Research Archive

Objective: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep issues, and cognitive dysfunction that significantly affects quality of life. Although the exact pathophysiology remains unclear, it is thought to involve abnormal central nervous system pain processing that amplifies nonpainful stimuli. Current pharmacologic therapies such as duloxetine and pregabalin, provide only somewhat modest benefit and many patients are limited to adverse events, warranting further research into alternative therapies. Emerging evidence suggests that endocannabinoid system (ECS) dysfunction, particularly altered CB1 receptor signaling within central nociceptive pathways, may contribute to abnormal pain perception seen in fibromyalgia. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a partial CB1 receptor agonist, may reduce central sensitization. This literature review evaluates the clinical efficacy, safety profile, and mechanistic rationale of THC-based therapies in the management of fibromyalgia.

Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed human studies of THC-containing interventions in adults with fibromyalgia. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials from the past 10 years were prioritized. A recent systematic review assessing study quality was also included as it evaluated previous trials and assessed the quality of the studies. The primary outcomes looked for were pain intensity scores, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) results, pressure pain thresholds, quality of life measures, and reported adverse events. A mechanistic study examining ECS dysregulation and a CB1-mediated analgesia were reviewed to provide pathophysiologic context. Non-human studies and non-English publications were excluded.

Results: Randomized controlled trials demonstrate modest but measurable benefit. In a placebo-controlled crossover trial of inhaled pharmaceutical-grade cannabis in 20 women with fibromyalgia, THC-containing preparations significantly increased pressure pain thresholds compared to placebo (P < 0.01). However spontaneous pain scores did not greatly differ between groups. Analgesic response correlated with reported psychoactive effects, possibly linking to an interaction between psychotropic and analgesic mechanisms. In a separate eight-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a THC-rich cannabis oil, participants showed significant reductions in total FIQ scores compared to placebo (P = 0.005), with improvements in pain, fatigue, and overall quality of life. The intervention was generally well tolerated without severe adverse events. A 2023 systematic review of four randomized trials and five observational studies concluded that current evidence provides low to moderate quality support for short-term pain reduction with cannabinoid therapies, though diversity informulations, dosing, and outcome measures limits conclusions regarding long-term efficacy. Mechanistic literature further supports CB1 receptor involvement in modulating central sensitization processes implicated in fibromyalgia.

Conclusion:THC-based therapies targeting CB1 receptors show modest but clinically relevant improvements in pain and functional outcomes in fibromyalgia. While short-term tolerability appears acceptable, existing evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and variability in cannabinoid formulations. Larger, long-term trials are needed to clarify dosing and long-term safety. While not a first-line therapy, THC may be a potential adjunctive option for select patients with fibromyalgia.

Pharmacy
Mentor: Samir Kouzi

Satb2 plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression through chromatin organization. It is involved in a variety of processes including osteogenesis where it stimulates expression of the RUNX2 transcription factor. It is also widely used as a highly specific marker for colorectal cancer, and its nuclear absence is strongly associated with a worse prognosis. DNA-binding proteins like Satb2 tend to rely on short amino acid sequences called Nuclear Localization Sequences (NLS) to direct their import into the nucleus. Satb2 has a predicted NLS located between amino acids 613-616. However, the functionality of the region has never been established. Using truncation analysis of EGFP-tagged Satb2, we tested which region is necessary for nuclear import. We then took 20 amino acid long segments of this region and individually attached them to fluorescently-tagged cytoplasmic proteins to see which is sufficient for nuclear import of a cargo protein. Fluorescence microscopy reveals that Satb2 does have an NLS, but it is unexpectedly located in the protein’s N-terminus, between amino acids 21-40.

Biology (Pre-Med)
Mentor: Brett Schofield

A high-performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) was developed for the simultaneous quantitation of six major kavalactones (kavain, dihydrokavain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonin, and desmethoxyyangonin) and two flavokavains (A and B) in Piper methysticum (kava). Separation was achieved on a C18 reversed-phase column with gradient elution and multi-wavelength detection at 240 nm and 366 nm for kavalactones and flavokavains, respectively. The method yielded good resolution of all analytes within 10 minutes and demonstrated acceptable linearity, precision, and sensitivity.

Partial method validation was performed using NIST kava reference materials, including raw leaf and extract samples. Additional testing was conducted on commercial products such as kava extracts and kava beverages. Sample preparation utilized solid–liquid extraction and pressurized solvent extraction with the CEM EDGE® system to optimize analyte recovery across diverse matrices. These results support the utility of this method for routine quality control and highlight the need for standardization in kava-containing consumer products, particularly given the potential hepatotoxicity associated with flavokavain B.

Chemistry
Mentor: Todd Griffin

Arecoline is an alkaloid, (a nitrogenous organic compound often with a ring structure). This alkaloid is reported to provide heightened alertness, better mood, and provide a “euphoric effect”. Most forms of Arecoline are from chewable products; IE Betel-nut / Areca Nut. Arecoline in general has been strongly associated with oral submucous fibrosis, dependence, and increased risk of oral and esophageal cancers, prompting growing concern over arecoline’s toxicological profile. Arecoline is easily accessible in bulk and in consumer products such as tablets as well. In this study, we developed a rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) for the identification and quantitation of arecoline in consumer grade tablets. Extracts were prepared using solid-liquid extraction, and chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed-phase C18 column under isocratic conditions. The method showcased good linearity. Consumer products and extracts were tested and quantified using a calibration curve. Initial stability yielded an interesting decay rate between these arecoline tablets.

Chemistry
Mentor: Todd Griffin

The United States Senate is the upper body of the house, and is designed to represent the states as opposed to the House which is designed to represent the people of a district, which most of the time is not the entire state. This project and presentation will look at several key votes, ideas, and the compositions of state governments to see how well senators represent the interests of their state, how they align with polls throughout, and how they vote federally compared to state votes on similar topics. Looking mostly at the current congress and the senators who are in office, using their public voting records, compared alongside the party composition of their state, their state legislatures, and the laws inside the state they represent. Several key aspects will also be looked at, such as seeing if the Senator(s) were born inside the state they represent, or were born outside, and if they tend to agree more with the senators and legislatures from that state instead. Topics will include Marijuana Legalization, Voter ID, and various other issues that are on the public mind, and are different from state to state. All of these will be looked at to try and answer the question on if Senators truly represent the state as a whole, and how many of them don't, if any.

Political Science
Mentor: Chelsea Kaufman

The final project this semester is to pose a research question relevant to the field of political science and conduct research to answer this question. During the Wellspring Symposium, each student will present a research poster based on a research paper as though we are at a professional conference in order to demonstrate their comprehensive knowledge of the research process and apply what we have learned in the course to a professional setting. Several graded components will be submitted throughout the semester, accounting together for 300 total points of your final course grade.

Political Science
Mentors: Chelsea Kaufman

Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), native to Southeast Asia, contains the alkaloid mitragynine (MIT). MIT and it’s oxidative metabolite, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) have μ-opioid receptor activity and are actively being researched as potential alternatives to traditional opioids due to their potential for lower risk of addiction and respiratory depression. 7OH is 13 times more potent than the naturally occurring MIT. After extraction and isolation of MIT, 7OH can be semi-synthetically converted to 7OH. This project investigates several purification methods to improve the purity of the final 7OH product. Purification techniques included: liquid-liquid partitioning, anti-solvent precipitation, flash chromatography, and acid-base extraction.  Of these, flash chromatography yield the best improvement in purity.

Chemistry
Mentor: Todd Griffin

My Honors research project will focus on the doctrine of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and examine whether it is considered a relevant legal force or if it has become a dead letter in the current state of United Nations practice. R2P was adopted at the 2005 World Summit, and it set a precedent for member states to take care of their citizens and prevent mass atrocities such as genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. Member states also have a responsibility in assisting other member states in fulfilling this duty and for member states to take action when another member state fails to protect their population. Despite its great importance in the international community, the doctrine’s implementation has been inconsistent. This discrepancy raises questions and concerns regarding R2P's continued legal and political relevance. This research paper will focus on the Security Council and analyze resolutions and presidential statements that specifically mention R2P. Using data from the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, which tracks the number of times that R2P has been mentioned over time, I will create a graph to visualize trends and conduct a graphical analysis. In addition to tracking the number of times that R2P is mentioned, I will conduct a qualitative analysis of how the United Nations and member states reference R2P terminology within the Security Council's resolutions and evaluate whether the application, meaning, or interpretation of R2P has developed over time. Using this graph, I will look at the periods of increased and decreased mentions of R2P and analyze major international events that occurred in that time frame. The analysis includes the United Nations indecision regarding Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the intervention in Libya, and the increased use of veto power by China and Russia after Libya’s intervention.

Political Science
Mentor: Jacob Wobig

Occupational therapy is used in many different aspects of many people’s lives. Pediatrics is where I spent this semester interning. Pediatric occupational therapy works with children to better their social skills, sensory regulation, fine and gross motor skills, and better school performance. In an outpatient clinics, occupational therapists use many different techniques based on the specific needs of the children. During the semester, I completed an internship with a local outpatient clinic. I helped with many different tasks and helped keep the facilities clean. I learned a lot about occupational therapy and how different therapists work. 

During the semester, I completed many projects for the clinic including a binder of activities and a three to five step visual tool. These projects are now being used for everyday clinical use. I also had the help of Dr. Candace Lapan with reflecting on my time in the clinic and learning how to connect with different occupational therapists.

Psychology
Mentor: Candace Lapan

This poster provides an overview of a semester-long occupational therapy internship and highlights key experiences and lessons learned throughout the placement. It begins with a brief description of the internship setting and my role, as well as the skills and knowledge developed through observing and participating in patient care.

The poster also includes a case study focused on one patient encountered during the internship. This case study outlines the patient’s diagnosis, functional challenges, and the occupational therapy interventions used during treatment. It also examines the patient’s progress and outcomes over time.

By combining an overview of the internship with a patient case study, this presentation demonstrates how real-world clinical experience contributes to a deeper understanding of occupational therapy practice and the role of individualized interventions in supporting patient function and independence.

Psychology
Mentor: Matt Davis

Introduction: The primary objective is to investigate the pharmacological profile of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), its abuse potential and toxicological risks, and to highlight pharmacist’s role in informing healthcare providers and the public about these concerns. 7-OH is an opioid agonist with high binding affinity for the mu-opioid receptor. It is found in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa) and has been consumed to alleviate headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. Recently, increasing amounts of the psychoactive compound 7-OH have been extracted from the leaf, concentrated, and enhanced for recreational use to achieve euphoria. It is largely unregulated and poses risks for classic opioid effects such as respiratory depression, sedation, and abuse/physical dependence. 7-OH is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any therapeutic indication. Multiple U.S. states have issued warning alerts regarding its dangers. Despite these warnings, 7-OH remain available online, and in retail smoke shops and gas stations across the U.S.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze recent pharmacology, toxicology, and adverse event reports related to 7-OH. PubMed, Natural Medicines, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords of “7-hydroxymitragynine,” “7-OH,” “opioid effects,” “pharmacology,” and “toxicity.” FDA reports, state press releases, poison control center data, and literature describing adverse effects and toxicities associated with 7-OH exposure were evaluated and summarized.

Results: 7-OH exhibits approximately 13-fold greater potency than morphine and easily crosses the blood–brain barrier. Its adverse effect profile closely resembles that of conventional opioids and includes central nervous system depression, sedation, analgesia, dizziness, and euphoria. With chronic use, tolerance, physical dependence, and opioid-like withdrawal symptoms upon cessation may occur. There is significant abuse liability and overdose risk, particularly at high doses or when combined with other central nervous system depressants. Consumers are often unaware of the amount ingested because enhanced products may contain up to 500% more 7-OH than naturally present in kratom leaves. Since 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has identified 103 U.S. cases involving 7-OH or mitragynine, with overdose fatalities increasing three-fold after 2022. Clinical reports describe outcomes including cognitive impairment, dependence, severe psychiatric symptoms, and fatality associated with 7-OH, mitragynine, and kratom-derived products. Individuals with underlying substance use or psychiatric disorders were at higher risk.

Conclusion: Current literature shows that 7-OH is not benign, has no approved clinical use, and may contribute to severe toxicity or death. Pharmacists play a role in educating healthcare professionals and the public about these risks. Although complete avoidance is the safest approach, pharmacists can counsel patients on harm-reduction strategies emphasizing overdose risk, avoidance of concomitant substance use, and carrying naloxone (Narcan). Consumers should carefully review product labeling to avoid 7-OH-containing products. If adverse events occur, individuals should contact the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) or emergency services. Finally, it must be reinforced that products containing 7-OH have no FDA-approved therapeutic indication and their distribution is considered illegal in the United States.

Pharmacy
Mentor: Samir Kouzi

In litter bearing species, it is found that exposure to a male littermate while in utero may negatively affect the reproductive potential of female co-littermate as adults. In sheep, one year old ewes (ewe lambs) are often bred to increase producer profitability. However, young ewes may have lower conception rates and require careful nutritional and reproductive management because they are still growing while supporting pregnancy. This study aims to determine if in utero exposure to a female or male co-twin affects reproductive parameters, including fetal loss, in one-year old ewes. Pregnancy diagnosis using ultrasonography was conducted on approximately days 35 to 50 of gestation in 799 one-year old ewes at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station from 2015-2017, 2023 and 2024. Breeds included purebred or hybrid mixes of Polypay, Suffolk, Targhee and Rambouillet. Pregnancy and lambing rate, average number of fetuses and lambs born per ewe will be determined. Fetal counts at ultrasonography will be compared to corresponding lambing records to determine the percentage of total (complete pregnancy loss) and partial (reduction of litter size only) loss occurring in ewes born with a male or female littermate. Statistical analysis will be determined by ANOVA using the PROC MIXED and procedure of SAS. We hope that examining this effect on pregnancy rate and fetal losses will provide greater insight into how interactions with male offspring in utero may potentially affect reproduction in one-year old ewes.

Biology
Mentor: Alison Brown

In litter-bearing mammals, fetuses develop in close proximity within the uterus, resulting in variation in the intrauterine environment experienced by individuals within the same litter. Exposure to neighboring male fetuses may alter female development and influence reproductive success later in life. While these intrauterine effects have been reported in several species, little is known about how littermate sex affects reproductive outcomes in adult ewes. Understanding these relationships is important because embryonic and fetal mortality contribute to economic losses in sheep production. This study aims to determine if in-utero exposure to a female or male co-twin or triplet affects pregnancy rate and fetal loss in ewes two years or older. Pregnancy diagnosis using ultrasonography was conducted on approximately days 35 to 50 of gestation then days 55-70 in 213 ewes (167 as twins and 46 as triplets) at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station from years 2016 and 2023. The ages of the ewes range from 2 to 6 years. Breeds included purebred or hybrid mixes of Polypay, Suffolk, Targhee and Rambouillet. Pregnancy and lambing rate, average number of fetuses and birth weight, offspring sex ratio, and average number of lambs born per ewe will be determined. Fetal counts for both time periods at ultrasonography will be compared to corresponding lambing records to determine the percentage of total (complete pregnancy loss) and partial (reduction of litter size only) loss occurring in ewes born with a male or female littermate (co-twin or triplet). Statistical analysis will be determined by ANOVA using the PROC MIXED and procedure of SAS. We hope that examining this effect on pregnancy rate and fetal losses will provide greater insight into how interactions with male offspring in-utero may potentially affect reproductive parameters including fetal loss in the adult ewe.

Biology (Pre-PA)
Mentor: Alison Brown

While views on mental health and help-seeking behaviors in adulthood have been demonstrated to be influenced by early childhood emotional experiences, these correlations may differ among cultural, socioeconomic groups. Although there are conflicting direct relationships across childhood experiences and the probability of seeking treatment, prior correlational research has found connections between nurturing adolescent early-life environments and decreased stigma around mental health. Expanding on this framework, the current study focuses only on first-generation immigrant women, a demographic that frequently deals with stigma, conflicting cultural norms, and obstacles to mental health treatment. While help-seeking attitudes are evaluated across dimensions of psychological openness, help-seeking tendency, and indifference to stigma, childhood emotional experiences are defined through perceived emotional support, expressiveness, and familial openness during upbringing. The current investigation uses a correlational design to investigate whether early emotional experiences have an indirect effect on help-seeking behaviors in this population. The results of this study are intended to guide future interventions that lessen stigma and increase immigrant women’s access to mental healthcare, as well as to advance a more culturally sensitive understanding of mental health help-seeking.

Psychology
Mentor: Allison Kellar

The Union County Heritage Trail, located at the UC Agricultural Center, is a managed site that supports a mix of plant species shaped by both natural conditions and human activity. This study is continuing research from the Fall semester, focusing on a floristic inventory to better understand plant diversity at the site. Field observations and species identification were used to document plant species present. More than 30 species have been identified, including both native and non-native plants, with some classified as invasive. Each species documented is represented by a collected voucher specimen deposited in the Wingate University herbarium.  In addition to identifying species, different plant community types across the site were also observed and described. This project provides baseline data on plant diversity along the Heritage Trail and offers insight into ecosystem health while supporting future research and conservation efforts.

Biology
Mentor: Aliya Davenport

Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism exhibit changes in synapse formation. The complexities of synapse development have prompted scientists to design neurons made from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) that mimic synapse development in the brain. We research the mechanisms by which dendritic filopodia, structures found in developing dendrites, promote synapse formation and are altered in neuronal disorders. Adhesion molecules, such as N-Cadherin, initiate synapse formation between dendritic filopodia and axon terminals in developing neural circuits. In our research, we immunostain for proteins to identify neurons (doublecortin), associated spine precursors (drebrin), and the adhesion molecule N-cadherin. We then assess whether the presence of the adhesion molecule, N-cadherin, in spine precursors corresponds with increased synapse formation by immunostaining for presynaptic axon terminals using vGlut-1. These studies are being conducted in both 2-D human neurons and 3-D human cortical brain spheroids. The samples are then imaged using a confocal microscope and analyzed to determine the number of spine precursors with an N-Cadherin cluster and their association with presynaptic partners. Thus far, our findings do not support an association between the presence of N-Cadherin and association with a pre-synaptic partner. Similar studies are being conducted in mouse primary neurons to determine whether the mechanisms of synapse formation are conserved between humans and mice, thus uncovering shared principles of mammalian synaptogenesis. Future studies will use knockdown approaches to assess whether N-Cadherin is required for initiation and/or subsequent stabilization of synaptic contacts.

Elementary Education
Mentor: Brie Leggat Johnson

The National Football League (NFL) has amassed an audience of over 400 million globally, with many fans following their favorite teams via different social media platforms. This study examines how NFL teams use their social media platforms to market, promote, and support social change, while also comparing how these social media campaigns perform in comparison to traditional promotions on social media. This research analyzes the different social media content from NFL teams and how their content promoting social change or a specific cause differs from content promoting a player or event. Specifically, the differences in likes, shares, comments, and further actions of posts related to social change versus traditional promotional content. Specifically, this research analyzed Instagram and X posts from various NFL teams, comparing engagement metrics—including likes, shares, reposts, and comments between posts promoting social causes and posts highlighting players or events. The findings indicate that information about social change or specific causes reaches a broader audience through the National Football League teams’ social media, producing a distinct type of engagement from fans compared to traditional promotion content. Results indicate that different types of social media content produced by sports organizations generate varying levels and forms of fan engagement, with social and cause-related posts often producing different levels of fan engagement compared to promotional content.

Communications & Sport Management
Mentor: Nick DeLangie

The Evaluation of the Life Skills Courses at Julia’s Learning focuses on the academic support initiative designed to aid students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Wingate University. Julia’s Learning aims to address the psychosocial and developmental needs of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is in order to provide the guidance, encouragement, and support needed to succeed in the Inclusive Post-Secondary Education program. Enabling the students to grow into productive members of society. Julia’s Learning is focused on assisting students in improving their academic performance and life skills, helping them to develop confidence and independence in their daily lives. Specifically, this is an evaluation of the specialized classes that all Julia's Learning students participate in. The goal of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness, accessibility, and value of Julia’s Learning services among Wingate University students. With this evaluation, we aim to provide ideas for improvement as well as highlight the areas of strength where the classes reach their goals.

Public Health
Mentor: Katie Knop

We are planning to do a poster presentation based on a needs assessment that we have undertaken with the organization, Julia's Learning. In this needs assessment, we are looking at the needs that can be made within the Julia's Learning students. The purpose of this needs assessment is to better understand the current strengths of the program as well as identify areas where improvements could be made to better support the students' success. The poster presentation will present practical recommendations for improvement, this may include implementing new strategies , increasing access to resources, or enhancing communication between students and staff. The goal is to provide realistic and helpful suggestions that can positively impact the learning experience for the students at Julia's learning. This needs assessment will help point out key challenges that are commonly faced by the Julia's Learning students, and will give ideas and solutions to help solve those challenges. This assessment aims to raise awareness about the importance of understanding and addressing individual learning needs. By identifying both the strengths and areas for growth , the needs assessment can help Julia's learning continue to improve and better serve its students. Overall, this poster presentation will give a clear and understanding visual that will present this information in an interesting and engaging way.

Public Health
Mentor: Katie Knop

This transformation, however, took different forms across different political and cultural contexts. In both France and the United States, abortion moved from the private sphere into public debate, but was framed very distinctly through cultural, institutional and ideological history of each country. In France, the principle of laïcité  encouraged the treatment of abortion as a matter of public health and civil equality. In the US, abortion became deeply embedded in the moral conflict and identity politics becoming a way for the patriarchal system to shape abortion. 

This paper asks: to what extent has the transition of abortion from a private domestic dilemma to a public policy issue challenged patriarchal state authority in France and the United States? Through a comparative analysis of Simone Veil’s 1974 National Assembly speech, the oral arguments of Roe v. Wade, presented by the defense lawyer Sarah Weddington, and contemporary research, this study argues that the politicization of abortion in both countries challenged patriarchal authority. It will expose the limits of male dominated decision making, showing the different mechanisms and historical and cultural frameworks that led to these differences. This challenge emerged in France through the secular, state centered logic of public health and equality. While in the United States, it unfolded through a polarized moral debate and constitutional struggle shaped by the religious impact.

Pharmacy
Mentor: Samir Kouzi

Objective: Berberine is a plant-derived isoquinoline alkaloid that has recently been referred to as “nature’s Ozempic” in popular media due to claims that it has similar blood sugar-lowering and weight loss effects as prescription GLP-1 receptor agonists. Although berberine is widely available in the United States as an over-the-counter supplement, clinical evidence supporting these claims remains limited. Given berberine’s pharmacologic mechanisms and increasing popularity for weight loss, a review of the literature is essential to evaluate its safety and efficacy in the treatment of obesity. Pharmacists play a critical role in guiding patients toward the evidence-based use of berberine. The objective of this literature review was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of berberine, and define the role of pharmacists in optimizing its use for weight loss. 

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and NatMed Pro to systematically search human clinical trials and meta-analyses published as of October of 2025. Search terms included “berberine,” “berberine and weight loss,” “berberine and obesity,” and “berberine pharmacology.” Studies were included that assessed berberine’s effects on weight loss, metabolic outcomes, or obesity indices. This review included data extracted on dosage, duration of therapy, and efficacy and safety outcomes. 

Results: Results from randomized human controlled trials and meta-analyses indicate that berberine supplementation demonstrated consistent improvements in anthropometric measures associated with obesity, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), with less consistent effects on total body weight. Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated at doses > 1 gram for durations of > 12 weeks. The primary mechanism of action of berberine is concluded to occur through activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which results in increased glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation and metabolism shifts from storage to utilization, leading to improved glycemic control and reduction of body fat. Additional mechanisms include modulation of adipogenesis, improved insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammatory effects, and increased secretion of appetite-regulating hormones such as GLP-1.

Berberine has been reported to have a favorable safety profile across randomized human controlled trials and meta-analyses, with the most commonly reported adverse effects being mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms. Clinically relevant drug interactions may occur through inhibition of CYP2C9, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 enzymes, warranting the use of caution when using concomitantly with certain medications, including cyclosporine and antidiabetic agents.

Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that berberine is safe, well-tolerated, and may support weight loss efforts. Berberine use has been associated with statistically significant reductions in WC and BMI, and modest reductions in total body weight across clinical trials. Berberine effects have been concluded to be dose and duration dependent. Berberine is concluded to be a clinically appropriate add-on for weight loss therapy. Due to its modest effects on total body weight, the use of berberine as primary therapy for weight loss is not recommended. Pharmacists play a crucial role in patient education, including appropriate dosing, potential drug interactions, and reinforcing that berberine should be used as complementary therapy rather than a replacement for physician-recommended lifestyle modifications or weight-management pharmacotherapy.

Biology (Pre-Med)
Mentor: Brett Schofield

With the current state of immigration policies and priorities of the federal government under this current presidential administration, it raises the question of what state governments and officials can do to resist or separate themselves from federal immigration policy. My purpose in this project is to determine what role state governments and officials can play in shaping and enforcing immigration policy in ways that differ from, and even push back against, federal government immigration policy priorities. By exploring various U.S. Supreme Court cases and legal scholars' analyses of court rulings, I will provide thorough insight into the legitimate options that local and state governments have to avoid assisting the federal government in immigration enforcement. When it comes to states differing in their stances on laws and policies enacted by the federal government, it is important to recognize that states do have their own rights. The idea of a “state” implies sovereignty, and that sovereignty includes constitutional protections against the federal government “commandeering” states. Determining the limitations and powers of the states falls within the Constitution and legal precedents set by Supreme Court cases. The 10th Amendment of the Constitution asserts that powers not explicitly given to the federal government are given to the states. This idea was then supported by various Supreme Court cases, such as New York v. United States, Printz v. United States, and even extended by Murphy v. NCAA. Therefore, states can differentiate themselves from the acts and agendas of the federal government while still adhering to the Constitution. Though states cannot enact any immigration policies themselves, they can use federalism to influence outcomes and rebalance the scales to some extent. This can be done via adopting laws and policies, such as those of a "sanctuary". Sanctuary laws, when adopted by local or state governments, make it so they can refuse to aid the federal government in enforcing a policy they created. To follow through with their goals, the federal government relies heavily on local and state cooperation; without this, it would make it difficult to do things such as reach deportation goals. According to The Center for Immigration Studies, there are currently 12 states and dozens of local governments with sanctuary policies in place. In this project, I intend to demonstrate that although states are not allowed to obstruct federal policy, because obstruction is a line that states are not allowed to cross, states can nevertheless refuse to aid federal officials, and this is a legitimate choice that state officials can make.

Political Science
Mentor: Chelsea Kaufman

My project is about tracking the patterns of political mass mobilisation (or populism) from the left, right, and in some cases center. Populism has been a driving force in politics ever since our nation was founded, with the revolutionaries leading a populist movement against the British monarchy. Those revolutionaries later split into factions, of which those more sceptical of the power of the federal government became the Democratic-Republican Party, a populist movement that stressed fundamental rights and freedoms. Populism has been ever present as a driving force in American politics, from the Silver currency movement, to the Civil Rights movement, however populism in modern times has taken on a form that has never really existed. Movements like Occupy, the Tea Party, Trumpism, or Progressive Democrats all exhibit populistic traits of mass mobilisation (protests and rallies), anti-establishment rhetoric (opposing the elites or capitalism), civic engagement (talking to the people/constituents), and in specific cases personality politics (supporting a single, charismatic leader). These factors together have created a new phenomenon I call "Modern Populism". Modern Populism focuses on the problems exhibited by the modern social order present in the United States such as wealth inequality, climate change, job scarcity, and others. My project will attempt to prove that these movements are all a part of this Modern Populist wave.

History and Political Science
Mentor: Chelsea Kaufman

Government Interference With the NIL explores the federal government's role in regulating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college sports. The project examines whether federal laws are necessary to ensure the safety and equality of athletes, given the existing NCAA rules and regulations. While the NCAA only allows for schools to use $20.5 million of their own money to be allocated for NIL contracts, third-party funds have given tens of millions to the schools, which have no standing regulations per the NCAA. This has created an unfair balance between the schools as conferences such as the Power 5 are given double, if not triple, the funds as the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The project analyzes the gender gap between college athletes and their sports and the funding they are given. Additionally, it looks into the integrity of college athletics and the games played. As well as the fairness between schools due to budgeting. It also looks into whether or not these athletes should be considered as employees and, therefore, if the government needs to regulate the way these students should be compensated, such as health care. The project dives into many other issues to decide whether or not the federal government has the right to interfere, or even if they should.

Political Science
Mentor: Chelsea Kaufman

Political trust is widely considered an essential foundation for the functioning and stability of democratic systems. When citizens trust political institutions, they are more likely to accept political decisions, participate in democratic processes, and view the political system as legitimate. In recent years, however, scholars have observed a decline in political trust across many democratic societies. At the same time, populist and extremist political movements have gained increasing support. These developments raise an important question about the relationship between political distrust and the rise of extremist attitudes.

This project examines whether political distrust is associated with stronger support for extremist or anti-democratic views in Germany. Drawing on existing political science research on populism, political trust, and democratic legitimacy, the study explores the theoretical relationship between declining institutional trust and the appeal of extremist political positions. Previous research suggests that citizens who feel politically alienated or believe that political elites do not represent their interests may be more open to political alternatives that challenge democratic institutions.

The proposed analysis uses survey data, such as the Leipzig Authoritarianism Study, which measures political attitudes and levels of trust in political institutions within the German population. Political trust is treated as the independent variable, while support for extremist or authoritarian attitudes is the dependent variable. Statistical analysis can be used to examine whether lower levels of political trust are associated with greater support for extremist views.

Understanding the relationship between political distrust and extremist attitudes is important for explaining recent political developments in Germany and other democratic societies. The findings of this research may contribute to broader discussions about democratic stability, political polarization, and the rise of populist and extremist movements.

Political Science
Mentors: Chelsea Kaufman

This research examines the rapid social and political changes that occurred in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of United States troops in 2021, which resulted in the return of the Taliban to power. Prior to this shift, the country operated under a democratic system known as the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. However, after the Taliban took control, Afghanistan quickly transitioned into an authoritarian society, with policies that specifically target Afghan women. Under these restrictions, women are prohibited from attending school past the sixth grade, required to follow strict dress codes, and face severe limitations on employment opportunities. Many international organizations have described these policies as a form of “gender apartheid.”

In addition to the oppression of women, this research analyzes the economic, political, and religious instability that has emerged in Afghanistan since 2021. Millions of citizens have been affected by the loss of foreign aid and the country’s weakened international relations. Environmental factors have further intensified these challenges, as severe droughts and damaging floods have heavily impacted Afghanistan’s agriculture and crop production.

Finally, this research addresses the ongoing security threats within the region, particularly the presence of extremist groups that contribute to continued instability and broader global security concerns.

Political Science
Mentor: Chelsea Kaufman

In this project , I will be conducting research on how violent rhetoric used by people in power , such as government officials , parental figures , professors or other educational teachers and most importantly , news networks , gives rise to violence in society. The violence is a direct result of the fear that is instilled by these people in power onto society as a result of framing people into an extreme version of what they actually are. This results in society fearing this exaggerated version of the people in charge of their country and also causes the key principles of democracy to become less trustworthy and the political system to become more and more polarised. This ultimately results in violence and also democracy falling apart , less trust in the government institutions and most importantly of all , the incapability of having rational and respectable conversations and rather immediately resulting to violence. 

Political Science
Mentor: Chelsea Kauffman 

One Day One Dog was led by Lezlie and me. We guided 30 high school juniors and seniors from the Wayfind Scholar Program through a series of leadership activities designed to introduce them to the many opportunities available at Wingate. Our goal was to help students learn how to demonstrate leadership in a college environment by participating in hands-on service projects that highlighted the impact of campus involvement. The day began with icebreakers to help everyone get acquainted, followed by interactive games that introduced key leadership concepts. Students then participated in a Lunch and Learn session, where a panel of Wingate students from diverse backgrounds shared their experiences and discussed how involvement in various campus organizations helped them discover their identities. Afterward, the students engaged in three different service projects before returning to their high schools. On a personal level, Lezlie and I learned a great deal from organizing Lead the Day. Coordinating schedules, developing outlines and itineraries, collaborating with campus professionals, and gathering their input were all valuable parts of the process. We also worked to ensure the information was relevant and meaningful to students close to our age. Ultimately, we hope that these students will feel comfortable, confident, and ready to discover their true identities when they step onto Wingate’s campus in the next year or two.

Sports and Recreation Management
Mentor: Brandy Clemmer

This project goes through the reasons for the differences in government responses to far-right extremism in the United kingdom and the United States. In recent decades, both countries have faced a rise in far-right extremist movements, including white nationalist groups, anti-government militias, and online radicalisation networks. Despite facing similar ideological threats, the two governments have responded in notably different ways due to differences in legal frameworks, political traditions, and national security priorities.

The study explores how Britain’s counter-terrorism strategy has generally taken a more centralised and preventative approach. Policies such as Prevent Strategy, part of the broader Contest Counter‑Terrorism Strategy, focus on identifying early signs of radicalisation and intervening before individuals become involved in violent extremist activity. British law also allows the government to ban extremist organisations and prosecute individuals for encouraging or supporting terrorism, even if an attack has not yet occurred. This reflects the country’s broader counter-terrorism framework developed after events such as the July 7, 2005 London bombings, which led to expanded surveillance and preventative policing powers.

In contrast, the United States’ response has been more constrained by constitutional protections, particularly those related to free speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. While U.S. agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security monitor and investigate far-right extremist threats, the government faces greater legal limitations in banning domestic extremist groups or prosecuting individuals for ideological expression alone. As a result, American responses often focus on criminal acts rather than pre-emptive restrictions on organisations or speech. 

Political Science
Mentor: Chelsea Kaufman

My project aims at explaining why political polarization in the United States has intensified and why American's who can lead very similar lives hold such drastically different political views from one another. Drawing on research from scholars such Markus Prior, Matthew Levendusky, Natalie Jomini Stroud, and Shanto Iyengar, along with statistical backing from the Pew Research center, the essay argues that polarization is shaped by a combination of media environments and human psychological tendencies rather than media influence alone.

Prior research draws into question how modern media has changed political engagement. During earlier broadcast times citizens with no interest in politics would still be exposed to news. Today, that landscape has changed due to the vast amount of choice involved in what we can watch. Now those with no interest in politics have the ability to avoid them all together, while those invested in politics have the ability to selectively choose what they see. Prior states this does not automatically turn moderates into extremists, but it creates a separation in the ideologies amongst our populace. 

Levendusky's experimental research demonstrates that exposure to like-minded partisan identity and increase hostility toward toward opposing political groups. This shows how partisan media can intensify emotional responses while strengthening in-group loyalty, due to the biased exposure to information. This does not often change political beliefs or policy opinions, but is used to make the divide amongst the populace grow.

Selective exposure, as described in Stroud's work, in instrumental in increasing political polarization. Individuals actively choose news sources that match their ideological preferences, reinforcing confirmation bias and strengthening partisan identity. Research by Iyengar and Hahn shows that people prefer news outlets that conform to their ideological beliefs, even if the messaging and sourcing is identical across multiple sources. This shows that people are moved to conform to what group they identify with regardless of content being presented. 

Survey data from the Pew Research Center demonstrates how Republicans and Democrats source information from different sources, reducing common ground which has been known to lead to increased polarization due to "media ecosystem bubbles" which allow for our populace to never engage with conflicting stories, allowing false narratives to grow into factual beliefs engrained in voters. 

The psychological foundations of group behavior heavily contribute to polarization as well. Experiments from Solomon Asch demonstrate the likelihood  one is to conform to an incorrect group of opinions due to the fear of social rejection. Evolutionary theory proposed by David Sloan Wilson and Edward O. Wilson suggests humans have evolved to depend on group cooperation for survival, which encourages loyalty to social groups and shared beliefs.

In conclusion, this essay aims to identify and explain the current polarized nature of the American political system. Shedding light on the current media enviroment which is designed to isolate and polarize, using selective exposure, confirmation bias, and psychological programing. All of which drive a wedge amongst our nation, causing for an environment that can be easily moved by passion.

Political Science
Mentor: Jacob Wobig

What really keeps a democracy alive? For a long times, politicaln science has relied on two main answers. The first, Modernization Theory, suggests that as a country gets wealthier and more educated, it naturally becomes more stables. The second focuses on Institutional Architecture, arguing that the specific "rule of the game" like wheter a country has a presidential or parliamentary system determine its survival. However, the recent rise of democratic backsliding in some of the world's richest, most established nations proves that these old formuas are no longer enough.

This research re-examines the foundational work of scholars like Seymour Martin Lipset  and José Antonio Cheibub through a 21st-century lens. It introduces a critical new variable: the digital information ecosystem. While early theorists believed that a "well-to-do" and educated middle class would be immune to extremist demagogues, modern social media algorithms have changed the landscape. Today unregulayed digital spaces can fuel radicalization and "furtive" erosion even in societies with high GDP's and strong constitutions.

By comparing historical theories with contemporary cases of democratic decline, this project investigates wheter the health of the "digital public square " has become the most vital prerequisite for stability in the modern era. Unlike the sudden military coups of the 20th century, today's democratic failures are often a slow, and driven by algorithmes decline in truth and trust. This study argues that to understand the level of democracy in any developed country today, we must look beyond the economy and the law and focus on the digital reality where political life now happens. 

Political Science
Mentor: Chelsea Kaufman

Science Centers have the capacity to create a meaningful, socially-mediated learning experience that can not compare to in other formal learning environments. (Ucko, 2013) It provides children with the opportunities to be able to learn about science in guided play environments and hands-on exhibits.  Unlike traditional learning settings, science centers allow children to achieve specific learning goals while maintaining a fun, engaging and flexible environment for exploration.The variety of exhibits allows children to explore science topics through play allowing a deeper understanding in science. Children have the opportunity to learn about science indirectly while having fun and engaging in the exhibit. (Wright et al., 2025)

The current mixed methods study examined how children ages 4 to 12 years of age interacted with a variety of exhibits at the Monroe Science Center. Participants engaged with one of three exhibits in the science center: water table, sand table, or space table. Children completed a pre-survey to assess their science knowledge related to the exhibit they were assigned to. Participants were then video and audio recorded as they engaged with the exhibit as much or as little as they liked. Participants were then free to explore other exhibits and completed a post survey before they left the science center to assess their science knowledge again as well as their interest in science topics. 

We predicted that longer amounts of time spent at the exhibit would predict greater science knowledge as more hands-on learning at the exhibit would support the encoding process, in which new science knowledge can transfer from short term to long term memory. We also expected that time spent at the exhibit would correlate with greater science motivation. Finally, we predicted differences in science motivation and learning based on the type of exhibit, as the three exhibits offered different types of interaction. We predicted children would spend more time at the sand and water tables because they are tangible and sensory based experiments that allow more opportunities for exploration and imagination. Thus we also expected greater learning and science motivation for the sand and water tables as well. 

The current presentation will detail the results of the study as well as the implications of the findings for the design of science center exhibits as it relates to learning and scientific literacy.
The exhibits included a water table that allows children to explore water movement, a sand table that supports sensory digging and building with kinetic sand and projection technology, and a space table that provides a digital touchscreen interface for screen based interaction rather than tactile play.

Psychology
Mentor: Candace Lapan

While views on mental health and help-seeking behaviors in adulthood have been demonstrated to be influenced by early childhood emotional experiences, these correlations may differ among cultural, socioeconomic groups. Although there are conflicting direct relationships across childhood experiences and the probability of seeking treatment, prior correlational research has found connections between nurturing adolescent early-life environments and decreased stigma around mental health. Expanding on this framework, the current study focuses only on first-generation immigrant women, a demographic that frequently deals with stigma, conflicting cultural norms, and obstacles to mental health treatment. While help-seeking attitudes are evaluated across dimensions of psychological openness, help-seeking tendency, and indifference to stigma, childhood emotional experiences are defined through perceived emotional support, expressiveness, and familial openness during upbringing. The current investigation uses a correlational design to investigate whether early emotional experiences have an indirect effect on help-seeking behaviors in this population. The results of this study are intended to guide future interventions that lessen stigma and increase immigrant women’s access to mental healthcare, as well as to advance a more culturally sensitive understanding of mental health help-seeking.

