Spring 2025 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 色库TV community and the general public can view projects via this online archive.
15 students took part in the Spring 2025 event on April 30, 2025.
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.
Using Spectrophotometry to Efficiently Compare Algae Concentrations in Natural and Rehabilitated Wetlands
Student Researcher: John Bird
Mentor: Dr. Ramona Smith
Abstract: Wetlands are essential to Florida鈥檚 ecosystems, with algae playing a key role in aquatic food webs. However, harmful algal blooms can threaten water quality. This study used spectrophotometry and environmental data to assess cyanobacterial concentrations in six "pristine" and "restored" wetland sites across three weeks in spring of 2025. Results showed no significant difference in cyanobacteria concentration by site classification or sampling week (p > 0.1). Environmental variables also did not differ significantly by site (p = 0.544). These findings suggest that restored wetlands may function similarly to pristine ones, though long-term monitoring is recommended as harmful algal blooms are more prevalent during the spring and winter.
Extraction and Analysis for Anti-inflammatory and Anti-neuropathic Effects of Rosmarinus
L. and Melissa Officinalis
Student Researcher: Angela Bovasso
Mentor: Dr. Amel Garbou
Abstract: Neuropathic and inflammatory pain is a debilitating, impactful issue today in society, affecting a significant part of the population, widespread to people with various medical issues. This study showcases a potential cure to the widespread issue of physical pain, and seeks to display and promote the beneficial nature of compounds found in the plants Rosmarinus L. and Melissa Officinalis. These plants, among many other related plants in the Lamiaceae family, have been shown through research trials to have an analgesic effect on neuropathic pain in rats, as well as human cancer patients. In this study, the therapeutic potential of compounds found within these plants such as Rosmarinic acid and Citral will be displayed through research and studies discovered, and these compounds will be extracted from Rosmarinus L. and Melissa Offcinalis grown in my backyard. We will also be analyzing concentrated Rosmarinic acid obtained from labs as well as concentrated Citral.
What Type of Manure is Best for Planting Tomatoes?
Student Researcher: Jeanne Cary
Mentor: Dr. Ramona Smith
Abstract: This study compared the effects of cow, chicken, and rabbit manure with a topsoil-only control on tomato plant growth. Sixteen plants were divided into four groups (n=4), each featuring a different soil amendment. Initial root measurements were recorded, manure was mixed into topsoil, and plants were grown under consistent conditions with measurements taken over two weeks. Observations suggest that plants grown in topsoil outperformed those treated with manure supplements, though further statistical analysis is required to confirm this finding. The study emphasizes and highlights the potential efficacy of topsoil as the primary growth medium without additional manure amendments.
Antibacterial Efficacy of Colloidal Silver Nanoparticles and Xylitol on Streptococcus
mutans
Student Researcher: Genan Dwaish
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Spring
Abstract: Dental caries, a global oral health burden, are caused by acid-producing Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that metabolizes dietary carbohydrates such as Sucrose. This study hypothesized that colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) combined with Xylitol could significantly inhibit S. mutans growth compared to individual components, commercial mouthwashes, and carbohydrate combinations, including pure AgNPs, Xylitol, and Stevia. Using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assays on tryptic soy agar (TSA), AgNPs paired with Xylitol exhibited the largest inhibition zones, while pure AgNPs, Xylitol, and Stevia showed negligible activity. However, commercial AgNPs mouthwashes (Silver Botanicals Colloidal Silver Mouthwash containing Xylitol and Simply Silver Advanced Colloidal Silver Mouthwash containing Stevia) underperformed compared to lab-prepared combinations of the individual components. These results suggest synergistic antibacterial effects in AgNP-Xylitol combinations, supporting their potential in caries-preventive oral care products.
Bacteriophage Activity in Brevard County Ponds
Student Researcher: Chloe Favaloro
Mentor: Dr. John Newby
Abstract: Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. This research aims to identify natural sources of these phages in the Brevard County area, and test the phages against common bacterial species. Once phages have been identified in local ecosystems, the process of determining what bacteria they can infect and to what extent begins. This research utilizes mostly double agar overlay assays, which are the standard for bacteriophage plaque identification. Determining the spectrum of activity these phages have against specific bacteria can potentially have clinical value in the future. Because of emerging antibiotic resistance, finding alternative paths to treat bacterial diseases is imperative to the future of medicine.
