Undergraduate Research Posters

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  Bridging The Gap: Why Circulating microRNAs Have Yet to Become Clinical Biomarkers for Endometriosis

  Anisha Addepalli and Mary C. Boyes

  Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to pelvic pain, infertility, and diagnostic delays due to the current reliance on invasive laparoscopy. Although imaging and hormonal assays offer limited accuracy in diagnosing the disease, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in arterial blood have emerged as a promising alternative method as noninvasive biomarkers because they regulate gene expression, reflect inflammatory and angiogenic pathways, and remain stable in circulation. I propose investigating miRNAs such as miR-17-5p, miR-451a, and the let-7 family because of their direct involvement in the regulation of processes such as cell proliferation, immune modulation, and endometrial tissue remodeling which are mechanisms directly implicated in endometriosis pathogenesis.

  Research on miRNA-based diagnostics has shown strong preliminary accuracy but inconsistent reproducibility due to small cohorts, limited diversity, and lack of standardized extraction or normalization protocols. Clinical translation has further stalled because of logistical and regulatory barriers that restrict large-scale validation and approval. This research examines how methodological standardization, computational modeling, and multicenter collaboration may bridge this gap by improving data reliability and diagnostic precision.

  Refining miRNA profiling could revolutionize noninvasive diagnostics for endometriosis by reducing time to diagnosis significantly and enabling personalized care based on different molecular signatures. However, because miRNA-based diagnostics remain in early developmental stages, longitudinal studies and global standardization efforts are needed to establish reproducibility, gain regulatory confidence, and real-world clinical feasibility.

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  East to West: Cultural Attitudes and the Perceptions of Death

  Hannah F. Ahmed

  Death is a universal human experience, but cultures teach people to interpret it in different ways. These interpretations influence how individuals understand dying, how they cope with loss, what support looks like, and what meaning death makes in their lives. Eastern, spiritual, and religious traditions emphasize death as a natural transition or return to divinity rather than an endpoint, and as something one must prepare for. In these contexts, people often grow up hearing stories, prayers, and teachings that situate death within a broader journey. Because of this, death becomes something familiar and speakable rather than distant or frightening (Naderi-Afif 2023) and it incites unity and communal mobilization. Furthermore, the remembrance of death is seen as a motivator for moral actions during life. In contrast, many Western societies display a more private, medicalized, and emotionally restrained approach to death (Ariés 1974). Secularization leads to an approach to living that is based in egocentrism rather than objective morality, removing the relevance of death until it occurs. Furthermore, the avoidant attitude towards death in Western societies creates distance between life and mortality, leaving people without the tools to process grief. This leads to isolation in communities and individual mental health struggles. This project compares the differing orientations toward death to highlight how cultural beliefs, spirituality, language, and community influence the emotional and social experience of mortality, and the ramifications of this on social justice movements and global phenomena.

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  Exploring the Impact of Skin Tone Satisfaction on Racial-Ethnic-Cultural Belonging among Latiné Caregivers

  Nithya Angadi, Raven J. Bacchas, Fantasy T. Lozada, and Chelsea Derlan Williams

  A sense of racial-ethnic-cultural belonging (REC-B) is a key process that supports wellbeing and ethnic-racial identity (ERI) development across the lifespan. Yet, little research has examined how phenotypic characteristics may shape belonging within caregivers. While the impact of skin tone on Latiné families has been examined, understanding caregivers' feelings towards their skin tone is essential due to its potential impact on their identity. The current study aimed to investigate whether skin tone and skin tone satisfaction predicts REC-B within Latiné caregivers. This study contributes to understanding how phenotypic factors shape belonging-related identity processes throughout adulthood.

  Participants included 113 Latiné caregivers (93.1% Female; M_age = 35.04, SD = 6.56) from the ongoing STAR (Supporting, Thriving, Ambitious, and Resilient) Children & Families Project, which aims to understand risk and protective factors in Latiné, Black, and Multiracial families and their relation to cultural experiences and developmental outcomes. Families were recruited through community outreach at public events, including local festivals, non-profit organizations, and word-of-mouth. Research assistants administered surveys to both caregivers and children, asking about their ERI-related experiences. Compensation for participation included $50 for the caregiver with an additional $10 and a toy for their child.

  Findings indicated that the overall model was significant, F(3, 85) = 2.99, R² = .10, p = .036. Specifically, Latiné caregivers’ skin tone satisfaction predicted higher levels of REC-B (β = .24, p = .021). When accounting for age as a covariate, Latiné caregivers’ skin tone was not associated with REC-B (β = .19, p = .065). Findings highlight that among Latiné caregivers, those who are more satisfied with their skin tone are more likely to have a stronger sense of belongingness to their ethnic-racial group. Although skin tone remains an important aspect of ERI, this emphasizes the importance of also considering skin tone satisfaction as an important contributor to identity development.

