Antibiofilm and antivirulence potential of myrtenol against Acinetobacter baumannii
Acinetobacter baumannii is a major opportunistic pathogen capable of forming biofilms on both biotic and abiotic surfaces, which contributes to persistent infections and reduced antibiotic efficacy. The development of alternative or adjunct therapeutic strategies is therefore essential for the effective management of biofilm-associated infections. Myrtenol, a bicyclic monoterpene commonly found in essential oils, possesses diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of myrtenol against A. baumannii was evaluated. Myrtenol demonstrated significant antibiofilm activity without affecting bacterial cell viability, as confirmed by the Alamar Blue assay, indicating a non-bactericidal and antibiofilm mode of action at sub-inhibitory concentrations. Treatment with myrtenol markedly reduced ring biofilm formation, biofilm biomass, and surface coverage, and also inhibited biofilm development on multiple surfaces. Furthermore, myrtenol exposure led to decreased surface motility and increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Antibiotic sensitivity studies revealed that myrtenol enhanced the sensitivity of A. baumannii to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the phytochemical myrtenol effectively inhibits biofilm formation and modulates virulence-associated traits in A. baumannii and also enhances antibiotic sensitivity.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Applications
Zinc oxide nanoparticles are promising materials for sustainable environmental remediation due to their stability, abundance, and strong photocatalytic properties. In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized and strategically doped with iron, tin, and nickel to enhance structural and catalytic performance. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed the wurtzite phase, and the crystallinity and phase purity were evaluated. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under ultraviolet irradiation demonstrated enhanced pollutant removal in modified samples. This dopant incorporation produced measurable changes in crystallite size and structural quality. These findings demonstrate the potential of dopant-engineered ZnO nanoparticles for advanced wastewater treatment and sustainable catalytic technologies.
Trauma as the Progenitor and Destroyer of Black Girl Magic: An Algorithmic Analysis of The Bluest Eye and God Help the Child
This poster presentation examines how trauma operates as a generative and destructive force in the identity formation of Black girls through an algorithmic reading of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and God Help the Child. Drawing on the works of trauma theorists such as Cathy Caruth and Dominic LaCapra, traumatic events are viewed as inputs and outputs that the Black girl characters, Pecola and Bride, interpret, internalize, and respond to differently. The study evaluated the way the characters processed their trauma, including factors such as age, the severity of the trauma, and the presence or absence of a support system. By employing a comparative analysis of the experiences and divergent trajectories of the characters within the framework of Black Girl Magic, the analysis shows that trauma does not result in uniform outcomes. The research specifically aims to show that with the necessary support, identity reclamation becomes possible when trauma is named and processed. By framing trauma as an algorithm, this presentation offers a systematic lens to view and understand how Black girls navigate traumatic experiences and how they affect identity formation.
Cross-Modality and Visual Impairment
When taking in sensory information, visual stimuli is often the most dominant within the hierarchy of senses. However, when visual input is unavailable, specifically in those who are visually impaired, evidence of cross-modal plasticity and reorganization is present. Cross-modal reorganization in visually impaired individuals has been linked to the rewiring of the occipital lobe and other visual cortical areas to further support the processing of tactile and auditory information in the brain. This has led to strengths reported in sound localization, spatial attention, sound categorization, and haptic imagery. However, these findings are also dependent on the time onset of visual impairment, as the presence of visual experience impacts the potential for cross-modal reorganization, exhibited through the differences noted between congenital and late-onset blindness. By examining existing research, we aim to clarify both the functional advantages and the constraints of cross-modal reorganization in individuals with visual impairment.
Effects of Feeding Mode on Microplastic Ingestion in Coastal and Inland Waterfowl in Louisiana
Microplastic pollution is an increasing environmental concern with documented negative impacts on wildlife across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This study examined microplastic ingestion in waterfowl from coastal and inland regions of Louisiana to evaluate whether feeding mode and location affect microplastic exposure. Gastrointestinal (GI) tracts were isolated from waterfowl donated by licensed Louisiana hunters and represented species with contrasting feeding behaviors and habitat use. GI contents were digested in a 10% potassium hydroxide solution, filtered, and examined under a stereomicroscope to confirm and quantify microplastic ingestion. Microplastics were categorized by color and shape. A generalized linear model with a binomial distribution and logit link revealed that both feeding mode and location significantly influenced the probability of microplastic ingestion (Wald X22 = 16.8, p < 0.001). Dabbling species were 2.9 times (OR 95% CI = 1.3-6.3) more likely, and coastal birds were 6.0 times (OR 95% CI = 2.5-14.5) more likely to ingest microplastics than divers or inland birds. Overall, these results indicate that behavior and habitat play important roles in microplastic exposure, with coastal dabbling waterfowl facing an elevated risk from plastic pollution. These findings also support the development of targeted conservation and management plans for coastal species.
