Student Research Symposium Program Spring 2024

Emily Lechuga & Sarah Arnett - “Cerebral Palsy’s Effect on Education” (poster session) The project explores the impacts that the neurological disorder, Cerebral Palsy, has on education and its multifaceted challenges that educators need to accommodate to. We dive into the challenges in motor function, communication, and learning abilities, which requires specialized educational interventions, adaptations, and support systems to ensure fair access to quality education for individuals affected by this neurological condition. We will dissect all the options that education systems have to best equip an honest and useful education. We will also further inspect each aspect that Cerebral Palsy has that might affect the educator, school system, and individuals that are diagnosed. Maty Lincoln - see Cruz Kylie Linson - see Bartolome Jennifer Livengood, Elizabeth Foose, & Elise Falcetti - “Why You Should Quit Social Media and Go All-In on Real Life: Findings from a TEDx Research Group” (session 19) As a newly established research group, student researchers Liz Foose and Elise Falcetti worked with Professor Livengood to find relevant literature about loneliness and social media for a TEDX talk given in March of 2024. Together, we found a notable cycle between social media, self-esteem, loneliness, and social isolation. Modernly, social media is often used as a replacement for real, person-to-person interaction, but unfortunately, research shows that it does not have the effect that we would expect it to have in regards to social connection. In fact, it seems that it may instead put us on a path toward lower self-esteem and loneliness, which in turn could lead to avoidance and withdrawal. In this presentation, we will also highlight the negative impact that loneliness has on one’s overall health, as well as the stigma attached to it. Along with our research, we will offer suggestions on how people can lessen their risk of loneliness. Lucinda Lombaard - “The Use of Social Media by Medical Professionals: How Should Social Media Be Ethically Approached and Ensure Professionalism is Maintained” (session 7) This project explores the medical ethical issues that arise with the use of social media by medical professionals. The duties that physicians and hospitals have to their patients, as well as to other medical professionals and the public, are the focus of medical ethics. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have become popular platforms on which medical professionals participate and interact with other social media users. This project will focus on ethical issues and questions that could arise from certain behaviors displayed by medical professionals on social media platforms. Different principles of ethics will be explored and discussed, such as preserving patient confidentiality and how medical professionals use social media to monetize.

Lucinda Lombaard & Sarah MacDonald - “Assessing CGT Gene Expression in Transgenic Plants via Hygromycin Growth Assay” (session 13) Cyclodextrin Glycosyltransferase (CGT) ​are enzymes with the unique capacity to synthesize cyclodextrins from starch. This presentation covers the first part of a study to measure CGT gene expression in transgenic plants using a hygromycin growth test. In transgenic lines of Arabidopsis cgt 1-6 and cgt 14, I’ll look at the stability of the CGT gene. To assess gene inheritance, especially for homozygotes, resistant seedling counts are performed on seedlings derived from these lines that have been exposed to a hygromycin-containing medium. Gabriela Lopez - “Advancements in Birth Control- Exploring Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions” (poster session) Progress in Contraception: Examining Innovations, Obstacles, and Future Trends” is a research conference focused on analyzing the most recent advancements in contraceptive methods. This event will cover various aspects of contraception, such as new technologies, unique formulations, and changing societal perspectives. It will serve as a platform for experts, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and interested parties to talk about the effectiveness, safety, accessibility, and cultural impacts of modern birth control methods. Through presentations, group discussions, and interactive sessions, the conference aims to encourage cooperation, identify obstacles, and explore potential solutions to improve contraceptive choices and support reproductive health globally. Furthermore, the conference will explore upcoming trends in contraception research, emphasizing possibilities for innovation and the incorporation of tailored strategies to address the varying needs of individuals and communities. Natasha Louw - “Progression of Time Series Forecasting” (session 15) This project will delve into advanced time series forecasting methods which stretch beyond traditional techniques such as ARIMA and Exponential Smoothing. It will introduce modern day approaches including state space models, dynamic regression models, and neural network techniques like LSTM networks. The project will discuss the importance of advanced forecasting techniques and how to improve prediction accuracy and handle the complexity of current data. Sarah MacDonald - see Lombaard

Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease