RISE 2023: Research and Innovation Symposium and Exhibition

Title:

Analysis of Cannabinoids and Ammonium Nitrate Aquatic Pollution on the Morphological Development on Pre-Metamorphic Tadpoles

Abstract:

The declining population of amphibians is caused by pollution in their habitats caused by agricultural and pharmaceutical runoff containing harmful chemicals from fertilizers. Ammonium nitrate is an endocrine disrupting chemical found in fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides that enters waterways from agricultural and pharmaceutical runoff and ground water pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the amount of endocrine-disrupting chemicals present in drinking water and 10mg/L is the safe amount of ammonium nitrate that is present in drinking water. The recent legalization and medicinal usage of cannabinoids across the nation has raised the demand for cannabinoids derived from hemp and cannabis. Growing cannabis and hemp plants requires a significant amount of water and causes pollution due to agricultural runoff. Cannabinoids are the compounds found in hemp and do not completely metabolize in the body making them present in human waste and are classified as a pharmaceutical pollutant. Waste from cannabinoids is found in the water system which potentially exposes aquatic life to these substances. In this study, the morphological and developmental effects of the cannabinoid CBD and ammonium nitrate were analyzed in Lithobates pipiens. The hormone thyroxine determines the growth rate and initiates metamorphosis that begins in the skin. The Gosner stage developmental chart was used to identify and determine the growth rate and development of pre-metamorphic tadpoles. In this study ten tadpoles were placed in four, 26L tanks with treated drinking water and filters. Pollutants containing 10mg/L ammonium nitrate, 0.6mg /LCBD, and 2.7mg/L of CBD, respectfully, were added to the tanks. The tanks were observed and evaluated for the effects of the bioaccumulation The tanks were tested for pH, nitrate levels and development of tadpoles . Histological analysis performed on the skin and liver demonstrated that the hepatic cells of the polluted tadpoles exhibited damage and few nuclei were visible leading to necrosis. Tadpoles exposed to 0.6mg/L CBD exhibited the same damage to the hepatic cells. A microbial and histological analysis of the tadpole skin exposed to the mandated EPA of ammonium nitrate exhibited peptidoglycan layer of the cell was destroyed and histological the skin was characterized by having zoosporangia between chromatophores and dermis layers. The morphology of the skin observed on the tadpole contained a fungal infection that would cause zoosporangia. The study determined that 10mg/L of ammonium nitrate and 2.7mg/L CBD toxicity yields 80% mortality rate and 0.6mg/L CBD, 30% mortality rate. CBD in normal dosages and is not a pharmaceutical endocrine disrupting chemical and tadpoles to grew normally. In this analysis cannabinoid affected the morphology and physiology of the tadpole. A hepatic analysis showed the physiological effect that both cannabinoids and ammonium nitrate deteriorated the hepatocytes in the liver, leaving very few visible nuclei. This study determines ammonium nitrate is an endocrine disrupting chemical, but CBD is not endocrine disrupting in low amounts, allowing tadpoles to develop into healthy frogs. CBD has potential to be detrimental the aquatic life without environmental protection regulation to protect water systems and aquatic life.

Title:

Native seed response to coal-tar creosote

Abstract:

The declining population of amphibians is caused by pollution in their habitats caused by agricultural and pharmaceutical runoff containing harmful chemicals from fertilizers. Ammonium nitrate is an endocrine disrupting chemical found in fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides that enters waterways from agricultural and pharmaceutical runoff and ground water pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the amount of endocrine-disrupting chemicals present in drinking water and 10mg/L is the safe amount of ammonium nitrate that is present in drinking water. The recent legalization and medicinal usage of cannabinoids across the nation has raised the demand for cannabinoids derived from hemp and cannabis. Growing cannabis and hemp plants requires a significant amount of water and causes pollution due to agricultural runoff. Cannabinoids are the compounds found in hemp and do not completely metabolize in the body making them present in human waste and are classified as a pharmaceutical pollutant. Waste from cannabinoids is found in the water system which potentially exposes aquatic life to these substances. In this study, the morphological and developmental effects of the cannabinoid CBD and ammonium nitrate were analyzed in Lithobates pipiens. The hormone thyroxine determines the growth rate and initiates metamorphosis that begins in the skin. The Gosner stage developmental chart was used to identify and determine the growth rate and development of pre-metamorphic tadpoles. In this study ten tadpoles were placed in four, 26L tanks with treated drinking water and filters. Pollutants containing 10mg/L ammonium nitrate, 0.6mg /LCBD, and 2.7mg/L of CBD, respectfully, were added to the tanks. The tanks were observed and evaluated for the effects of the bioaccumulation The tanks were tested for pH, nitrate levels and development of tadpoles . Histological analysis performed on the skin and liver demonstrated that the hepatic cells of the polluted tadpoles exhibited damage and few nuclei were visible leading to necrosis. Tadpoles exposed to 0.6mg/L CBD exhibited the same damage to the hepatic cells. A microbial and histological analysis of the tadpole skin exposed to the mandated EPA of ammonium nitrate exhibited peptidoglycan layer of the cell was destroyed and histological the skin was characterized by having zoosporangia between chromatophores and dermis layers. The morphology of the skin observed on the tadpole contained a fungal infection that would cause zoosporangia. The study determined that 10mg/L of ammonium nitrate and 2.7mg/L CBD toxicity yields 80% mortality rate and 0.6mg/L CBD, 30% mortality rate. CBD in normal dosages and is not a pharmaceutical endocrine disrupting chemical and tadpoles to grew normally. In this analysis cannabinoid affected the morphology and physiology of the tadpole. A hepatic analysis showed the physiological effect that both cannabinoids and ammonium nitrate deteriorated the hepatocytes in the liver, leaving very few visible nuclei. This study determines ammonium nitrate is an endocrine disrupting chemical, but CBD is not endocrine disrupting in low amounts, allowing tadpoles to develop into healthy frogs. CBD has potential to be detrimental the aquatic life without environmental protection regulation to protect water systems and aquatic life.