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  The Myopia Epidemic: Integrating Genetic, Environmental, and Epigenetic Pathways to Define a Critical Window for Intervention

  Pranavika Balaji

  Myopia, or nearsightedness, has increased rapidly worldwide and is now a major public health concern caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Current understanding shows that too much near work, limited time spent outdoors, and prolonged screen use contribute to abnormal eye growth in individuals who may already have a genetic predisposition. At the molecular level, epigenetic changes and shifts in DNA activity, often influenced by environmental conditions, affect the signaling pathways that regulate eye development and may help explain why myopia is increasingly common among children. This paper synthesizes recent environmental, genetic, and epigenetic research to explain how these factors contribute to the development and progression of myopia, particularly in children and adolescents. Genetic studies indicate that genes increase the risk of developing myopia, while environmental factors largely determine its severity. Evidence from epigenetics and molecular biology shows how external stimuli can alter gene expression, shaping refractive development through gene-environment interactions. Current interventions, including specialized lenses, atropine eye drops, and light-based therapies, aim to interrupt the biological pathways linked to abnormal eye growth, and several newer approaches have shown promising early results. This analysis synthesizes existing research to clarify the biological and environmental processes behind myopia and to show how these findings relate to current approaches used to slow its progression. By combining research across genetics, epigenetics, and environmental studies, this paper highlights how these factors collectively drive myopia development and why understanding their interaction during early developmental stages is important for improving early detection and treatment in children and adolescents.

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  Investigation of Differences Between Perception of Cell Phone Usage and Actual Cell Phone Usage Among Adolescents in Senior and Freshman Grade Levels

  Benjamin Bouffard

  This study investigates the difference between the perception of cell phone usage and actual cell phone usage among teenagers in the ninth and twelfth grade levels. Existing literature focuses largely on the effect of screen usage on different aspects of health, including mental health and developmental changes in children. However, the relationship between the perception of screen time and actual screen time use has not been extensively studied. In this study, 111 freshmen and seniors at the Woodbridge Academy Magnet School in Woodbridge, New Jersey completed two online surveys. The first asked for their estimation of daily screen time over the past ten days; the second instructed subjects to check their iPhones for their actual daily screen time average over the previous ten days. The difference between perception and actual use of cell phones was quantified using a 2-tailed matched-pairs t-test for means. Using an alpha level of ɑ = 0.05, the p-value calculated was 0.00001326345565, suggesting statistically significant results. The null hypothesis was rejected and in this sample there was a difference in a subject’s perception of screen time usage and their actual screen time usage. This study brings into light the possible inaccuracies with public surveys that ask for self-reported data, especially health studies. Cognitive bias in teenagers can be studied further to see the effect it has on other aspects of teenagers’ lives beyond screen time usage. Furthermore, this information can be used to create applications and other technologies that can assist teenagers struggling with mental health and a lack of self-control in their daily lives. Although these results are significant, studies with larger sample sizes and more diverse subject statistics should be conducted to observe if results can be replicated.

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  “A Couple Days in the Life of What It’s Like In Washington Heights:” The Representation of Latine Immigrants in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights

  Natalie M. Bowen

  The United States of America is a nation built by and made up of immigrants, being home to one-fifth of all migrants across the world. Anti-immigrant prejudice and xenophobia have long defined the American people and national policy, but the target demographic is constantly changing to reflect current narratives and fears. In recent years, Latine immigrants have been a prominent topic of concern in American politics. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 2021 movie musical In The Heights aims to celebrate the existence of immigrants in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in New York City. Using peer-reviewed scholarly sources and movie reviews, this comprehensive literature review analyzes the representation of the Latine community in In The Heights. This research paper also examines over a century of American government legislation on immigration in order to discover if the challenges faced by immigrants in the musical are based on historical accuracy. In the Heights shines as a musical representation of Latin American immigrant communities by avoiding harmful stereotypes, emphasizing the panethnic Latine identity, and normalizing issues faced by Latine populations in America. Despite the musical’s positive contributions to Latine media, there are still some areas where the film falls short, including the sexualization of female characters, absence of Afro-Latine representation, and the lack of conversations surrounding accountability and consequences in terms of federal policy. In The Heights celebrates the beauty of Latine culture, normalizes a minority group that is historically stigmatized in America, and highlights many struggles that come with being an immigrant. While In the Heights reveals a detailed chronicling of the realities of being an immigrant in America, the musical falls short in representing the diversity that is the Latine community and the potentially devastating political immigration crisis that currently looms over America, when sensitivity and inclusion are imperative for representative media.

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  ‘Politics! Not My Thing!’:The Misrepresentation of Anne Boleyn in SIX: The Musical

  Natalie M. Bowen

  With the rise of Hamilton and Come From Away, stage musicals have become the next hottest form of historical reenactment, and the six wives of Henry VIII are no exception. These modern spins on Tudor history are typically riddled with inaccuracies that leave audiences with a skewed idea of Tudor England. The wives of Henry VIII, in particular, are the victims of centuries of historically inaccurate fictional media. Six: The Musical is a modern musical spin on this centuries-old story, following the six wives of Henry VIII as they reclaim their narratives in a pop concert competition on who had it worst. Anne Boleyn, Henry’s second and most famous wife, is a prominent figure throughout SIX, beyond her own solo musical number. However, her characterization falls short of the modern feminist reclamation the musical claims to portray. Using surviving correspondence from King Henry VIII and other notable figures in the sixteenth century written to or about Anne, this paper compares primary texts to the lyricism and characterization of Anne Boleyn’s on-stage persona. Additional biographical sources are used to comprehend Anne’s upbringing, question the validity of primary accounts, and understand Anne through a more feminist lens. This research reveals that after nearly five centuries, Anne’s story is still told through a biased, misrepresentative, and misogynistic lens. The stereotypes and misconceptions that characterize Anne Boleyn in SIX are an amalgamation of past perceptions of Anne that were shaped by the limited surviving documents detailing her life, most of which are littered with biases and defamatory statements that lack the evidence necessary to back them up. More attention and consideration by female Tudor historians to present Anne more accurately to her situation would help end harmful misconceptions about controversial women in history.

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  The U.S. Campaign Gacha System and Youth Underrepresentation

  Rebecca Burrows and Eleanor Harris

  This research investigates why young people remain underrepresented in elected U.S. offices and why youth voter turnout has historically remained low. Motivated by persistent shortcomings in U.S. youth turnout, the dominance of older elected officials, and recent high-profile victories by young mayoral candidates, this study asks whether young candidates (< 40) increase youth voter turnout in U.S. elections—and, if so, whether structural factors prevent these candidates from winning. Existing literature on descriptive representation and electoral inequality suggests that young candidates may energize youth voters yet face systemic disadvantages that hinder their success. This research contributes to the literature by exploring how the U.S. campaign finance system shapes young candidates’ electoral viability. Using a qualitative comparative case study design, we analyzed four large U.S. mayoral elections: two with victorious young candidates (Boston 2021; New York City 2025) and two where no candidate under 40 appeared on recent ballots (Los Angeles and Columbus). For each city, candidate eligibility rules, ballot requirements, party bylaws, primary election methods, and campaign finance laws were examined using publicly available legal and institutional documents. This approach allowed us to identify structural barriers while remaining open to unanticipated patterns across cases. Our findings reveal no explicit legal or party rules that impede young candidates. Instead, obstacles lie implicitly in the U.S. campaign finance system’s lack of limits on contributions, candidate spending, and the normalization of high-cost campaigning. These conditions allow older candidates—who are more likely to possess greater financial resources—to outcompete younger challengers, limiting youth descriptive representation and alienating youth from electoral politics. We conclude that youth underrepresentation is sustained less by overt legal barriers than by embedded systemic inequalities in campaign finance, an issue with broader implications for electoral integrity, representative democracy, and youth voter turnout in the United States.

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  Interpreting “Vampire” Burials in Medieval Eastern Europe

  Arleen Chau

  Since the early twentieth century, various atypical or deviant graves have been excavated across Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland. These discoveries have prompted much speculation, as the individuals were interred with items such as sickles placed over their necks or abdomens, along with other mortuary artifacts not considered normative compared to those found in typical community burials. Such practices suggest that these individuals were regarded as deviant or pariahs within their social contexts. Consequently, many have been quick to label these as “vampire burials,” interpreting them as measures intended to keep the dead from rising. However, this definition is problematic, as the medieval concept of vampires in Eastern Europe differs greatly from modern interpretations of vampirism. The reasons behind these atypical burials are far more nuanced and require an understanding of the religious and folkloric beliefs surrounding vampirism, as well as how medieval Eastern European societies perceived death and the afterlife. This research aims to explore how deeply folklore and religion permeated medieval Polish society, and how these beliefs shaped the living’s relationship with the dead and the beyond.

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  Neuron-Enriched Extracellular Vesicle microRNAs Reflect Hormonal Suppression Associated with Oral Contraceptive Use in Young Women

  Amulya Chowdhory, Rebekah Frye, and Roxann Roberson-Nay

  Hormonal contraceptives alter hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) feedback, but their impact on brain-associated molecular communication remains poorly understood. Neuron- enriched extracellular vesicle (nEV) microRNAs (miRNAs), isolated from plasma, provide a minimally invasive window into brain molecular activity. This pilot study examined nEV miRNA expression in young women (ages 18–22) who were either naturally cycling or using a combined monophasic oral contraceptive (OC) pill. To identify hormonally responsive miRNAs, we calculated effect sizes (Cohen’s d) between the two groups and selected those showing large between-group differences (|d| ≥ 0.8). These miRNAs were entered into a principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce dimensionality, and the resulting components were correlated with measured hormone levels (FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone) to determine biological relevance. Principal Component 1 (PC1), explaining the largest variance, correlated positively with log- transformed estradiol (r = .64, p = .003) and progesterone (r = .70, p = .001), representing an ovarian steroid axis consistent with endogenous hormonal activity suppressed by OC use. Principal Component 2 (PC2) correlated positively with FSH (r = .59, p = .006) and LH (r = .46, p = .041), reflecting pituitary feedback mechanisms characteristic of exogenous hormone regulation. Scatterplots showed clear group-level separation along these components, highlighting distinct endocrine profiles between OC users and naturally cycling participants. Together, these findings reveal that nEV miRNA expression patterns align with hormonal regulation at multiple levels of the HPO axis—from pituitary gonadotropin signaling to ovarian steroid output. These data suggest that nEV miRNAs provide a molecular window into neuroendocrine adaptations to exogenous hormonal modulation.

