RISE 2024: Converging Paths to Shape Our Future

Allen, Cameron; Dacosta, Phiana; Triplett, Jamaiyah (305)

The Birds of Paradise Creek

The Coastal Plains region of Virginia is the most diverse region of the state in terms of breeding birds.  However, invasive species of birds can cause forests in urbanizing coastal zones to change. This is because invasive species can cause harm to the environment, the other species, or harm to humans.  Our research focuses on bird diversity in Paradise Creek Nature Park in Portsmouth, VA. Created by the Elizabeth River Project in 2012, Paradise Creek Nature Park is a 40-acre public park that aims to restore the natural wetland environment that was lost in the area due to heavy industry and pollution. As of February 2024, twenty-two bird species have been recorded by park visitors and other NSU researchers.  Some of the threatened/endangered species include yellow-crown night herons, piebald grebes, merlins, and cooper's hawks.  Our goal is to investigate the diversity of bird species at the park more thoroughly.  Our questions are: What endangered or threatened species does the park support? What invasive species are found?  We hypothesize that several unrecorded bird species will be identified at the park using sound recordings and photographs.  We will use binoculars, and three apps to identify the birds: Merlin, iNaturalist and Bird Lover.  We will also participate in guided bird walks with park rangers and visiting ornithologists.  The results of our project will generally improve our understanding of the number of bird species present in the Tidewater region of Virginia.  More specifically, our findings will guide the staff of PCNP in their ongoing work to support bird populations and inform the local community of the amazing natural diversity in this local urban park.

Allen, Sheneika; Peay, Kamryn; Stokes, Kamea; Strand, Ja'Keria (328)

Effect of salt stress on seed germination of Swamp Rose Mallow

Seed germination is important for the development of plants. Environmental conditions affect the germination of plants and test the viability of the plant. We tested a research question on how salt stress will affect the growth of a swamp rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) plant. We hypothesized that germination of swamp rose mallow plant in salt water is significantly reduced.  We compare the germination of swamp rose mallow in saltwater vs freshwater. swamp rose mallow is wetland plant that are common in eastern United States. We planted 40 pots with half (20) in freshwater and the other half (20) in salt water. This experiment was done in an indoor greenhouse, where we monitored the growth of the plant over the duration of 3 weeks. Given the importance of native species for ecosystem services, findings from this study may be important for the conservation and successful restoration and management of native plants in coastal areas.

Allshouse, Tonya (451) 

Bridging Gaps: Community Outreach for Mental Health, Food, and Environment

The Wonder Years Network is a newly formed non-profit organization that provides services to young adults in the southeast community in Newport News, Virginia. Research through the organization reveals that the communities being serviced have the greatest concerns with mental health difficulties, residents being displaced from their community, access to healthcare restrictions, environmental issues, high living costs and lack of welfare resources. The resources to address these challenges and enhance the lives of residents, are detached because of transportation hurdles. This research will demonstrate the need for focused interventions and policy modifications to bridge the divides and strengthen the support systems accessible to the community for adequate medical, mental health, and welfare services.

Ashburn, JaKhyla (419)

Bridging the Gap: Funding Self-Improvement in Low-Income Communities

It is imperative that the critical correlation between insufficient financial support for self-improvement programs is addressed as it has a disadvantageous impact on low-income communities. Self-improvement programs are a key factor in these communities to connect individuals and families with useful resources, promote personal growth, and enhance essential skills. However, a lack of finances presents significant obstacles that limit the efficacy and scope of these initiatives. This work examines the way in which insufficient funding exacerbates disparities in resource distribution among impoverished populations. Furthermore, it explores the contagion effects of inadequate funding for advantageous programs such as decreased participant involvement, restricted outreach efforts, and reduced service accessibility.  This work underlines the critical need for policymakers, stakeholders, and community advocates to prioritize sustainable financing sources for self-improvement initiatives based on a thorough study of existing literature and empirical data. Addressing the systemic challenges of underfunding allows stakeholders to empower individuals that earn low-income and most importantly, achieve equity.  Keywords: Low-income, self-improvement programs, insufficient financial support, communities.

Bailey, D'Juanta (416)

Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan Sulfate Nanoparticles from Shrimp Shell Waste

Shrimp shell waste delivered by the seafood industry is one of the main issues contributing to huge ecological and health perils. The most incessant technique utilized for its removal is burning down the waste which becomes ecologically expensive because of the low burning efficiency of the shells. Converting the shrimp shell waste into chitosan nanoparticles will be a great alternative for shell remediation and these nanoparticles have extensive applications in various fields such as therapeutical, food, agriculture, and chemical industries. The synthesis of chitin nanoparticles was performed using steps such as Deproteination, Demineralization, Deacetylation, and purification. The synthesized chitosan nanoparticles will be characterized using different techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and the biocompatibility studies will be conducted using the viability assays such as MTT assay and LIVE/DEAD assay.

Bankhead, Raven (224)

Cyberbullying Among Adolescents: Empirical Evidence from the Hampton Roads Area

Background: With the increasing expansion of the digital landscape, the prevalence, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents have become more apparent. cyberbullying. To better understand and tackle the challenge children are facing for secure digital engagement, this study examines the cyberbullying experiences of adolescents residing in the Hampton Roads area.  Methodology: We collected data with survey interviews among a randomly selected representative sample of 246 children (age 12-17 years) from the Hampton Roads area in Virginia. Our survey questions asked about children's social background, their experiences of cyberbullying, and their knowledge of cybersecurity.  Hypothesis: My presentation will focus on the prevalence of cyberbullying among children in the Hampton Roads area and the potential association between children's cyberbullying experience and their social background factors. It is hypothesized that children's cyberbullying experience is related to their social background.   Results: Although the study is ongoing, preliminary analysis of our survey data indicates that cyberbullying is prevalent among children and there is a relationship between children's cyberbullying experience and their family background. It further indicates that specific educational programs aimed at combating cyberbullying to establish a supportive and responsible digital space for children can have a positive impact on their development and well-being.

