Fourth-year psychology student on B.A research track minoring in sociology and women's, gender, and sexuality studies. Aspiring to obtain my Ph.D in Clinical Psychology, I am primarily interested in the response of the brain and body to sexual traumatic experiences within women and... Read More →
I am a Senior majoring in microbiology with minors in biochemistry and philosophy. I have been researching killer toxins found in yeast for characterization of novel killer toxins and investigation into utilizing killer toxins in the anti-fungal world. I aim to secure my PhD in a... Read More →
As a first-generation college student and Ronald E. McNair Scholar pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at Southern University and A&M College, I am driven by a passion for innovation and research. My experience has prepared me to tackle complex challenges. I am open... Read More →
I am a Senior majoring in microbiology with minors in biochemistry and philosophy. I have been researching killer toxins found in yeast for characterization of novel killer toxins and investigation into utilizing killer toxins in the anti-fungal world. I aim to secure my PhD in a... Read More →
As a first-generation college student and Ronald E. McNair Scholar pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at Southern University and A&M College, I am driven by a passion for innovation and research. My experience has prepared me to tackle complex challenges. I am open... Read More →
Fourth-year psychology student on B.A research track minoring in sociology and women's, gender, and sexuality studies. Aspiring to obtain my Ph.D in Clinical Psychology, I am primarily interested in the response of the brain and body to sexual traumatic experiences within women and... Read More →
Cancer cells exhibit profound alterations in lipid metabolism to support their rapid growth, proliferation, and survival. Among these alterations, the increased synthesis and storage of lipids in the form of lipid droplets are particularly significant. Lipid droplets are lipid-rich cytosolic organelles that play roles in cell signaling, membrane trafficking, and many other cellular activities. Recent studies revealed that lipid droplets in cancer cells have various biological functions, such as energy production, membrane synthesis, and chemoresistance, thereby fostering cancer progression. Statins, widely known for their cholesterol-lowering effects, inhibit the mevalonate pathway, a crucial pathway for cholesterol biosynthesis. Emerging evidence suggests that statins may have anti-cancer properties by disrupting lipid metabolism, reducing cell proliferation, and inducing apoptosis in various cancer cell types. This study focuses on Atorvastatin (ATST), a specific type of statin, and its potential effects on cancer cell lipid metabolism. This study aims to investigate the impact of ATST statin on lipid metabolism in HeLa cells, to provide insight on potential therapeutic window for cancer treatment or the potential use in combination cancer therapies. Images of lipid and protein distributions across three experimental groups were obtained using Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) imaging.
Nicotine and ethanol are two most-commonly abused substances in the U.S., yet effective treatments remain elusive. This study investigates how ethanol exposure influences nicotine preference in C. elegans using a chemotaxis preference assay. We hypothesized that ethanol exposure would increase nicotine preference. One group of C. elegans was exposed to ethanol for 30 minutes at the L1 stage, while another group experienced ethanol exposure from birth until the L1 stage. These groups helped determine if nicotine preference was dependent on the duration of ethanol exposure. Post-ethanol treatment, C. elegans were placed in a preference assay with nicotine (4 µL) in one zone and water (4 µL) in another. Imaging occurred after 30 minutes to calculate the preference index: (# of C. elegans in the nicotine zone)/(# in both zones). A two-way ANOVA assessed the effect of ethanol on nicotine preference. A 30-minute ethanol exposure showed no significant difference in nicotine preference, whereas lifelong exposure resulted in an increasing trend of nicotine preference at low dosages (~30 mM). These results suggest further experiments are needed to refine the data. This study aims to expand the body of knowledge between ethanol and nicotine addiction, and contribute to better treatment strategies.
The intestinal mesenchyme is essential for the repair and regeneration of the intestinal epithelium, supporting growth, repair, and structure while interacting with immune cells to maintain intestinal health. Understanding the regenerative processes in the mesenchyme can significantly enhance knowledge of intestinal healing post-injury and inflammation. YAP and TAZ are co-transcriptional factors crucial for cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, wound healing, and regeneration. While previous research has examined YAP and TAZ deletion in the intestinal epithelium, their role in the mesenchyme remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the impact of YAP and TAZ deletion in the intestinal mesenchyme of mice, particularly after damage induced by ionizing radiation (IR). We hypothesize that the deletion of YAP and TAZ will impair tissue regeneration post-IR exposure. Utilizing targeted gene deletion in PDGFRα Cre-ETR2 positive mice, our methodologies include genotyping, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative measurements of how we can understand what is going on. These findings could lead to improved treatments and preventive strategies for intestinal injuries and diseases, contributing to a broader understanding of regenerative processes and their applications in other tissues and organs where YAP and TAZ are critical.
Proliferation of nephron progenitor cells (NPC) is essential to maintain and expand the progenitor pool during kidney development. Proliferation depends on mitochondrial aspartate biosynthesis to fuel nucleotide synthesis. Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase 2 (GOT2) is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the transamination of glutamate and oxaloacetate to form aspartate and α-ketoglutarate. While GOT2 is essential for nucleotide synthesis and proliferation in cancer cells, the role of GOT2 during kidney development is unknown. Using publicly available scRNAseq datasets and immunofluorescence (IF) staining, we show Got2 is broadly expressed during kidney development. To determine the necessity of GOT2 we took a genetic approach to knockout a conditional (floxed – fl) Got2 allele in NPC using Six2Cre. Western blot and qPCR analyses of newborn mice confirmed efficient ablation of Got2 using this approach. Histology and gross analyses found that Six2Cre;Got2fl/fl mice have smaller kidneys at birth. IF staining using both anti-Six2 and anti-Pax2 found a reduction in the size of the NPC population in Six2Cre;Got2fl/fl mice compared to Six2Cre;Got2fl/+ littermate controls. Our findings suggest that GOT2 is essential to maintain and/or expand the NPC population. In light of these findings, future studies evaluating the effects of Got2 ablation on proliferation and apoptosis are warranted.
The study examined the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and insecure attachment styles in adulthood. It specifically focused on how childhood neglect may predict avoidant attachment and how childhood abuse may contribute to anxious attachment. ACEs significantly impact mental, behavioral, and physical health, shaping adult relationships. Anxious attachment involves a need for constant affirmation and fear of rejection, while avoidant attachment involves emotional withdrawal, making it hard to form meaningful relationships. The research recruited 200 participants aged 18 to 76 through an online survey website called Prolific, utilizing data from the CSU Stanislaus library database and other sources. The results indicated that anxious attachment is more associated with childhood abuse, while avoidant attachment is more associated with childhood neglect. The study also emphasized the role of psychopathology, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional dysregulation, in connecting ACEs to adult relationship quality. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of supportive childhood relationships in lessening the harmful effects of ACEs. The findings aim to contribute to the development of targeted interventions for healthier attachment patterns and psychological resilience in individuals with childhood trauma histories. Data analysis is ongoing to further explore these relationships and refine the findings.