Title:

Extraction and Characterization of Essential Oil in Lemongrass

Abstract:

Medicinal plants contribute to the world more than we think, especially when it comes to improving the quality of drugs. Three quarters of the world’s population depend on medicinal plants for their health needs. Essential oils from plants are a popular alternative to synthetic drugs due to the lack of significant adverse effects. Extraction is the most common method to remove essential oils from plants. Common methods of extraction of essential oils from plants include solvent extraction, heated extraction, and steam extraction. The focus of this research is to use various extraction methods to extract essential oils from lemongrass. Lemongrass is an important medicinal plant which has essential oils that have various applications in traditional medicine. It is a perennial plant from the Poaceae family and contains about fifty different species. The type of lemongrass that will be used for this research is Cymbopogon Flexuosus. Three different solvent extraction methods were performed: hydrodistillation, reflux, soaking at room temperature and soaking at 50C. The organic layer which contained the essential oil were extracted by ethyl acetate, dried, and stored at 4 C. The best extraction method will be determined by its GC-MS results, which will be presented. The results from the different extraction methods and biological activities of extracts from each method will be compared.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

Throughout this paper, I will analyze how schools in high-poverty areas with limited resources harmfully impact a child’s ability to receive an efficient education compared to affluent communities. Through the use of research and the collection of data, the adverse effects poverty has on students and their families will be identified. The negative impacts lower-income communities can have on a student's education will also be examined. This paper will address the challenges schools in lower-income areas face because of their position within a community. Lastly, how change agents such as school social workers can advocate for the need of effective policies to help prevent students who attend schools in low-income areas from falling behind and repeating the ongoing cycle of poverty will be addressed. Poverty is a significant social injustice issue that primarily affects students of African American descent. Considering this, it is often overlooked, and instead of it being addressed, the cycle continues for many generations of families. Without access to adequate resources and support within the school system, students will continue to be negatively impacted within today’s society and be left behind.

Title: 

Effects of Creosote on Mummichog Cancer Rates

Abstract:

Our project focuses on cancer rates in fish from the Elizabeth River. Cancer is known to occur as a result of contamination with creosote, a chemical compound used to preserve wood. These compounds are particularly harmful to mummichogs, a fish known to develop liver cancer. In 2018, mummichogs from the Elizabeth River were collected, fixed, embedded, and sectioned prior to hematoxylin and eosin staining. Mummichog slides provided to us by collaborators from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Slides were read by two counters and assessed for liver lesions, hepatic neoplasms, and extra-haptic proliferations. We expect that mummichogs that are in areas with high creosote contamination will have higher cancer rates than areas with low or no creosote contamination. In the future, these 2018 samples will be compared organisms collected from the same location from 2021 to see if the cancers rates in mummichogs decreased due to efforts to restore the river.

Title:

Extraction and Characterization of Active Ingredients in Eucalyptus Plants

Abstract:

Herbal medicine has been studied for the natural holistic property in a variety of herbal plants as a safe alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, and in some cultures, broadly used in daily life as an effective therapeutic treatment. Eucalyptus plants are believed to have holistic properties such as antimicrobial properties that results from the essential oil of the plant. The most common methods of extraction of the Eucalyptus essential oils are steam distillation and hydro-distillation. The focus of this research is to extract the essential oils from Eucalyptus by various extraction methods. Those methods include solvent extraction at room temperature and at 50 o C, hydro-distillation (HD), and reflux. The essential oils were extracted by the various methods, isolated by ethyl acetate, dried, and stored at 4 oC. According to GCMS data, extraction by reflux produced more oil. Preliminary biological studies of commercial Eucalyptus oil and extracted Eucalyptus oil, showed reduction in yeast growth of S. Cerevisiae.

Title:

The Effect of Creosote Contamination on Cancer Rates in Mummichogs 

Abstract:

The Elizabeth Rivers is a large estuary near NSU that is home to a variety of aquatic organisms. Unfortunately, the Elizabeth River is highly polluted with creosote due to PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) that come from creosote spills originating at wood treatment facilities along the river. To assess the impact of creosote on the ecosystem, researchers commonly use a fish called a mummichog that is known to be susceptible to higher cancer rates when exposed. Mummichogs were obtained from collaborators at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. They were collected in 2018 from four different locations with varying levels of creosote contamination within the Elizabeth River. Their liver was fixed, embedded, and sectioned before staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Using a light microscope, abnormalities were examined, and data was recorded based on hepatic neoplasms, liver lesions, and extra-hepatic proliferations. We expect to see a direct relationship between the cancer rates in mummichogs and amount of creosote in the environment in which they live. In the future, research will be done to compare our 2018 samples to samples collected in 2021, after restoration was completed. This work will provide data regarding the success of efforts to restore the river.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Title:

Quantification of Antibiotic Residues in Meat Using Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (DLLME) coupled with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-DAD)

Abstract:

The presence of antibiotic residues in meat is not without consequences and its effects can be seen in the human population and the environment. After antibiotics are excreted from the animal, they can enter wastewater systems either in their original state or in the form of metabolites. Fluoroquinolones in the meat-packing industry has become a matter of concern because of the common use of these compounds to control bacterial infections. Antibiotic residuals in meat has led to the development of antibacterial resistance thereby lowering the efficacy of these fluoroquinolones as a treatment for bacterial infections. This study focuses on determining the prevalence of six specific antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, Enrofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Sulfadimethoxine, Sulfamerazine, and Sulfamethoxazole residues in meat products from grocery stores located in the Hampton roads area using an environmentally friendly process, Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (DLLME), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-DAD) with a diode array detector for separation of the targeted analyte. The study was able to identify the presence of two antibiotic residues: Enrofloxacin and Sulfamerazine in the beef samples analyzed. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the external standard for all the analytes ranged from 0.9910 to 0.9987. The limit of detection and quantification was 0.447 μg/kg to 1.7233 μg/kg and 1.447 μg/kg to 9.282 μg/kg, respectively. Recovery of the spiked samples was between 88.3% to 100.3%. This method was able to detect the analyte within the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). The concentration range of the analyte that is expected to be detected by screening varied based on the target analyte. Overall, there was a concentration range of 40-50000 μg/L. These results will educate and inform the population and influence the meat-packing industry to regularly monitor antibiotics administered to allow proper digestion time which will aid in decreasing the transfer of antibiotic residues to humans and the environment.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

There are many children who enter into foster care custody each year. Foster care is intended to be a temporary rather than long-term solution for children who have been removed from their birth family home for reasons of neglect, abuse, abandonment, or other issues endangering their health and or safety. The relationship between income and child maltreatment is supported by considerable research conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The study found that abuse is 14 times more common in poor families and neglect is 44 times more common in poor families. Incident rates are 26.5 times higher in low-income families. It has also been founded that African American children are less likely to receive in-home services and mental health treatment. If there is a belief that race and demographic background do not contribute to the number of children in foster care Virginia should consider using the Blind Removal Meeting. The Blind Removal Process is described as a committee of child welfare professionals who convene to determine if a child(ren) will be removed from their family home. All identifiable information from the case file is removed and the discussion focuses on what has occurred, relevant history, and family capacity and strengths. The Blind Removal Meeting study occurred in Nassau County, New York, it found that African American children being removed from their homes decreased to 29 percent.