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  From Custody to Care: Understanding Mental Health and Recidivism in the Criminal Justice System

  India Cox

  Previous studies on genetic influences in mental health disorders have been shown to correlate with incarceration rates in families. Consequently, there are individuals within the criminal justice system under the clinical threshold of a mental health diagnosis; it has been found that almost half of the incarcerated population was arrested due to acting upon their mental health disorder, while 27 to 38 percent developed PTSD while imprisoned. Furthermore, the serious and exhausting cycle of recidivism within the criminal justice system highlights the failure to provide the necessary mental health treatment required to support rehabilitation while incarcerated and prevent reoffending upon social reintegration. At this time, few studies exist on restorative intervention methods and the impact of community engagement in criminal justice reform. To understand the effect of mental health rehabilitation programs in prison systems, research was extended to explore the quality of mental health treatment and identify factors influencing re-offense rates. This study uses a cross-case analysis to compare perceptions of care within the criminal justice system and recidivism data to present initiatives for prison reform and reentry support. Findings contribute to a holistic understanding of criminal offense by highlighting the complex role mental health plays in the legal system and broader aspects of society. Ultimately, addressing recidivism and rehabilitation efforts through intentional program development and evaluation strengthens community wellness, increases public safety, and improves local funding stability over time.

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  Using Nature-inspired Sustainable Design via Biomimicry of the Peregrine Falcon to Improve the Development of Japan’s F-X Fighter Jet

  Tvisha Datta

  Modern fighter jets face a persistent challenge when it comes to improving aerodynamic efficiency without having to sacrifice high-speed performance or long-term sustainability. These aircraft rely heavily on high thrust and agility, and in doing so, they consume substantial amounts of fuel due to aerodynamic drag and limited energy efficiency. As a result of these constraints, advanced military defense development projects, such as Japan’s Mitsubishi F-X fighter jet program, have been delayed. This highlights the need for more sustainable solutions. Biologically inspired design, or biomimicry, has emerged as a potential and promising alternative. The peregrine falcon, notably the fastest bird in the world, exhibits extraordinary flight capabilities that include steep dives that exceed 320 km/h, precise maneuvering, and stability under harsh conditions. In this paper, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore how the peregrine falcon could inform next-generation fighter jet design and aerodynamics. By using a comparative analysis of both biological and engineering studies, this paper investigated the four key aspects of the falcon’s morphology, which include tapered wing structures, micro structured feathers, joint flexibility, and dynamic tail control. This paper ultimately examines how these traits can be applied to aircraft systems. The findings suggested that these natural mechanisms exhibited by the peregrine falcon (Falcon peregrinus) may parallel emerging morphing-wing technologies that are aimed towards enhancing lift-to-drag ratios and conserving fuel. Incorporating these biomimetic adaptations into aircraft systems, such as the Mitsubishi F-X, could significantly reduce operational energy demands, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance maneuverability and stability at high speeds.

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  Promoting Early Literacy: Engaging Communities to Empower Young Learners

  Alexis I. Dillahunt

  Promoting Early Literacy: Engaging Communities to Empower Young Learners

  Miles Dillahunt

  Abstract

  Early reading is a fundamental component of academic achievement, establishing a strong foundation for future learning outcomes. This poster examines the crucial relationship between early literacy skills and student success, supported by a comprehensive review of existing literature and empirical studies. Research consistently shows that children who engage in reading before age five are more likely to excel in elementary and secondary education, demonstrating enhanced vocabulary, comprehension, and overall academic performance.

  A critical aspect of promoting early literacy lies in effective community engagement. Collaborative partnerships between schools, libraries, and community organizations can play a transformative role by providing essential resources, such as reading programs, workshops, and access to diverse reading materials for families. Innovative initiatives, such as "Reading Buddies" programs and community literacy fairs, actively engage children and their families, helping to reduce barriers to reading access and fostering a culture of literacy within the community.

  The central research question guiding this investigation is: "How can community engagement strategies be used to enhance early literacy outcomes among young learners and their families?" Empowering families through targeted workshops focused on effective reading strategies and literacy development is essential for encouraging their involvement in their children's education. Additionally, involving families and community members in the planning and evaluation of literacy programs ensures that these initiatives are culturally relevant and responsive to community needs. Such collective efforts contribute to creating a literacy-rich environment that values reading, ultimately leading to increased school readiness and improved long-term educational outcomes.