In 2020, 844,310 vehicles were involved in crashes while turning left, highlighting the need to research and prevent these collisions. Drivers assess left turns based on time-to-collision (TTC) with an oncoming vehicle and the time required to turn (TRT). However, studies have not assessed whether these turn estimations are accurate. We hypothesized that judgments of the last safe moment to turn would have shorter TTCs for motorcycles due to the size arrival effect. No prior research compares estimated and actual turning times, but walking time studies display accurate estimations, suggesting drivers might also be accurate. We analyzed the minimum TTC when participants indicated the last safe moment to turn left in front of an oncoming vehicle. ANOVA showed that drivers responded sooner (higher TTC) to larger vehicles (trucks) and slower vehicles (30mph) compared to smaller vehicles (motorcycles) and faster (vehicles). The interaction between vehicle size and speed was not significant. For perceived safety margins, drivers had larger margins for trucks and slower vehicles compared to motorcycles and faster vehicles, with no significant interaction. We are continuing to analyze actual turning time data to compare it with imagined turns and assess the accuracy of drivers' judgments and their safety margins.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that an individual may experience before their 18th birthday. Experiencing four or more ACEs affects multiple aspects of an individual’s social development. ACEs can disrupt a child’s interpersonal relationships and their ability to form connections and secure attachments with others. Later, romantic relationships are one of the closest relationships that adults form, but they can be influenced by early experiences. The present study's purpose is to examine the relationship between ACEs and adult attachment styles in romantic relationships. Based on past research, it is hypothesized that 1) fewer ACEs will be negatively correlated with secure attachment (close subscale); 2) more ACEs will be positively correlated with anxious attachment (anxiety subscale); and 3) more ACEs will be positively correlated with avoidant attachment (depend on subscale). One hundred participants currently in a romantic relationship for six months or longer will be recruited. They will take the Adverse Childhood Experience scale and the Adult Attachment Scale. Once all the data is collected, a Pearson correlation will be used to test the hypotheses. These findings may address the gap in literature regarding ACEs and attachment, or be used to provide support to couples.
Stress has been shown to have an impact on student’s academic success. Racial minorities experience more stress compared to their white counterparts due to systemic oppression. This study's purpose is to investigate the role of stress on academic achievement between black and white students. To better understand how stress impacts academic success, the Minority Student Stress Scale (MSSS), self-reported GPA, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were collected from 91 undergraduate students at a predominantly white institution (PWI) from 2022-2024. Analyses using t-tests will highlight the effects of PSS scores and GPAs of black and white students. A Pearson Correlation will be conducted for MSSS and GPA for minority students. It is hypothesized that stress will negatively impact student’s academic outcomes. Students experiencing racial-related stress will impact MSSS scores and academic achievement. Our data shows that black students have higher levels of minority-related stress, while black and white students experience similar levels of perceived stress. Black students have a direct relationship between perceived stress and GPA, while white students have an inverse relationship between perceived stress and GPA. This data suggests that black and white students respond to stress differently. Further research into resilience between black and white students is needed.
Climate change has driven ecological change, but the long-term effects on different species and environments are still open to question. There is high variability in biological responses to climate change, especially in animal range shifts, which are directional movements in species ranges influencing ecological communities. Animals like mammals and birds may shift to altered latitudes or elevations in response to climate change. In particular, little is known about the effect on species like salamanders, which might not move in expected directions. I used slender salamanders –Batrachoseps– to determine if their geographical ranges have shifted. Previous research by Dr. Kay Yanev found how genetically diverse the species within the Batrachoseps genus is. For this project, I collected four Batrachoseps species in Coastal California from sites where the species overlapped their geographical regions, which Dr. Kay Yanev discovered. I have examined how diverse these four species are through genetic techniques like Sanger sequencing, and I suggest populations are spreading across a wider geographical range. I intend to continue investigating how Batrachoseps species’ range shifts are being impacted by climate change, which will provide new insights into the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
Vascular anomalies are abnormalities or disorders of veins, arteries, and lymphatic channels, and it encompasses a spectrum of rare diseases that can be classified into vascular tumors or vascular malformations. Vascular anomalies can be treated with a combination of procedures, surgeries, and medical therapies. However, many of the current medical therapies used for vascular anomalies were not originally made for these rare diseases, so the mechanistic understanding of what drives the clinical benefit in vascular anomalies is limited. This presentation aims to inform attendees on clinical research being conducted for the benefit of pediatric patients with vascular anomalies, with an emphasis on the clinical research I’ve conducted in lymphatic anomalies and infantile hemangioma at the Vascular Anomalies Center and Bischoff Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Previous research has shown that children of mothers with a history of major depressive disorder (MDD), compared to children of never depressed mothers, are at a higher risk of developing depression themselves. However, not all children of depressed parents develop MDD, highlighting the need to understand potential moderators of risk. This study examined how child emotional regulation strategies, specifically cognitive reappraisal and suppression, may moderate the link between mother MDD and children’s depressive symptoms. Additionally, child age and gender were examined as potential moderators. We recruited 95 mother-child dyads from the community. Of the mothers, 62% had a history of MDD during their child’s life and the others had no lifetime history of any depressive disorder. The children were 7-15 years old, the majority were Caucasian (77.9%) and female (55.3%). Children completed self-report questionnaires assessing emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and suppression) and depressive symptoms. Analyses revealed that higher levels of suppression, but not lower levels of cognitive reappraisal, were associated with high levels of depression in children. This relation was strongest in older boys of mothers with a history of MDD. These findings suggest that children’s use of suppression may increase risk for depression, particularly in at-risk older boys
This study investigates the relationship between perceptions of racial allyship messages among Black and Latine individuals and impacts on emotional well-being, identity safety, and perceived support. Racial allies (i.e., White individuals who support disadvantaged groups) sometimes engage in performative allyship—actions motivated by personal gain rather than genuine support for equality. Witnessing performative allyship can have negative consequences for minoritized individuals by cueing identity threat, negative emotions, and damaging perceptions of support. However, it is unknown which specific allyship behaviors are perceived as performative or genuine and their positive or negative implications. To address this gap, we ask: What allyship messages do people of color (i.e., Black and Latine individuals) perceive as genuine or performative, and how does this relate to their emotions, identity safety, and support? We hypothesize that (1) participants will differentiate genuine and performative allyship messages, (2) performative messages will result in negative emotions, lower perceptions of support, and reduced identity safety, whereas (3) genuine messages will result in positive emotions, stronger perceived support, and identity safety. Our findings will help White allies better support minoritized groups by knowing which allyship messages help fight for social justice and promote a supportive environment where minoritized groups can thrive.