Why Students Forget, and Better Ways to Remember
Student Researcher: Cheyenne Hargrove
Mentor: Chelsie Kuhlman
Abstract: This research collected and analyzed the current research relating to college students and their retention of information with the goal of supporting the idea that memory is not a fixed ability; Many students have a fixed mindset regarding their cognitive abilities and often do not properly ask metacognitive questions and analyze their learning habits. This research analyzes the basic neurobiology of memory including the hippocampus and memory networks, how slow-wave sleep is vital in memory consolidation, and the higher retention scores found related to a healthful diet and water intake in studies. Furthermore, this research outlines current contributing factors to students forgetting such as cram studying and passive studying methods like rereading that do not contribute to long term memory encoding of content. Finally, this research found higher rates of retention across studies related to students adopting several studying methods such as self-testing, elaborative learning, and spaced learning.
Didn't See That Coming - Exploring the Interplay Between Dark Fantasy Tropes and Their
Audiences Using the Social Exchange Theory
Student Researchers: Tynesha Taylor-Hyman
Mentor: Dr. Warren Jones
Abstract: Storytelling through movies or TV shows portrays familiar or predictable narratives that audiences can identify. In dark fantasy, character tropes tend to reflect a society鈥檚 structure that connects with the audience. In dark fantasy media, tropes that a lot of characters portray use these commonalities to connect with the audience, whether desired or undesired. These tropes also have a particular tone when analyzing population dynamics in dark fantasy. Dark fantasy utilizes experiences to draw in the audience. Dark fantasy brings out the insecurities of the audience, whether that be isolation, abandonment, imposters, death, or pain. The audience can then relate, empathize, or sympathize with the characters, even if exaggerated to an extreme. Social exchange conceptualized the idea that there are known and unknown power dynamics that make society鈥檚 social structure. Using Peter Blau鈥檚 social exchange theory along with the inter-societal theory, an audience can gain a better understanding of why and how they relate to a fictional character鈥檚 experience.
Gun Violence in American High Schools
Student Researchers: Ashley Kon
Mentor: Chelsie Kuhlman
Abstract: The biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors influencing school shooters are complex and interrelated, with genetic vulnerabilities, mental health disorders, and traumatic experiences intersecting with societal influences such as peer dynamics, media portrayals, and social isolation, emphasizing the importance of a multidimensional approach to prevention and intervention.
Investigation of Lysozyme Supplementation to Reduce the Prevalence of Dental Carries
in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Student Researchers: Brittany Lowe
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Spring
Abstract: The incidence of dental carries is higher in cystic fibrosis patients because of a significant decrease of lysozyme, an enzyme in the oral cavity that is vital in fighting off the leading bacterial origin of dental carries, Streptococcus mutans. This study investigated the efficacy of alternative sources of lysozymes on the inhibition of S. mutans, including papaya, Carica papaya, cow鈥檚 milk, Bos taurus, and chicken egg whites, Gallus gallus domesticus. Although the presence of lysozyme from papaya did not show any significant inhibition of S. mutans, the study supports the hypothesis that S. mutans growth will be significantly inhibited by the presence of lysozyme from cow鈥檚 milk and chicken egg whites, individually or in combination. The presence of chicken egg whites was shown to be most effective in each trial of this study. The results of this study indicate lysozyme in chicken egg whites may be a viable supplementation of lysozyme to decrease the incidence of dental carries in cystic fibrosis patients.
Space Garden Application
Student Researchers: Isabel Martinez
Mentor: Dr. Alek Tomovic
Abstract: The space garden app collects and saves data based on 5 weather instruments. The thermometer, barometer, wind meter, air humidity sensor, and soil humidity sensor. Depending on the data the garden will activate or deactivate functions like the ac unit. If the user enters 80 degrees in the thermometer fragment the cooler will be turned on. If the user enters 40 degrees the heater will be turned on. Any change in the data can be viewed on the home fragment.