Banks, Jocellyn; Raulston, Bryce; Wiggins, Demetric (313)

Effects of Resveratrol on the Survival and Regeneration of the Flatworm Planaria Dugesia dorotocephala

Planaria is an important model for investigating human health because of its unique regeneration abilities. Planarians can regenerate from small fragments into entire organisms. This is similar to stem cells in humans being able to differentiate into the needed cells and tissues in the human body. We tested the effect of resveratrol on planarian regeneration because resveratrol has a regenerative effect on the skin and boosts growth and proliferation rates in bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and provides benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell protective capabilities. The experimental setup was cutting the planaria in head and tail pieces. Over the course of 2 weeks, 3 amputated planaria were submerged in 0 uM (0uM), 5uM or 15uM resveratrol. The lengths of planarians were measured in each week using stereomicroscopy and imaging. When compared to the control on Day 7 the planarians treated with 5uM resveratrol were longer on average, with a significant p-value of 0.029, indicating that resveratrol positively influenced regeneration. We observed that the higher 15uM concentration of resveratrol negatively influenced planarian survival by Day 14. We are currently investigating the role of canonical signaling pathways such as Wnt/b-catenin, Retinoic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid signaling on the effects observed.

Batten, Zadia (335)

What is the most effective tower design to attract Chimney Swifts?

Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica) are small bluish-black birds named for their habit of living in chimneys of homes and buildings. They feed on flying insects such as midges, aphids, winged ants, and termites and are known for eating thousands of mosquitoes per day. Chimney Swifts used to reside in the chimneys of houses, hence their name. However, due to many homeowners disliking Chimney Swifts in their chimneys, they began to deny the Swifts entrance. As a result, many Chimney Swifts no longer have a shelter to reside in. Due to this, effective towers designs are needed to attract the birds and provide shelter. Our project focuses on determining the best design for the Chimney Swift Tower that is going to be constructed at Norfolk State University. This will improve our understanding of what factors attract Chimneys Swifts and help ensure that birds choose to roost in the tower on campus once constructed.

Bey, ZaChari (457)

Folliculogenesis in Polycystic Ovaries in the Domestic Cat

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility, but the mechanism of anovulation remains uncertain. The typical gross morphology of anovulatory polycystic ovaries is the presence of multiple antral follicles 2–10 mm in diameter, which signifies the arrest of follicle development prior to the preovulatory phase. Anovulation in PCOS is characterized by arrested growth of antral follicles. Although arrested antral follicle growth reflects the abnormal endocrine environment, there is increasing evidence of abnormalities of follicle development from the very earliest, gonadotropin-independent stages. The underlying molecular basis of this fundamental ovarian abnormality remains to be determined.  A follicle is a membranous sac of cells that contains an immature egg cell, called an oocyte. The primary investigation of this research includes a study identifying various stages of follicle development with particular reference to antral follicle development and their respective sizes during the estrous cycle of the domestic cat, Felis catus. This understanding will help enhance the ability to assess risk and develop preventative strategies of ovarian dysfunction such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, as highlighted. Ovaries from adult female domestic cats were obtained from routine spaying procedures conducted at a local veterinary clinic. The primary methods utilized in the study include histology of the ovarian tissue.  Gross follicular morphology, including their respective sizes, was evaluated for various developmental stages of the ovarian follicles.

Blackman, Alyah; Rose, William; Walker, Kyla (300)

Do blue crabs in the Eastern branch of the Elizabeth River have more microplastics compared to blue crabs found in the other branches of the river?

Microplastics are extremely small fragments of plastic debris (less than 5 mm) that are a result of improper disposal and breakdown of manmade waste. Microplastics are known to be found in seafood, including oysters, fish and crabs. Some areas of the Chesapeake Bay have even reported finding them in blue crabs. This is important because in Virginia, blue crab meat is among the most sought-after seafood, with annual sales ranging from $22 million to $38 million. Our project seeks to ask the question: Do blue crabs in the Eastern branch of the Elizabeth River have more microplastics compared to the blue crabs in the other branches of the river?  This is a crucial concern since environmental negligence has led to minimal restoration efforts in the Eastern Branch than in other branches of the river. As restoration efforts continue, our data can help ensure more equity and offer guidance for future restoration initiatives.

Blythe, Kalynn; Iyana Drakeford (315)

Effects of Hydrogen peroxide on the survival and regeneration of the flatworm planaria Dugesia dorotocephala

Planarians are flatworms that belong to the class Turbellaria and order Tricladida. Planarians are a useful model for studying regeneration in biology since they are able to regenerate entire creatures from minute fragments. The powerful regenerative ability of planarians benefits from a proliferative cell population that contains pluripotent stem cells, also known as neoblasts.  We chose to test the effects of hydrogen peroxide on planarian regeneration because of hydrogen peroxide's previously shown effect on promoting growth of severed axons in zebrafish tail fins and its benefit in wound healing. The experiment investigated the effects of hydrogen peroxide on amputated planarian to study regeneration over a 14-day period. Initially, the experimental group was exposed to .003% hydrogen peroxide. Due to mortality, the experiment was restarted with a lower concentration (.001%) and only planarian heads were used. However, after another 7 days, hydrogen peroxide was found to be harmful to planaria, inhibiting their regeneration. The control group showed substantial growth from .87mm to 1.65mm while the experimental group experienced mortality. Overall, the experiment demonstrated the detrimental effects of hydrogen peroxide on planarian survival and regeneration. Our hypothesis suggested that exposure of a specific concentration of hydrogen peroxide would enhance the regenerative abilities of planaria following dissection. However, our results denied this hypothesis and suggest caution in using the right dose of hydrogen peroxide for regenerative studies in planaria. We are currently investigating lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and signaling pathways such as Wnt/b-catenin, Retinoic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid signaling on planarian regeneration.

Boston, Bernard (603)

Polymeric Reaction to Produce 3-Dimensional Printing

This study examines the refractive index and optical properties of transparent 3D printing photoresins, crucial for additive manufacturing advancements. By measuring the refractive index of popular and custom resins like ANYCUBIC Standard Resin +, ANYCUBIC Water-Wash Resin +, Siraya Tech Pro, and NOVA3D High Transparency using prism coupling and modified Pulfrich refractometer methods, we assess how photopolymerization affects cure rate, exposure time, and resolution. Our findings provide a detailed refractive index dataset, reveal dispersion and polarization behaviors, and enable the creation of tailored optical components for innovation across photonics to biomedical engineering. This work paves the way for further exploration of photoresins' capabilities in advanced optical applications.

Boykin, Genesis (220) 

The First televised War: The Vietnam War and the impact on American citizens perception of conflict

The Vietnam War, a significant and transformative period in American history, had a lasting impact on how the American people perceive war and conflict. This transformation can be attributed to the Vietnam War's distinction as the first televised war. As the conflict played out on television screens across the country, it ushered in a new era of war reporting and engagement, fundamentally changing the way Americans saw, understood, and reacted to military interventions. Before the Vietnam War, Americans primarily received information about wars through print media, radio broadcasts, and sporadic newsreels. However, the Vietnam War marked a turning point in how information and imagery were demonstrated. The vivid and immediate visuals provided by television brought the harsh realities of the battlefield into the living rooms of millions of Americans.  This direct access to the front lines, from the horrors of combat to the everyday lives of soldiers, had a profound impact on the way people perceived the war. Television coverage of the Vietnam War humanized the conflict in a way that had not been possible before. It showcased the faces and stories of the soldiers, highlighted the struggles of both the American and Vietnamese populations, and revealed the harsh consequences of a war that many struggled to comprehend. The emotional impact of these televised images led to heightened empathy and a growing anti-war sentiment among the American public. This essay explores how the Vietnam War's status as the first televised war revolutionized the American perspective on warfare, shifting the public's perception and attitudes toward future conflicts.

Brown, Payton (436)

Crystal Growth of BaTiO3 Using The Optical Floating Zone Technique

Nonlinear optical materials with large optical nonlinearities may be useful for efficient generation of entangled photons. BaTiO3 is a good candidate for this application if low optical absorption crystals can be grown with sufficient birefringence. We have grown BaTiO3 single crystal using floating zone crystal growth technique.

Brown, Yasmin; Morgan, Amber (334)

Effects of Resveratrol on the survival and regeneration of the flatworm planaria Dugesia dorotocephala

Planarian are flatworms that are a good model to study regeneration relying on stem cells and blastema sites. If we gain more information on how planarians regenerate, we could potentially find how to improve regeneration in humans. We chose Resveratrol for its effects on regeneration due to its impact on wound healing and regeneration. The experimental group contained three planarians in Resveratrol and planarian water, and the control with three planaria in planarian water. We began with a 20 uM concentration and found that, this concentration was too high, so we diluted to 5 uM. The planaria were amputated and immobilized with cold water and a small sheet of paper lined to mm was imaged to measure the planaria using stereomicroscopy. The experiment was set up for a course of two weeks. We measured the heads and tails of the planarians in both groups. On Day 0, the average (+/- SD) for the control was 0.60 (+/- 0.50), experimental 0.50 (+/- 0.40) and the t-test p-value was 0.64486. On day 7 the average for the control was 0.30 (+/-0.20), the experimental was 0.40 (+/-0.20) and the p-value was 0.674828. On Day 14 the average for the control was 0.50 (+/- 0.20). The experimental planarians died by day 14 so there was no p-value. We concluded that the resveratrol had no effect on regeneration but had a negative effect on survival and we are currently testing lower concentrations and interacting pathway components such as Wnt/b-catenin with relevance to development.

Bruce, Nyah (323)

Effects of resveratrol on the survival and regeneration of the flatworm planaria Dugesia dorotocephala

This study explores the regenerative capabilities of planarian flatworms known for their extraordinary ability to regenerate complete organisms from fragments. Planaria harbor abundant pluripotent stem cells crucial for their regenerative prowess. We investigated the effects of resveratrol on planarian regeneration because it has been shown to accelerate wound healing, minimize excessive scarring, and potentially prevent skin photoaging. Resveratrol has also been shown to facilitate stem cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. In this project we initially tested a Resveratrol concentration of 15 uM but found that the amputated planarians treated with this concentration did not survive whereas the untreated control planarians survived. We next tried a10 uM Resveratrol concentration. We measured the length of the head and tail pieces 7 days after amputation. In the control group, average head and tail sizes were 2.42 and 2.97, respectively, with standard deviations of 0.876 and 0.600. The experimental group exhibited average head and tail sizes of 2.773 and 2.51, with standard deviations of 0.539 and 0.08. t-test analyses for head and tail lengths yielded p-values of 0.33 and 0.26, respectively, indicating no significant differences between the groups.  In summary, while resveratrol demonstrated a negative effect on planarian survival at a higher concentration, the lower concentration we tested did not have a significant effect on regeneration. Currently, we are testing lower concentrations of Resveratrol and signaling pathway components such as Wnt/b-catenin and Retinoic acid for their influence on any effects observed on regeneration.

Butler, Leah (428)

The Effects of Resveratrol and Collagen 3 Expression and Association with Wound Healing

The Effects of Resveratrol and Collagen 3 Expression and Association with Wound Healing     Wound healing is a complex biological process that involves a sequence of events aimed at restoring the integrity and function of damaged tissues. Numerous factors can influence the wound healing process.  Scars that derive from surgical operations, trauma, and abrasion can cause physical and physiological effects on patients. As a wound closes, skin cells create collagen, and if bacteria, debris or other impurities get in the skin, prolonged inflammation happens and can enhance scar formation.  This research is on wound healing and examining the effects of the chemical resveratrol on wound healing and collagen secretion. Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant that protects the body's tissues against stress and pathologies like inflammation and plays a vital role in cell proliferation which is important for increasing the number of cells in tissues. Therefore, we hypothesize it may accelerate wound healing and affect collagen secretion. To test this hypothesis, we are using scratch assays on confluent human cell lines SKBR3 and HEK-293 and examining the closure of a scratch by microscopy and image analysis. Effects of resveratrol on Collagen 3 expression are being examined using a quantitative real-time PCR assay for which we have designed specific primers. Scratch assays and quantitative real time PCR are being used to measure the effect of resveratrol by expressing collagen on wound healing. This research will help answer if resveratrol is a good candidate to study for accelerating wound closure, minimizing scarring, and therefore improving the overall quality of life for individuals with acute or chronic wounds.

Butts, Dionna (417)

Investigation of thickness-dependent electrochromic properties of WO3 thin films fabricated using sol-gel spin coating technique

Recent research has underscored that buildings are responsible for a significant portion, one-third precisely, of energy consumption, with half of this attributed to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems—a trend expected to intensify in the future. This escalating energy demand significantly impacts the environment, economy, and overall well-being. Our study aims to mitigate this by focusing on developing energy-efficient glazing solutions, specifically the implementation of smart windows. In this pursuit, we are particularly interested in exploring the impact of film thickness within the realm of smart window technology. Central to our investigation is spin coating, a highly efficient method known for ensuring uniformity across glass surfaces under scrutiny. Beyond its effectiveness in achieving uniform distribution, spin coating is notable for its cost-effectiveness, user-friendly nature, and scalability, rendering it particularly advantageous for large-scale sample production. Through examining film thickness, we seek to deepen our comprehension of the relationship between film thickness and the performance of electrochromic devices, which are crucial components of smart windows. These devices typically consist of an electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes. The spin-coated films under scrutiny exhibit the remarkable ability to alter color or transparency. Our experimentation uses transition metal oxide, specifically tungsten oxide, to fabricate these electrochromic devices. Tungsten oxide demonstrates promising electrochromic properties upon exposure to electrical stimuli, including rapid switching times (less than 5 seconds) at low voltages (less than 3 volts) and exceptional chemical stability. In summary, our research endeavors to contribute valuable insights into optimizing the design and functionality of smart windows for energy-efficient applications, leveraging the capabilities of spin coating and transition metal oxide-based electrochromic devices.

Campbell, Rikyah (439)

Impact of Documentation Errors on Continuity of Care to those with Developmental Disabilities

Individuals with developmental disabilities may require long-term care from service providers to ensure they have the most care to yield in a positive well-being. These individuals may also become dependent on service providers as it is their only source of support. To ensure these individuals receive the needed care, service providers must maintain detailed records to provide continuity of care. However, documentation errors have become more prominent and service providers now acknowledge and understand the legal consequences of not providing adequate documentation. As documentation errors happen in all realms of work, it prominently occurs in the healthcare and social work profession. Demsah et al. (2023) noted, documenting routine practice is significant for better diagnosis, treatment, continuity of care and medicolegal issues. However, health professionals' routine practice documentation is poorly practiced (para. 1). Additionally, Savaya, R. (2010) examined, findings obtained from the students reports show that about a fifth of the 190 files that were examined did not contain various pieces of basic information about the clients and intervention outcomes, and that much of the information that was provided was unclear and unorganized. More importantly, documentation errors hinder the continuity of care for those with developmental disabilities. Furthermore, the purpose for this research poster is to analyze the impact of documentation errors on the continuity of care to those with developmental disabilities. The poster will define what developmental disabilities are; the needs of those with developmental disabilities; and consequences of documentation errors. Also, further analysis proved that documentation mistakes, whether done intentionally or unintentionally, negatively impact the continuity of care for those with developmental disabilities. Keywords: developmental disabilities, errors, documentation, continuity, care

Clarke Delgado, Orrin (524)

Magnetic properties of chiral magnet BaFeGaO4

Materials with topological spin textures are in demand for applications like memory storage and quantum computing. The AB2O4 family of crystals has a spinel structure and has been extensively examined. However, there are cases where the typical spinel structure is replaced with a tetrahedral network. The cubic ferromagnetic Cu2OSeO3 has been previously shown to contain skyrmions. BaFeGaO4 (BFGO) is being grown to better characterize its magnetic and thermal properties. We have successfully developed a polycrystalline sample of BFGO using the solid state method. Polycrystalline samples were prepared using stochiometric quantities of BaCO3, Fe2O3, and Ga2O3. Since BaCO3 decomposes at 1000 C, samples were annealed for 6 hours to convert it to BaO. The powder mixture was annealed twice at 1100 C, with intermediate grindings after each step. Growth rods were prepared by pressing the powder with a hydraulic press into rods approximately 6 mm in diameter and 5 cm in length.BFGO crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system with space group P63. Structural analysis revealed that the samples had the correct structure. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction also indicated single phase samples. BFGO belongs to the hexagonal structure having space group P63. Lattice parameters at room temperature: a = 10.8137 (6) A and c = 8.6734 (5) A. Magnetic measurements were conducted with a Quantum Design Dynacool PPMS The BFGO sample shows an upturn in the magnetic susceptibility near 50 K, evidence of magnetic ordering. The M-H hysteresis curve was observed at a temperature of 2 K, indicating that the sample is ferromagnetic. To understand the underlying physics and intrinsic behavior of BFGO, a single crystal is needed. Therefore, single crystals of BaFeGaO4 are being grown using the floating zone technique to control the spinel structural phase and characterize its morphology, thermal, magnetic, and electronic properties. Results of single crystal growth attempts will be presented.

Cobbs, Talib; Newton, Dominique (330)

Otter Spotter

Otters, particularly the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), are semi-aquatic mammals known for their playful nature and streamlined bodies. These otters are found in a variety of aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. They have webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers, and their dense fur provides insulation against cold water. However, these fascinating creatures face significant threats from environmental changes, with pollution being a primary concern. Pollution in water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, poses a direct threat to otters. The contamination of their habitats with chemicals, toxins, and other pollutants can have detrimental effects on otter populations. Pollutants can accumulate in the otters' prey, leading to bioaccumulation and impacting the otters themselves. Moreover, pollution can degrade the quality of the water, making it unsuitable for otters to thrive. Connecting this to my project, “Elizabeth River Project's Otter Spotter” plays a crucial role in understanding the distribution of river otters in the Elizabeth River. By mapping the locations where otters have been reported, my project aims to identify habitats that are favorable for otter survival. However, it's essential to consider the potential impact of pollution on these habitats. Analyzing the habitats where otters are found will not only focus on the otter's presence but also take into account the environmental conditions. If certain habitats show signs of pollution or other environmental stressors, it becomes crucial information for the project. The data collected can contribute to understanding the resilience of otters in the face of environmental challenges and, in turn, guide future restoration efforts. By using otters as bioindicators, we have the potential to shed light on the health of the Elizabeth River ecosystem. If the locations where otters are thriving coincide with areas free from pollution, it suggests that these habitats are conducive to otter survival. This information becomes invaluable for the Elizabeth River Project, as it helps prioritize areas for restoration and conservation efforts to create healthier and more sustainable environments for both otters and the entire ecosystem.

Cochran II, Wayne (454)

Extraction, Identification, and Biological Activity Determination of Essential Oil Components from Baby Blue Eucalyptus Essential Oil

This research serves to identify the chemical compounds present in baby blue eucalyptus essential oil (EO) and to explore its biological activity against bacterial cells. Duplicate, 50.000±1 gram samples of fresh, hang-dried eucalyptus baby blue leaves (EBBLl) will incubate in 50ºC water on a rocker for 120 hours. The solution was vacuum filtered off, then subjected to aqueous/ethyl acetate separation and rotary evaporation to remove the organic solvent. The samples of fresh EBBL will produce a mass of essential oils following five-day water incubation, aqueous/ethyl acetate extraction, and rotary evaporation. A gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis of the essential oil displays the presence of its active ingredients. Essential oils from the trials, concentrated in ethyl acetate, can be incubated with bacterial cells to determine antibacterial biological activity. Compounds present in the essential oil extracted do not display biological activity against bacterial cell cultures.

Collie, Brianna (303)

Are microplastics found In edible tissue of Blue Crabs Inhabiting The Eastern Branch Elizabeth River

Microplastics are a global issue. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that can affect marine life. This occurs when small pieces of plastic are disposed into the ocean. They have been documented as the most prominent kind of pollutant found in our oceans. This is important because 165 tons of seafood are consumed by people each year. In Virginia, Blue Crabs are one of the most popular seafood animals, with over 36.3 million harvested each year. Consumers may not be aware that blue crabs are known to ingest microplastics, therefore we may be consuming microplastics when we eat crabs. To answer this question, we are testing whether microplastics can be found within the edible tissue of Callinectes sapidus, The Chesapeake Blue Crab, that inhabits the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River. Our project will provide data on the extent of microplastic pollutants found within animals inhabiting the Eastern Branch Elizabeth River. If microplastics are found within edible parts of blue crabs, the data can then be used to determine whether limits should be set on the amount of contaminated seafood people should consume. This could be especially important for at risk populations such as pregnant women and developing children. This data also reminds us that the plastics found in the ocean are caused by humans. Hopefully, this helps encourage people to be more conscientious about their environment and decrease littering.

Collymore, Nina (101)

Reimagining Black Wall Street: The Role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Reconstruction

The resurgence of Black Wall Street requires a collaborative effort between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and local communities. HBCUs serve as dynamic hubs for entrepreneurship, innovation, and community empowerment. Through entrepreneurial incubators and innovation hubs, HBCUs provide aspiring entrepreneurs with vital resources and support to launch ventures, fostering economic development and business ownership. Additionally, HBCUs drive research and innovation in key industries, addressing societal challenges and creating opportunities for economic growth. They also mobilize community engagement and grassroots initiatives, ensuring equitable participation in the revitalization process. By leveraging the educational, cultural, and social capital of HBCUs, the reconstruction of Black Wall Street embodies a vision of inclusive economic empowerment and cultural resilience. This collaborative endeavor honors the legacy of Black Wall Street while paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.

Crouther, Simone (460)

Hope through Action

To do something beautiful for the community the Elizabeth River Project has partnered with Norfolk State University to execute a series of sediment reduction projects in Berkley, Campostella and other underrepresented communities. David J. Skorton, Smithsonian representative stated People are increasingly refusing to wait for the gloomy forecasts to come true and are taking it upon themselves to protect the environment, preserve biodiversity, and live more sustainably. Although we are in a climate crisis there are steps we can take to mitigate its effect. My research included studies on the goals and objectives of Elizabeth River Projects and other related literature such as The Future We Choose: A Stubborn Optimist's Guide to Climate Crisis by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac. Our goal was to inspire community participation in environmental restoration and introduce urban forestries, composting, home gardening, and encourage the use of permeable pavers to increase sediment reduction in the Elizabeth River. To gather community input we organized an art pop-up event during the 29th Annual Berkley Reunion, which included a community tree mural that symbolized a collective community. Our research team deployed a series of social practice projects to study and collect data surrounding community awareness about the health of the Elizabeth River and Food Insecurity since the Berkley and Campostella communities suffered from a food desert for 3 years. The results of this study has led to community leaders moving as one in efforts to restore ill-maintained areas in the community in an effort to reduce sediments in the Elizabeth River. Our ultimate goal is to deploy holistic gardening practices, to become a transformative climate community; working together for a healthier environment.

Dancy, Shannon (442)

Reducing Infant Deaths: The Role of Doulas in Black Communities

Despite the numerous efforts to encourage safe sleep, accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed remain a serious problem in Black communities. Especially in remote communities where people have lower trust in traditional healthcare providers, doulas are in an advantageous position to encourage safe sleep practices. Regarding how they put infants to sleep, little is known about their beliefs and practices. This research project fills a gap in the literature. Assessing doulas' viewpoints and methods for putting newborns to sleep was the objective of this research project. As an exploratory research method, descriptive research was used in this project. Three focus groups with a total of seventeen Black doulas were held. The transcriptions and observation notes from each group were examined critically and independently by the researchers to determine codes. After that, we used instruments powered by artificial intelligence to evaluate the findings. The study's four main themes were Individualized Services, Cultural Sensitivity, Safe Sleep Education, and Negotiating Safety. Doulas are dedicated to encouraging safe sleep, the study found. Studies discovered that caregivers can better integrate safe sleep practices into their daily lives and customize them to suit their needs with the assistance of doulas. The studies also found that doulas in practice wanted more training and education regarding safe sleep practices.

Davis, Samantha; Rountree, Brooke (325)

Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on the survival and regeneration of the flatworm planaria Dugesia dorotocephala

Planarians are free living flatworms. that are very complex organisms containing excretory, digestive, and a reproductive system that have the ability to regenerate. Regeneration is the process that consists of organisms replacing or restoring lost or amputated body parts, cells, and tissues. Studies show that planarians exhibit healing and regenerative far beyond human compacity.  Understanding this process in planarians could lead to an advancement in regenerative medicine.  We tested the effect of hydrogen peroxide on planarian regeneration. Hydrogen peroxide has many benefits including epidermal growth promotion, which is vital for skin remodeling and restoration of the skin. Hydrogen peroxide also supports nerve regrowth. To test the effect of hydrogen peroxide on planarian regeneration we amputated these flatworms into equal parts head and tail regions. We then set up the stereomicroscope to record images and measure the length of the worms over one week.  We had three amputated worms in each group. One group was treated with 0% (control), and the others with 0.03% and 0.0075% concentration of hydrogen peroxide. We observed that planarians did not survive either the higher 0.03% or the lower 0.0075% concentration of hydrogen peroxide by day 7, while the control planarians survived and regenerated. We are in the process of repeating these experiments with a lower concentration and in order to determine the effect of signaling pathways such as Wnt/b-catenin, hyaluronic acid and retinoic acid on the survival and any regeneration effects observed.

Day, Curtis (414)

The Effect Of Neurocognitive Performance In Athletes After Concussion

Sports-related concussions (SRC) can be caused by a direct blow to the athlete and can be described as a type of traumatic brain injury. This pilot study investigated the effect of exercise on recall time in athletes who have sustained a concussion in the past. A survey was sent out to collegiate-level athletes. Ten participants were grouped into a subdivision of when they sustained their concussion. Three participants were categorized in the 1-3 months ago group, three were categorized in 4-8 months ago, and four sustained concussions 9+ months ago. Participants were given a baseline Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-5) 10-word assessment. Then, they were instructed to recall the words that were initially given, and measurement of recall time was recorded. Each participant exercised until they achieved a steady state heart rate of 70% APMHR for five- minutes in length. Post SCAT-5 was then collected. Recall data was compared pre- and post-exercise. The data showed that the average recall time for all participants decreased (13.846 ± 0.908 to 13.335 ± 0.816 seconds; p=0.0816). Results showed that participants in each subcategory improved their recall tests post-exercise. The pilot results could have demonstrated that a surplus of oxygen that traveled to the brain after exercise enhanced memory retention via neuroplastic alterations. Future research on this topic should be explored to determine the effectiveness of training programs in concussed athletes.

Dixon, Quashauna (437)

Theoretical Study in Thermal Conductivity at Low-Temperature

This research goes into the intricate dynamics of thermal conductivity in low temperatures, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by heat. The study explores how thermal conductivity, governed by the Weidman-Franz law, is affected by factors such as phonon population, particle speed, and mean free path between collisions. By investigating the directional nature of phonons and their role in heat conduction, the research reveals insights into the directional and lower-than-expected thermal conductivity observed in certain materials. Furthermore, the study highlights the implications for materials used in space environments, emphasizing the importance of understanding thermal stability for optimal operation of devices employing multi-component alloys.

Dragule, Emmanuel (418)

Enhancing Refugee Integration into American Society: Strategies for Alleviating Struggles and Poverty

You Need to Know Ministries at Brighton Rock (YNTK) is a non-profit after-school program aimed at providing holistic support to low-income families in the community. It has been identified that handling the personal information of the program participants is critical. The program relies solely on paper documentation, leading to inefficiencies and potential risks, particularly concerning children's allergies, emergency contacts, and parents' details. The urgent priority is to transition from paper-based documentation to electronic files to enhance data management. The proposed research aims to investigate the underlying causes and recommend effective solutions to enhance data security and efficiency at YNTK. By addressing these challenges, the program can better fulfill its mission of educating, equipping, and inspiring positive change within the community.

Dudley-Powell, Amani (405)

The Importance of Specialized Training for Foster Parents with Foster Children with Developmental Disabilities

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Children with ASD communicate, interact, and learn differently than other children and prefer a specific routine and predictability. Children with autism are overrepresented in the foster care system because children with autism are more than likely to come from homes of abuse and neglect than children without developmental disabilities. Foster care fulfills the purpose of providing a temporary home to children who are placed outside of the home because of abuse and neglect. Fostering a child with autism does not require any prior training or experience. However, fostering a child with autism comes with different challenges than children without developmental disabilities. The transition from the biological home to a foster home can be frustrating for children with ASD because of the unfamiliarity and can cause overwhelming feelings. This article describes the importance of foster care training concerning children with autism and assesses training put in place to support foster families taking in children with developmental disabilities.  Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, foster care, specialized training, developmental disabilities

Epps, Sherwood; Graham, Lailah; Hairston, Jaela; Thornton, Justice (329)

Assessment of AMF in Morella Cerifera roots

Plants microbial interactions may play a crucial role in mitigating the extreme stress plants experience. Mutualistic microbes have been shown to confer a diversity of benefits on plants, such as tolerance to salt. Mostly the plants in low nutrient and moisture environment are highly dependent on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for their growth and. Fungi are known to benefit plants by improving plant phosphorus uptake and potentially enhance defense against soil borne pathogens under stressful environments. In my study, we characterized the root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in native population of Morella cerifera under field conditions across their native range. Root samples of wild populations of M. cerifera are collected from different habitat types (covering moist, intermediate, and coastal-salt habitats) to assess the mycorrhizal fungal root colonization and presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores. It is expected that M. cerifera populations in stressful environments (coastal salt) have symbiotic relationship with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Fordham, Tyler; Jones, Alexis; Joseph, Imani; Toe, Monjer (332)

Swamp Rose Mallow Germination in Saline Environments

Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) is a native coastal plant that is moderately salt-tolerant. However; excessive salt could cause damage to plant health and function. Some studies have even shown that this species is known to germinate under high salt concentrations. We wanted to know how moscheutos hibiscus seeds would be affected during their germination process with excessive amounts of salinity.  To investigate this question, Hibiscus moscheutos seeds were placed in three different levels of salinity (6ppt, 12ppt, and 15ppt). There were seven test groups for each salinity level. The seeds were placed in paper towels, and saturated in salt water at each salinity level. Germination was measured for two weeks. Our data showed that there was a significant difference in germination across levels of salinity. By comparing different amounts of salinity like we did here and its impact on seed germination, it can be understood which condition is best for influencing growth. Salinity can have a negative impact on plant germination by causing dehydration and even death. Even though hibiscus can be considered as a salt-tolerant plant there are still many ways that salt can affect a plant.

Fritz, Kendall; Sergeon, Alyanna; Spruill, Nadxyzavie  (317) 

Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on the survival and regeneration of the flatworm planaria Dugesia dorotocephala

Planarians are flatworms that belong to the class Turbellaria and order Tricladida. Planarians are a useful model for studying regeneration in biology since they are able to regenerate entire creatures from minute fragments. The powerful regenerative ability of planarians benefits from a proliferative cell population that contains pluripotent stem cells, also known as neoblasts.  We chose to test the effects of hydrogen peroxide on planarian regeneration because of hydrogen peroxide’s previously shown effect on promoting growth of severed axons in zebrafish tail fins and its benefit in wound healing. The experiment investigated the effects of hydrogen peroxide on amputated planarian to study regeneration over a 14-day period. Initially, the experimental group was exposed to .003% hydrogen peroxide. Due to mortality, the experiment was restarted with a lower concentration (.001%) and only planarian heads were used. However, after another 7 days, hydrogen peroxide was found to be harmful to planaria, inhibiting their regeneration. The control group showed substantial growth from .87mm to 1.65mm while the experimental group experienced mortality. Overall, the experiment demonstrated the detrimental effects of hydrogen peroxide on planarian survival and regeneration. Our hypothesis suggested that exposure of a specific concentration of hydrogen peroxide would enhance the regenerative abilities of planaria following dissection. However, our results denied this hypothesis and suggest caution in using the right dose of hydrogen peroxide for regenerative studies in planaria. We are currently investigating lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and signaling pathways such as Wnt/b-catenin, Retinoic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid signaling on planarian regeneration.

Futrell, Tamia (449)

What are the negative effects of adolescent behavior caused by absentee parenting in the black community?

The Grandy Village Boys and Girls Club in Norfolk, Virginia offers an array of services to its members, including after-school care. Due to the after-school care, adolescents rarely spend quality time with their parents during the week. Studies have shown that parents who are uninvolved or neglectful of their children may raise reliable and self-sufficient children. Without a parental figure, children may feel less secure and believe they do not belong.  These psychological issues may manifest as learning deficits, behavioral issues, or difficulties forming healthy relationships (BetterHelp, 2024). The purpose of this assignment is to explore the detrimental impacts of adolescent behavior brought on by absent parenting within the African American population.

Gilliam, Aliyah (404)

Increase in Emergency Health Care Costs Linked with Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

According to the CDC there is a rise in individuals who are uninsured utilizing the emergency room for concerns that can be treated with a primary or urgent care visit (Fay, 2024). The main population that is contributing to the unnecessary health care costs associated with this concern is individuals experiencing homelessness (Routhier et al., 2023). The primary concern for this social issue is that it costs the health care system five to ten times more to care for a patient in an emergency room setting than a primary or urgent care provider setting. For example, a urinary tract infection would cost $665 to treat in an emergency room and only $112 to treat at an urgent care facility (Fay, 2024). The suggested intervention for this situation would be to educate clients on when to go to the emergency room and when to go to urgent care/primary care. People in Needs Ministry serves as a primary and urgent care facility for the homeless population, in response to this issue the social work interns agency thought of the idea to make pamphlets for patients to carry with them on visits to understand the difference between an emergency health concern and an urgent care health concern. Researchers who closely follow this issue have concluded the best way to solve this problem is to strengthen or create policies that will help further alleviate homelessness, considering individuals experiencing homelessness are more at risk for health concerns. The SWI’s agency participates in this current research by assigning patients to case managers that can assist them in obtaining temporary housing or housing vouchers.