In the U.S., housing is often treated as a luxury rather than a fundamental human right, evident from the 653,104 people identified as unhoused in HUD’s one-day census in January of 2023. Despite existing shelters and support programs, chronic homelessness remains unsolved. The Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson could worsen the marginalization of the unhoused by increasing criminalization and displacement. Although much research exists on homelessness, little progress has been made toward a universal housing program. This study aims to explore the prevalence of automatic housing rejections based on factors like credit score, criminal history, and evictions. It will investigate whether eliminating these barriers, combined with wrap-around services, can create long-term, stable housing. The study seeks to understand rejection rates and the potential for collaboration with housing organizations by interviewing property managers, local politicians, and other key stakeholders. The findings will support advocacy for individual-centered solutions and community partnerships, contributing evidence to shape policies that address homelessness across diverse communities.
Currently, 58% of women in prison are mothers, many of whom struggle to maintain their maternal identity in a restrictive environment (Bertram, 2023). Motherhood involves various practices that reinforce maternal identity, such as daily caregiving, emotional support, and involvement in children's education and routines. However, incarceration limits these opportunities, disrupting the mother-child bond and challenging the mothers' sense of maternal identity. This study explores the experiences of incarcerated mothers, focusing on how their maternal identities are affected and reformed during incarceration. Through a survey conducted with women across multiple penal institutions, this research aims to fill a gap in the literature that predominantly centers on the impact of maternal incarceration on children, rather than on the mothers themselves. By giving voice to these women and examining their self-reported data, this research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of maternal identity in the context of incarceration and to inform better practices and policies that support incarcerated mothers. Findings in this study found that incarcerated mothers vary in cognitive operations as based on race/ethnicity.
This project centers on the possibility of salt-thriving halophiles to serve as ice-nucleating particles (INPs) in the atmosphere. This task presents a challenge due to the diversity of the bacteria and archaea domain and the limited data available in bioaerosols to become cloud ice formations. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and pollen contain biologically derived materials that can act as INPs, initiating the freezing of water droplets in clouds even at relatively warm temperatures. Ideally, I would predict that different strains of haloarchaea will react differently based on their optimal salt concentrations: those from a less saline environment may be better microorganisms for INPs since they are able to interface with more water molecules in the moderately saline brine. This project consists of testing three different isolated strains of haloarchaea for optimal salinity and temperature profiles. These data would be coupled with measurements of their ability to induce freezing. Understanding the behavior of halophiles under specific environmental conditions is crucial to expanding our understanding of biological impacts on clouds, especially over saline lakes such as Great Salt Lake. What’s more, forming INPs may have positive impacts on the water crisis of the west.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes a progressive decline in memory, thought, language, and behavior in patients. AD is hallmarked by the aggregation of B-amyloid proteins and neurofibrillary tangles. Age and obesity are some of the risk factors associated with AD, both of which alter glucose metabolism. On the other hand, the rate of adults with obesity reached 41.9% from 2017-2020 which raises questions about the impacts of a high fat diet and obesity on the development of AD. Our lab explores the effects of High Fat Diet (HFD) on transgenic (Tg) rats that were co-injected with two human genes known to cause early-onset AD when mutated: amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 (PS1). Preliminary results from our glucose monitoring data showed no significance between Tg and Wild-type (WT) rats. However, body composition data and western blot quantification displayed female Tg rats developing more neuropathologies than their WT counterparts. The results demonstrate how HFD may have an independent role in AD progression from the transgenes and that the presence of both can aggregate neuropathologies that induce AD.
Oceanic islands are often considered natural test tubes for evolution due to their isolation and limited number of colonizing species, leading to remarkable evolutionary radiations. Understanding how biodiversity differs between island systems and nearby mainland environments has intrigued researchers for decades. The goal of the present study is to examine the influence of evolutionary constraints and ecological drivers of ecomorphology among land snail species forming assemblages found on an island system (the Galápagos Islands) and on a nearby mainland system (the Peruvian Andes). Land snails of the Family Bulimulidae were sampled across the two landscapes. Ecological and shell morphological data will be assembled and curated for all species encountered at each site. Evolutionary relationships among species will be inferred from genomic markers, and a phylogenetic framework will be used to estimate diversification rates and assess evolutionary constraints for each group. We will then use a multivariate analysis approach to examine the relationships and differences between shell morphology, using geometric morphometrics and ecological data at the species and community levels.
This study investigates examining law enforcement’s approach and statements regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) cases from the perspectives of tribal communities, law enforcement agencies, and public media. The purpose of this study focuses on defining ‘police assertive’ and examining how MMIWG cases are framed and portrayed in media. By utilizing content analysis and grounded theory, this study specifically analyzes the cases of Mary Johnson, an Indigenous woman from the Tulalip tribe, and Aubrey Dameron, an Indigenous woman from the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. These cases were selected for their significance in highlighting the urgency of addressing MMIWG issues and the racial disparities experienced by women of color in media coverage, as well as advocating for legislative reforms. The research will explore media coverage from various outlets including local and national digital newspapers and podcasts, identifying prevalent themes and narratives. It will investigate the framing of these cases, law enforcement actions, the extent of media attention, and case outcomes. Through this analysis, the study aims to illuminate the systemic challenges faced by Indigenous women in accessing adequate support post-victimization.
Using Kipp Williams ostracism work this study focuses on experiences of inclusion/exclusion and the need to belong on social relationships. Recalling a time that one was excluded should increase one’s need to belong, and the converse should be true for recalling a memory of being included. In addition, those who enjoy thinking about relationships (high in a relationship need for cognition) should provide more robust responses to vignettes regardless of condition. Using vignettes, we explore how the need to belong can influence responses to excluded others. To manipulate the need to belong, we asked participants to recall a time they were excluded (included) and then have them respond to a series of vignettes where someone in their social group is feeling excluded. Qualitative analysis of participants' open-ended responses will explore themes and determine whether individuals use different approaches based on their conditions. We expect open-ended responses and resulting themes to demonstrate individuals use different approaches based on condition. Quantitative analysis will examine participants’ scores on the Friendship Habits Questionnaire, Relationship Need for Cognition Scale, and the Need to Belong scale. We predict that the need to belong will shape how participants respond to excluded others within their social group.
Suicide is an increasingly dire issue in the United States, especially among youth. The youth suicide rate has been steadily increasing for at least 20 years. The current mental healthcare system in the US has been shown to be ineffective at predicting or preventing suicide with any reliability. In fact, human mental health professionals are only able to identify suicide risk at a rate that is slightly higher than chance. To remedy this, some have begun exploring machine learning solutions to predicting suicide, which has shown initial promise. Furthermore, some have applied a subset of machine learning algorithms known as neural networks to the task, which have proven even more powerful. There is very sparse literature on this subject, however. This research intends to contribute to the literature gap. Additionally, this research intends to improve upon prior results seen in neural network suicide prediction. Researchers are generally able to consistently get results ranging from 0.9-0.95 AUROC. This research will compare several neural network models at the task of predicting suicidal ideation, with a focus on maximizing AUROC.
Truffles are culinary delicacy which are produced from the fungal genus, Tuber. However, factors influencing their production in truffle orchards are not well understood. It is suspected that competitive fungal species that form symbiotic ectomycorrhizal (ECM) relationships with plant roots may lower truffle yields. This research aims to investigate how ECM host plant abundance and soil depth affect the distribution of competitive ECM fungi, and ultimately truffle production in southern Idaho. This study will sample seven sites, including three truffle orchards and four experimental stations. Soil samples will be collected from plots with varying ECM host plant densities at multiple depths. Subsequently, soil pH and organic matter content will be measured. Lastly, molecular and bioinformatic techniques will be used to identify and quantify the different ECM fungal species observed. It is hypothesized that a high abundance of ECM hosts will be correlated to a high abundance of competitive ECM fungi. Furthermore, it is expected that the abundance of ECM competitors will decrease with increasing soil depth. These changes in ECM distribution may negatively impact truffle production. The results may contribute to the development of effective agronomic practices which can maximize truffle yields and mitigate competitive ECM fungal abundance.
Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are synthetic chemicals notorious for interfering with the body’s normal hormone signaling causing adverse health effects in humans. One such EDC called bisphenol A (BPA), found in countless consumer products, is argued on its impact in prepubertal reproductive hormone signaling, leading to early puberty. This project looks to evaluate the extent prepubertal exposure of BPA has on hypothalamic brain pathways responsible for proper reproductive development and behavior from adolescence into adulthood. Female rats were exposed to BPA during adolescence, prior to puberty, through drinking water in 3 treatment groups. Rats were then scarified for hypothalamic brain regions to assess gene expression for specific genes and neurons vital for the onset of puberty. It is expected to find a dose-dependent effect with the highest dosed treatment group to experience the greatest effect from prepubertal BPA exposure. Such research will provide important knowledge to the detrimental health effects BPA exposure during adolescence can have later in life and risks of increased mental illness and behavioral disorders associated with early puberty.
Computational chemistry is a rapidly evolving specialty within the field of chemistry. Computational chemistry is a subfield of chemistry that utilizes theoretical calculations to simulate properties of chemical reactions. Computation is vital to many different industries like medicine, engineering, and environmental. Despite its significance, there are currently no computational chemistry courses offered at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). This study investigates the integration of computational chemistry into the undergraduate laboratory curriculum using WebMO. A computational laboratory exercise was developed for an organic chemistry course to help students visualize building molecules and administered to students in conjunction with their regular laboratory content using a traditional model kit to understand structure. Preliminary results indicate that, despite certain limitations, such as unfamiliarity with software and problems with the visualization of certain topics, the exercise effectively facilitated the incorporation of computational chemistry concepts into the undergraduate laboratory experience.
A growing body of literature has suggested that ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) is a protective factor for biracial youth as it provides youth with skills to face different adversities like racial discrimination, ultimately improving their psychological well-being. Various types of ERS exist (e.g., verbal, non-verbal, etc) across different levels (e.g., parent-child, household/family) but some have been overlooked in research. This study sought to bridge this gap by exploring ERS at the family level and determining whether it relates to depressive symptoms among biracial black-white adolescents and emerging adults. The study examined if (a) family ERS around multiracial and monoracial black topics related to depressive symptoms differently and (b) any developmental differences were present in the association between family ERS and depressive symptoms. We predicted a negative relationship between both forms of Family ERS and depressive symptoms. The methods included a secondary analysis with three multiple linear regression models conducted in SPSS Version 28. Findings indicated significant negative associations between both forms of Family ERS and depressive symptoms in biracial black-white young people. Developmental differences also emerged in these associations. The results explore the potential role that Family ERS may have regarding depressive symptoms in biracial black-white young people.
Hello Everyone! My name is Ashley (Ash) Dominguez and I’m a Junior majoring in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Spanish. I’m honored to be a TRIO SSS student and Ronald E. McNair scholar at Virginia Commonwealth University. I aspire to obtain a doctorate degree in Clinical... Read More →
Friday September 20, 2024 3:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
Loch Raven I
This secondary analysis examines how street-identified Black men and women perceive the sexual behavior and reproductive health of low-income Black women and girls. Data was drawn from 800 community-based surveys and a subset (20) of in-depth interviews from street-identified Black men and women ages 16 to 54 from two high-crime neighborhoods in Wilmington, Delaware. Study participants comprise a distinctive, hard-to-reach subset of the broader low-income Black population that is often in closer proximity to criminal justice contact, violence, and other forms of illegal activity. This mixed-methods analysis examines survey questions on attitudes toward abortion and contraception and racialized perceptions of sexuality. Investigating a subset of in-depth interviews and focusing on these themes related to Black women and girls, I compare this data across gender to understand the gender differences in their perceptions.
Attentional biases of social anxiety including self-focus and attention to perceived negative evaluation from others are a key role in maintaining anxiety symptoms. Self-focus on somatic symptoms prompts fear of rejection if others notice these symptoms. Exercise is a powerful interoceptive exposure strategy because it has been seen to reduce anxiety sensitivity. The current investigation will examine the effects of exercise on the perception of heart rate among socially anxious individuals. Participants filled out an online questionnaire to determine social anxiety group eligibility. Participants were attached to ECG sensors that monitored their heart rate. A self-manipulation task was completed before and after an exercise or rest task to provoke attentional focus toward the heartbeat. Results indicate that high and low socially anxious individuals did not differ in heartbeat detection accuracy when completing an exercise or rest task, F(1,8)= 1.09, p= .33. These findings provide a basic understanding of how exercise may benefit perception of heart rate among socially anxious individuals.