Public Trust in Biomedical Advancements Post-Pandemic: Influences on Public Attitudes
Towards Vaccines and New Treatments
Student Researchers: Sarah McCormack
Mentor: Slav Peytchev
Abstract: Biomedical advancements are defined as new treatments that are being created by using new findings in science and technology (e.g. stem cell research, new vaccines, etc.). Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, public perspectives on trusting biomedical advancements have shifted due to many factors. It was hypothesized that while most of the public holds the same level of trust as compared to before the pandemic, the factor that will have the most influence on these perspectives will be personal experiences. To test this hypothesis, an anonymous survey was created via Google Forms, consisting of both multiple-choice and free-response questions. After various distribution methods, the survey received feedback from 157 participants from various age groups and educational backgrounds. These responses were then saved and recorded for the purpose of analyzing trends and correlations. The results of this survey confirmed the hypothesis that while most public trust in biomedical advancements is about the same compared to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the factor that will have the most influence for determining the public鈥檚 perspective is personal experience. About 56.1% of participants claimed that their level of trust in biomedical advancements remained the same compared to the beginning of the pandemic, and roughly 72% of participants claimed that personal experiences influenced their level of trust. In addition, direct responses from participants in the survey (via free-response questions) indicated that personal experiences were most likely how individuals would create personal opinions on biomedical advancements.
Can Bacillus subtilis help the Indian River Lagoon?
Student Researchers: Marius Van der Merwe
Mentor: Dr. William Stewart
Abstract: The Indian River Lagoon faces significant pollution from waste and nutrient runoff, leading to ecological degradation and water quality issues. Beneficial bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, have demonstrated the ability to improve water quality in aquaculture by breaking down organic waste and reducing excess nutrients. In this study, we investigated whether Bacillus subtilis could be used as a bioremediation tool to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon. We modeled the Lagoon environment using nutrient-rich aquaria and introduced Bacillus subtilis cultures. Over time, we monitored changes in nutrient levels, water clarity, and bacterial populations. Preliminary results suggest that Bacillus subtilis may effectively reduce nutrient concentrations, indicating potential for broader applications in natural water systems. Further studies are needed to optimize conditions and assess long-term impacts in real-world environments.
Generational Differences in Anxiety and Depression
Student Researchers: Emerson Sakuma
Mentor: Chelsie Kuhlman
Abstract: Factors contributing to high anxiety and depression within the youth are hormone changes, academic stress, social media, peer pressure, and their developing brains that are sensitive and not used to stress, which causes them to have more mental health issues combined with a lack of coping mechanisms and emotional regulation taught.
Improving Shelter Pet Adoption Success by Connecting Behavior to Nutritional Needs;
Vitamins B1, B6, B12 and D3 Levels in Shelter Dogs
Student Researchers: JoSea Scalzi
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Spring
Abstract: Anxiety, fear, aggression, and other reactive behaviors are associated with a chronic 鈥渇ight or flight鈥� mental and metabolic state. Shelter animals displaying these behaviors may have imbalances in vitamins that help regulate the nervous system. To test this hypothesis, hair samples from 15 shelter dogs (all pit bull mixes) were analyzed by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography-UV-Visible Spectrometry (HPLC-UV-Vis) for the concentrations of vitamins B1, B6, B12 and D3. While vitamin B1 requires further research, vitamin B6 and B12 levels were found to be significantly different in friendly shelter dogs compared to dogs displaying negative behaviors: anxious and reactive dogs. B6 vitamins are directly involved in the production of calming neurotransmitters while B12 is involved in the conversion of nutrients to immediate energy. This data supports the possibility that friendly dogs metabolize vitamin B6 efficiently 鈥� which produces their calm mental state; as opposed to anxious and reactive dogs who metabolize B12 at higher rates in order to support the energy needed for the fight or flight response. Further research into B6 supplementation may find behavior improvements in shelter dogs and, therefore, higher rates of dogs being adopted into loving and forever homes.
Developing an App for Personalized Drug Consumption Tracking
Student Researchers: Emma Turner
Mentor: Dr. Gary Hrezo
Abstract: A functional prototype that can serve as a proof of concept for further development. It personalizes drug consumption tracking and utilizes user input data to allow for red flags to appear when a user is consuming drugs in an improper manner. Such as taking too much, consuming with another drug that is not compatible, etc. The app will be further developed to incorporate AI feedback integration and aligns with growing concerns regarding NSAID overconsumption by allowing the user to realize when they are overconsuming or misconsuming a drug.