photographs. Both technologies are challenging conventional ideas of creativity and authorship while creating their own legal and ethical concerns. This study examines what AI art generators and Generative Filling are and how they function. Using OpenArt AI, Neural.Love AI, and Adobe Firefly help to show how well they perform in creating or altering images. Finally, through an analysis of court cases, ethical issues, and potential solutions to unclear authorship and ownership claims, this research aims to spread knowledge about AI in the art and photography fields and change its societal significance.
Comparative Ethogram Study of Gopher Tortoise in Density Specific Areas of Wickham
Park
Student Researcher: Riley Renfro
Mentor: Penny McDonald
Abstract: Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) are a species of threated chelonian native to Florida and are keystone species. An ethogram, which is a survey that records behaviors, was conducted in Wickham Park to observe possible behavioral differences between an extremely high-density area by the Amphitheater, and a normal density area called the Control Area. One unique behavior specific to the Amphitheater tortoises was them sitting facing their burrow instead of facing out. Also, the Amphitheater tortoises had much more physical interactions and reproductive behaviors happening (even when accounting for the larger population size), which could be key to understanding their immune systems and how to help the next generation of juvenile gopher tortoises survive. Also, the peak activity hours, and correlations between temperature and humidity found can be applied to future field work to know when the tortoises are active to be able to collect data.
The Nematodes As Bioindicators of Environmental Disturbance
Student Researcher: Linamar Esposito Sarmet
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Spring and Dr. Eyualem Abebe
Abstract: Beach renourishment is a continuous man-made project to control shoreline erosion against the negative impacts of storms and the rise in sea level on the coastal area of Florida. Reversely, beach renourishment practices can affect micro and macro biomes. The Nematodes are nitrogen recyclers micro worms considered as active players in the food chain and whose presence can cause a considerable impact on the environment. The alternative hypothesis of this research is to reveal that there will be lower nematode densities and species diversity in the renourished sites (disturbed) of Seagull Park Beach as opposed to the undisturbed site of Hangar Beach. The material used in this study were six similar quantities of sand samples collected on the disturbed and the undisturbed sites of both beaches and the classic methods for researching nematodes were applied. This study revealed that the undisturbed site is ecologically better and environmentally richer than the disturbed site, since the taxa and the density of nematodes collected at undisturbed sites were significantly higher than the results obtained at disturbed sites.
The Effects of Mobility Training on Catchers
Student Researcher: Ryleigh Seibel
Mentor: Dr. Andrew Dutra
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the effects of a two-month mobility training program on the throwing abilities of 12-14-year-old baseball catchers. The program, conducted daily in Group A, targets the enhancement of throwing velocity, with potential implications for injury prevention and performance optimization. By examining the impact of structured mobility training on this specific age group, the study seeks to contribute to our understanding of effective training strategies for young athletes in baseball. Through rigorous assessment and analysis, the findings of this research endeavor are expected to inform coaching practices and promote the development of tailored training programs for youth catchers, ultimately enhancing their athletic performance and reducing the risk of injuries.
Can We Cure Ice Cream Pains?
Student Researchers: Cassalynn Staats and Joseph Adely
Mentor: Dr. Jim Yount
Abstract: Lactose intolerance, the inability to digest lactose due to lactase enzyme deficiency, affects a significant portion of the global population. While short-term treatments are available, the long-term impact of lactose intolerance and its treatment strategies on mouse small intestine epithelial cells remains underexplored. This study aims to provide insights into the efficacy of the treatment method through the quantitative analysis of the production of lactase enzymes before and after treatment. This study will be using media collected from mouse cell culture to perform a quantitative analysis of lactase enzyme activity before and after treatment. This study treats 3 cultures with a novel gene therapy using the Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as the vector. This gene therapy has been reported to increase lactase production to lactose-tolerant levels for at least a month. Three days after treatment, the culture media will be observed daily for one week to quantify the lactase enzyme activity through an enzymatic assay. We anticipate a sudden increase in lactase production after initial treatment. After this pilot study, we intend to follow up with a long-term study on the effects of the lactase treatment on the mouse cells and the rate at which the cells return to baseline.
Combatting Periodontal Disease: Benefits and Drawbacks of Non-Surgical Periodontal
Therapy (NPST)
Student Researcher: Christine Triantafyllidis
Mentor: Dr. Jennifer McCann
Abstract: Periodontal disease (PD), a chronic inflammatory infection affecting the supportive
structures of the teeth, poses a significant threat to oral health, often resulting
in tooth loss if left untreated. Non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) encompasses
a range of procedures intended to help manage PD by removing bacteria, reducing inflammation,
and enabling healing of the tissue. This literature review assesses the benefits and
drawbacks of NSPT and aims to provide insight to clinicians in making informed treatment
decisions and optimizing patient outcomes in the management of PD. A systematic search
of MEDLINE and Applied Science & Technology databases was conducted, and 7 studies
met the inclusion criteria for this review. Results suggest that NSPT is an effective
treatment option and can help alleviate the severity of PD; however, there are some
patient characteristics that could pose a risk to NSPT treatment success. Therefore,
the dental team must work to tailor treatment approaches accordingly.
Soft Robotic Prosthesis: Sensory Development
Student Researcher: Barbara Zent
Mentor: Bruce Hesher
Abstract: The mission is to enhance the functionality of prosthetic devices by exploring the possibilities of integrating natural sensory systems with soft robotics. Our research is centered around gaining a deeper understanding of how sensory information is processed in these systems, to improve it. The research’s focus is on establishing a more robust connection between programmable sensors and tactile senses, enabling prosthetic devices to detect potential danger in their surroundings and alert the user. Our goal is to elevate sensory perception and provide greater protection in challenging environments. We strive to make prosthetic devices more efficient and offer people a richer and more nuanced experience of the world.
There are two primary methods for controlling prosthetic devices based on input from the patient. The first involves connecting the device directly to the patient's nervous system to utilize neural signals for control. The second method involves detecting changes in forearm muscle shape and tension as an indication of intended movement. Advanced software processes this input, whether from neural signals or muscle activity patterns, to translate it into precise movements of the prosthetic fingers. The objective is to develop this software to a level where the prosthetic can perform a variety of tasks, from simple grasping to complex fine motor functions such as typing or handling delicate objects. This will allow the prosthetic to closely emulate the dexterity and responsiveness of a natural limb, making it intuitive for the user to operate the device.