Title:

The Bactericidal Properties of Bacteriophage Bassalto and Eucalyptus Compounds

Abstract:

Antibiotics have been developed and used against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria as broad and efficacious therapies for curing human infections. The increase in antimicrobial resistance has led researchers to investigate alternative therapies. This study focuses on the use of eucalyptus essential oil, eucalyptus isolated oil and eucalyptus leaves as possible alternatives to antibiotics. The efficacy of eucalyptus and eucalyptus products were compared to bacteriophage and antibiotics against Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis. The results show that the essential oil was an ideal antibacterial against these organisms. The agar diffusion test similar, to a Kirby-Bauer assay, was used as a model to evaluate antibiotic susceptibility. The zones of inhibition were calculated showing the efficacy of the essential oil to be the best antimicrobial against both strains of bacteria tested while the phage Bassalto was only bactericidal against M. smegmatis.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

School-to-prison pipeline is a phenomenon that is disproportionally affecting Black and Brown students. Schools have implemented a zero-tolerance policy that was created to keep schools safe from drugs and weapons, are now being used as a way to push students who do not adhere to these expectations. Students who display negative/unwanted behaviors in the classroom or school are pushed out the school through suspensions and expulsion. Many of these students who displayed these negative behaviors are Black and Brown. These behaviors include minor infractions such as talking back to the teacher or a major infraction such as bringing drugs onto a school’s campus. However, these infractions are often at the teacher, school and principles discretion. Black and Brown students are being disproportionally affected by these zero-tolerance policies. Students who are pushed through school in this pipeline are often arrested, referred to juvenile detention centers or even face criminal charges. This paper aims to explore how school discipline relates to student success and juvenile justice system. This research examines how in school suspensions influences the chance of a student being incarcerated once they enter young adulthood. This paper will look at the significance and impact a school social worker have on school-to-prison phenomenon. This paper will also examine at implication for social workers and the students they serve.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

Poverty is an issue that many children are facing all across the United States. It is an issue that can affect children in numerous ways such as a lack of resources, low motivation due to other life stressors, and less nutritional meals. There have been a number of programs in place to alleviate this issue such as The Feeding America Network and School on Wheels, but they cannot help everyone who needs it. After school programs, however, can be implemented on a wider scale giving children a chance to inspire learning, promote recreational activity such as sports or clubs and can has been shown to improve test scores. A study from the article “The Impact of Afterschool Program Attendance on Academic Outcomes of Middle School Students” reported that students who engaged in after school activity for over a year saw an increase in their test scores by 7 points. The increase in test scores will not only be beneficial to the child but to the school as well. Test scores are important for schools because they can determine how much a school will receive in funding. This increase in funding will give schools more resources to better assist children in their development in the classroom.

Title:

Physiological Impacts of Coal-Tar Creosote on Common Algal Species

Abstract:

Algae are oxygenic photoautotrophs and contain green-colored pigments called chlorophylls within folded membranous thylakoids of organelles called chloroplasts. The green chlorophyll pigments are light sensitive and allow algae to convert light energy into chemical energy (ATP) through a process called photophosphorylation. Common in all waters globally algae are both important pillars of many ecosystems as well as useful indicators of environment health. Throughout the Elizabeth River in Southeastern Virginia there persists a hidden threat locked in the benthic sediments; coal tar creosote. Coal tar cresosote is a carbonaceous chemical formed by the distillation of residual products resulting from converting coal to coke. Commonly used for centuries to weather and water-proof wood products it is especially prevalent near shipyards. Coal tar creosote is a known carcinogen and causes physiological impairment to organisms at all scales. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts to common algal species. A mix of algae species was prepared and exposed to a range of creosote levels from 0 ppm (control) to 0.85 ppm. Photosynthesis was monitored using PASCO dissolved oxygen meters over a two-week period. Resulting data suggests significant impairment in algal physiology and survival at concentration increased.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

With the level of marijuana use on the rise and the rate of suicide increasing for African American young persons, it is imperative that we explore the possibility that there is an association between the two. African Americans 18-29 years of age have a higher prevalence of daily cannabis use, compared to their white counterparts. Regarding suicide, between 2013 and 2019 the suicide rate of African Americans 15 to 24 years old increased by 47% for males and 59% for females. Moreover, recent study findings indicate Africans Americans have higher odds of co-occurring cannabis use disorder and suicide attempts. Therefore there is a need for research focused on the marijuana use-suicide association among African American emerging adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between marijuana use and suicidal ideation. METHOD: The study included a sample of 219 students. The sample was 70% female (Mage = 20.2 (SD = 1.9) years). After providing informed consent, each participant was administered an assessment battery to measure substance use and mental health. The IRB approved the study. RESULTS: Three out of four students reported ever using marijuana. 20% reported suicidal ideation. Results from the logistic regression analysis indicated persons who reported lifetime marijuana use were 2.7 times as likely to report thoughts of suicide. CONCLUSION: More research is needed to better understand the marijuana use-suicide association. Additionally, school-based interventions that aim to reduce marijuana use and identify students at increased risk for suicidal thoughts, could aide in preventing suicide.

Title:

Effects of Aluminum Doping in Hafnium Oxide MOS Capacitors 

Abstract:

In the past decades, silicon dioxide (SiO2) has been the most used dielectric for electronic devices, including metal oxide semiconductor capacitors, metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors, thin film transistors, and Very-large-scale integration (VLSI) technology. SiO2 has been used extensively because of its defect-free high-quality thin film growth. However, SiO2 has several disadvantages that researchers are currently looking for alternatives. Scaling down electronics is the most popular device approach where SiO2 will not be able to withstand these adjustments. One approach to scaling down electronics, while sustaining adequate dielectric properties is incorporating high k dielectrics. Noteworthy high k dielectrics that are currently favored include hafnium oxide (HfO2), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). A the shortcomings of these popular high-k dielectric materials is that they generally develop a crystalline-like structure under normal deposition conditions. These crystalline-like structures induce surface roughness and higher leakage currents. Aluminum doping reduces leakage current while increasing the crystallization temperature of dielectric thin films. In this work, we study aluminum-doped hafnium oxide (Al:HfO2) metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitors. Al:HfO2 films were grown conformally through electron beam evaporation on silicon and glass substrates. MOS capacitors were fabricated to observe the dielectric integrity of the device. Frequency-dependent (100 kHz to 1Mhz) C-V characteristics of the MOSCAPs were performed with a biased voltage swept from –4 to +4 V. The effect of aluminum doping on the structure and surface morphology, crystallinity, capacitance, and dielectric properties was systematically analyzed through several measurement techniques such as XRD, atomic force microscopy, Keithley semiconductor analyzer, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy.

