Poster Presentations

Follow

• 

  Digital Marketing and Communications for Non-Profit Organizations on the Gulf Coast

  Marion Bell

  Non-profit organizations play a vital role in the social and economic conditions of South Alabama and the surrounding areas. From providing essential social services to fostering cultural enrichment to supplying disaster relief efforts, these organizations equip society to care for our communities and encourage our economy. In an increasingly digital world, digital marketing and communication strategies give non-profit organizations the ability to communicate their mission, engage with stakeholders, and mobilize resources. This study aims to identify the current digital marketing strategies for Gulf Coast non-profit organizations.

• 

  Perceptions of Power and Consent: The Role Gender, Race, and Sexual Orientation in Shaping Public Perceptions of Student-Teacher Affairs

  India Campbell

  Sexual violence is a taboo topic. It is especially challenging to acknowledge child victims. Sexual violence in schools is particularly hard to acknowledge. No parent wants to consider the possibility of sending their child to a predator every day. This phenoma has been researched for decades from various angles. This project will contribute to the research that looks at the ways race, gender, and sexual orientation influence perception of victimhood.

• 

  The Search for Slow Particles and Magnetic Monopoles with NOvA

  John Clark

  Singular magnetic poles, north or south, have been theorized to exist for hundreds of years. In the modern day, the elusive singular magnetic pole still remains undiscovered. The appearance of this particle would help confirm many Grand Unified Theories, GUTs, and revolutionize our understanding of some of the fundamental forces of the universe. Fermilab's NOvA collaboration is working on ways to screen and detect magnetic monopoles and other slow-moving particles coming from outer space alongside their main mission to study neutrinos. The aim of this work is to determine and improve the Far Detector’s efficiency at identifying slow moving particles. It was determined that using a slicer time window of 25 μs and an energy cut of 100 ADC units is optimal for extending the detectable range of slow-moving Monte Carlo simulated magnetic monopoles from a lower end of β = 3 × 10−4 to β = 2 × 10−4 with an improvement or no sacrifice to efficiency. With some sacrifice and change to these settings, simulated particles as slow as β = 5 × 10−5 can be detected.

• 

  TOUJOURS BEAUCOUP: Representations of Childhood and Education in 20th Century French Literature and Cinema

  Delaney Drury

  This project explores French literature and cinema with significant representations of education for the purpose of examining to what extent educational ideals are upheld or undermined.

• 

  Pseudomonas aeruginosa ExoY Enzymatic Activity Inhibits ExoS-Induced Caspase-3/7 Activation but not Cytotoxicity in PMVECs

  Connor Holm

  Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aer.) is the most common cause of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in ICU patients. Different combinations of exoenzymes (S, T, Y, and U) are found in P. aer. strains. ExoY is most often associated with VAP in ICU patients. ExoY infection of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) induces cell rounding but does not activate intracellular caspase-3/7 or cause cell death. ExoS and ExoT infection of epithelial cells leads to caspase-3/7 dependent cell death. Previous studies using epithelial cells show that ExoY alleviates the cytotoxic effects of ExoS and ExoT. Here, we sought to determine whether ExoY inhibits ExoS and ExoT induced caspase-3/7 activation and cell death in PMVECs.

• 

  Influence of Hearing Loss on Self-reported Hearing Ability and Listening Fatigue in Persons with Aphasia

  Ashlyn Kilgore

  Aphasia is an acquired disorder, often caused by stroke, that results in language deficits. It can greatly impact a person's ability to communicate with others. Cognitive deficits may accompany aphasia. Additionally, hearing loss is a disability likely to co-occur with aphasia, as they both most commonly impact the same age group. When a person has hearing loss, the quality of the auditory signal is degraded when it reaches the brain. The poor signal quality, compounded with linguistic and possible cognitive deficits that are associated with aphasia, makes it more difficult for persons with aphasia (PWA) to comprehend speech.