History
Mentor: Benjamin Thorne

The project will contain research in regards to the recent changes made towards the political landscape and attractiveness of Salvadoran residency in relation to the stance which President Nayib Bukele has taken on crime and corruption within El Salvador. The project will explore the correlation between factors of crime statistics, government corruption, and the effect that Bukele’s policies have had on these factors. Which will determine how affected factors such as voter participation, voting patterns, and population changes 

Political Science
Mentor: Chelsea Kaufman

The School of Sport Sciences Leadership Academy Summit is a development program designed to strengthen engagement, mentorship, and long-term investment in Leadership Academy events. This project focuses on creating a collaborative summit that reconnects students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals while also introducing meaningful opportunities for freshman connection and mentorship within the School of Sport Sciences community. A central component of this initiative is the intentional use of insights and experiences gained from previous Leadership Academy Summits to improve the design, engagement, and overall impact of future events.
Through structured networking opportunities and mentorship programming, freshmen will be paired with upperclassmen who can provide guidance on professional skills, career exploration, and leadership development within sport sciences fields. This intentional mentorship model aims to foster a supportive environment where new students feel welcomed, connected, and engaged in the Leadership Academy. This mentorship structure will be implemented in response to reflections from prior summit participants, who identified relationship-building and personal connections as key components of the summit experience.

In addition to strengthening internal connections among students, the summit will feature keynote speakers, discussions, volunteering, and interactive sessions with professionals in sports sciences and sports management. These events allow participants to engage directly with industry leaders, ask questions, and gain insight into potential career paths. By creating spaces for conversation and collaboration, the summit encourages students to build professional networks that extend beyond the classroom. Programming elements are intentionally shaped by lessons learned from previous summits, allowing organizers to enhance activities that proved most impactful while introducing new opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

Ultimately, the Leadership Academy Summit seeks to reimagine how academy events can serve as catalysts for mentorship, professional networking, and leadership growth. Using stakeholder past participant experiences, the summit seeks to continuously evolve and better serve the needs of current and future Leadership Academy members. By integrating freshman connection, peer mentorship, and industry engagement, this approach will strengthen the School of Sport Sciences Leadership Academy community and inspire the next generation of sport science leaders.

Exercise Science
Mentor: Brandy Clemmer

My project will examine public opinion regarding the actions taken by the Trump administration. In particular, it will focus on two major areas that have received significant attention and debate: the tensions and military conflict involving Iran and Venezuela. And the policies and actions carried out by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Throughout the Trump presidency, many decisions and policies have been widely discussed and often viewed as controversial by different groups of people. Because of this, public opinion has shifted at different points during his time in office. This project will explore how people’s views toward these policies have changed over the course of the presidency. By looking at polls, news coverage, and public commentary, the research will attempt to understand whether people still support the policies and ideas they voted for during the election. It will also examine whether certain events or decisions influenced the way the public reacted to the administration’s actions. In addition, the project will analyze President Trump’s approval ratings during different points of his presidency to see how they may connect to public opinion about these issues. By comparing approval ratings with major events and policy decisions, the research hopes to better understand how public attitudes developed and changed over time.

Political Science
Mentor: Chelsea Kaufman

There has been controversy regarding whether individuals on one side of politics are more aggressive than those on the other. However, there has also been previous research that looks at the correlational relationship between extremism and aggression on either political side. A previous study in a PSYC307 course looked at the correlational relationship between political affiliation and aggression. Approximately 40 undergraduate students from Wingate University completed the online survey. The political affiliation was measured using scale from the Pew Research Institute based on how much they agree/disagree on Liberal and Conservative ideologies. Then, participants completed the Aggression Questionnaire (AGQ). Results did not reveal a significant relationship between political affiliation and aggression, and findings were somewhat consistent with previous research. Unless participants are extreme Conservatives or Liberals, there may not be a relationship. To expand on this project, a literature review will be done on this topic and on previous literature to help critique the study from last semester's PSYC307 course. 

Psychology
Mentor: Ann Phillips

Background: Studies indicate that consumers frequently misinterpret information on the FDA-mandated Drug Facts Label of nonprescription products, including identifying active ingredients, detecting duplicate therapy, matching symptoms to indications, and applying warnings to comorbidities or concomitant medications. An educational intervention about the nonprescription Drug Facts Label was designed to increase understanding of safe and effective use of cough and cold nonprescription medications and consumer confidence in selecting products.

Methods: This pre-post interventional study was conducted among participants in rural North Carolina counties. Participants completed a pre-survey to evaluate baseline knowledge of the Drug Facts Label, including active ingredients, indications, and medication avoidance with certain conditions. They then received a brief educational intervention from an educational brochure delivered by pharmacy students. A post-survey immediately followed to measure knowledge retention and understanding. 

Results: Eighty-six participants completed both surveys. Average knowledge scores increased from 3.59 to 4.21 out of 5 (p < 0.05). Confidence in selecting nonprescription cough and cold products increased from 36% to 74%. The most notable improvement was in correct identification of active ingredients (from 73.3% to 94.2%).

Conclusion: This study found that a brief, student pharmacist-led educational intervention significantly improved both confidence and knowledge related to the safe and effective use of nonprescription cough and cold medications.

Pharmacy
Mentor: Lisa Dinkins

The increasing integration of productivity tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), into undergraduate academic work has raised questions about how these tools relate to academic performance and learning processes. This study examined associations among productivity tool usage frequency, AI Self-Regulated Productivity (AI-SRP), cognitive engagement, perceived academic effectiveness, study time, and GPA among undergraduate students during the Spring 2026 semester. Inspired by the operant side of self-regulated learning theory, hypotheses tested whether tool frequency and AI-mediated productivity behaviors were associated with academic and engagement-related outcomes. Survey data were analyzed using Pearson correlations. Results indicated that overall productivity tool usage frequency was not significantly related to GPA, though it was associated with perceived effectiveness and cognitive engagement. In contrast, AI-SRP, defined as AI-mediated planning, monitoring, and evaluative behaviors, was positively associated with cognitive engagement, perceived academic effectiveness, and tool usage frequency. AI-SRP showed a small negative correlation with GPA, suggesting potential compensatory use among lower-performing students rather than performance reduction. Collectively, these findings suggest that frequency of productivity tool use alone does not predict academic success. Instead, the way students intentionally regulate and evaluate AI use appears more closely aligned with engagement-related processes. This study contributes to emerging research on AI integration in higher education by distinguishing passive tool adoption from strategic AI-assisted regulation within academic contexts.

Management
Mentor: Kristin Stowe

New Orleans is widely recognized as one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the United States. Known for its music, cuisine, festivals, and strong traditions, the city reflects a unique blend of cultures that have shaped its identity for generations. This cultural vitality is present in everyday life, from community celebrations to the preservation of historic neighborhoods, making New Orleans a symbol of resilience and creativity.

Despite its cultural strength, New Orleans faces significant environmental challenges. Much of the city lies below sea level, which makes it especially vulnerable to flooding and other natural disasters. These geographic conditions have played a major role in shaping the city’s history and have tested the resilience of its residents. In the face of devastating storms and widespread damage, the city demonstrated an extraordinary rebuilding process that brought together government agencies, local organizations, and community members.

Recovery efforts have focused not only on rebuilding infrastructure but also on strengthening the social and cultural foundations that define the city. Sites such as the Whitney Plantation highlight the importance of preserving history and educating visitors about the complex and often difficult past of the region. By maintaining spaces that honor historical truth, New Orleans ensures that future generations understand the stories that shaped the community.

Education and community programs also play a vital role in rebuilding and strengthening the city. Schools promote positive and diverse environments that encourage collaboration, cultural awareness, and opportunity for students from different backgrounds. While poverty continues to affect some neighborhoods, the city actively promotes programs and initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and creating pathways for growth.

Through resilience, cultural preservation, and community-driven progress, New Orleans continues to demonstrate that it is truly stronger than the storm.

Marketing
Mentor: Tarra Ellis

New Orleans is a city deeply rooted in spiritual traditions, cultural expression, music, and food, all of which reflect its rich and complex history. One example of the spiritual beliefs found in the city involves practices connected to cemeteries and the spirits of the dead. Some people believe that when leaving a cemetery, one should walk out backwards in order to confuse spirits that might try to follow them home. It is also common for individuals entering a cemetery to speak to the spirits believed to occupy the space, letting them know they mean no harm and do not want any trouble. These traditions reflect the blending of religious and cultural beliefs that developed over time. Catholicism has played a major role in shaping the spiritual life of New Orleans due to the influence of French and Spanish colonial rule. This influence can be seen in the presence of saints, religious rituals, and celebrations such as Mardi Gras. The city’s cemeteries are also unique because many graves are built above ground due to the high water table, creating what are often called “cities of the dead.” The tombs and statues found in these cemeteries frequently represent beliefs about the afterlife and protection. In addition, many ghost stories and pieces of folklore are connected to these historic cemeteries, contributing to the city’s reputation for supernatural experiences. Culture in New Orleans is also expressed through music, especially jazz, which fills the streets and reflects the city’s diverse cultural roots. Musicians often perform in public spaces, allowing both residents and visitors to experience the lively and melodic sounds that define the city. Finally, food plays an important role in understanding the cultural blend of New Orleans. Dishes such as jambalaya and gumbo highlight the mixture of cultural influences and offer a taste of the city’s long and vibrant history.

Psychology
Mentor: Tarra Ellis

This project aims to explore the concepts of resilience and the common good through the lens of our firsthand experiences with the city’s history, culture, and communities. The purpose of this specific project is to explore the various challenges that New Orleans has had to endure in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Much of what we learned came from hearing from eyewitnesses to the events. We also visited some historical sites, such as the Whitney Plantation and the National WWII Museum, to learn about the lasting effects that historical events such as slavery and the Second World War had on society. At the International School of Louisiana, we had the opportunity to experience a classroom and learn about cultural understanding and global awareness. In addition, we visited the French Quarter to experience another side of New Orleans. We heard live jazz music, took a cruise on the Creole Queen, and explored some of the region’s food. Throughout the trip, we enjoyed many Creole dishes, including gumbo, jambalaya, fried alligator, and beignets. These different experiences allowed us to gain a better understanding of the different factors that contribute to the resilience of New Orleans and the pursuit of the common good.

Environmental Biology
Mentor: Tarra Ellis

The melody of the people - Photos displaying music in the streets, a brief history of the music in New Orleans, along with famous people such as Trombone Shorty and Louis Armstrong.
Community- Education with the school we met, and how they recovered from Katrina, the common good, and how they came together to help everyone get back on their feet after Katrina.

Pre-Katrina – Talk about how the levees and the pumping system were neglected for years, which caused the main issues. How bad the evacuation was during/post Katrina – the storm was so strong that the levees and pumps broke, causing severe flooding in New Orleans. Not an adequate architect to withstand the storm, so many houses were destroyed. 

Present New Orleans – rebuilt and learned from the situation, new protocols that are taken into measure. But the damage from the storm has placed the city behind in time, making it hard for people who grew up there a harder for them to do something with their life or get out. 

Psychology
Mentors: Jay Wilder

Objective: Caffeine consumption is highly prevalent among college students and is often used to manage academic demands, despite associations with sleep disruption and adverse health effects. This study evaluated the impact of a brief, course-embedded educational intervention on college students’ knowledge, awareness, and self-reported caffeine consumption.
Participants: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in health-related courses at a private university in the southeastern United States.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre- and post-survey design. All students received a brief educational intervention consisting of a five-minute video on caffeine health effects, recommended intake limits, and caffeine content in common beverages, followed by a reflective caffeine-tracking assignment embedded in the course. Students who consented to participate in the research completed optional pre- and post-intervention surveys assessing caffeine knowledge, consumption behaviors, perceptions of dependence, readiness to change, and well-being. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests, and qualitative responses were analyzed thematically.

Results: A total of 113 students completed the pre-survey, and 48 completed the post-survey. Following the intervention, students demonstrated increased awareness of caffeine intake, improved knowledge of caffeine-related health information, and reduced perceived dependence on caffeine. Performance on knowledge-based questions improved, particularly regarding the recommended timing of caffeine discontinuation before sleep. Qualitative findings indicated increased mindfulness of caffeine sources, surprise regarding cumulative intake, and intentions to reduce consumption among many participants. Differences in mental well-being were observed between undergraduate and graduate students.

Conclusions: A brief, course-embedded educational intervention was effective in improving college students’ knowledge and awareness of caffeine consumption and prompted self-reflection regarding intake behaviors. These findings suggest that scalable, classroom-based educational strategies may serve as a practical approach to promoting healthier caffeine-related behaviors on college campuses.

Pharmacy
Mentor: Lisa Dinkins

Gun Control is one of the many issues facing our nation today. With this being such a big issue, as well as a difference between living and dying, it can prove helpful to see what specific factors influence the people of the United States to support or go against gun policies. This project examines the factors that influence public support for gun control policies in the United States. Understanding public opinion on gun policy is important because it helps explain political debates, policy decisions, and voting behavior surrounding firearm regulation.

This study focuses on three main explanatory variables: political party affiliation, personal experience with gun violence, and media consumption. Political party affiliation is expected to influence opinions on gun control because partisan identity often shapes policy preferences and political beliefs. Personal experience with gun violence may also affect attitudes toward gun policies, as individuals who have experienced gun-related harm may view gun regulation differently from those who have not. In addition, media consumption may influence how individuals understand and interpret gun policy issues, since news sources and political commentary often frame gun control debates in different ways.

By examining these variables, this research aims to better understand why individuals support or oppose gun control policies. Studying these influences can provide insight into how political identity, personal experiences, and information environments shape public attitudes toward one of the most debated policy issues in the United States.

Criminal Justice
Mentor: Chelsea Kaufman

Mental health disorders affect many Americans, highlighting the need for accessible and practical strategies to support mental well-being. Prior research suggests that outdoor exposure has been associated with improved mental health, though the immediate effects of brief outdoor exposure remain a gap in the literature. This study evaluates outcomes associated with brief exposure to outdoor environments during the workday on several self-reported mental health indices including anxiety, depression, mental clarity, energy, and self-esteem. In this pre-post interventional study without a control group, participants completed surveys before and after a 10-minute outdoor exposure during the workday. Perceived mental well-being was assessed using Likert scale survey items that were combined to create a composite score. The primary endpoint was change in composite score from baseline to post-intervention. Secondary endpoints included self-reported changes in anxiety, depression, mental clarity, energy levels, self-esteem, and perceived mental and physical health. The mean change in composite score from baseline to post-intervention was 3.94 (95% CI, 2.61 to 5.27, p < 0.01). Statistically significant changes were observed in the following: anxiety (-0.82; 95% CI, -1.19 to -0.45, p < 0.01), depression (-0.72; 95% CI, -1.41 to -0.38, p < 0.01), mental clarity (0.76; 95% CI, 0.38 to 1.12, p < 0.01), self-esteem (0.73; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.95, p < 0.01). The findings suggest that brief outdoor exposure during the workday may be associated with immediate improvements in self-reported mental well-being among working adults.

Pharmacy
Mentor: Evan Drake

The incidence of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) has increased worldwide over recent decades. Early disease recognition reduces the occurrence of complications. This study aimed to determine if a community health education intervention utilizing a storytelling teaching method could increase knowledge and awareness regarding T1DM among underserved communities to promote early recognition. Methods: Six pharmacy students delivered one‑on‑one and group educational sessions at various venues using standardized materials, including pamphlets, poster boards, and a narrative case titled “Recognizing the Signs: Bella’s Story.” The story illustrated the progression of unrecognized T1DM leading to complications, and discussions about common symptoms, risk factors, and management. Participants completed pre‑ and post‑surveys assessing demographics, knowledge, confidence, and perceived awareness. Pre- and post-survey responses were scored on a 10-point scale. Mean scores were calculated and compared using a paired t-test to assess differences in participant knowledge before and after the educational intervention. Results: A total of 124 individuals attended the sessions, with 100 completing both surveys. Most participants (76%) reported no prior T1DM education. Mean knowledge scores were 54.41% + 24.19 vs 87.47% + 16.32, pre- vs post-survey, respectively, with increases observed across all knowledge‑based questions. Participants demonstrated substantial gains in self‑reported familiarity with symptoms, confidence in recognizing warning signs, and awareness of reliable information sources. Approximately 89.5% of participants indicated that the storytelling method was effective, and 86.7% reported learning new information. Conclusion: These findings suggest the storytelling method is an effective means of education for understanding complex health concepts.

Pharmacy
Mentor: Amie Naylor

Nutrition literacy plays a major role in an individual's ability to make healthy food choices. By providing education, an individual may gain a better understanding of accurate nutrition label interpretation and subsequently, more ideal food selections. In this study, changes in participants' nutrition literacy and food selection were measured using a pre- to post-educational tool. Participants completed a pre-survey to assess baseline nutrition-related knowledge, received a brief educational session on both accurate interpretation of a nutrition label and the plate method. A post-survey assessed the same knowledge. 23 participants completed the study. From pre- to post-education, there was a statistically significant improvement in the identification of proteins (78% vs 91%, p<0.05) and fats (61% vs 96%, p<0.05) from a nutrition label. In this study, it was shown that the use of educational materials to enhance a participant's nutrition literacy increases nutrition-related knowledge with potential benefit in one’s overall health. 

Pharmacy
Mentor: Shawn Taylor

This study will explore the role Artificial Intelligence has in transforming consumer decisions, with a particular focus on trust, satisfaction, and engagement among students in higher education. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into most aspects of business and work culture, it is reshaping how customers perceive and interact with advertisements. A quantitative survey was conducted among students in the school of business to examine their attitudes toward AI marketing material. Participants of the survey were asked to rate ads based on authenticity, creativity, and likelihood of purchasing intent. 

The findings showed that consumers are generally accepting of AI-generated marketing materials, suggesting that as AI has become a normalized experience of online content, and consumers have grown to be more accepting of it. The results support the hypothesis that companies use AI to enhance brand perception and that most consumers respond naturally or positively to AI-generated marketing material. 

This research highlights that while AI has the potential to be a widely accepted and effective tool for marketing, the emotional connections still seem to be integral for customer loyalty. Consumers want advertisements that speak to them. Now, as AI keeps evolving, business and marketing firms must balance technological innovations with creativity to keep an authentic brand perception that keeps the connection going with their designated audience. 

Business Management
Mentor: Kristin Stowe

This project investigates the application of XGBoost machine learning models integrated with macroeconomic indicators, volatility filters, and technical momentum ranks to forecast and outperform the NASDAQ 100 (QQQ) benchmark. The study utilizes a walk-forward cross-sectional ranking model focused on the "Magnificent 7" (AAPL, MSFT, GOOGL, AMZN, NVDA, META, TSLA) to evaluate the efficacy of algorithmic rebalancing alongside hysteresis buffers, designed to reduce "whipsaw" effects, across changing market regimes. By analyzing performance across three distinct timeframes (2018–2023, 2020–2025, and 2023–2025), the research provides empirical evidence on the friction between risk management and capital appreciation. The findings reveal that while the strategy successfully generated significant alpha and mitigated drawdowns in high-volatility environments, the defensive mechanisms, specifically the VIX-based filters and hysteresis buffers, introduced a notable “lag” during rapid market recoveries. These results identify a critical trade-off in algorithmic execution: the same safeguards that provide essential capital preservation during downturns can simultaneously hinder the model’s ability to capture the full velocity of bullish momentum. Furthermore, the integration of gradient-boosted decision trees allowed for the identification of non-linear relationships between macroeconomic factors and individual equity performance, yet the inherent complexity of these models often led to overfitting in low-volatility regimes. Ultimately, this research offers a comprehensive framework for fine-tuning machine learning hyperparameters to better navigate the tension between downside protection and upside participation in highly concentrated equity markets, suggesting that a more adaptive or "regime-aware" hysteresis setting may be necessary to optimize long-term risk-adjusted returns.

Finance
Mentor: Kristin Stowe

Across the United States, only Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and the District of Columbia practice pure contributory negligence. The other 46 states practice a form of comparative negligence such as pure, modified, or slight versus gross comparative negligence. The main difference between these two systems of negligence is the percentage of fault the plaintiff is allowed to have in order to recover damages. Despite the majority of U.S. states switching to comparative negligence systems over the past 50 years, some states believe that a switch to comparative negligence would cause more harm than good. From this, a legal research analysis was conducted to examine the scholarly arguments for maintaining systems of contributory negligence and evaluating the strength of those arguments in comparison to the arguments for adopting comparative negligence systems. The main arguments for practicing contributory negligence are that it acts as a deterrent, it is easier to measure fault, it encourages settlements, it prevents high insurance rates and high litigation rates, and contributory negligence systems are easier for courts to administer. The research found that the arguments for maintaining systems of contributory negligence are weaker compared to the arguments for implementing comparative negligence systems. These findings hope to provide more clarity to lawmakers on how a potential switch from a contributory negligence system to one of comparative negligence would generate greater benefit than harm. A proposed recommendation was given for states practicing contributory negligence to abolish the archaic system of contributory negligence in favor of a system of modified comparative negligence at a 50% bar. 

Communication Sports Media & Honors College
Mentor: Kristin Stowe

Aims: This study focuses on identifying the prevalence of prescription drug misuse, contributing factors, and knowledge and confidence levels of prescription drug use, disposal and storage techniques among college students in North Carolina.

Design: We implemented a cross-sectional survey study that included an educational intervention on prescription drug misuse. Following a pre-survey, participants received a brief educational session on proper medication use, adherence, storage, and disposal, and then  completed the post-survey immediately thereafter. The pre- and post-survey assessed knowledge of medication misuse, adherence, storage, and disposal before and after the educational session. A total of 195 participants ranging from college freshmen to graduate students were included in the final analysis. A five-point Likert scale was used to assess confidence measures for prescription drug use, disposal, and storage. 

Results: The baseline prevalence of misuse was 14.9%. However, following the educational session, the total reported prevalence was 26.2%, documenting an 11.3% increase from baseline. The most frequently reported contributing factors were pain relief, unaware of misuse and improved concentration. Following the educational session, a statistically significant increase in knowledge and confidence was noted in prescription drug storage (4.54 to 4.75; p < 0.001) and disposal (4.03 to 4.62; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The educational intervention highlighted a lack of awareness regarding prescription drug misuse and provided context on its definition. Following the educational session, students had an increased confidence and knowledge level for prescription drug storage and disposal techniques.

Pharmacy
Mentor: Edward Chiyaka

Increased social media use among college students is a growing global concern linked to declining mental health, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Among students with mental health disorders, only a third seek treatment, which can lead to negative consequences such as low academic performance, social isolation, and reduced physical activity. This study investigated the impact of a brief educational presentation and a four-week social media use-reduction intervention on the mental health and knowledge of college students. In this quasi-experimental pre-post study, 82 undergraduate and graduate university students aged 18 and older completed a baseline survey containing demographic and mental health questionnaires (PHQ-9, GAD-7, and SCI). They attended a brief educational presentation on the effects of social media use on mental health outcomes and were encouraged to reduce their social media usage. After four weeks, participants completed a post-survey to compare changes in social media use, mental health, and knowledge from baseline. The results concluded that a brief educational intervention led to reduced social media use among participants (p < .001) and increased their belief that social media can promote negative mental health outcomes (4.06 ± 0.95 to 4.29 ± 0.78; p = .036). Additionally, trends of lower depression, anxiety, and insomnia rates were noted after the intervention. These findings provide a greater understanding of social media's negative impact on college students’ mental health and suggest that educational and screentime use interventions may improve outcomes among this population. 

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Insomnia; Mental health; Social media; Screen time; PHQ-9; GAD-7; SCI

Pharmacy
Mentor: Edward Chiyaka

The early twentieth-century movement of Cubism transformed traditional approaches to representing nature and form in art. Rather than depicting subjects from a single viewpoint, artists fragmented the subjects into geometric planes and shards, allowing multiple perspectives to appear together within one composition. Early developments of Cubism can be seen in the work of Georges Braque, whose painting in 1908, Trees at L'Estaque, simplified natural forms into geometric structures. Around the same time, Pablo Picasso introduced similar spatial experimentation in Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, where influences from African masks opened the door to painting emotions. In the next phase of the movement, Braque and Picasso expanded these ideas through the invention of collage, incorporating everyday materials like newspaper, sheet music, wallpaper, chair caning, and rope directly into their compositions. These innovations fundamentally changed the possibilities of painting and influenced later artistic movements, including Surrealism and Impressionism. Drawing on these ideas and taking them in a new direction, my own work from my Creative Process Research Methods course takes aspects of nature and reconstructs them into abstract compositions and collages, exploring how natural forms can be fragmented and reassembled to reveal new spatial relationships.

Environmental Biology, Minor in Art
Mentor: Charlene Bregier

During our five-day academic trip to New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA), we had the opportunity to explore how history, culture, and education intersect in a city that continues to rebuild and redefine itself after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. This experience allowed us to move beyond what we had previously learned in classrooms and see firsthand how communities respond to adversity. One of the most impactful aspects of our trip was visiting two campuses of the International School of Louisiana in the area, where we observed the resilience of students, teachers, and administrators who continue to shape the future of education in a city deeply affected by disaster.

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 drastically changed New Orleans’ social and educational landscape. Many schools were destroyed, communities were displaced, and thousands of students faced interruptions in their education. Nearly two decades later, the effects of this disaster can still be felt. Through our visits to these schools, we learned how the education system has evolved and adapted since the hurricane. Administrators and teachers shared stories about rebuilding schools, supporting students who experienced trauma, and creating new models of education designed to be more flexible and resilient.

For us as international students, these visits were particularly shocking and eye-opening. We expected to learn about culture, history, and music in New Orleans, but we did not anticipate how powerful it would be to hear the personal stories behind the city’s recovery. Seeing schools that had overcome significant challenges helped us understand how education can play a central role in rebuilding communities. Despite limited resources and the long-lasting effects of Katrina, the schools we visited demonstrated determination, creativity, and a strong commitment to their students’ futures.

International Business
Mentor: Tarra Ellis

This project examines the increasing impact of climate change on the insurance and actuarial science industries, with particular emphasis on risk assessment, premium dynamics, and insurer financial stability in the United States and the Caribbean. Climate-driven natural disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, have resulted in insured losses exceeding $100 billion annually, placing significant strain on traditional actuarial models that rely heavily on historical data. As climate risk intensifies, these models face growing limitations in accurately forecasting future losses.

This research evaluates how actuarial science is adapting to these challenges through the use of catastrophe modeling, Integrated Assessment Models informed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and social cost of carbon frameworks. The study analyzes how these tools are being incorporated to better quantify climate-related financial risk and uncertainty. Findings indicate that climate-induced disasters are contributing to rising insurance premiums, reduced insurer participation in high-risk regions, and increased volatility in risk projections.