  In summary, this research highlights the crucial role that community engagement and early literacy interventions play in shaping educational policies and practices that foster student success. Fostering robust community engagement in early literacy initiatives is crucial for empowering young learners and creating equitable educational opportunities that lay the groundwork for lifelong success.

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  Victimization Trauma and Eating Pathology; a Global Perspective

  Madisyn E. Feliciano, Cate Morales, and Kelsey Hagan

  Introduction: Exposure to traumatic events is a well-established risk factor for eating pathology, including binge eating, purging, restricting, and excessive exercise. This association has been primarily explored in higher-income countries, like the United States. The goal of this study was to elucidate the associations among victimization trauma (physical assault, sexual assault, and other unwanted sexual experience assessed) exposure and (binge eating, purging, restriction and excessive exercise) in a global sample of women.

  Methods: Participants were 2,458 women attending universities across seven countries (US, UK, Canada, Germany, Iran, Turkey, Colombia) who were recruited through their undergraduate participant pool. Students who completed these online survey questionnaires earned course credit. Eating pathology was measured using the 45-item Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory. Victimization trauma exposure was measured using the sum of three items from the Standard Life Events Checklist-5. Associations among eating pathology and victimization trauma were tested using multiple regression, controlling for subjective socioeconomic status, country status, depression, anxiety, and stress levels.

  Results: Victimization trauma exposure was significantly associated with binge eating (β = .83, p < .001), purging (β = .82, p < .001), restriction (β = 1.07, p < .001), and excessive exercise (β = .30, p = .016).

  Discussion: Results replicate previous findings that victimization trauma is associated with eating disorder symptomatology and extend this work by interrogating this association in a global sample. Further clarifying this relationship will help identify key risk factors in underlying eating pathology across cultural contexts

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  The Effects of Coping Motives on Alcohol Use Consequences

  Madisyn E. Feliciano and Samantha Pelfrey

  The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in alcohol use consequences between those who drink to cope with anxiety or depression symptoms and those who do not. Our research aimed to expand on earlier studies by placing emphasis on how coping with anxiety and depression influences alcohol consequences using constructs aligned with DSM-V symptom criteria. Research has consistently shown that those who drink to regulate distressing emotions experience more harmful consequences, making this an imperative area for prevention efforts. It was hypothesized that coping motivated drinking would be associated with an increased amount of alcohol related consequences. Participants were college students who participated in a Spit for Science study (n = 457). Spit for Science is a research initiative that aims to understand the biological and environmental underpinnings for substance use and mental health in college aged students. Those who participated completed a self-report measure evaluating drinking motives and alcohol consequences. We conducted an Independent Samples T-Test using our measures to evaluate drinking motives and alcohol consequences. Results show there is a significant difference in alcohol use consequences between those who drink to cope (M=1.77, SD=2.25) and those who did not drink to cope (M=0.8294, SD=1.42), t(338)= -4.777, p< 0.001. These results support the current research literature indicating that coping motivated drinking can result in more consequences. Other studies suggest that by developing positive coping strategies this not only decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms, but also decreases alcohol consequences. Therefore, highlighting the importance of teaching healthy coping skills and alternative coping mechanisms as an intervention strategy for risky alcohol consumption. Implementing new program approaches that teach students emotional regulating skills, stress management and positive coping strategies offer promising ways to reduce risky alcohol use.

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  Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration and the Compensated Eradication Plan: The United States and NATO’s Counternarcotics Strategies in the War in Afghanistan from 2001-2005

  Sungu A. Flottman

  Starting in the late 1980s, Afghanistan was a major source of opium production, until the ban on opium in 2000, when Afghanistan’s share in the world’s supply of opium decreased. The United States’ intervention in Afghanistan in 2001 removed this ban on opium, which indicates that the United States may not have been prioritized stopping the narcotics trade. Consequently, the task of counternarcotics fell to the British. The question then becomes whether the British counternarcotics strategies were effective in curbing the Afghan narcotics trade, which may reveal the possible complacency behind the United States intervention in Afghanistan. Current research on this topic covers in detail the corruption and narcotics in Afghanistan, as well as the Western intervention in Afghanistan. This paper aims to understand what effect this Western intervention may have had on narcotics and corruption in Afghanistan. This paper examines academic sources that discuss the United States’ apparent apathy toward the opium problem as well as Britain’s failed counternarcotics experiment in Afghanistan, which attempted to use compensated eradication to stop the decades-long habit of opium production and trade. Articles regarding Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs in Afghanistan and DDR’s effects on corruption and narcotics in Afghanistan are also examined. This paper discusses the unintended consequences of counternarcotics and nation-building policies of the United States and Britian and examines the efficacy of these problems, which may lead future policies to counter corruption and narcotics simultaneously. Answering these questions may add to the larger discussion surrounding the United States’ involvement in foreign territory.