  For all people, listening takes effort and attention. The Framework for Understanding Effortful Listening (FUEL) model is an adaptation of Kahneman’s Capacity Model for Attention that helps explain the effort required to listen effectively. Increased effort depletes cognitive resources and leads to listening fatigue. Listening fatigue, when compounded with aphasia and hearing impairment, can exacerbate difficulties comprehending speech. This study examined self-reported listening ability and listening fatigue in people with aphasia and hearing loss.

• 

  Acceptability and Competency of Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training and MI Spirited Communication in an Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Program

  Grace Koons

  Motivational interviewing (MI) has been slow to be integrated into nursing curricula despite its positive impacts on patient care because availability of experts for training, time for implementing MI during patient care, and methods for evaluating competency of students. This study aims to determine acceptance of brief MI Spirited Communication (MISC) training among undergraduate and graduate nursing students and determine level of competency in MI of undergraduate and graduate nursing students who have completed MI training.

• 

  Linear Dicyclopentadiene Copolymers: Synthesis and Thermal Analysis

  Connor Lewis

  To retain the existing advantages of L-pDCPD and to enhance its material properties, an incorporation of functionalized comonomers is being investigated. It is hypothesized that such functionalization will allow for higher theoretical molecular weights, increased oxidative resistance, and more durable thermal properties following air exposure. The use of heteroatoms in exemplary oxa-norbornene-based compounds is thought to strengthen intermolecular interactions and thus improve the structural stability of L-pDCPD. To better understand the polymerization initiated by GC3 and to identify potential ROCM processes, IR-active nitrile and hydroxyl groups were specifically incorporated. For this study, the comonomers were synthesized from exo-3,6-epoxy- 1,2,3,6 tetrahydrophthalic anhydride with either 4-aminobenzonitrile or 4-aminophenol.

• 

  Binary Solid/Liquid Equilibrium of Mixtures of Thermally Robust Salts and Molecular Compounds for use as Heat Transfer Fluids

  Jared Ridge Mathews

  Fossil fuels, contributors to climate change that may bear catastrophic consequences, power the entire world. The human species is almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels for energy, but other sources of renewable and environmentally friendly energy must be developed. Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a promising source of renewable energy with hampered potential—better heat transfer fluids (HTFs) are needed for it to be economically feasible. Currently, the HTFs in industrial use are predominantly either synthetic oils or nitrate-based molten salts. Synthetic oils are only stable up to 400 °C, and molten salts often have high melting temperatures, making them prone to freezing. Therefore, ionic liquids are being investigated as an alternative heat transfer fluid. Ionic liquids often have high thermal stability, high heat capacity, and low melting points. An ionic liquid like tetraphenylphosphonium bistriflimide (TPP), combined with aromatic compounds, such as diphenyl ether, shows potential as an HTF. In this report, digital scanning calorimetry (DSC) data of binary mixtures of TPP and diphenyl ether was analyzed using binary a binary T-x plot, which was compared to an ideal eutectic model, and Tammann’s triangle, which provided a more accurate prediction of the eutectic composition, in order to make a comprehensive graph of the solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE) behavior. This data provided valuable insights into the thermodynamic properties of this mixture, including evidence about the eutectic composition and melting temperature. The eutectic composition is of special interest for its unique thermodynamic properties, including a very low melting temperature, which offers potential for use in CSP technology, significantly reducing the risk of catastrophic HTF freezing that leads to plant shutdowns and unreliability.

• 

  Decoding Bacterial Resilience: sRNAs and Sigma Factors in Stress Adaptation and Persistence of Salmonella