The project also includes case studies focused on the Caribbean, a region particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and sea-level rise. These case studies highlight the disproportionate economic consequences of climate change, where a single catastrophic event can significantly disrupt national economies and insurance markets. Through this analysis, the project underscores the growing need for innovative actuarial approaches capable of addressing long-term climate uncertainty and supporting sustainable insurance markets in an evolving risk landscape.

Mathematics/Business
Mentor: Laora Brizendine

The combined use of caffeine and alcohol, commonly referred to as caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CABs), is prevalent among young adults and is associated with increased alcohol consumption, reduced perception of intoxication, and higher-risk behaviors such as binge drinking and impaired driving. Despite these risks, gaps remain in public knowledge regarding the health consequences of combining these substances. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether a brief educational intervention could improve knowledge of the risks associated with CAB consumption and increase willingness to reduce CAB use. An educational intervention covering the prevalence of CAB consumption among young adults as well as its effects and risks  was developed. The educational intervention was delivered as either a 20-minute group presentation or a condensed 5-minute one-on-one session. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys assessing knowledge and attitudes toward CAB use. A paired t-test was used to compare mean knowledge scores before and after the intervention. Of the 118 individuals who participated, 94 completed both surveys and were included in the analysis. Mean knowledge scores increased from 54%  (SD 21%) pre-intervention to 72% (SD 23%) post-intervention (p < 0.01). Self-reported knowledge increased from 32% to 95% of participants agreeing they were knowledgeable about the effects of combining alcohol and caffeine, while willingness to reduce CAB consumption increased from 66% to 80%. These findings suggest that a brief educational intervention can improve knowledge about the risks of CAB use and increase openness to reducing consumption.

Pharmacy
Mentor: Amie Naylor

The sports industry is often viewed strictly as a competitive environment; however, organized athletics represent workplaces that exist under an authority-driven hierarchical structure. This study combines organizational communication theory and sport sociology to examine structural silence (organizational), power dynamics in labor (social), emotional regulation (athletes), and communication media (control) in order to explain why silence can be attributed to organizational structure rather than personal athlete choices. Professional baseball offers a number of distinct elements including its structured labor model, minimal opportunity for player mobility, a century-long history of conformity, and extreme organization in the communication process of the league. Additionally, many professional baseball players have been raised in cultures that place high value on toughness, loyalty, and emotional regulation. As such, these values associated with professional baseball player culture, reduce the likelihood that an athlete would report on vulnerabilities, report injuries, or address concerns related to mental health. The organizational media strategy also supports the athlete's controlled self-presentation and corresponds with the organizational message. The organizational and cultural factors collectively provide the context in which a player determines whether it is acceptable to speak openly and ultimately support the use of silence to contribute to advancement of a player's career. Using survey this project intends to investigate how the organizational systems of professional baseball influence the voice of athletes, psychological safety and communication practices of athletes. 

Strategic Communication
Mentor: Diana Nathaniel

Athlete health and injury management are key factors in maintaining performance and long-term well-being in competitive sports. However, athletes often face social, cultural, and performance pressures that influence whether they communicate openly about injuries or general health concerns during the competitive season. This study explores the likelihood that athletes disclose injury symptoms or broader health issues while actively competing. Existing literature suggests that athletes frequently underreport injuries due to fear of losing playing time, letting down teammates, or being looked at as “weak.” Additionally, team culture, coaches’ attitudes, and the consequences of reporting health problems significantly shape athletes’ communication behaviors. This study examines factors that influence in-season injury and health disclosure, including competitive level, sport type, gender, and access to medical staff. Athletes competing at higher levels may be less likely to report minor injuries because of high performance pressure and scholarship requirements. On the other hand, athletes are more likely to report injuries when they have supportive coaches and easy access to athletic trainers. Personal factors also play a role in these decisions, some athletes have a high pain tolerance and may believe they should continue despite the discomfort. Others strongly identify with being an athlete and feel pressure to stay on the field or court. In many sports, playing through injury is often seen as normal, or even expected, which can discourage athletes from communicating about their health. Understanding these points is important for developing safer sports environments. When athletes withhold health information, injuries may worsen, recovery times may lengthen, and long-term health risks may increase. This study will examine the reasons that inhibit college athlete communication and ways that support team environment that can be encouraged.

Communication
Mentor: Diana Nathaniel

The shift toward remote and hybrid learning environments, which was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and has influenced student preferences in how they learn. Some students rely more on technology, and prefer online learning, whereas others prefer in-person instruction. Despite this landscape, many educators persist with conventional teaching methods that may not resonate with contemporary learning habits. This project examines whether short-form content is a more effective communication style for students than traditional instructional formats. Using survey research, this project examines the learning style preferences and communication between college instructors and students. This survey will include questions about whether students prefer learning in shorter segments rather than through longer instructional sessions, as well as student engagement and habits. As students are increasingly exposed to short-form digital media outside the classroom, understanding how these habits carry over into academic settings becomes increasingly relevant for instructional design. By exploring participant responses, this study aims to provide insights into how instructional strategies can evolve to meet the needs of today's learners, ultimately enhancing the engagement and learning outcomes in an increasingly digital educational landscape.

Strategic Communication
Mentor: Diana Nathaniel

Eukaryotic cells regulate the expression of their genes through a variety of mechanisms including organization of their DNA. Architectural proteins such as Satb1 and Satb2 play a key role in the compaction of chromatin into regions of heterochromatin - where genes are typically silent - and euchromatin - where genes are typically active. Satb1 is involved in T-cell development, and binds to DNA as a homodimer, while Satb2 is critical for osteogenesis and is presumed to bind DNA as a homodimer based on structural homology with Satb1. Although these proteins are usually expressed in a mutually exclusive manner, a few cell types such as embryonic stem cells express both proteins. In these cells, it is possible that Satb1/Satb2 heterodimers are able to form, however this possibility has not yet been tested. Here we utilize a Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) assay to determine if heterodimers can form. This assay features a yellow fluorescent protein (mVenus), which is split into non-fluorescent halves and individually fused to either the N- or C-terminus of Satb1 or Satb2. Fluorescence is restored when the mVenus fragments are positioned on the same side of a dimer. In this way, the assay can determine whether dimers form and the relative orientation of monomers within the dimer. HeLa cells were co-transfected with pairs of plasmids encoding these constructs and observed under a fluorescence microscope. Fluorescence from mVenus was visible only when both mVenus fragments were fused to the N-terminus of Satb1 and Satb2, demonstrating the formation of heterodimers in a parallel orientation where the N-termini of both proteins are in close proximity to each other.

Biology
Mentor: Brett Schofield

Eukaryotic cells regulate the activity of their genes in part through the organization of DNA into largely silent regions of heterochromatin and primarily active regions of euchromatin. This organization is accomplished through the use of chromatin architectural proteins such as Satb1 and Satb2. Satb1 is known to form homodimers mediated by an N-terminal Ubiquitin-Like Domain (ULD). However, it is currently unclear whether Satb2 likewise homodimerizes. Furthermore, the structural similarities between the proteins gives rise to the intriguing possibility of Satb1/Satb2 heterodimers. Here, we test homo- and heterodimerization of both proteins using a hitchhiking experiment involving co-expression of two fluorescent proteins in HeLa cells. One of which lacks a functional Nuclear Localization Sequence (NLS). If the NLS-deficient mutant is able to dimerize to the wildtype protein, then the NLS-deficient mutant will be partially relocated to the nucleus as determined by fluorescence microscopy. We also test whether the ULD domain of Satb2 is responsible for homodimerization by expressing truncated versions of the wildtype protein that either lack the ULD or only consist of the ULD. We show that Satb1 and Satb2 both homodimerize and can heterodimerize with each other. These interactions are mediated by their ULD domains which are both necessary and sufficient for dimerization.

Biology
Mentor: Brett Schofield

Sex is an occupation that a large number of individuals choose to engage in throughout their lives. It is within the scope of occupational therapy practice to not only address sex as an occupation with clients, but also utilize interventions that support a client's right to engage in sex. Discussions surrounding sex can be uncomfortable and may require education and practice to properly carry out. The purpose of this research study was to examine the amount and type of education occupational therapy students receive on sex as an ADL compared to the confidence they feel discussing these topics in future practice.  

Occupational Therapy 
Mentor: Christine McConnell

Preeclampsia is a serious issue that impacts perinatal women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact education provided to perinatal women in Southeastern North Carolina and surrounding areas had on their overall feelings associated with management of their own maternal health. To assess whether OT education on preeclampsia significantly impacts participants’ knowledge and confidence in managing their maternal health, the participants completed pre- and post-questionnaires to collect quantitative data for later analysis. Between the questionnaires, participants received education on preeclampsia symptoms, risk factors, symptom management strategies, and lifestyle changes, which served as the study's intervention. Study findings will compare results based on participant demographic characteristics and changes in women's perceived knowledge and confidence in managing their maternal health, using data from the questionnaires. The desired outcome of the study is that education about preeclampsia will enhance knowledge about preeclampsia and confidence in the management of their own maternal health for perinatal women within Southeastern North Carolina.

Occupational Therapy 
Mentor: Christine McConnell

Per the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) for occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) programs, students are required to complete a capstone experience. Students are given the option to complete a program development capstone, which allows students to create a program designed to address areas of need within a specific community. Within OTD programs, program development is a frequently selected capstone experience; however, there is limited research on the community impacts of program development capstones. The purpose of this research was to determine the impacts of Wingate OTD program development capstones on the communities in which they are implemented. Qualitative data was collected on the effects of Wingate OTD program development capstones on community outcomes. Specifically, data was collected through a phenomenological approach by interviewing site mentors who have been directly involved with the capstones via a semi-structured interview. As interviews were conducted, researchers completed a thematic coding process. The researchers completed nine interviews of Wingate OTD capstone site mentors. The results indicate that site mentors saw direct benefits of program development capstones on their respective communities. The participants also stated that the OTD students provided new perspectives and dedicated time that the site mentor did not have to create strong and impactful programs. This research serves a critical role in justifying the need for OTD program development capstones. The data shows that OTD program development capstones should continue to be implemented in order to provide positive impacts on communities in need. 

Occupational Therapy 
Mentor: Christine McConnell

Feelings of anxiety and anxiety disorders affect many people. Anxiety often impacts an individual's quality of life and satisfaction in occupational performance, therefore falling within the scope of the occupational therapy profession. Anxiety is often medically addressed with pharmaceuticals. Individuals may additionally receive talk therapy services to address the impacts of anxiety. The vagus nerve is responsible for multiple body functions, including regulating the heart rate, breathing, and many other important autonomic life functions that are impacted by feelings of anxiety. Vagus nerve gliding is an accessible, cost-effective method that shows potential to control the physiological symptoms of anxiety through manual stimulation. Vagus nerve gliding manually reduces physical nerve tension and impacts physiological functions. In comparison to other widely known anxiety relief mechanisms, this method manually targets the vagus nerve. The lead investigator of the study had clinical experience in administering manual vagus nerve gliding and suggested that the process led to reduced feelings of anxiety. This experience prompted the initial research on vagus nerve stimulation. One of the two groups received kinesiotaping for the purpose of providing extra stretch to the nerve. General physiological responses showed trends of improvement. The physical and environmental health domains on the quality of life scale showed overall trends of improvement. The psychological and social domains of the quality of life scale varied by participant. These findings provide guidance for therapists in their use of this process to potentially impact feelings of anxiety and overall quality of life. 

Occupational Therapy 
Mentor: Christine McConnell

In 2016, North Carolina was the first state to issue HB-2, a piece of legislation to target transgender North Carolinians and prevent them from using the restroom of their gender identity, putting them at risk. However, the history of criminalizing transgender individuals and “cross dressers” in this state begins much earlier than the 21st century. This work examines countless newspaper articles from the 19th and 20th century along with court records, to find the stories of trans North Carolinians.  Many of whom were criminalized exclusively for “cross dressing” or other low level crimes. Other trans individuals were swept up in murder cases, “petrified man” scams, and the stalking of family members. That is not to say that all of these people were criminals in one regard, in fact many were considered upstanding citizens and members of the community, and we see questioning of these cross-dressing laws in the newspapers themselves. Furthermore, this criminalization of trans people is also perpetrated by the limitations of the archives themselves (and the limitations of the research done), as only through arrests and forcible outings are we able to see people who could be considered trans. A localized trans history has not been collected as of yet and is essential in not only to expand the larger narrative of trans history within academia, but also within local communities themselves, especially as history gets more politicized and trans history itself gets erased. This research is an attempt to start this conversation.

History
Mentor: Benjamin Thorne

This study examines the lives of mothers in the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1943, focusing mainly on how Soviet policies impacted women’s roles within their family and society. While the Soviet Union legally promoted gender equality and the idea of motherhood, the lived experiences of women under Soviet rule reflect a much more complicated reality. Women were now expected to work and raise a family while navigating economic, as well as political, hardship. The research used for this study is primarily a collection of interviews conducted in the early 1950s of individuals who lived in the Soviet Union but later left the regime. Among the interviews are testimonies from women that experienced living under Soviet rule while raising children. The personal accounts of these women give insight into the lives, struggles, and responsibilities of mothers in this period. The testimonies also help to distinguish the differences between the political and social life of women. By examining these interviews, the research helps to provide a deeper understanding into the complex lives of women, emphasizing themes related to work, motherhood, and resilience. Overall, this study sheds light into the lived experience of motherhood as women navigated the political, social, and economic challenges caused by living in the Soviet Union.

History
Mentor: Joseph Ellis

The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo emerged during Argentina’s military dictatorship (1976–1983) as a human rights organization dedicated to locating children who were forcibly taken from their families during the period known as the Dirty War. Many of these children were born to political prisoners held in secret detention centers or kidnapped along with their parents and later placed with families connected to the military regime. The Abuelas organized internationally to document cases of disappearance, gather testimonies, and advocate for the right of these children to know their true identities. Over time, their activism expanded beyond Argentina as they brought attention to these crimes in international forums and human rights organizations.This paper argues that the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo became widely recognized figures within the international human rights movement because of their persistent advocacy, their collaboration with scientists and legal experts, and their efforts to frame the disappearance of children as a global human rights issue. The organization’s work significantly influenced the development of international human rights norms, particularly regarding the rights of children and the right to identity. By collaborating with scientists, lawyers, and international organizations, the Abuelas helped pioneer the use of genetic testing to identify stolen children and contributed to the creation of Argentina’s National Genetic Data Bank. Their efforts have led to the recovery and identification of more than a hundred individuals who were illegally adopted during the dictatorship. The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo remains a powerful example of grassroots activism shaping international human rights advocacy and justice for victims of state repression. 

History
Mentor: Sydney Marshall

This project examines the ongoing debate over the political status of Puerto Rico and how it shapes the island’s democratic representation, economic prospects, and cultural identity. Since the United States acquired Puerto Rico in 1898 following the Spanish–American War and granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans in 1917, the island has occupied a unique and ambiguous position: Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, yet they lack full representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections. As a result, discussions about Puerto Rico’s political future have centered on three primary options: statehood, independence, and the continuation of the current territorial status known as Estado Libre Asociado (Commonwealth). This research analyzes the political, economic, and cultural implications of each status option. Statehood promises full democratic representation and greater access to federal programs but raises concerns about cultural assimilation and the loss of certain fiscal advantages. Independence offers full sovereignty and the ability to design autonomous political and economic policies, yet it presents challenges related to economic transition and the loss of federal support. Maintaining the current territorial status preserves existing ties with the United States and some cultural autonomy but continues to limit Puerto Rico’s democratic representation and political influence. Beyond institutional politics, the project also explores how public opinion, social movements, and cultural figures influence the status debate. Cultural expressions from literature to contemporary music play a key role in shaping public understanding of Puerto Rico’s political future. In particular, artists such as Bad Bunny have brought global attention to issues such as colonialism, economic inequality, and territorial identity. Ultimately, this project argues that the debate over Puerto Rico’s status is not only a legal or political question but also a broader negotiation over identity, democracy, and the island’s future. 

Political Science 
Mentor: Mark Schuhl

Este proyecto analiza el cuento La noche boca arriba de Julio Cortázar y explora cómo el autor difumina los límites entre la realidad y el sueño. La historia sigue a un hombre que sufre un accidente de motocicleta y despierta en un hospital mientras experimenta sueños intensos en los que es un indígena que huye de guerreros aztecas durante un ritual conocido como la “guerra florida”. A medida que avanza la narración, la línea entre el sueño y la realidad se vuelve cada vez más confusa, lo que lleva al lector a cuestionar cuál de los dos mundos es realmente el verdadero.
A través de un análisis textual, este proyecto examina las técnicas narrativas que utiliza Cortázar, especialmente el cambio de perspectivas, las descripciones sensoriales y el uso del suspenso para crear incertidumbre en el lector. Estas estrategias literarias permiten experimentar la confusión y el miedo del protagonista mientras la historia se dirige hacia un giro inesperado al final.
Además, el proyecto sitúa el cuento dentro del contexto de la literatura latinoamericana del siglo XX, destacando el estilo innovador de Cortázar y su interés por explorar la percepción de la realidad. Al desestabilizar la diferencia entre el sueño y la vida cotidiana, La noche boca arriba invita al lector a reflexionar sobre la naturaleza de la conciencia, la identidad y la realidad misma.
En conclusión, este trabajo propone que Cortázar utiliza la ambigüedad narrativa no solo como recurso literario, sino también como una forma de plantear preguntas filosóficas sobre la experiencia humana y la percepción de lo real.

Human Services
Mentor: Mark Schuhl

Esta investigación analiza el fenómeno del spanglish como una forma de comunicación híbrida que surge del contacto constante entre el español y el inglés en comunidades latinas de los Estados Unidos. A menudo visto como una forma "incorrecta" del idioma, el spanglish es, sin embargo, un reflejo auténtico de la identidad bicultural y bilingüe de millones de hablantes. El estudio se centra en muestras orales y escritas recogidas de medios sociales, música urbana y conversaciones cotidianas, examinando cómo los hablantes alternan códigos (code-switching), adaptan léxico y construyen estructuras gramaticales únicas. Desde una perspectiva sociolingüística y cultural, se argumenta que el spanglish no solo es una estrategia lingüística, sino también una afirmación de pertenencia y resistencia frente a normas lingüísticas dominantes. Esta ponencia busca valorar el spanglish como un fenómeno digno de estudio académico y como parte integral del dinamismo del español en contextos multiculturales. 

Business Management 
Mentor: Mark Schuhl

El realismo mágico funciona como un marco literario fundamental para expresar las complejas realidades sociales, históricas y culturales del Caribe al fusionar lo cotidiano con lo extraordinario. Adaptado originalmente a la literatura por Arturo Uslar Pietri, este movimiento no trata lo mágico como un simple recurso narrativo, sino como una parte inherente de la vida diaria. Este ensayo explora la evolución del género a través de las obras de Alejo Carpentier, Gabriel García Márquez y Ernesto Quiñonez.

Alejo Carpentier fue pionero del concepto de  lo "real maravilloso" en El reino de este mundo, donde la Revolución Haitiana se filtra a través de las perspectivas mitológicas y religiosas de los oprimidos. En este contexto, los eventos sobrenaturales, como las transformaciones de Mackandal en diversos animales, son aceptados por la comunidad como realidades históricas en lugar de ficción. Por su parte, Gabriel García Márquez elevó el movimiento en El amor en los tiempos del cólera, donde lo insólito se acepta con total normalidad. Ya sea a través de tormentas repentinas y desastrosas o una espera romántica que abarca medio siglo, García Márquez captura una atmósfera donde lo mágico es inseparable del paisaje caribeño.

Finalmente, Ernesto Quiñonez representa un giro moderno al llevar el realismo mágico a la diáspora urbana en Taína. Al integrar visiones espirituales y sucesos inexplicables en el entorno contemporáneo de Spanish Harlem, el autor demuestra cómo el movimiento se adapta a las realidades de la ciudad de Nueva York. En última instancia, estos autores muestran que el realismo mágico ha evolucionado desde las reflexiones históricas hasta las realidades urbanas, permaneciendo como un modo dinámico de narrar que continúa capturando la diversa experiencia caribeña.

Criminal Justice
Mentor: Mark Schuhl

Motivating student exercise is important because it positively influences long-term health and physical activity. The main focus of this presentation is learning how to motivate students using the 4 Cs of motivation to start or continue physical activity. The 4 Cs of motivation consist of Commitment, Courage, Capability, and Confidence. Using these categories, we can understand which one affects students the most as they grow into a physically active lifestyle. To better understand the influence of the 4 Cs in movement motivation, peer reviewed articles and collected survey data from students at Wingate University were used to identify the common themes to promote physical activity. 

As mentioned before a survey was conducted among Wingate University students which measured what motivates or demotivates them from the working out and which of the 4 Cs do the relate to. The survey results in Figure 1 are then compared to the articles to determine similarities and differences between research and student-reported experiences. The analysis of the research shows how the 4 Cs are important when student motivation is involved, whether it is physically or mentally. Overall, this presentation is meant to give students an insight into motivation to figure out what motivates them or will motivation it to living a healthy lifestyle.

Exercise Science
Mentor: Brandy Clemmer

Sports participation among youth is widespread and associated with significant physical, social, and psychological benefits; however, the increase in competitive demands leads to heightened prevalence of sports-related performance anxiety (PA) in young athletes. Performance anxiety, as defined by Pediatr et al., describes it as intense feelings of emotional distress that occur before, during, and after performing when a crowd is present. It had now become a psychiatric disorder due to causing impairments to motor skills, impacting performance. PA is accompanied by somatic, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. Cognitive anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, fear of failure, other thinking, and self-oriented cognitions. Through literature, cognitive anxiety disrupts attentional control, undermines self-confidence, and affects mastered motor skills, leading to a decline in performance. There are many physical benefits of children participating in sports; however, when demands and pressure increase due to competition, early sport specialization, over scheduling, and parental and coaches' expectations become sky-reaching, they heighten the risk of anxiety-related disorders. Based on studies, there are children aged between 6 and 11 who experience 8.6% anxiety, and 13.7% of adolescents aged 12-17 as well. In part, this correlates to the peak of youth athletes' dropouts around the age of 13, which is a factor. Research has shown that athletes who perceive an imbalance between performance demands and skills experience an increase in psychological distress and cognitive interference. Furthermore, avoidance, individual, and environmental factors increase the PA of young athletes. Therefore, it's crucial to identify the symptoms before they become long-term through pre-, during, and post-questionnaires. According to the study by Niering et al. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been the most impactful in treating PA; however, due to limited research, its complete effectiveness remains in limbo. Therefore, in attempts to further identify factors of PA and treatments in youth athletes, a narrative review is approached with different literature reviews.  

Exercise Science
Mentor: Chris Harrist

The impact that Quakers had on the Abolition movement early on is well known as it laid the foundation for the anti-slavery campaign. What is less known, however, is the influence of Quaker abolitionism in the American South since most people do not associate the antebellum Southern United States as a nexus for opposition to the institution of slavery. This presentation will explore the origins of the anti-slavery mindset of Quaker Christians and how it spread throughout the United States and had an impact on the formation of the abolition movement, especially as it relates to the American South with a focus on the state of North Carolina. Research was performed for this topic by analyzing newspaper articles from the 19th century from the Southern United States (particularly across the state of North Carolina). Other primary sources include the words of leading and influential Quaker abolitionists as well as their reform addresses. Brief overviews of the nature of slavery in the United States and how it was connected to the American Quakers as a whole were used as the baseline for this research. This is relevant since few people know about the presence of the Quakers in the state of North Carolina, as well as the uphill battle they faced in trying to end slavery within a southern state intertwined and dependent upon the peculiar institution. On a larger scale, the Quaker influence is key to understanding the nature of the development, as well as the ultimate success of the abolitionist movement which formally ended with the conclusion of the American Civil War. This topic is of personal interest to me because prior to the fall semester of this academic year, I knew little about the history of the Quaker people aside from the fact that they founded the Pennsylvania colony (and later the state of Pennsylvania). Due to this lack of understanding, I was compelled to investigate the impact of Quaker religious principles, and the very foundation these ideas laid for the abolitionist cause.

Biology and History
Mentor: David Mitchell

The representation of women’s sports has continued to grow since the adoption of Title IX in 1972. Sports leagues such as the NWSL, WNBA, PWHL have been developed specifically for female sports, and new teams continue to be introduced in cities across the world. However, women’s representation in the media as industry professionals and athletes still has a long way to go to achieve the level of representation men’s sports receive. Females within the sports media industry are often seen in roles such as studio hosts or sidelines reporters, rather than color commentators or game analysts. This study examines how public perceptions of trustworthiness and knowledge in sports media are shaped by the broadcasting positions of females through reviewing archived NFL game broadcasts from the Charlotte Panthers across five seasons. The number of females who appear in the broadcasts and their assigned roles within the broadcasts will be tracked across the five seasons. The findings examine the need to provide more equal chances for women in positions of authority in broadcasting and draw attention to the ways that structural role assignments contribute to persistent gender stereotypes. 

Communication
Mentor: Diana Nathaniel

With the rise of true crime media coverage, there has been an increase in crime entertainment. This research study explores the link between criminophiles [fans who have an enthusiastic interest in criminals and crime], entertainment, and social media. To find these connections, this study focuses on two social media platforms, known for fanfiction, Wattpad and Archive of Our Own (AO3). Many stories published on these platforms indicate an upswing in authors who explore dark or violent themes and their readers who want to live out their erotic fantasies. This research focuses on three main killers from history: Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, and Jeffrey Dahmer. These notorious serial killers have had a swell of popularity, not only with their original crimes but also the repeat releases of documentaries and stories focusing on them. These shows and short stories have contributed to a surge of independent journalism, desensitization, and the romanticism of these killers and their crimes. Social media has become a safe haven for users to feel comfortable and safe to reveal their darkest secrets to those who feel the same, away from the conformity of society. Both documentaries and social media platforms encourage obsession, fantasization, and a false sense of reality. Through close textual analysis of these sites, we aim to understand how these serial killers and their crimes are being advanced into entertainment.

Communication
Mentor: Diana Nathaniel

Mental health concerns among college students have increased substantially in recent years, yet utilization of campus counseling services remains disproportionately low relative to the prevalence of psychological distress (Pasman et al., 2018). Research suggests that barriers to help-seeking extend beyond structural limitations and include informational barriers such as limited awareness of available services, uncertainty about how to access support, and misconceptions about what counseling centers offer (Clement et al., 2014). When students lack clear knowledge of how to navigate campus mental health resources, they may be less likely to seek support even when services are readily available. Understanding students’ awareness of counseling resources and their confidence in accessing them is therefore critical for improving engagement with campus mental health services.

The present study investigates Wingate University students’ knowledge of campus counseling services, perceived accessibility of those services, and confidence in their ability to locate and utilize mental health support. A total of 24 participants (n = 24) initially responded to the survey as of March 13, 2026. Preliminary data is still being gathered. Undergraduate and graduate students at Wingate University were invited to participate in a brief online survey designed to assess awareness of key counseling center resources, including knowledge of the center’s location, methods of contact, crisis support information, and general service availability. The survey also examined perceived barriers to accessing counseling services and students’ self-reported confidence in navigating mental health support systems on campus. Optional demographic information, such as year in school, living situation, and gender, were collected to explore potential differences in awareness and perceived accessibility across student populations. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, the analysis plan is to examine the descriptive statistics of the results.