Determination of binding affinities for bidentate nitrogen ligands to La3+ and Ce3+ Beta-diketonate complexes
Demand for rare-earth elements is rising due to technological applications in magnets, electronics, and as potential theranostic agents. Increasing the predictive power for binding affinities of ligands to the larger, less charge dense early lanthanide complexes can lead to new strategies for their separation for technological applications and better designed radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment. While much of the current research has focused on octadentate macrocycles, we are interested in probing the binding affinities of structurally related bidentate and tetradentate ligands to La3+ and Ce3+ complexes. Through titrations of La and Ce complexes with organic ligands, trends in binding affinities can be determined. The trends in these binding affinities will lead to furthering our understanding of the bonding preferences of f-element ions and will lead to the development of new ligands.
Benchmark Study of Geant4 Simulation Framework for MOLLER Experiment
The Measurement of a Lepton-Lepton Electroweak Reaction (MOLLER) is a planned fixed-target experiment at Thomas Jefferson National Laboratory that will measure the parity-violating asymmetry in electron-electron Møller scattering. By determining the weak mixing angle from the parity-violating asymmetry parameter in a lower energy scheme (Q ≈ 0.1 GeV) with unprecedented precision, MOLLER will provide a stringent test of the Standard Model and sensitivity to new physics. Achieving this goal requires a highly reliable simulation framework, Remoll (a Geant4-based program). Currently, in the literature, gaps remain in the availability of high-quality reference data and a standardized procedure for benchmarking. Benchmarking refers to comparing simulation outputs to well-established theoretical or experimental results and is important in establishing confidence in Remoll as a competent tool. For this project, we synthesized terpyridines and used commercially available carboxylate ligands to generate luminescent Ce3+ containing complexes. NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy were used to study the binding affinities of ligands to Ce3+. Complicating matters, Ce3+ is able to oxidize into Ce4+, which changes its luminescent properties. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to determine ratios of Ce3+ to Ce4+. Furthering our understanding of the photophysics of Ce3+ through molecular design will lead to improved scintillators.
Unexpected Aldehyde Formation in the N-Alkylation of Aromatic Nitrogen Heterocycles: Scope, Limitations, and Synthetic Utility
A quinoline substrate was subjected to a routine N-alkylation during a separate project (Synthesis of Zwitterionic Donor-σ-Acceptors) and an unexpected aldehyde by-product was produced. This project is attempting to isolate and identify the product, elucidate the mechanistic pathway by which it is being produced, and evaluate the reaction scope against a diverse set of substrates to assess its generality and functional group tolerance.
Chitin and Chitosan Interactions with Ionic Liquids
Chitin is a biodegradable polysaccharide found abundantly in nature in the exoskeleton of invertebrates. Chitin, along with its derivative polysaccharide, chitosan, is used widely in the medical and pharmaceutical industries for wound healing and drug delivery because of its antimicrobial properties. However, as a result of their extensive inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding network, both chitin and chitosan are insoluble in most organic solvents of neutral or basic pH. This poses difficulty in terms of industrial-level dissolution, as current industrial methods are harsh and come with significant environmental impact. For this reason, recent years have seen increased interest in using green solvents for polymer dissolution, with ionic liquids as one example for processing chitin and chitosan. During our study, novel ionic liquids were used to dissolve chitin and chitosan effectively for integration with other polymers, while maintaining their integrity.
Green Conversion of Low-Grade Cotton into Value-Added Cellulose Materials Using Ionic Liquids
Low-grade cotton, composed predominantly of cellulose with minor amounts of lignin, hemicellulose, waxes, and other impurities, presents limited commercial value due to its short fiber length and structural irregularities. However, its high cellulose content makes it a promising renewable feedstock for value-added applications if efficient dissolution methods are employed. In this study, ionic liquids (ILs) synthesized from 1-methylimidazole were investigated as green solvents for the dissolution and processing of low-grade cotton cellulose. Imidazolium-based ionic liquids exhibit exceptional solvent capabilities owing to their negligible vapor pressure, high thermal stability, non-flammability, and recyclability. The dissolution mechanism is strongly influenced by the structural characteristics of both the cation and anion, with hydrogen bond-accepting anions playing a crucial role in disrupting the extensive intermolecular hydrogen-bonding network within cellulose fibers. The imidazolium cation further stabilizes the dissolved polymer chains, enhancing solvation efficiency. The tunable nature of ionic liquids allows optimization of solvent properties for improved cellulose dissolution and regeneration.