The experience of stigmatizing events related to mental health can trigger chronic stress responses in individuals with mental health conditions. Although the psychological and social effects of stigma are well-documented, the direct physiological impact of mental health stigma, particularly its effect on cortisol secretion in response to acute stressors, has remained underexplored. This study aims to clarify how exposure to mental health stigma affects cortisol levels, thereby enriching our understanding of the full spectrum of stigma's impact on health and well-being. We hypothesized that exposure to mental health stigma would alter cortisol responses, potentially leading to either heightened or suppressed cortisol levels, indicative of a dysregulated stress response, especially among those with prior mental health diagnoses. However, our findings did not reveal statistically significant differences in cortisol reactivity, although trends suggest that stigmatizing conditions might decrease cortisol responses relative to supportive conditions. In this study, we measured cortisol levels before and after participants were exposed to controlled supportive or stigmatizing social interactions to examine these effects. These preliminary results underscore the complexity of the physiological pathways involved and highlight the need for further research to definitively map the relationship between mental health stigma and stress physiology.
Biofilm dispersion is a survival mechanism where bacteria transition to a planktonic lifestyle. Dispersion is not characterized in Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), a human intestinal tract bacterium. In semi-batch culture experiments, we determined steady state biofilms formed after 48 hours when E. faecalis was grown in 10% Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) at 37oC without shaking. Next, we challenged biofilm cultures with a 10-fold step increase in nutrients after 4 days of growth to avoid interference from self-induced dispersion and found a statistically significant dispersion response. To evaluate the effect of bile acids on nutrient-induced dispersion, we exposed dispersed cells to the primary bile acid cholic acid or the secondary bile acid lithocholic acid. Lithocholic acid retained biofilm growth during nutrient-induced dispersion and thus may cause increased biofilm formation and preservation in the gut. To evaluate E. faecalis antibiotic tolerance, we conducted dose finding assays with the oxazolidinone linezolid and glycopeptide vancomycin. Mid-log cultures were grown for 18 hours in 100% TSB and shaken prior to treatment. E. faecalis displayed antibiotic tolerance when treated with 50 µg/ml of linezolid, resulting in a 0.5 log reduction. Our study has revealed novel findings on the growth and dispersion response of E. faecalis biofilms.
The μ-composition, measured in parts per million (ppm), of 182W (μ182W) shows significant positive and negative variations from a standard composition within mantle-derived rocks. A combination of three scenarios—late accretion, core-mantle interaction, and early planetary differentiation—have been proposed to explain these variations. To test this hypothesis, a multiphase thermal chemical fluid dynamics (MTCFD) numerical model was used to simulate mantle physics and chemistry of these three different scenarios. This work aimed to replicate the μ182W composition of bulk silicate Earth (BSE; crust+mantle) over 4.5 billion years, which previous research constrains to initial and final values of +25 ppm and 0 ppm, respectively. Preliminary simulations using low-resolution were run on laptops. These results provided quantitative and qualitative data on the evolution of μ182W in the BSE. Preliminary results indicate final values of +15 ppm (late accretion), -20 ppm (core-mantle interaction), +25 ppm (early planetary differentiation), and -5 ppm (combined). The combined scenario more closely replicates the BSE record compared to individual scenarios, suggesting that a combination may account for the variability of 182W in Earth’s mantle. Based on these results, further simulations with different initial conditions will be run on the Graham supercomputer for a high-resolution and more comprehensive data set.
How we perceive the factors that control our lives impacts our behavior and influences our participation in prosocial behavior. Studies have examined how internal and external locus of control impact many facets of our lives, such as well-being, life satisfaction, and how we treat others (Stevick et al., 1980). Little to no research has been conducted on the connection between locus of control and prosocial behavior. The present study will examine the relationship between the two. Previous research has demonstrated that an external locus of control can have detrimental effects on individuals, leading to anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors (Guo et al., 2021). Conversely, engaging in prosocial behavior has been shown to elicit positive emotions and reduce stress (Baumsteiger, 2019). This line of research is crucial for understanding the individual differences in how people navigate life, respond to challenges, and plan for the future. By predicting behaviors and outcomes, such as prosocial behavior, we can foster community participation, promote psychological well-being, and enhance positive social interactions. Past research has examined the links between third variables that affect prosocial behavior, such as self-control, life satisfaction, and moral disengagement. The present study investigates the link between locus of control and prosocial behavior.
Youth involved in juvenile legal systems and those who are at risk for delinquency often report high levels of trauma. The Restorative and Transformative Justice (RTJ) for Youths and Communities Pilot Program, located in four counties of New Jersey, is an initiative to provide educational, employment, mental health, substance abuse, life skills, mentoring, and social services to system-involved and at-risk youth. Examining the effectiveness of the RTJ Hubs may improve the quality of services, especially for youth who have had high levels of trauma. Our mixed method approach includes surveys completed via Qualtrics and in-person Photovoice groups in which data will be collected at baseline and 3, 6, and 9-month benchmark follow-ups that assess behavior and attitudes. The expected findings are that RTJ Hubs will positively impact domains of social support, civic engagement, trauma responses, and restorative justice attitudes, especially for system-involved youth with high adverse childhood experience scores. This study is presumed to benefit youth participants re-entering society after detention, prevent at-risk youth from initial justice system contact, improve connections with local law enforcement, and positively impact the larger community. Overall, we foresee positive impacts on youth behavioral health concerning violence, delinquency, and criminality improving safety, security, and health.
Online classes have existed for many years and consist of asynchronous and synchronous classes. Synchronous classes include live lectures while asynchronous classes tend to include pre-recorded lectures that can be a few minutes to over an hour long. As online classes have risen in popularity due to the Covid-19 pandemic, TikTok has also. Therefore, it can be advantageous to see if TikTok can be incorporated into online classes to help with comprehension. The study will be conducted on Qualtrics and will be both experimental and quantitative. Participants in the control group will watch a twenty-minute long pre-recorded lecture video while the experimental group will watch five 2-3 minute long TikTok videos that contain the same lecture content. After, both groups will take a 20-question multiple choice test to measure their comprehension of the lecture material. It is expected that those in the TikTok condition will perform better on the comprehension test than those in the control condition. Data is in the process of being collected. If significance is found, then more instructors can try using TikTok videos to help their students learn. Additionally, researchers can measure the role of cognitive load on online lecture comprehension.
Latinx/a/o people in the United States (U.S.) are disproportionately burdened by human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers. Despite the widespread availability of the HPV vaccine, uptake among Latinx/a/o adults remains low. Efforts to enhance HPV vaccine uptake in this population group requires identifying the factors driving such disparities. To address this gap in the literature, the proposed study examined correlates of HPV vaccination uptake among a sample of Latinx/a/o adults in the Greater Richmond Area. Latinx/a/o adults (N=90) that receive dental care at the VCU Dental Clinics were recruited to participate in a survey to assess correlates related to HPV vaccination. Chi-squared tests were used to compare differences in nativity status, sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, marital status), socioeconomic factors (educational attainment and household income), and health-related variables (insurance status) by HPV vaccine uptake (yes/no). Over a quarter (25.5)% of participants reported they have received the HPV vaccination. Nativity, marital status, and educational attainment were significantly associated with HPV vaccination (p=0.02, p=0.02, and p=0.03, respectively). Findings suggest the need to implement community grounded efforts to promote HPV vaccination among Latinx/a/o adults.
Clostridioides difficile is a virulent pathogen known to be susceptible to vancomycin, although less is known about how microbial interactions might influence the effectiveness of antibiotics. Here we test how the susceptibility of C. difficile to vancomycin is affected when in co-culture with Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE). We show that the in vitro co-culture of C. difficile with VRE reduces C. difficile’s susceptibility to vancomycin. In Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) media, susceptibility is reduced compared to Sporulation Media (SM), suggesting different environments affect antibiotic effectiveness. These findings contribute to our understanding of how microbial interactions and the environment affects antibiotic effectiveness.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons. Developing effective ALS therapeutics is challenging due to the difficulty in delivering medications to the affected motor neurons in the brain, primarily because of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB, composed mainly of lipids and proteins, restricts the entry of potentially harmful substances into the central nervous system. For a molecule to permeate this barrier, it must exhibit high solubility in lipids. The Silverman laboratory has synthesized a 1,3-dione compound with potential therapeutic benefits for ALS. However, this compound faces issues of low yield and poor BBB permeability. My goal this summer is to discover an efficient synthesis strategy for the 1,3-dione and enhance its lipophilicity to improve BBB permeability. This will involve derivatizing the hydroxyl group, a relatively non-lipophilic group, with non-polar groups such as alkyls to reduce overall polarity and increase lipophilicity. The outcomes of this study will provide insights into potential structures and synthesis pathways that could lead to an effective therapeutic agent for ALS.
College access programs are necessary tools to prepare disadvantaged students for college and give them insight into what they must accomplish before that time comes. Most students from low socioeconomic communities can succeed with the right type of support to break the barrier. Through a quantitative study, we will be able to analyze how the length of time the students have been participating in the program has a direct effect on the improvement of their grades and their confidence in their academic abilities. This study will use a survey to gauge how the students perceive themselves in their scholarly journey to college.
This study investigates the persistent gender pay gap in the United States, focusing on how marital status affects within-job wage disparities in various professional occupations. Utilizing the 2022 microdata sample from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, this analysis controls for educational attainment, age, class of worker, region, and specific occupation to understand the nuanced impact of gender, sector, and marital status on annual incomes. Results indicate that while women have made significant strides in educational attainment, their earnings still lag behind men with similar qualifications. The analysis also reveals that men benefit from a "marriage premium," earning more than their unmarried counterparts, a phenomenon not as prevalent among women. Additionally, occupations with discretionary compensation schemes and wider pay ranges exacerbate these disparities. Regression analyses alongside interaction effects highlight significant wage differences influenced by marital status, sector, and occupational choices. The findings underscore the need for policies addressing both explained and unexplained factors contributing to the gender pay gap. By shedding light on these complexities, this research aims to inform strategies for creating more equitable workplaces, ultimately stimulating economic activity, reducing poverty, and enhancing job satisfaction among professional women.
Losing track of time has been studied in two distinct ways in psychology. Perhaps the most well-known is the experience of flow that was popularized by Csikszentmihalyi in 1990. In the case of flow states, people are so immersed and engaged in what they are doing during a peak performance that they lose awareness of time. From positive psychology, we also have a robust literature on the importance of being present in the moment through mindfulness practice which in turn can improve our performance. Social media use is often viewed as a waste of time. However, under conditions of mindfulness, this activity might be considered information gathering. In this study, mindfulness is expected to increase time awareness and recall during social media viewing. We manipulate mindfulness by having participants listen to a guided mindfulness audio clip (or not), then ask them to provide a time estimate while scrolling through social media. Recall measures will be used to determine what they remember from their social media session and accuracy of time estimates will also be recorded. Participants in the mindfulness condition are expected to recall more information from the social media stream and to provide more accurate time estimates.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes severe infections in immunocompromised individuals, including those with cystic fibrosis (CF). Pa forms antibiotic-resistant biofilms, making infections difficult to treat and often lethal. In the CF lung, elevated Ca2+ concentrations are encountered by Pa, which our group has shown to induce virulence factor production. To understand the molecular mechanisms behind this regulation, we identified the novel inner membrane protein CarP, which plays a crucial role in Ca2+-induced pyocyanin production, oxidative stress tolerance, Ca2+ homeostasis, and host immune interactions. Although CarP’s molecular function remains unknown, we hypothesize it interacts with other proteins. To test this, we utilized a FLAG tag co-immunoprecipitation approach, generating two expression constructs: membrane-bound and periplasmic CarP, each with a 3xFLAG tag fused to the C-terminus. Pull-down assays will be performed with each construct, and periplasmic and cytoplasmic samples will be analyzed by mass spectrometry to identify CarP’s protein-binding partners. This research will provide important insights into CarP’s molecular function and the mechanisms of Ca2+-induced virulence in Pa.
Plants instinctive accumulation of compounds present in soil could help us understand possible solutions to mercury, its effects on the native plant life, and ways to identify heavy metal sediments at Utah’s Great Salt Lake (GSL). This project's main goal is to find whether or not Salicornia, otherwise known as Pickleweed, is absorbing mercury from soil at GSL. Sampling of pickleweed at Great Salt Lake and the consecutive use of a Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) to quantify the present mercury. It is hypothesized that trace amounts of mercury will be found, but not a significant amount as mercury is more common in deeper substrates than the shoreline soil. If there's mercury in the shoreline soil it tells us that it will be present in dust storms that would affect the populations across Utah.
Monitoring ice margin retreat and glacier area changes is crucial for assessing climate change impacts in mountainous regions. Google Earth™ offers a powerful toolset for analyzing these changes over several decades using its History, Polygon, and Path functions. For instance, glaciers in Iceland's Vatnajökull ice cap have experienced significant area loss, with two major glaciers shedding over 25 km² from 1985 to 2018 or 2020 and retreating at rates of 75-150 meters per year. In contrast, some glaciers terminating on land have lost less than 5 km² and exhibited fluctuations in the last two decades. In Canada, the Athabasca Glacier has decreased by 0.67 km² and retreated 0.48 km from 1985 to 2022, while the Columbia Glacier has lost 0.42 km² and retreated 0.62 km. In New Zealand, the Tasman Glacier shows a retreat rate exceeding 130 meters per year due to calving into Lake Tasman, whereas the Dall Glacier has retreated at approximately 80 meters per year. These observations highlight the diverse patterns of glacier change and demonstrate the utility of Google Earth™ in tracking glacier dynamics. The main limitations in this study are inconsistent georectification among different images, lower resolution of early images, and consistency in our measurements.
Invasive candidiasis, a yeast infection of the bloodstream, poses a devastating mortality and morbidity rate caused by a pan-drug-resistant pathogen yeast species, Candida, capable of outbreaks. This study investigates novel aerolysin-like toxins identified in the genome of Candida and Saccharomyces. We have found a family of proteins in Candida and Saccharomyces with structural similarities to bacterial aerolysin known for its cytotoxic effects in vertebrates. Bacterial aerolysin are well studied, whereas fungal aerolysin toxins and their effects on humans remain unexplored. Utilizing Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and genomic analysis, this project aimed and confirmed after the extraction of total RNA the expression, of aerolysin-like toxins in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Further endeavors involve investigating the opportunistic human pathogenic yeast C. auris, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis along with other Saccharomyces species. Future cloning of the killer toxin genes (K62L) into plasmids to assess the potential of these toxins in inhibiting the growth of yeasts and as potential virulence factors. Overall, this research aims to address critical gaps in the understanding the potential of fungal aerolysin toxins as novel virulence factors and their importance in mitigating human disease. These findings may contribute to therapeutic approaches against drug-resistant Candida infections.
The topic of mental health and academic achievement has increased drastically over the years. Mental health substantially influences dropout rates among high school and college students, particularly in minority groups. However, research on the relationship between mental health and academic achievement in African American male adolescents, especially when incorporating other outside cultural factors, remains limited. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the impact of mental health (measured through depression and anxiety symptoms) on academic achievement (measured through GPA). This study uses secondary data from the first wave of Add Health.
Data was gained from over 6,000 U.S adolescents in grades 7 through 12 and analyzed using an Ordinary Least Squares regression. The dataset contains responses on factors like household structure, friendships, neighborhood, mental health, and education. Additionally, mediating variables like social connections, residential parent support, school belongingness, neighborhood support, and family support were incorporated into the analysis. The results revealed a significant relationship between depression, anxiety, and GPA across the entire sample. However, when it comes to African American male adolescents, only the relationship between anxiety and GPA was found to be significant.
After the rise of the #MeToo movement, support for survivors has entered mainstream media setting the tone that Sexual Violence (SV) will not be tolerated. Even so, the ways in which SV is handled in individualistic versus collectivist cultures vary greatly. This study will investigate the likelihood that collectivist cultures will express protectiveness over male perpetrators of SV. Participants composed of St. Edwards University students and the general public will complete a survey which will measure protective factors towards male perpetrators in four hypothetical scenarios. This study is following a mixed methods research methodology. Qualitative measurements are utilized in order to explore whether protectiveness over perpetrators is being exhibited by participants. Then, quantitative measurements of demographics will be collected in order to examine whether or not there is a correlation between collectivist cultures and exhibiting protectiveness over male perpetrators. The duration for this study is an eight-week period and we collected a total of 86 participants. While the results suggest that there was not a significant difference when measuring for race/ethnicity, there was a significant difference when measuring for gender in that non-binary/third gendered individuals were more likely to be protective towards male perpetrators of SV than males or females.
In sign languages, spatial relationships such as in, on, and under can be communicated with two main types of signs: analogical and lexical. Studying an emerging sign language, such as Lengua de Señas Nicaragüense (LSN), allows us to see the development of spatial language across time by comparing language produced by different cohorts. First cohort signers are the earliest users of LSN and their language reflects the early forms of LSN while later cohorts’ language reflects more recent changes to LSN. This study compared the spatial language of first (n=13), second (n=13), and third (n=12) cohort users of LSN to determine what linguistic forms used to communicate spatial relations emerged first. We hypothesized that analogical signs would appear more often in first-cohort signers as they are more specific and languages tend to conventionalize to general forms over time. We elicited spatial language from participants using a shielded communication task. The relationship between the type of spatial relation, in, on, or under, and the type of sign used (lexical, analogical) was also explored. Our study was able to capture the emergence of spatial language and a pattern that reflects language change from more specific to more categorical forms.
As Drosophila shares a significant number of genes with humans, studying Drosophila can provide insights into sleep regulation, a process that is not well understood. In Drosophila, the insomniac (inc) gene encodes a putative adaptor protein for the Cullin-3 ubiquitin ligase complex. A nonfunctional Inc protein results in fragmented sleep and excess neurons in the mushroom body, a brain region important for sleep. This study intends to determine whether C-terminal Inc mutants can successfully rescue the mushroom body defects caused by a null inc mutation. A prior rescue experiment indicated that full-length Inc protein rescued sleep in inc mutants to wild-type levels; however, C-terminal Inc mutants could not rescue sleep. To evaluate if C-terminal Inc mutants could rescue the mushroom body defects of inc mutants, a fly cross was conducted between inc mutants and C-terminal mutants via the GAL4/UAS system. From the resulting progeny, the brains of adult male Drosophila were dissected and visualized through immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Our results suggest that transgenic expression of full-length Inc protein results in a normal mushroom body, but further experimentation is needed to confirm this result. The effects of C-terminal Inc mutants on mushroom body anatomy also require further investigation.
The Hippo signaling pathway controls the regulation of organ growth and development. Dysfunctions of this pathway are related to various types of cancers, making it a critical area of study for cancer research and the development of regenerative medicines. This study investigates the manipulation of gene Minibrain (mnb). Mnb is a kinase that phosphorylates other proteins. Understanding the function of Mnb will ultimately allow us to understand its role within the Hippo pathway. Mnb is thought to affect the function and localization of the kinase Warts (Wts), which determines Yorkie (Yki) activation and consequently the outcomes of the Hippo pathway. (Fig. 3) We hypothesize that high levels of mnb will cause overgrowth and affect Wts localization, and vice versa. We employed gene manipulation techniques using the UAS/Gal 4 system (Fig. 1). Using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, we analyzed the effects of different levels of mnb on Yki. Additionally, we assessed the phenotypic consequences of the varying levels of mnb on wing growth. These findings will guide further exploration of the Hippo signaling pathway and its broader implications.
Background: Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent among 3.4% to 7.7% of the general population (Cloitre et al., 2018). Interpersonal trauma perpetrated by a close other, also termed relational trauma, is a significant predictor of CPTSD (Fowler et al., 2013). Victims of relational trauma experience greater severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms compared to victims of non-interpersonal, such as a natural disaster or car accident (Seah & Berle, 2023; Fowler et al., 2013). The aim of this proposed study is to explore how cognitive flexibility, and posttraumatic cognitions mediate the relationship between one’s attachment style and perceived emotional invalidation and one’s symptoms of complex posttraumatic stress disorder. By examining this complex relationship, results may inform therapeutic treatment for individuals with relational trauma. Proposed Methods: Participants will be at least 18 years-old, reside in the United States, have had at least one romantic relationship for 6 months or longer, and have experienced difficulties or distress with at least one romantic partner. The survey will consist of five survey measures and demographic items. The data will be collected using Qualtrics and analyzed using SPSS.
This policy proposal seeks to secure a sustainable future for Tennessee farmers by preserving farmland, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting local food systems. By addressing key challenges like land degradation, market instability, and climate change, the proposal aims to enhance rural economies, provide greater access to resources, and ensure long-term agricultural viability. Collaboration between policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders is crucial to achieving these goals and safeguarding Tennessee's agricultural heritage for future generations.
Housing insecurity has been endemic to the university student populations all over the country and efforts are being put into place to assist students in these situations. Despite these efforts, many students experiencing housing insecurity are not getting to the resources for various reasons. Stigma and other generalized bad ideas about the unhoused community keep students from asking for help when they need it. I will research the effects of stigma on housing-insecure students' choice to access resources or ask for help.
Black autistic individuals face dual burdens: racial prejudices and biases surrounding autism. Literature often overlooks their unique experiences, creating a gap in understanding how they display autistic traits differently from peers of other races. This study compares Black and White autistic individuals and examines the cultural role in their social and psychological barriers. Participants included 16 Black and 16 White autistic adults from a previous study. A semi-structured interview was conducted asking questions about discrimination, social interactions, and self-identity related to race and neurodivergence. Analysis produced four thematic codes: Belongingness, Interpersonal Dynamics, Negative Psychological Effects, and Identity Formation. Sub-thematic codes were created for each. A Fisher’s exact test revealed significant differences in three areas: cross-group connections (p = .023), lack of cultural community support (p = .001), and restrictive social identity (p = .012). Findings indicate that Black autistic adults are often ostracized from both the Black and autistic communities, leading to invalidated identities. They form better connections outside their social identities but feel confined by cultural expectations that they are pressured to live up to. Further research on other social identities, such as gender and sexual orientation, is needed to expand understanding of autism in diverse cultures.
I am a Certified Personal Trainer and Residential Advisor! I work in a research lab under Dr. Yair Pincu at the University of Oklahoma, where I work in the exercise physiology lab under the Health and Exercise Science department! I am a senior looking to go onto PT-School.
Drawing from a Black feminist framework and a life story approach, this study utilizes in-depth, semi-structured interviews (N=3) of Black women partnered with, and caring for, retired National Football League (NFL) players who suffered concussions to examine how Black partners-turned-caregivers (1) discuss their relationships with their partners, (2) understand their identities within their relationships with their partners, (3) describe the type of resources they need to feel supported, and (4) to what extent age factors into the discussion. The findings reveal four (4) main themes among Black partners-turned-caregivers. Relationship with Partner explores the changes in their marriages. Identity examines how they reconcile the caregiver role with their self-perceptions. Resources details the practices, institutions, and policies that can support them. Age reveals that, in earlier eras, the NFL concealed football’s potential to cause premature cognitive decline. The implications of this study include empowering other caregivers and informing inclusive healthcare- and disability-related policy that provides for NFL players, and those who care for them. This study offers recommendations for future research on how masculinity influences relationship dynamics in Black couples, why partners-turned-caregivers choose to remain in relationships with their partners, and the distinction between caregiving and mothering.
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to impairment in multiple cognitive domains. AD is the most prevalent form of dementia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a prodromal state where memory is the only cognitive deficit. Anosognosia is a symptom that is often observed in patients with dementia due to AD. This condition may also be seen in MCI. Anosognosia is an impairment in self-awareness, or more specifically, failure to recognize or appreciate a neurological deficit. While anosognosia is a well-recognized syndrome in the clinical care environment, there is no widely recognized metric that measures its degree. There is ambiguity around what exactly the neurological defect is that the patient fails to appreciate (e.g., executive dysfunction, problems in activities of daily living, personality changes). The present study is a retrospective cross-sectional design that includes a clinical sample of AD and MCI patients. The primary aim is to evaluate the construct validity of three measures that evaluate patient-caregiver discrepancies: Anosognosia Questionnaire Dementia (AQD), Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (LIADLs), and the Conscientiousness personality domain as indexed by the NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). The secondary aim will determine which test has best predicts caregiver burden.
Through acculturation individuals find themselves adopting the traits of the culture they are exposed to. Mexican-Americans often find themselves navigating through the process of acculturation due to the exposure of new cultural and societal norms that are dominant in America. Culture plays a role in the way we perceive and express our emotions which influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between acculturation and emotional belief and regulation among Mexican-Americans. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive correlation. As Mexican Americans acculturate more to American culture, their emotional belief and regulation systems would become more aligned with American norms, which would result in an increased acceptance of emotions and different beliefs about emotional expression. Participants (n=225) completed self report measures on the survey platform PROLIFIC which assessed acculturation levels as well as emotional belief and regulation techniques. The ages ranged from 18 and 75 years with a mean of 33 years. The findings from my research did not support my hypothesis, but there was a positive correlation between acculturation and the usefulness of positive and negative emotions among participants. Further research may examine this relationship through different surveying techniques.