  Anita Nguyen

  Small RNAs (sRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules in bacteria that function primarily to regulate gene expression, including those associated with stress. The Borchert Lab has identified 173 sRNAs and > 500 sRNAs that are responsive to desiccation and carbon starvation (c-starvation), respectively. Prokaryotic transcription involves an RNA Polymerase (RNAP) that transcribes DNA into RNA. RNAP involves sigma factors, which recognize promoters for the initial steps of RNA synthesis. The Borchert Lab has determined that there are significant overlaps between sRNAs expressed in cells subjected to both short-term durations and long-term durations of carbon starvation. Salmonella enterica serovars can have outbreaks associated with dehydrated foods. Understanding the mechanism that allows for S. enterica survival under stress allows for building strategies in combating the spread of this pathogen and preventing recurrent Salmonella outbreaks. We hypothesize that in S. enterica serovars, the bacteria express sigma factor RpoS during short term stress while switching over to sigma factor RpoE during long term stress. This switch between the sigma factors function to regulate the stress response in S. enterica. RNAP sigma subunit selection and the expression of distinct sRNAs drive the decision between active stress resistance and formation of persisters. Our findings suggest that sigma factor expression of RpoS in the Salmonella strain SL1344 is dependent on the duration of stress.

• 

  Ghosts in Glass: Ghost Crabs (Ocypode quadrata) as Judges of Glass Sand for Coastal Restoration

  Emily Parrish

  Coastal erosion is heavily impacting coastal ecosystems across the Gulf. For instance, the state of Louisiana loses a football field worth of land every 100 minutes (Couvillion, 2017). The drastic loss of coastline highlights the dire need for restoration in the Northern Gulf Coast. An unexpected solution to this sediment loss may solve two major environmental issues at once by diverting millions of tons of glass waste from entering America’s landfills each year. By crushing glass to create sand and gravel for coastal restoration, we may generate a consistent and sustainable source of substrate. Our goal is to determine the viability of glass sand (Figure 1) by measuring the impact on a critical indicator organism in coastal dune ecosystems, the Atlantic Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata).

• 

  Comparing Online and In-Person Social Support and its Effects on Suicidal Ideation

  Alexander J. Potter

  The interpersonal theory of suicide states that thwarted belonging and perceived burdensomeness are proximal causes of suicidal ideation (Van Orden et al., 2010). One of the biggest influences on these variables is a lack of social support (Sparks et al., 2023) There are two ways a person can receive social support: in-person via face-to-face experiences and online via social media or online communication Studies have shown that there is a difference in the quality of support between online and in-person interactions (Hultzman et al., 2017). The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of in-person and online support on the interpersonal theory of suicide.

• 

  Effects of the Gravity Gradient on the Path of 1I/‘Oumuamua

  Hannah R. Richardson

  In October 2017, the asteroid 1I/’Oumuamua first passed into viewing range [1]. The asteroid is notable for being the first interstellar object to enter the solar system. 1I/’Oumuamua was also unusual in its geometry; it is thought to have an aspect ratio of 6:1 and a length of approximately 400 m [2] [3]. The asteroid was observed to experience a non-Keplerian acceleration estimated to be on the order of 1×10−6 m s-2 Several theories have been proposed for the cause of this acceleration, all of which are non-gravitational in nature: volatile outgassing, photon pressure, and solar winds [1][4]. However, none of these sources have been definitively proven to be able to provide accelerations large enough to explain the unexpected motion [1] [5]. This project aims to examine the possibility of gravitational effects on the orbital mechanics of 1I/’Oumuamua due to its elongated shape.

• 

  Toxicity and Biodegradability of Novel Boronium vs Conventional Ammonium based Anti Microbial Compounds in Wastewater Treatment Systems