Title:

Resilience of a Potential Invasive: Kolanchoe X Houghtonii 

Abstract:

Home to a genus of approximately 120 species of succulent plants and the Crassulaceae family, the Kalanchoe plant is a common succulent used in horticulture and everyday gardening. Most Kalanchoe plants have been considered invasive due to their ability to adapt to almost any environment. In attempt to understand the impacts various climates would have on the physiology of Kalanchoe’s, using Kalanchoe x Houghtonii, a monocarpic succulent and a trihybrid of K. Delagoensis and K. Daigremontiana, the hybrid was introduced into two new climate settings and a control group was kept. Three plots of Kalanchoe x Houghtonii were used, one plot served as a drought setting, one as a flood, and one plot kept as a control group. Over the course of three weeks the following were measured in the Kalanchoe plants: Fresh weight, dry weight, water content, water movement, transpiration, stomata count, fluorescence, and photosynthesis. After the course of three weeks, it was apparent that there was no significant difference in the plants' physiological processes when exposed to different climate settings.

Title:

Blocked vs. Random Practice: How does the type of practice impact movement retention in soccer? 

Abstract:

The current study investigated the acquisition of passing and moving to maintain possession of a soccer ball using either a blocked or random practice schedule. Twelve individuals performed various passing sequences. Half were randomly assigned to a blocked practice condition where three players were stationed at four cones. They were instructed to pass and move to the open cone after the targeted teammate received their pass. The other half were assigned to a random practice condition in which three players were tasked to pass to the targeted teammate and move into open space to receive the next pass without the usage of cones. Acquisition consisted of three, ten-minute trials for each practice group on three consecutive days. A retention test was conducted on the fourth day, where a small-sided conditioned game was utilized to observe the transfer of skills from practice. During acquisition, individuals from both practice groups significantly improved their performance for passing and moving into open space to receive the ball. The blocked practice group performed significantly better during the acquisition stage but saw a decrease in performance during the retention test. In contrast, the random practice group yielded better scores during the retention test. These results would suggest that increased skill transfer occurs during random practice, thus enhancing the process of motor learning for a long-term skill.

Title:

Physiological Impacts of Kalanchoe X Houghtonii to Extreme Environments

Abstract:

The Kalanchoe species is known as one of many succulent plants that are native to places such as Africa and Madagascar. Their thick, waxy or hairy leaves and are variable in size and shape making them well adapted for drier climates. They are relatively low maintenance mostly due to their thick leaves which store nutrients and moisture. In this experiment, Kalanchoe was exposed to flood, drought, and regular watering periods. Leaf fluorescence, leaf water content, and rate of transpiration were recorded over two weeks. Due to the adaptability of the Kalanchoe it was hypothesized that these conditions would have little to no effect on the recorded parameters. After 4 weeks the hypothesis was supported as there was no significant difference between plants exposed to drought or flooded conditions relative to control. This suggested that this species is highly tolerant of extreme conditions and may pose a real threat as an invasive even in habitats very different from the one it is native to.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

Truancy affecting student school development in urban areas with zero-tolerance policies. Absenteeism results in decline in educational growth and effects school-related readiness and climate. Absenteeism has been connected to poor grades, and low educational aspirations as schools tackle addressing the issue (Gage, Sugai, Lunde, & DeLoreto (2013). This study investigates the effectiveness of implemented zero-tolerance policies in schools within urban communities against school truancy absenteeism and its influence on school development. The study addressed factors including outside home behaviors or emotional trauma, low academic scores, economically disadvantaged, and inadequate school participation in existing assistance programs.

Title:

Examining Chimney Swifts, Mosquitoes, and Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Abstract:

Chimney swifts are a migratory bird that has seen a population decrease in North America. Their habitats are rather specific as they prefer structures like chimneys: deep, dark, open on the top and rough on the inside. Urbanization has jeopardized their habitats removing trees and many chimneys are being capped. This project seeks to analyze the correlation between chimney swift populations, mosquito diversity and density and mosquito-borne disease prevalence. This project assumes that mosquitos are a common component of the chimney swift diet. Historical data was collected (from 2003 to 2021) from the CDC, Virginia Department of Health, and the Ebird database. It is expected there will be a inverse relationship between the Chimney Swift population and the mosquito population. It’s also expected there will be a direct relationship between mosquito population and mosquito-transmitted disease cases. The purpose of this project is to provide data regarding the possible installation of a Chimney Swift tower on NSU’s campus. Establishing a chimney tower would provide these organisms a habitat, thereby increasing the Chimney Swift population and decreasing the mosquito population and diseases transmitted on NSU’s campus.

Title:

The Impact of Creosote Levels on Mummichog Cancer Rates 

Abstract:

Southeast Virginia's estuary-like Elizabeth River system is surrounded by the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. Wood treatment facilities using creosote, consisting of tar and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, were a substantial industry up until the 1990s (PAH). To assess the impact of this creosote on the river, a tiny tidal fish known as the mummichog, which has a small home range, has been established as a bioindicator. In this project, samples were obtained from collaborators at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). Mummichogs were collected in 2018 from four separate locations containing various levels of creosote. Mummichog livers were fixed, embedded, and sectioned into 15 slides per site and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The slides were then analyzed by two people per slide to identify liver lesions, hepatic neoplasms, or extra-hepatic neoplasms. We expect to find that the Mummichog livers in areas with high creosote levels will have higher cancer rates than those in areas with lower to no creosote levels. In the future, research needs to be done comparing the 2018 samples to the 2021 samples, which were collected after sediment restoration removed much of the creosote from the river. The goal of that restoration is to see that cancer rates have decreased significantly, and the river is being restored to health.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

Poverty is a leading cause of lack of achievement within life. It is slowly becoming the most prevalent indicator of academic achievement within the school system today. The number of students living in poverty is rising, and as this increase continues to happen it is important that schools educate staff on the effects of poverty and the influence it has on students’ behavior and learning capacity. School divisions should incorporate strategies and interventions to assist with closing the gap in academic achievement between those brought up in poverty and those brought up in higher class homes. Students raised in poverty are more likely to go through emotional and social challenges, chronic stressors, and cognitive lags due to changes in brain structure in areas related to memory and emotion. An intervention that can be implemented to increase student efforts and motivation is to provide after school programs that provide food, internet, and tutoring to those in poverty. Decreasing the likelihood of lower academic achievement can also be accomplished by noticing the signs of poverty, helping to empowering students, and making the classroom environment more comfortable and interesting. Hiring caring and empathetic staff will assist students with cognitive delays and changes in brain structure to close the gap in academic achievement (Jensen, 2013).

Title:

The causes of Senior Citizens not having Basic Living Essentials on Community Living

Abstract:

Senior citizens aged 55 and over encounter mental health concerns each year, as reported in The Status of Mental Health and Aging in America. A most frequent mental health issue among the elderly is depression, although older persons often suffer from anxiety and severe cognitive impairment. Apart from causing emotional anguish and physical and mental health problems, depression can also have a negative impact on a person's ability to interact socially. Unfortunately, many elderly individuals who live alone lose contact with their social networks and their motivation to live. Studies show that they have a hard time maintaining social relationships, physical activity, and a sense of purpose because they lack sufficient opportunities for human interaction. This may develop a general feeling of isolation or even more severe psychological problems. This study will discuss the mental, physical, environmental, and emotional effects that the absence of basic living needs in senior living facilities has on its residents.

Title:

The Study of Correlations Between Childhood Trauma and Juvenile Delinquency

Abstract:

Students are reviewing research on how childhood trauma correlates with juvenile delinquency. The purpose of this research is to collect data on how physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic and community violence have a direct correlation to juvenile delinquency. We are collecting data to discover how to provide adequate interventions for juvenile youth. Various methods were utilized in the research studies we reviewed. These methods consist of surveys, questionnaires, ACE scores, and interviews. Through these studies, we found that there is a correlation between childhood trauma and juvenile delinquency.

Title:

Black Women, Media, and Ideas of Beauty 

Abstract:

Dark-skinned Girls and Light-skinned Girls. Kinky hair and straight hair. The ideas of skin complexion, hair, and other beauty standards regarding black women have been examined but the analysis lacks the historical roots necessary to understand the complexities and intersection of these issues. One understudied area is the intraracial roots of race, class, gender, and beauty that these documentaries failed to bring to light. Because of Jim Crow, several entrepreneurial endeavors were launched to supply African American needs that their European counterpart neglected and/or ignored. These include insurance companies, banks, newspapers, and beauty products. My presentation examines the collaboration between African American newspapers and media companies, beauty products, and financial profits to shape a gendered message that included class and a color complex. African American newspapers generated profits from the sale of advertisements that targeted the African American populace and inferred authenticity. On the other side, African Americans started beauty companies that promised to bleach the skin and turn them "perfectly White" to getting the "kinky, knotty, stubborn, harsh, curly hair" to being straight. These advertisements created the ideal beauty that was gender and class specific. The ideal beauty standard was based on proximity to whiteness. Positive attributes, such as intelligence, approachability, and beauty, were associated with whiteness. The lighter one's skin, the straighter one's hair, the more proximate they are to whiteness. I argue African American's participation in capitalism that became racial-capitalism promoted self-destructive ideas around black women and beauty that still exist today.

Title:

Synthesis of Organic Monomers for Photonic Application

Abstract:

Photochromic compounds are often used throughout materials science research. Because of this, certain compounds must stay in stock to ensure research projects can be tested and analyzed effectively. Due to the pressing need for photochromic compounds, the objective of this research project is to successfully synthesize monomers for applications in photonics. To obtain the compounds, the project was completed in two phases. In phase one, the derivative [2,2’-Bi-1H￾indene01,1’-dione-3,3’-diyl dialkylcarboxylate (BIT) and (2E, 5E)-2,5-Bis(4- (dibutylamino)benzylidene) benzyl-1 (ethylhexyloxy)-benzophenone (DABP) will be synthesized using reflux and characterized via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), UV-Vis Spectroscopy, or Fluorescence. In phase two of the project, the synthesized monomers, BITh and DABP will be photopolymerized by Xe lamp illumination to observe possible 1-Photon absorption. Additionally, the monomers will be photopolymerized under a Femtosecond Ti: Sapphire Laser to observe possible 2-Photon absorption. Though the experiment is not complete, detailed mechanisms are being evaluated and further studies are underway.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

The phenomenon of the “school-to-prison pipeline” is a phrase commonly referring to disciplinary methods used in school systems that essentially “push out” or eject students from school and increase their risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. This problem can also create issues relating to poverty and poor health outcomes. The “school-to-prison” phenomenon is also associated with the issue of mass incarceration rates within the United States. Due to racial disparities in schools, such as systemic racism, oppression, and discrimination, minorities are at greater risk of being a part of the “school-to-prison pipeline.” Both qualitative and quantitative research can be utilized to demonstrate why this phenomenon is an issue and how it can be eliminated. The concern will require attention and help at the micro, mezzo, and macro level. Addressing this issue is crucial as it will improve students’ overall well-being and promote social justice.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

Organic compounds are rapidly becoming an interest throughout photonic applications due to their easy accessibility and polymerization abilities. By possessing polymerization abilities, organic compounds can engage in photopolymerization when introduced to UV, visible, or Near Infrared Light (NIR). Photopolymerized organic compounds can be used in various applications such as drug delivery, biomedical devices, and dentistry. The objective of this research project is to successfully synthesize characterized organic monomers that can absorb 1-photon of light for applications in photonics and photopolymerization. BIT-OH [2,2'-Bi-1H-indene]-1,1'-dione- 3,3'-diyl dialkylcarboxylate was synthesized from Succinic Acid, Phthalic Anhydride, and Potassium Acetate. The derivative [2,2’-Bi-1H-indene],1-1’-dione-3,3’-diyl diheptanoate (BITh), and intermediates formed were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), NMR, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, or Fluorescence. The synthesized monomer, BITh, will be photopolymerized by Xe lamp illumination to observe possible 1-Photon absorption. Additionally, the monomer will be photopolymerized under a Femtosecond Ti: Sapphire Laser to observe possible 2-Photon absorption. Synthetic details and characterization results will be presented. This work is supported by NoVEL Department of Energy, MSIPP grant DE-NA0003867.

Title:

What Makes an Effective Anti-Bullying Program?

Abstract:

This paper will cover the topic of bullying in schools and what elements are necessary for a successful and effective anti-bullying school program. I will explore how bullying affects students, their families, and even the bullies; along with this I cover some potential causes of bullying. Bullying has negative consequences for everyone involved so it is necessary that schools and school social workers give attention to reducing and deter bullying behavior. My research has found that the most effective programs include an assessment of the school’s bullying climate before implementation, informal peer involvement, dissemination of anti-bullying information to parents, creation of systems that hold bullies accountable, and creating a system that annually assess the effectiveness of the program.

Title:

How has Environmental Differences Changed the Caner Rates Among Mummichogs? 

Abstract:

The Elizabeth River system is surrounded by the cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth. Historically, wood treatment plants used a chemical called creosote to preserve the wood used for docks and piers. Over the years the creosote washed into the Elizabeth River harming the ecosystem, since creosote is a known cancer-causing agent. To assess this harm researchers often use mummichogs as bioindicators because they are known to be susceptible to cancer in their liver. For this project, mummichog liver slides from 2018, were obtained from collaborators Virginia iinstitute of marine's science. The fish livers were fixed, embedded, and sectioned prior to staining with hematoxylin and eosin. Each slide was read by two counters to assess the presence of liver lesions, hepatic neoplasms, and extra-hepatic proliferations. From this project we expect to find higher rates of cancer in mummichog liver from higher creosote contaminated sites. This research project is to inform the public and companies about the contamination of the Elizabeth River and progress to restore it.

Title:

Charge Mobility of Doped P3HT in a Field Effect Transistor

Abstract:

Polymers exhibit a number of inherent potential advantages when being used as the active layer of organic field effect transistors (OFETs), these include but may not be limited to the fact that they are flexible, lightweight, biocompatible, etc. Electronic doping can radically change and modify the electronic properties of semiconductors, which enables field effect transistor (FET) devices to have tunable features or functions. In this study, the charge mobility of a FET device where the active semiconductor layer is a p-type conjugated polymer poly-3-hexyl-thiophene (P3HT) doped with iodine is examined. Based on preliminary experimental results, the charge mobility of the iodine doped P3HT in FET initially increases at low doping concentrations, then it decreases at high doping concentrations, i.e., an optimal doping range is observed. Mechanisms are proposed.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

Water pollution affects the vitality of aquatic organisms and our nation's drinking water. Water pollution in the environment generally occurs in two ways; agricultural contamination and pharmaceutical and personal care product (PCP) contamination. Ammonium nitrate is a form of agricultural pollution that is commonly found in our nation's waterways. This type of pollution comes from fertilizers, pesticides, and wildfires. The Environmental Protection Agency states that 10 mg/L ammonium nitrate is safe human drinking water. This study evaluated the toxicity of ammonium nitrate and the physical parameters: pH nitrates, temperature, inside aquatic environments, and the hepatic physiology. The Lithobates pipiens tadpoles and Danio rerio (zebrafish) were exposed to 10mg/L of ammonium nitrate pollutant for three weeks for bioaccumulation. The pre-metamorphic tadpoles were observed daily for the onset of metamorphoses. The fish were monitored daily for reproductive habits and physiological changes. The polluted tanks were tested and examined each day for nitrate concentrations, increasing pH, compromised the liver and observed the mortality rate, the tanks were analyzed. Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy was preformed to determine the absorption level of ammonium nitrate toxicity from bioaccumulation. A liver histological analysis was preformed to demine the physical damage of ammonium nitrate toxicity. This study illustrates that ammonium nitrate can causes irreversible damage on the liver of aquatic life. The male zebrafish in this study were more susceptible to the ammonium nitrate toxicity yielding 80% mortality rate. In this study the ammonium nitrate toxicity observed to have affected on zebrafish then the amphibians exhibiting a higher mortality rate and with shorter exposer. A histological hematoxylin of eosin staining of the liver were done on the zebrafish and the amphibian liver exposed to ammonium nitrate led to lesion in the liver and apoptosis of hepatic cells. The importance of this study is to understand the effects of the toxicity of ammonium nitrate, an agricultural contaminant on the physiology and overall health of aquatic organisms. The hypothesis of this study is amphibian will be more susceptible of ammonium nitrate toxicity than the fish due to continuous respiration. This study illustrates the important and an urgent issue in helping our country's waterways and protecting the health and vitality of the food chain for aquatic organisms and humans.

Title:

Generation of SKBR3 Breast Cancer Cell Populations with Varying HER2 Expressions Levels

Abstract:

Breast cancers with HER2 gene amplification or HER2 protein overexpression are referred to as HER2-positive. The HER2 gene produces an excessive amount of HER2 protein, leading cells to divide quickly. Our project’s main goal is to generate cell lines with differing levels of HER2 expression to be used in experiments for label-free diagnostic tool development. We transfected the high HER2 expressing SKBR3 cells with either shRNA-HER2 or control plasmid for HER2 downregulation. We found that cells transfected with the HER2 shRNA stopped dividing, suggesting that downregulation of HER2 in SKBR3 cells reduces cell viability. For our project, we also developed quantitative methods for careful determination of HER2 expression using the HEK293 cells as a known low HER2-expressor control. We found a 29-fold difference between SKBR3 and HEK293 expression of HER2 by using RT-qPCR. In adherent cells, we showed by indirect immunofluorescence and Image J signal analysis that SKBR3 had a background corrected mean+/-SD value 36 +/- 11 compared to HEK-293 value of 4 +/- 7, or 9-fold difference, with a significant t-test p-value of 9.7 x 10-13. HER 2 expression in attached SKBR3 cells was heterogeneous. Initial fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis (FACS) of HER2 expression in detached SKBR3 showed two distinct SKBR3 cell populations with a 9-fold difference in mean surface HER2 expression. We plan to flow sort these two populations for further characterization and utilization in label-free diagnostic tool development.

Title:

Career Development Workshop

Abstract:

There are many individuals who do not have the knowledge of proper career development planning and skills. Career development is the support an organization provides to individuals for professional growth. Career development programs aim to help employees build a sustainable and adaptable approach to career management. In the presentation we will discuss the importance college students seeking professional career development skills. According to the study, it reveals the lack of theoretical and practice models that address career development from the combined perspective of individual and institutional relationships (Peres MD, Lorenzo GC). With the lack of practice models for career development lacks the approach and professionalism that college students should have when entering their career.This workshop of career development will not only provide individuals with resourceful information but also allow them to apply themselves in a professional setting. Individuals will be able to understand the proper way to interview, email, communicate, dress, and network and also how to land the perfect job with their resume.

Title:

Why do Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Face Financial Barriers

Abstract:

The issue in the United States is many people suffer from being financially stable after being incarcerated. Nearly half of the formerly incarcerated people had no reported earnings in the year after their release; only 20% of those with jobs reported annual earnings above $15,000. There are more than 44,000 federal, state, and local restrictions that block access to public benefits, employment opportunities, and other crucial services that returning citizens need to establish stability and build their financial health. I will be exploring the possible theories that led to individuals having a hard time remaining financially stable, if the charges are tied together with their low-paying jobs, study if employers ask if they have been convicted of a felony, and study the low-income felons vs. the successful stable living felony individuals.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

Abstract Implicit racial biases, in conjunction with a lack of cultural competency and professional development, influence the subjection of Black and brown disciplinary outcomes. This paper will communicate the disparities in disciplinary outcomes for minority students compared to white student, particularly in the public-school educational setting. This research will discuss the factors that contribute to these disparities and the long-lasting effects that impede these students, families, communities, and school divisions. The impact of historical racial trauma, systematic racism, social norms, and cultural influences have significantly influenced the public educational system and this problem. Internal and external factors that cultivate and effect minority students' learning experiences inside and outside their school building will also be examined. This paper will then also provide relevant statistical data that signify these disproportions, utilizing various methodological measures and tools. Once the contributing factors and data have been analyzed and investigated, proposed programs and policies will be analyzed, recommended, explored to help provide a solution to resolve this problem.