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  Mapping LEO Satellite Internet Performance Using Mobile Starlink Deployment

  Annika Govil and Jacob Gray

  High-speed, low-latency internet connectivity on the move is a critical challenge for applications in connected vehicles, disaster response, and remote education. While terrestrial networks such as 4G or 5G are widespread, they lack coverage in remote or rural geographic areas.

  Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, such as SpaceX's Starlink, promise global high-bandwidth, low-latency internet. However, their performance is well-documented in stationary scenarios, while data for *mobile* applications is scarce. This project explores the feasibility and real-world performance of LEO satellite internet while in motion.

  Current research documents the performance of LEO satellite constellations in stationary settings. However, data concerning mobile performance remains scarce. Furthermore, prior studies suggest that Starlink’s global scheduler reallocates satellites roughly every 15 seconds. This project attempts to make a unique contribution by verifying these scheduling behaviors in a mobile environment and determining if the 15-second reassignment cycle impacts connectivity stability while the user is in transit.

  To capture real-world data, the team designed and deployed a mobile measurement system by mounting the Starlink satellite on a vehicle. This system captured precise GPS data simultaneously with connectivity metrics, including upload/download speeds and latency. First, throughput was tested on standard Wi-Fi and 5G mobile hotspots using iperf3 to establish a control group. A Python script using Dash was developed to render collected data as geographic heatmaps, facilitating the identification of spatial performance patterns. A replication experiment was conducted by issuing Round-Trip Time (RTT) measurements every two seconds to test the reported 15-second satellite reallocation boundary.

  Along with testing the reported 15-second satellite reallocation boundary, a key end goal of the project is to compare critical connectivity metrics between traditional wireless phone services and Starlink’s satellite connectivity. As of now, data on T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T are being collected in tandem with Starlink data to help determine the feasibility of Starlink over a traditional mobile data plan. Data collection will be expanded to record weather, speed of travel, and location type, such as urban or rural. At the project's conclusion, we hope to have a clear picture of the advantages and disadvantages of Starlink and in what context it is best applied.

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  Addressing Eco-Ableism in Richmond, Virginia's Urban Master Plan

  Ren Hollis

  As Richmond, Virginia, approaches its 300th anniversary in 2037 and continues implementing Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth, questions remain about whether individuals with disabilities are equitably represented in the city’s future planning. Richmond 300 is the comprehensive plan guiding Richmond’s policies, programs, zoning changes, and redevelopment. This master plan is a “living document” that will evolve as the city grows, meaning revisions and improvements are possible before its full implementation. This study asks: Is eco-ableism present in Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth, and how could the City of Richmond address this issue?

  Ableism refers to discrimination against individuals with disabilities, whether explicit, such as denying equal employment, or implicit, such as the absence of ramps, sensory supports, or accessible pathways. The term eco-ableism expands this idea to environmental design and planning, highlighting how disabled individuals are marginalized through inaccessible infrastructure, exclusion from decision-making, and limiting narratives or beliefs. This builds on the planning concept of “spatializing disability,” or analyzing how people with physical or cognitive differences navigate spaces shaped by historical and structural forces.

  This study conducts a master-plan review of Richmond 300, focusing on disability inclusion with respect to vision, sensory, and ambulatory disabilities as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the plan will be examined for embedded power structures, whose voices are included or omitted, and whether accessibility is meaningfully prioritized. A Textual Analysis Approach (TAA) will guide coding for keywords, themes, and discourse patterns related to eco-ableism. The hypothesis is that Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth includes approved accessibility measures that equitably address the needs of disabled residents. This research aims to identify existing strengths and gaps to support more inclusive future planning.

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  A Sustainable & Universal Redesign of Hickory Hill Park in Richmond, Virginia

  Ren Hollis, Cynthia Lin, Kira Miller, Jackson Nivera, Patrick O’Shea, Corinne Tsou, and Hayston Wines

  Urban green spaces provide essential environmental, psychological, and physical benefits, yet access to these resources is often inequitable. Cities are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, highlighting the need for adaptive design. This study focuses on the redesign of Hickory Hill Park in Southside Richmond, selected through a combination of site suitability analysis and qualitative survey. The guiding research question is: How can a park in Richmond be designed to optimize environmental resilience, accessibility, and community benefits?

  The selection of a research location and scope used a mixed-methods approach integrating spatial analysis, environmental assessment, and community engagement. A site suitability analysis was conducted using a combination of an Analytic Hierarchy Process, SVI scores, and accessibility factors on potential parcels. Equity criteria were incorporated through spatial and social equity modeling. A qualitative onsite tour identified Hickory Hill Park as the primary research location based on its open space, neighborhood characteristics, and potential for development. Community perspectives were collected through a combination of written surveys and interviews with residents and community center staff, both on-site and within the neighborhood.

  The resulting redesign integrates community-identified needs with universal design and climate-resilient features. Guided by the American Society of Landscape Architects, UCLA’s Guidelines for Senior-Friendly Parks, and ADA regulations, the design supports people of all ages and abilities. Features include an amphitheater for public gatherings, an accessible main entrance, an intergenerational playground and quiet area, improved transit amenities, and inclusive recreation spaces. Green infrastructure, pervious surfaces, rain gardens, expanded vegetation, solar lighting, and heat-reducing materials strengthen stormwater management and mitigate urban heat island effects.