  Noor Shalan

  Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are highly effective as disinfectants, herbicides, and pesticides; thus, overuse causes elevated levels of residual toxicity in domestic and industrial wastewater. QACs can be toxic to essential bacteria breaking down pollutants in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and can remain untreated in effluent, harming the environment, and contributing to antibiotic resistance, posing risks to human health. Novel boronium-based antimicrobial compounds have demonstrated efficacy in eliminating bacteria, fungi, and viruses. If the boronium compounds exhibit lower residual toxicity, they could offer a promising alternative to QACs. Because these compounds are still in development, their potential toxicity to the biological WWTP process is yet to be fully evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this study is to conduct a comparative toxicity analysis between the QAC (alkyl (ethylbenzyl) dimethylammonium chloride) and three novel boronium compounds. The analyses performed follow guidelines set by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and utilize a standard freeze-dried aerobic bacterial culture that closely mimics WWTPs’ mixed bacteria communities. Toxicity is assessed by measuring and comparing the dissolved oxygen consumption rate (DOCR) of the bacterial culture, which was fed an ideal substrate, in the presence of the test compounds at varying concentrations. Experiments were conducted by comparing QAC to boronium compounds at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 22 mg/L, based on expected residual levels in wastewater. Initial results show that the QAC is less toxic than the boronium C16 compound and that the QAC is less toxic than the pyridine boronium C16 compound. However, the bacteria used in this study exhibited signs of adaptation to the boronium C16 compound with concentrations of 22 mg/L, 5.5 mg/L and 0.344 mg/L and to the pyridine boronium C16 compound with concentrations of 11 mg/L, 5.5 mg/L, 2.75 mg/L and 1.375 mg/L. Additionally, initial results show that the Gemini salt is less toxic than the QAC. The duration of future experiments for the QAC and the three boronium compounds will extend beyond 7 days to better capture bacterial adaptation and to determine if boronium compounds exhibit lower residual toxicity than QACs.

• 

  Funded to Win? Super PACs and Electoral Advantage in the Southeast

  Kyle Winstead

  In 2010, two key pieces of legislation were passed: Citizens United v. FEC and Speechnow.org v. FEC. The results of these cases led to the creation of a new type of organization known as the super PAC. After their inception, the amount of super PACs exploded going from 83 in 2010 to 2,393 in 2016. Since then, the number of super PACs has remained relatively constant with a total of 2,458 super PACs in 2024. While Super PACs constitute a new method of civic participation in politics, there are concerns regarding their potential influence. The results of this research support the claim that super PACs have influence on the success of local, congressional candidates.

• 

  sdRNAs Participate in the Maintenance and Onset of Prostate Cancer

  Neil Chaudhary

  What is an sdRNA? Noncoding RNA (ncRNA) is a class of RNA that includes microRNA (miRNA) and small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA). Fragments excised from ncRNAs are known as noncodingderived RNA (ndRNA). A certain class of ndRNAs that are derived from snoRNAs have been denoted as Small Nucleolar Derived RNAs (sdRNAs). Our lab has previously hypothesized and demonstrated that sdRNAs display regulatory functions on target genes, similar to the functions of miRNAs. sdRNAs are almost identical to microRNAs and differ mainly in their source of origin.

  Our lab has shown that sdRNA-93 is frequently misexpressed in breast cancer cell lines and directly contributes to the cellular pathology present in breast cancer. We showed that sdRNAs play a role in the molecular events responsible for malignancy and that sdRNAs may represent entirely new tools for diagnostic and prognostic determination.

  In 2021, prostate cancer was the most prevalent malignant cancer type in American men. Castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) lacks effective treatment options, leading to prostate cancer’s second place standing as a leading cause of cancer death in American men. Our lab identified two distinct sdRNAs (sdRNA-D19b and sdRNA-A24) that are overexpressed in prostate cancer samples compared to normal tissues. We aimed to evaluate the role these sdRNAs play in the maintenance and/or onset of prostate cancer.

• 

  Side Channel Detection of PC Rootkits using Nonlinear Phase Space

  Rebecca Clark

  Cyberattacks are increasing in size and scope yearly, and the most effective and common means of attack is through malicious software executed on target devices of interest. Malware threats vary widely in terms of behavior and impact and, thus, effective methods of detection are constantly being sought from the academic research community to offset both volume and complexity. Rootkits are malware that represent a highly feared threat because they can change operating system integrity and alter otherwise normally functioning software. Although normal methods of detection that are based on signatures of known malware code are the standard line of defense, rootkits that have never been seen before (zero-day threats) are not easily defeated because of their ability to evade scanners and present false system information. In this research, we propose to evaluate a novel approach of rootkit detection based on collection of time-serial voltage data from the internal motherboard of standard desktop PCs.