Germany, Quincy (438)

Effects of Resveratrol on the survival and regeneration of the flatworm planaria Dugesia dorotocephala

Planarians are platyhelminthes with a distinct shape, protective epidermis, simple digestive system, reproducing sexually and asexually by regeneration from small pieces. Studying their regeneration can help our understanding of human tissue repair potentially leading to regenerative therapies for diseases and injuries. We tested the effects of resveratrol on the survival and regeneration of the flatworm planaria Dugesia dorotocephala. Multiple studies associated resveratrol with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and cell protective effects, as well as positive effects on incision wound healing in mammals. To test the effect of resveratrol on regeneration we amputated planarians by the mid-section and determined length of worm sections using dissection microscopy and imaging by day 7. We treated planarians with 20 uM and 10 uM resveratrol. The planarians did not survive in the 20 uM solution by day 7. The 10 uM resveratrol solution supported full regeneration. The average size of the resveratrol treated heads was 3.34 mm (+/- 0.26), and the tail average was 2.81 (+/- 0.64). We compared these values to the control group which had an average of 4.86 mm (+/- 4.86) for heads and an average of 2.06mm (+/- 2.06) for tails. The student’s t-test p-value for the comparison of control and resveratrol treated groups was 0.00587 for head and 0.2868 for tails. Therefore, resveratrol (did) have a significant effect on regeneration. Currently, we are testing a lower concentration of resveratrol together with canonical developmental pathway components such as Wnt/b-catenin to further examine these effects.  Germany, Quincy G. ​ Marz, Aylin ​ Planarians are platyhelminthes with a distinct shape, protective epidermis, simple digestive system, reproducing sexually and asexually by regeneration from small pieces. Studying their regeneration can help our understanding of human tissue repair potentially leading to regenerative therapies for diseases and injuries. We tested the effects of resveratrol on the survival and regeneration of the flatworm planaria Dugesia dorotocephala. Multiple studies associated resveratrol with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and cell protective effects, as well as positive effects on incision wound healing in mammals. To test the effect of resveratrol on regeneration we amputated planarians by the mid-section and determined length of worm sections using dissection microscopy and imaging by day 7. We treated planarians with 20 uM and 10 uM resveratrol. The planarians did not survive in the 20 uM solution by day 7. The 10 uM resveratrol solution supported full regeneration. The average size of the resveratrol treated heads was 3.34 mm (+/- 0.26), and the tail average was 2.81 (+/- 0.64). We compared these values to the control group which had an average of 4.86 mm (+/- 0.41) for heads and an average of 2.06mm (+/- 0.83) for tails. The student’s t-test p-value for the comparison of control and resveratrol treated groups was 0.00587 for head and 0.2868 for tails. Therefore, resveratrol (did) have a significant effect on regeneration. Currently, we are testing a lower concentration of resveratrol together with canonical developmental pathway components such as Wnt/b-catenin to further examine these effects.

Glenn-Brown, Yasir (456)

An Investigation of How First-Generation Underrepresented Minority Students Develop Cultural Capital While Attending an Historically Black College and University (HBCU)

The idea of "cultural capital" is a key concept in educational research and reform, specifically the idea that first-generation college students, international students, or students who feel marginalized on a campus may lack cultural capital related to college success (Cooper et. al. 2021).  In this research we investigate the concept of cultural capital and  the development of it within first-generation students attending Norfolk State University (NSU) to help level the playing field by introducing them to the information they need to understand and giving them access to courses that maximize their individual experiences regardless of background or identities.

*Gulledge, Alecia (602)

Laguerre-Gaussian Laser Beam Shaping for Control of Optical Angular Momentum in Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials

The project's main goal is to develop an optical system for generating and controlling laser pulses with desired states of Optical Angular Momentum (OAM) needed for experiments that will study spin states in quantum materials. A beam of light has a linear momentum which depends on the spatial distribution of an Optical Field (E) where E represents a specific electric field distribution which in this case is a Gaussian distribution. The specific OAM that’s being desired is modeled using a helical mode in which the wavefront of the momentum is shaped like a helix.  The first step was to use MathCAD Prime to model the 2D patterns or filter needed to transform the Gaussian beam into the desired OAM wavefront. The point of this is to control the energy distribution of the laser wavefront so when it interacts with a material so that we can model the interaction of electron spins in the material with the OAM wave using quantum mechanics.  Second, we implemented the 2D patterns calculated using Mathcad on a spatial light modulator (SLM). An ultrafast laser beam was expanded to a diameter of 3 cm and passed through the SLM resulting in an OAM that could be observed by interfering the OAM beam with a plane wave beam split off from the original laser beam. Finally, the patterns generated in the experiment were compared with the modeled patterns and the results shows promise for future use in experiments of spin states in materials.  Future work includes refining the model used to generate the patterns on the SLM and implementing the system in the study of quantum materials which is the subject of my PhD thesis.

Grant, Anaiah (407)

SLR effects on vegetation in Virginia Beach and Norfolk

Sea Level rise (SLR) is a major risk for vegetation in Virginia Beach and Norfolk because they are closer to the Atlantic coastline. Vegetation of plants is sensitive to salts, due to flooding and saltwater intrusions plants have potential risks to die. In the project, we will estimate how much area will be lost due to different scenarios of sea level rise. To determine the area lost due to SLR we will be using the Bath-Tub Model (BTM) in ArcGIS Pro. Inundated areas were modeled by applying sea-level rise projections to the bathtub model approach. Elevation and Land Cover data were downloaded from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). We will use 3 scenarios that consist of 1 meter, 2, meter, and 3 meters. Based on our result of 3 sea level scenarios we will estimate how much vegetation area will be lost in the 3 vegetation scenarios. We predict based on the analysis of our results a large percentage of the analysis of vegetation will be lost. Findings from this study will used to calculate the amount of vegetation lost due to SLR in Virginia Beach and Norfolk.

Henley, Tiana (226)

The Quality of Care Received in The United States Healthcare System

In this research paper, we will be looking into the United States healthcare system and how the quality of care is not equally distributed to everyone in the United States leading to racial disparities within the American healthcare system. We will be taking a look at these racial disparities in more recent times and their relation to healthcare to create an understanding of why the quality and affordability of healthcare in the United States if often being questioned. We will create an understanding of different Americans' ability to obtain medical insurance within the United States. Then we will discuss the need to implement a better universal healthcare system that is more affordable and an equal distribution of quality care, while also detailing what it would mean to implement a universal healthcare system. What this Research paper is trying to do is bring light to a flawed system and make it better so that it will benefit all people.