Title:

Microplastics in Elizabeth River Oysters from an Industrialized and a Non-Industrialized Location

Abstract:

Oysters are an integral part of the Elizabeth River ecosystem. As industrialization increases along the river, the oysters in different environments may vary when it comes to ingestion of microplastics. This is a concern because microplastics can negatively affect filter feeders like oysters and their reproduction. We obtained oysters from an industrialized and a non-industrialized area, to evaluate microplastics found in the oyster tissue. Oysters were collected from Harbor Park in Norfolk (industrialized) and a residential area on the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River (non-industrialized). The fresh oysters were shucked, volume measured and digested in 10% KOH. They were then incubated while shaking at 40°C for 48 hours. The digested tissue for each site was then filtered onto paper discs and stored in covered Petri dishes. Filtered discs were then evaluated for type and color of microplastics by two different counters and recorded on a spreadsheet. It would be expected that industrialized sites would contain a greater amount of microplastics than the non-industrialized residential sites. Harbor Park has a consistently high volume of people working and visiting there, which can be one of the reasons more microplastics would be expected to enter the waterway. This work is importnt because it helps inform the city and local businesses, aiding them as they try to work towards restoration of the Elizabeth River.

Title:

Separation and Characterization of Organic Compounds in Eucalyptus Oil 

Abstract:

The purpose of this experiment is a continuation from the previous semester of investigating Eucalyptus oil, where this research focuses on the separation and characterization of organic compounds in Eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus has many properties and many benefits that can help, respiratory, skin, reduces pain and inflammation etc. The organic compounds in extracted Eucalyptus oil was separated by Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Column Chromatography. TLC was initially done to help determine a good solvent mixture to separate the organic compounds. Hexane and ethyl acetate were used as eluting solvents with ratios of 9ml:1ml, 8ml:2ml, and 6ml:4ml, respectively. The 8:2 ratio was determined to give the best separation. Column Chromatography was subsequently used to separate the compounds in the oil using the 8:2 solution, followed by 9:1 solution, and lastly pure ethyl acetate. The compounds will be analyzed by GCMS and NMR and the results will be presented.

Title:

How Does Poverty Affect the Students Attending Newsome Park Elementary School

Abstract:

Poverty is a prevalent social justice issue that affects many communities daily. Impoverished individuals are not afforded the same human rights as others, and it is becoming an increasing issue. Newsome Park Elementary School is in Newport News, Virginia, and it is located in an area that is impoverished. The quality of education is affected within school districts surrounded by poverty due to the lack of resources available for student success. Students that are economically disadvantaged, are amongst the largest percentage of students that are failing state assessments for their core classes such as English and Math. There is also a strong connection between students who are categorized economically disadvantage and chronic absenteeism. Students who are economically disadvantaged are missing many days in school due to responsibilities and trauma at home. There are many students who are categorized as economically disadvantage attending this school, and it is greatly affects the school’s accreditation. The purpose of this research study is to explain the need for a more diverse student population and additional funding opportunities for Newsome Park Elementary School.

Title:

Teaching The Connection Between Children’s Behavior and Parent’s Mental Diagnosis 

Abstract:

Parents of children with behavioral problems are frequently individuals with mental health conditions. This presentation's study will feature an in-depth discussion of the connection between children's behavior and their parents' mental health. Studies that demonstrate a history of mental diagnoses in parents, kids, and other family members, as well as treatment approaches, will be covered in the discussion. Furthermore, research surrounding the diagnosis of behavioral conditions in children will be discussed. A conclusion of the correlation between the relationship of adults with diagnosed mental health conditions and their children’s behavioral issues will also be displayed.

Title:

Sol-Gel Spin-Coated Gallium Doped Zinc Oxide (GZ) Thin Films for Transparent Heater Applications

Abstract:

Metal Oxides (such as gallium-doped zinc oxide) are used in a large variety of fields to create low-cost powered electronics, automobile window defrosters, and flexible optoelectronic devices. Gallium nitrate and zinc nitrate hexahydrate materials were used to produce optimized gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) thin films for sol–gel spin coating technique on glass substrates. After deposition, GZO films were annealed at temperatures ranging from 200 to 500 oC. The thin films were ultra-smooth in nature and showed excellent structural, electrical, optical, and thermal properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results displayed the preferential c-axis orientation of the crystallites and the presence of the wurtzite phase of ZnO. Electrical measurements conducted by linear four probes show low resistivity of ~ 3.3 × 10−3 Ω cm. GZO thin films also display transparency (>85%) in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum performed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. GZO transparent heater displays a stable and reproducible Joule heating effect via temperatures reaching close to 100 oC by low input (<10 V) voltages. This research suggests that using GZO as a transparent oxide material could be helpful in the development of low-cost power electronics, automobile window defrosters, and flexible and wearable optoelectronics devices.

Title:

Permalloy Metasurfaces for Nanomagnetics and Magnetoplasmonics

Abstract:

Systems with coupling between magnetic and plasmonic effects can bring new developments in fields of plasmonics and magnetics. In our work we fabricate and study permalloy surfaces with one-dimensional profile modulation and various modulation parameters. Using optical characterization and ferromagnetic resonance methods, we show that such metasurfaces demonstrate in-plane magnetic anisotropy determined by the structural geometry, and support both spin-wave and surface plasmon polariton resonances determined by the modulation parameters and sample orientation. The combination of plasmonic and magnetic properties makes these structures potential candidates for applications in magnetically controlled plasmonics and optically controlled magnetics.

Title:

Social Isolation

Abstract:

Older and Elderly Adults have become one of the largest populations to suffer from social isolation. Creative programs have been designed specifically for this specific population in efforts to increase their socialization especially since the COVID-19 Pandemic. Tidewater Arts Outreach is a non profit organization that specializes in creative engagement programs for older and isolated adults. This research will prove which creative program of TAO has the top leading results with the participants and should this program be permanently implemented due to the specific creative program decreasing social isolation.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

Abstract Child welfare is a generalized term that is intended to mean the all around care for children that have been identified as being in need of varying services necessary for a wholesome life. Most would equate this to providing a safe environment for the child and making sure that their essential needs are met. The Child welfare system attempts to be successful in this regard but of course cannot meet that goal one hundred percent of the time. There is not sufficient research that details the efforts made towards this goal as it relates to the involvement of the child in the matter. There is research that explains the science and process establishing what is unsafe and unhealthy, leading to removal from a home. Children are consulted in this regard with the understanding that they know when they are being mistreated and are unhappy. The system begs another question that the student intends to explore here. Children that are under consideration of out of home placement should have a voice in deciding their child welfare placement. There is also the examination of the benefits of foster home placement versus being placed in a therapeutic group home as some children express the desire of one over another. This research will provide an analysis on the effective placement of children that are inserted into placements through the child welfare system with their perspective and decision on the location and if there is evidence to support their choice in placement over another.