• 

  Thamnophis and Their Toxic Relationship: Testing for Intraspecific Venom Variation in the Common Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis

  Grace E. Coppinger

  Project Objective - Estimate intraspecific venom variation between male and female garter snakes collected from the University of South Alabama of different sizes.

• 

  "Not Everybody that Walks Around a College Campus Who Plays Football is Okay:" Qualitatively Exploring Mental Health in Collegiate Male Football Athletes

  Paige Fandel

  Discussions of mental health are increasing in today's culture. Looking at specific demographics helps us understand their mental capacity. Collegiate football players are a severely understudied group. Focusing on them will allow us to understand the constant high-pressure situations.

• 

  Examination of Sex-Differences in Neuromuscular Function Following Acute Bouts of High- vs Low-load Resistance Exercise

  Avery S. King

  High-load resistance training (>70% 1 repetition maximum (RM)) is commonly believed to be the superior method for producing neuromuscular adaptation with a resistance exercise program. Recent research has shown that lower-load resistance training (

• 

  Impostor Phenomenon, Perfectionism, Psychological Distress, and Burnout in Pre-Health Undergraduate Students

  Victoria Lee

  Careers in the healthcare field are demanding, and each stage closer to attaining the career aspirations is filled with increasing amount of stress. Previous research highlighted impostor phenomenon, perfectionism, psychological distress, and burnout in graduate students; however, this study‘s primary focus was to investigate the relationships between these constructs in an undergraduate pre-health population. This study aimed to find whether or not impostor phenomenon, perfectionism, and psychological distress could be considered predictors of burnout and whether or not pre-health students differed from non-pre-health students in their levels of these constructs.

• 

  Evaluating the Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine in Rural Ghana: The Role of Healers and the Government

  Teresa Nicole Lemon

  A question of pressing importance for the healthcare system in Ghana is the integration between biomedicine, which is unreachable for many rural citizens, and traditional medicine, which fills in the gaps in access for rural and non-rural citizens seeking care and is utilized by 70% of the population. The WHO promotes integrated health systems and created strategies to assist governments in their efforts.

  The Ghanaian government did create policies to aid in integration, but their attempt to integrate was unsuccessful. This, along with other factors, has led some scholars to consider the government’s efforts as “tokenistic”; however, they do not explain why.

  During my investigation, I found the Ghanaian government likely did use the WHO strategies when developing their policies, most healers are in favor of an integrated healthcare system, and the government did not appear to fully consider the needs of healers and their viewpoints when creating their policies. Theoretical models were used to hypothesize that the government allowed barriers to remain during implementation as a representation of minimal efforts and a lack of political interest.

• 

  Evolution of Medical Ethics During American Civil War

  Luke Love

  This thesis will explore the relationship between medical ethics and the American Civil War through a microhistorical approach. This includes analyzing the ways in which the physician-patient relationship was conducted and which medical practices were deemed ethical and by whom. Changes that occurred in medical ethics during the war will be analyzed and explained.

• 

  Effect of Short-Term Supplementation of Pure, Biosynthetic Salidroside on Exercise Performance, Blood Markers, and Mood State

  Alexia Manganti

  The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of salidroside ingestion on exercise performance, blood markers, and mood state in healthy, young adults. Salidroside is a component of the Rhodiola rosea plant purported to have many benefits for metabolic function and stress resistance. Typically, salidroside is ingested as a Rhodiola rosea plant extract. The salidroside used in this study was produced through biosynthetic means , thus the product consisted of 100% salidroside.

• 

  Formation of Diazirine Functionality for Propellant Applications

  Abby Mock

  Overall, this research focuses on a cost-effective approach which minimizes synthetic overhead when assembling compounds with diazirine functionality. The goals are to prevent the surplus use of ammonia in the formation of the diaziridines and use electrochemistry to perform the oxidation of diaziridines. In addition, this project will evaluate the efficiency of different diazirine molecules as propellants.