  Expected results suggest a redesigned Hickory Hill Park would improve environmental performance, increase accessibility, and address underrepresented community needs. This project provides a model for how community-driven, equity-centered park redesign can support long-term sustainability and public well-being in urban contexts.

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  Postpartum Depression Screening Among Hispanic Women: Insights from EPDS Literature

  Gabriella A. Irizarry Negron and Sara Moyer

  Postpartum depression screening among Hispanic women remains an important but complicated issue, as differences in how the EPDS is used and current barriers to care may affect early identification and treatment. This poster, Postpartum Depression Screening Among Hispanic Women: Insights from EPDS Literature, explores how the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been evaluated across studies involving Hispanic populations. Using a literature review approach, eight peer-reviewed articles were organized into an annotated bibliography and matrix to identify key trends in screening practices and outcomes.

  Findings revealed three major themes: (1) EPDS cut-off scores for postpartum depression vary widely across studies (ranging from 7/8 to ≥13), with differences influenced by postpartum stage and variation across populations, highlighting the need to validate the EPDS within specific Hispanic groups; (2) EPDS screening alone does not ensure access to care, as Hispanic women often face structural and cultural barriers, including limited mental health resources, language differences, and immigration-related stressors; and (3) cultural and linguistic factors influence how EPDS questions are interpreted, suggesting possible differences in how symptoms are reported across Spanish-speaking communities.

  These findings highlight the need for more culturally and linguistically appropriate screening approaches, better validation of EPDS cut-off scores within specific populations, and greater attention to healthcare barriers that impact access to care. Future research should include more qualitative approaches to better understand patient perspectives and how Hispanic mothers experience and engage with postpartum depression screening tools.

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  A Novel 3D Imaging Approach to Study Evolutionary Innovations in Solanaceae Inflorescences

  Devin L. Jackson, Joonseog Kim, and Wenheng Zhang Dr.

  Understanding the relatedness of angiosperms and the evolution of their inflorescence remains challenging, as these structures are highly modified and prone to convergent evolution. The current research describing inflorescence architecture, whether genetically or morphologically focused, typically relies on text based explanations, 2D images, or 3D based models created with CAD modeling software. This creates a disparity in the reader's understanding of these models since descriptions rely heavily on the author's interpretation of the inflorescence. The goal of our study is to bridge this disconnection by producing anatomically and color-correct 3D inflorescence models using Solanaceae flowers that readers can explore directly, which will allow readers to view and rotate the inflorescence structure in real time. The Solanaceae clade serves as an excellent platform to demonstrate this concept, as it is an active area of floral research and exhibits high inflorescence diversity within the clade. Its ancestral scorpioid cyme-like morphology is presently thought to have been the result of convergent evolution from a currently unknown driving force. Developing 3D models of extant Solanaceae species could provide valuable insights into these evolutionary patterns and help clarify the mechanisms underlying inflorescence diversification. Here, we use a novel photogrammetry approach to create 3D renderings of the inflorescences of Juanulloa sp., in the Solanaceae clade. This process will involve taking high-resolution 360° photos at various angles using a camera. Photos will be processed with Agisoft Metashape software, which generates 3D models using photographs. It is expected that the rendered 3D images will accurately reflect specimen dimensions with precise color. This will serve as a way to study and provide a larger 3D inflorescence library that can bridge the gap between authors and readers within the literature.

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  Determining Genes Involved in Recovery From Chemotherapy in 4T1, EMT6, and EO771 Breast Cancer Cells

  Akash Jagdeesh and Joseph Landry Ph.D.

  Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and often has poor prognosis. Traditional treatments for breast cancer include chemotherapy, which involves a chemical attack on all growing cells within the body. However, these treatments are not 100% effective, and patients might experience recurrence in their cancer months or years after achieving remission. Cancer cells can evade chemotherapy through five mechanisms: senescence, quiescence, cytoprotective autophagy, and apoptosis/necroptosis suppression. Prior studies have conducted CRISPR screens and experiments involving inhibition of epigenetic regulators, to alter the regulation of genes that can contribute to breast cancer chemotherapy resistance. This study aims to expand on the previous studies that have been conducted, to determine the chromatin regulators that are critical to a cancer’s recovery from chemotherapy and that are critical to resistance to chemotherapy in EMT6, 4T1, and EO771 breast cancer cells. Growth of the cancer cells in mice were measured using tumor volume measurements, using caliper measurements every two days to determine width and length of tumors. Tumor measurements were conducted every two days starting on day five after implantation, measuring width and length of the tumors on each side. Western Blots were conducted to confirm that Cas9 was expressed in a doxycycline-dependent manner. The Cas9-positive 4T1 cells successfully developed tumors and grew in the Balb/C mice over the course of the 17-day growth period, without a significant difference in tumor volume from tumors developed from the control 4T1 cells, indicating that the Cas9-positive 4T1 cells are an accurate model of breast cancer in the mice. Due to time constraints, CRISPR knockout experiments were unable to be conducted to determine the effects of knocking out chromatin regulator genes on the growth of tumors and the resistance to chemotherapy, and will be conducted in the future.