Title:

Anti-apoptotic Proteins BCLXL and MCL-1 Promote Apoptotic Resistance in Gliobastoma

Abstract:

This study investigated the use of BH3 profiling to identify apoptotic blocks in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells, a highly aggressive and apoptotic-resistant brain cancer that responds poorly to treatment. The researchers extracted GBM cells from patient tumors and exposed them to BCL-2 inhibiting peptides to measure cytochrome c levels in the cell, identifying which blocks prevent cell death. BH3 profiling effectively identified a specific dependence on BCLXL and MCL1 apoptotic blocks despite the heterogeneity of GBM cells. The study also examined the use of BH3 mimetics, drugs that mimic pro-apoptotic proteins by binding to BCL-2 proteins’ BH3 domains, to target the identified apoptotic blocks and induce an increased apoptotic response. The results showed that a dosage of 1000 nM of BCLXLi and 250 nM of MCL1i produced an optimal apoptotic response, with a synergy score indicating the increased effect of the combined treatment due to drug interactions. The synergy score of BH3 mimetics showed increased effects of combined treatment due to drug interactions. The MCL1 and BCLXL inhibitors had far greater synergy and produced a greater apoptotic effect than other drug combinations.

Title:

Fabrication of FeS2 Conversion Cathodes for Energy Storage Application in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract:

Lithium-ion batteries are currently used in many technologies, but the materials’ technology must be improved. One improvement that can be made to the lithium-ion battery is the cathode material. Pyrite, FeS2, shows promise as cathode material due to its high theoretical capacity (894 mAh g-1). The objective of this study is to manufacture and compare FeS2 thin films constructed to perform as conversion cathodes for use in energy storage as lithium-ion coin cell batteries. Pyrite was deposited onto stainless steel substrates at different substrate temperatures (Room temperature, 200℃, 400℃) using RF Sputter deposition. Some films were set aside ready for analysis, others were then annealed with Sulfur in a 3-zone furnace under two different time conditions (2 hours, 4 hours). The films were then characterized by means of Raman spectroscopy. After characterization, lithium-ion battery coin cells were assembled and analyzed using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge. Additional manufacture, assembly, and analysis is ongoing, the result of which will be subsequently studied to determine the optimal conditions to produce FeS2 cathodes for the desired energy storage application.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

In our American society today, everyone is not granted nor provided the same equal educational opportunities. Poverty continues to cause many economic, environmental, and social disparities. These disparities prevent marginalized individuals from equally achieving the same opportunities. A quality education should be accessible for all individuals regardless of race or a socioeconomic status. African Americans living in low-income face many barriers trying to obtain an equal quality education. Throughout this qualitative research, this study focuses on identifying the relationship between the educational achievement gap and drop-out rate amongst low-income African Americans. Low-income African Americans are at a disadvantage securing quality education and this study will provide implications for practice to improve these educational outcomes.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

One of the most influential factors of religious identity is the amount of exposure to religious behaviors viewed during one’s upbringing. If an individual grows up with care givers that had a negative view on religion there is a likelihood that the individual may form their religious identity to reflect negative views on religion. Whereas, if an individual had a caregiver that was involved in church and showed strong religious behaviors such as praying daily and reading the bible the individual may be more likely to adopt these behaviors and possibly pass it down to their children. It is very common during childhood and adolescents to start exploring and building identity and interactions with the social world (Van Tongeren eta al., 2021). Our identities are strongly influenced by parental behaviors in our childhood. These schemas that we begin to develop at an early age are often influenced by credibility enhancing displays (CREDs) (Van Tongeren et al., 2021). This study explores significant differences and similarities across four groups: 1) those that are religious and churched, 2) those that are religious and unchurched, 3) those individuals who are religious “nones” but were formerly churched (may include atheists and agnostics), and 4) individuals who were never religious. Results and implications will be discussed.

Title:

Separation and Characterization of Organic Compounds in Extracted Spearmint Oil

Abstract:

This experiment aimed to separate, identify, and characterize the organic compounds within spearmint oil (Mentha spicita). Mentha spicata, commonly known as spearmint, is a common herb thought to have traditional and medicinal uses due to its composition of carvone, monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, and limonene. Once herbs are in oil form, analytic techniques, such as Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), Column Chromatography (CC), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), and Nuclear Magnetic Spectroscopy (NMR) can be utilized to identify the components in these oils. An experiment was initially designed to determine the best solvent to separate the organic compounds in the essential oils using TLC Plates where hexane and ethyl acetate were used as eluting solvents with ratios of 9ml:1ml, 8ml:2ml, and 6ml:4ml, respectively. Comparing the extracted spearmint oil and commercially oil, ratios 8:2 and 9:1 were found to give the best separation. Column Chromatography was subsequently use to separate the compounds in the oil using the 8:2 solution, followed by 9:1 solution, and lastly pure ethyl acetate. The compounds will be analyzed by GCMS and NMR and the results will be presented.

Click the image or link above for a PDF version of the poster.

Abstract:

Neighborhood crime and insecurity in public housing communities can leave residents feeling unsafe, disconnected, and depressed. It is not uncommon for public housing communities to be associated with crime and poverty, both of which greatly affects the mental health of residents in these communities. African Americans are among the largest population that resides in these socially vulnerable communities and the mental health of African American are often go unaddressed. Low-income families residing in these communities have limited access to resources or adequate support in respect to their mental health. However, in communities that residents feel connected and feel a sense of belonging, can help moderate the poor mental health has on their life. Neighborhood cohesion makes resident of these vulnerable communities feel like they are supported and create a sense of connectedness that can serve as a protective measure for residents.

Title:

Growth and Characterization of Novel Organic Inclusion Complexes and Salt Crystals that are Optically and Mechanically Suitable for Nonlinear Optical (NLO) and Photonic Applications

Abstract:

The thrust of this research is to grow and characterize novel optical organic inclusion complexes and salt crystals that are optically and mechanically suitable for nonlinear optical (NLO) and photonic applications. Derivatives of the novel crystal 4-N,N-dimethylamino-4’-N’-methyl-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST) crystals will be systematically grown by the solution growth method and optically and mechanically characterized. Organic salts based upon strong Coulomb interactions between cation and anion often show a non-centrosymmetric packing arrangement. DAST salt crystals have the largest second harmonic nonlinearities in their class (r111 = 778pm/V). DAST crystals are very interesting for electro-optic applications because of the nearly parallel alignment of the chromophores in the crystal.