By identifying gaps in knowledge and perceptions of accessibility, this study seeks to contribute to the growing body of literature on college mental health help-seeking behavior. Findings may help inform institutional strategies aimed at improving communication, outreach, and visibility of counseling services within the campus community. Ultimately, this research aims to provide evidence-based insight that can support the university in strengthening student awareness of mental health resources and promoting more effective engagement with campus counseling services.

References
Clement, S., Schauman, O., Graham, T., Maggioni, F., Evans-Lacko, S., Bezborodovs, N., … & Thornicroft, G. (2014). What is the impact of mental health-related stigma on help-seeking? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies. Psychological Medicine, 45(1), 11–27. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291714000129
Pasman, E., Agius, E., O’Shay, S., Broman, M., Lee, G., & Resko, S. M. (2023). Are campus services reaching those in need? Substance use and awareness of university counseling services. Journal of American College Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/87568225.2023.2208761

Biology, Minor in Psychology
Mentor: Kelly Scherger

The ever-shifting landscape of U.S.-Mexico border policy has profound and far-reaching consequences for the millions of individuals who attempt to cross in search of a better life. With each policy change, migrants face increasingly formidable challenges — from treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions to dangerous wildlife and the sheer physical and emotional weight of an arduous journey. All of this is endured in pursuit of what many call the "American dream", a promise that grows more elusive as the barriers to reach it multiply. Our immersive learning experience in Tucson, Arizona, brought these realities into sharp focus. Through direct engagement with local aid organizations and the communities that support migrants on the ground, we gained firsthand insight into the human cost of restrictive immigration enforcement. These encounters moved the issue beyond policy debates and statistics, revealing the deeply personal hardships that individuals and families endure — as well as the broader societal consequences of a system that prioritizes deterrence over dignity. This presentation examines how border policies have evolved over time, how those shifts have reshaped migration routes and risks, and what they mean for the people caught in their wake. By grounding our analysis in both research and lived experience, we aim to offer a fuller, more humanizing picture of what it means to cross the U.S.-Mexico border today.

This presentation looks at migrant deaths in the Sonoran Desert around Tucson by combining mapping, humanitarian response, and personal reflection. Using insights from an immersion experience as a starting point, the project explores how migrant deaths are not random, but connected to larger systems and policies — especially "Prevention Through Deterrence", which has pushed migration routes into more dangerous and remote desert areas. By bringing in spatial data alongside what we observed on the ground, this presentation shows how the desert itself has become part of border enforcement. At the same time, it highlights the work of humanitarian groups like the Tucson Samaritans and Casa Alitas, who provide water, aid, and shelter to migrants. Their work offers a powerful contrast to systems that often overlook or dehumanize the people most affected. A key part of this project is also personal reflection. Experiences like seeing crosses in the desert marking where people have died, and hearing directly from community leaders, made it clear that these are not just statistics — they are real lives. This perspective helps connect the data to the human impact in a more meaningful way.

Overall, this presentation argues that migrant deaths in the desert are the result of policy decisions, not just unfortunate accidents. By combining mapping with lived experience, we aim to bring a more human and grounded understanding to the issue, and to encourage conversations that focus more on dignity, responsibility, and the real consequences of border policies.

Our presentation examines the health challenges faced by migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, with a focus on both short-term and long-term impacts. Drawing from fieldwork in Tucson, Arizona, we explore the immediate medical needs of border crossers, including dehydration, hypothermia, injuries from terrain, and the trauma of detention. We also examine how the conditions of migration — violence, instability, and family separation — create lasting health vulnerabilities, including PTSD, anxiety, and barriers to care in destination communities. We draw on our immersive learning experience in Tucson, where we visited organizations like Casa Alitas and the Tucson Samaritans to understand how humanitarian groups fill gaps left by government systems. We also engage with public health frameworks and human rights discourse to argue that migrant health access is not a privilege but a fundamental right. This presentation makes the case that border health is not just a medical issue but a political and moral one — shaped by policies that prioritize deterrence over dignity. By centering the voices and experiences of migrants themselves, we aim to challenge dehumanizing narratives and advocate for a more just and compassionate approach to border health policy.

Female migrants are at a higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence from the very moment the migration journey begins. Women face the threat of kidnapping and trafficking, along with numerous other forms of exploitation. Central American migrants experience the highest rates of violence when compared to their Mexican counterparts, and there is a clear correlation between irregular migration conditions and increased exposure to violence. Women who are trafficked experience physical violence at dramatically higher rates than men, and migrant women as a whole face an elevated risk of physical and sexual harm that far exceeds the global average.
This presentation examines the structural conditions that make women particularly vulnerable along the migration route — from the policies that push migrants into more dangerous and isolated terrain, to the gaps in legal and humanitarian protection that leave women with little recourse. By centering the experiences of female migrants, we aim to illuminate a dimension of the migration crisis that is too often rendered invisible, and to make the case for protections and policies that account for the gendered realities of this journey.

The agricultural sector in North Carolina relies heavily on migrant laborers who enter the country through temporary work visas — especially the H-2A program — or through undocumented means, driven by economic necessity. This presentation focuses on the experiences of those migrants whose labor makes the production of food in North Carolina possible, examining the deep interconnection between migration, trauma, and human dignity. We investigate the effects of structural barriers — economic disparity, exploitative labor conditions, and stringent immigration regulations — on the daily lives of farmworkers. Migration, we argue, is not merely a logistical journey but an emotional and psychological one, marked by familial separation, cultural dislocation, and the weight of leaving everything behind. The traumas that emerge during migration do not end upon arrival; they manifest in hazardous working conditions, precarious income, and a near-total lack of access to health and legal services. And yet, migrant populations remain resilient, assertive, and culturally rich in the face of these adversities. By humanizing the people responsible for putting food on our tables, this presentation invites us to reckon with the moral dimensions of the agricultural industry — and with our own role as consumers in a system built on their labor.

Since the invention of the first American newspaper in 1690, the dynamic of the public’s trust and distrust has been a long-standing ingredient in the relationship between the American population and its media. This research explores this relationship as it specifically relates to the growth of social media. Social media has affected the release of news to the public and the public’s acceptance of information. For years, there has been a rapid increase of information, and with that, the inevitable rise of misinformation. This presents the potential for public criticism; for instance, audiences are more likely to mistrust the media as a whole because of the extent of misinformation being released. Additionally, the growing hesitation to trust news media has pushed the public toward non-traditional sources of news, like social media platforms. Using a public opinion survey, participants will be screened on their level of trust in the news media pertaining to social media and its unique factors. The expectation is that the public opinion survey will confirm that the public trust for news media is currently low, and that social media has played a clear role in this outcome.

Communication/Journalism
Mentor: Diana Nathaniel

This paper is about how race, gender and socioeconomic status inspires political participation in the United States. Political participation includes tasks like voting , donating to campaigns ,contacting elected officials , participating, protesting and discussing politics . Study shows that supporting is not balanced divided across society because people have different levels of access to resources ,networks, and opportunities. This One the powerful political participation predictors is socioeconomic. People with higher income and education are more likely to support because they have greater access to resources such as time , money and civic skills. Education assist people develop communication and organizational skills while higher income gives financial flexibility to support political activities . Race  also play a major role in building participation due to past discrimination and ongoing inequality. Even though legal blockers to support have decreased minority groups often still face issues related to income ,education , and access to political institutions. Community groups and mobilization efforts can help expand support among minority voters. Gender differences in political support are often related to workplace inequality , caregiving roles, and recruitment into leadership roles. This study looks at whether digital political engagement ,including social media activism and online petitions ,reduces or reproduces support unfairness. By comparing online and normal participation the data shows classical theories of political engagement in the modern online era. 

Political Science
Mentor: Chelsea Kaufman

Memory, Myth, and Moral Reckoning: A Comparison of the American South and Germany After Defeat comparatively analyzes how the American South and postwar Germany confronted military defeat, social upheaval, and profound moral crisis. In the American South, a “Lost Cause” mythology emerged that, among other purposes, recast the North as aggressors, portrayed slavery as a benign and civilizing institution, and framed secession primarily as a dispute over states’ rights. By contrast, Germany developed a fundamentally different response to defeat. After an initial period of widespread division and denial, Germany gradually developed a reflective culture of Vergangenheitsbewältigung, or “coming to terms with the past,” characterized by the acceptance of moral and political responsibility for the crimes of the Nazi regime. Through public acknowledgment and persistent state-sponsored remembrance, Germany underwent a significant ideological shift, emphasizing the memorialization of those who lost their lives during the Holocaust and other atrocities perpetrated during the war. While both societies sought to manage their defeat and preserve social cohesion, the South overwhelmingly institutionalized denial, while postwar Germany gradually embedded acknowledgment and responsibility into its cultural and political institutions. By incorporating both primary and secondary scholarship, the project demonstrates how the collective memory fostered within a society can either entrench injustice or encourage renewal, and how the narratives societies construct about the past continue to shape struggles over identity, guilt, and historical responsibility.

History
Mentor: Benjamin Thorne

The rapid expansion of digital healthcare has transformed how patients and providers communicate. Technologies such as telemedicine, electronic health records, patient portals, and mobile health applications have become essential components of modern healthcare delivery. These systems are designed to improve efficiency, accessibility, and coordination of care, however, their impact on patient satisfaction remains complex. Research demonstrates that although digital healthcare systems can improve convenience, patient satisfaction is largely influenced by the quality of communication that occurs within these technologies. Provider behaviors such as active listening, clear explanations, and empathy strongly influence whether patients feel respected and confident in their care. Studies indicate that while digital healthcare and telehealth platforms improve workflow efficiency and reduce wait times, technology can also weaken interpersonal communication when providers become more focused on the digital system rather than the interaction with their patients. The expansion of digital healthcare also introduces new challenges related to trust, privacy, and technological accessibility. Concerns about data security and platform reliability influence how comfortable patients feel sharing information through digital systems. In addition, disparities in internet access, digital literacy, and socioeconomic resources create unequal experiences across different patient populations. This contributes to what researchers describe as the “new hierarchy of care”. Using survey research this study examines how communication quality plays a greater role in patient satisfaction than the presence of digital technology alone. Findings will demonstrate that patient-centered communication, user-friendly platform design, and equitable digital access are crucial factors in improving patient satisfaction in contemporary healthcare. 

Communication/Health Care
Mentor: Diana Nathaniel

Plastic pollution has become a global issue with tonnes of plastic leaking into nature, contaminating all environments including deep oceans. Currently single use plastics (SUPs) make up 40% of all plastic pollution and have devastating impacts on the ecosystems they pollute. Furthermore, currently the primary methods used to dispose of SUPs is incineration or landfill deposits releasing toxic chemicals through air pollution or leachate into soil and groundwater, compiling the negative impacts SUPs have on the environment. Bioremediation using bacteria is a promising model for waste management due to being eco-friendly and cost effective. Bacteria of the genera Ideonella, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Rhodococcus naturally degrade plastics within their environments. Strains of C. testosteroni have displayed a range of degradation abilities to pollutants including steroids (testosterone) and aromatic hydrocarbons and additionally, strains have been engineered to degrade polyethylene terephthalate plastics (PET). An environmental bacterium isolated from the shores of Wingate University Campus Lake (NC) was identified (99% match of 16S rRNA gene sequences; NCBI BLAST) as a strain of Comamonas testosteroni (CT). It was hypothesized that this environmental strain will naturally degrade high density polyethylene (HDPE) in its pure form (2-4mm granules, Goodfellow Corp.) and the form in common SUPs such as ‘T-shirt’ shopping bags. An environmental strain of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) isolated from soil at the Union County (NC) landfill, will serve as a positive control. The bacterial isolates and plastics will be incubated in Tryptic Soy Broth at 30°C for 30 days in 250ml sterile glass flasks with appropriate negative controls. Weights of the cultures and plastics will be recorded at pre-, mid- (15 days; cultures only), and post-incubation. The mass loss percentage will be recorded and statistical significance will be determined using a one-way ANOVA test. It is expected that both BT and CT will form biofilms on the plastics and degrade them over the 30-day period at varying rates of efficiency. The findings from this study can be utilised by researchers and scientists to aid in mitigating SUPs pollution through bioremediation, specifically using environmental isolates capable of surviving harsh conditions such as landfills where SUPs commonly accumulate. For bioremediation implementation, further research on how to assimilate the bacteria effectively for maximal efficiency of PE degradation in landfill environments needs to be conducted.

Environmental Biology
Mentor: Debra Davis

A herbarium is a curated collection of preserved plant specimens that are dried, mounted, labeled and stored for long-term study.  Herbaria serve as critical resources for plant identification, biodiversity research, and the documentation of plant distributions through time.  During the Spring 2026 semester, three undergraduate herbarium interns worked to support the maintenance and accessibility of the Wingate herbarium.  Their work focused on preparing specimens for long-term storage by mounting them on special archival paper, entering specimen data into the herbarium’s digital database and organizing specimens within the collection for better accessibility.  Through these activities, the interns contributed to the growth and usability of the Wingate herbarium while gaining hands-on experience with botanical collections management.  In their presentation, the interns will present an overview of their internship, share insights they have gained, and reflect on their experience.    

Environmental Biology
Mentor: Aliya Davenport