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  Land, Development, and Tribal Identity in India: The Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) and Tribal Land Acquisition

  Nishka Malhotra, Anila Surin M.U.P., and Niraj Verma Ph.D.

  Tribal land in Jharkhand, India, has been cultivated for generations by Adivasis, one of the largest aboriginal tribes of India. After India’s independence in 1947, the government-owned Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) was established as a tomb to the industrial development of a new India. Land for the massive project came from acquiring large tracts of Adivasi land. Even in cases where compensation was paid, the social and cultural costs borne by Adivasis far exceeded the land's market value. Our research (a) traces this history of how the discourse of modernization and development was used to justify dispossession of land; (b) how this led to the spatial displacement of tribes, separating extended families, affecting livelihood, and impacting tribal identity; and (c) how this loss has been transmitted intergenerationally over the past 70 years and become part of Adivasi folklore, deeply entrenched into the Adivasi psyche.

  A qualitative research design examines the discourse on development, dispossession, and tribal identity. This will be integrated with the results of 20 semi-structured interviews with tribal leaders, community members, social activists, urban planners, lawyers, and subject-matter experts, including anthropologists and historians. A content analysis will identify key patterns from this integrated data. We expect our results to provide substantial evidence of how the rhetoric of modernization and development influenced HEC's acquisition of tribal land and how this loss of land impacted tribes by distancing and eventually eliminating them from their communities, traditions, and even their identity as agrarian tribes. Overall, our research findings will contribute to the discourse on development and help policymakers to understand Adivasi sentiments regarding land.

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  Patterns of Ovarian and Gonadotropin Hormones in Emerging Adult Oral Contraceptive Users

  Summer Mcormond

  Oral contraceptives (OCs) are often initiated during adolescence and emerging adulthood, a period of continued maturation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. Because hormonal exposure during this window may shape emotional, biological, and reproductive outcomes, it is important to understand the specific formulations young women take and the hormonal profiles these formulations produce. This study characterizes OC formulation features and measured hormone levels in young adult OC users (n = 30).

  Ethinyl estradiol (EE) doses ranged from 0.01–0.035 mg (mean = 0.022 mg), with 70% using ≤0.02 mg. Pill regimens included 21/7 packs (83%), 24/4 packs (10%), and 84/7 regimens (3%). Progestins included norethindrone (and acetate), levonorgestrel, norgestimate, desogestrel, and drospirenone. Duration of use ranged from 6–72 months (mean = 30.8 months). At both study visits, during the active and inactive pill, plasma estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured.

  Although OCs suppress the HPG axis, little research examines how formulation characteristics influence measured hormone levels in early-life users. Existing studies rarely compare hormone concentrations across modern low-dose versus standard-dose pills, and few evaluate whether duration of use or regimen structure affects estradiol, progesterone, FSH, or LH during active or inactive intervals. We will test three hypotheses: (1) Lower-dose EE formulations (≤0.02 mg) will show stronger suppression of estradiol and progesterone, (2) Longer duration of OC use will be associated with lower FSH and LH, and (3) Inactive-week hormone levels will vary systematically by estrogen dose and regimen type, not progestin type. Testing these associations addresses a gap in the early-life contraceptive literature.

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  Did Our Prehistoric Ancestors Engage In Mortuary Practices?

  Regina E. McRae

  Abstract

  Mortuary practice is defined as how humans dispose of and treat their dead. We are familiar with elaborate burials such as the entombment of pharaohs in the pyramids at Giza; Necropolises of the Valley of the Kings and Queens; the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus; the Taj Mahal in India; Viking funeral pyres on boats; and the modern jazz funerals of New Orleans. Caring for our dead is believed to be a modern concept, practiced by Homo Sapiens. However, archeological excavations and scientific analyses show burial practices predate modern man, practiced by our ancient ancestors such as Neanderthal, Homo Naledi, and Heidlelbergensis, dating back as far as 400,000 years ago. Among modern humans, mortuary behaviors conform to established conventions of the particular society enacting them, yet they are present in all societies, thus providing a basis for analogies between the present and the past. (Hovers, E. 2013). Decades of work in the field by Dr. Jane Goodall with her chimpanzees have shown that they have emotions, and experience grief and loss. Since they are our closest relatives, can it be deduced that ancient hominins also experienced grief and loss, and therefore engaged in mortuary practices? The archaeological discoveries in Sima de los Huesos, Spain, the Rising Star cave system in South Africa, Shanidar Cave, Iraq, and La Chapelle aux Saints in France strengthen this theory. This research discusses those major discoveries, and the inevitable conclusions of paleoanthropologists to give us a glimpse into how our early ancestors treated their dead.