A One-Pot Nucleophilic Addition-Cyclization Route to Epoxides
The goal of this research is the stereoselective synthesis of epoxides via nucleophilic addition of nitrogen ylide and aldehyde via tandem pathway where the alkoxide intermediate cyclizes via SN2 to give the target. Stereoselectivity will be a concern in this reaction so one of the ultimate goals of this project will be to investigate the stereoselective outcome when a chiral nitrogen ylide is used.
CO2 Absorption in [EMIM][NTf2] Using a Bubble Column Under Direct Air Capture Conditions: Effects of Temperature on Loading, Henry’s Law, Thermodynamics, and Mass Transfer
This study investigated the effect of temperature on carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption in a custom 3D-printed PETG bubble column using the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][NTf2]) under direct air capture (DAC) conditions. Experiments were conducted at three different temperatures to evaluate equilibrium CO2 loading and characterize the absorption behavior of the ionic liquid at low CO2 concentrations. Equilibrium loading data were used to determine Henry’s law constants, thermodynamic parameters including enthalpy and entropy, and overall mass transfer correlations for the system. Results showed that Henry’s law constant decreased as temperature increased, indicating enhanced CO2 solubility at higher temperatures under the conditions studied. In addition, CO2 loading increased with increasing temperature, which was supported by the calculated enthalpy and entropy trends. The overall mass transfer coefficient also increased with temperature, suggesting improved gas-liquid mass transfer performance at elevated temperatures. These findings provide insight into the behavior of [EMIM][NTf2] for CO2 capture in bubble column systems and help evaluate its potential for DAC applications.
Digital Reconstruction and the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Inspired by my summer 2025 study abroad experience in Greece, this poster explores how digital reconstruction can benefit our understanding and appreciation of architectural sites. After visiting ancient monuments in person, I completed an art history independent study on the history of conservation. Archaeologists debate how to preserve or reconstruct historical monuments and cultural heritage sites. Based on the availability of historical sources, preservation efforts may be little more than a guess as to what was present thousands of years ago. Additionally, decisions must be made about which era will be represented, as many monuments have been used across history and have had different meanings across time. New digital preservation methods allow scholars to reconstruct sites while also avoiding continued human interference. These techniques have motivated the themes that I am exploring in work prepared as a lead up to my senior capstone. Using reference photos taken while visiting the site in summer 2025, I digitally reconstructed a Cycladic bell tower from the village of Megalochori, Santorini with the software Autodesk Maya. I then 3-D printed different iterations of the form. One example more true to the original site was cast in iron, while others were duplicated in a spherical shape to create more imaginative, surreal structures. This poster will chart my process and the ways in which my creative process mirrors contemporary digital preservation tactics.
KeatonQuantitative, a Non-Profit Startup Empowering Retail Investors.
Financial markets are extremely noisy and non-stationary and with 80 million retail investors in the U.S., representing 60% of households, Public Investor Survey finds 3 in 5 investors use the brokerage app they trade on for information. Many retail investors fall victim to emotional decision making, trend chasing, and analysis paralysis due to an overload of information and not knowing which resource to trust. These brokerage apps provide statistics on user volume, forecasted earnings, and buy ratings, with some showing a “Bear and Bull Says”.The purpose of this non-profit startup project is to develop, implement, and evaluate a free investment analysis tool powered by various large language models (LLM). KeatonQuantitative was developed using Python and a variety of packages and libraries, including yfinance and XGboost. I once struggled with understanding the indicators used in financial markets, and with KeatonQuantittative, I now have the ability to better assess companies' equities. KeatonQuantitative is driven by five LLMs, each generating a buy, sell, or hold signal separately, based on its own logic. These signals are evaluated against market returns on the day of execution and compared to a free technical indicator resource on Trading View, and each other. Signals are collected in a spreadsheet over a 20-day period, results are visualized and ranked by performance. This study will contribute to the societal understanding of how LLMs perform relative to the market index, which indicators are effective, and how investors can benefit from incorporating LLMs in investment decisions.
Using Hyperspectral and Lidar Sensors to Characterize Cohesive and Degraded Flotant at Lake Boeuf, Louisiana
Flotant marsh is a type of wetland that is found in freshwater and intermediate habitats of the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary System. Flotant occur as a vegetative mat consisting of plants rooted above peat that floats on top of the water column. Eutrophication, saltwater intrusion, and natural disasters can degrade flotant. The floating nature of this unique marsh makes re-creation of flotant nearly impossible. In our project healthy thick flotant is being compared to thin degraded flotant at Lake De Cade and Lac des Allemands. To record geospatial data, we are using un-crewed aerial vehicles (UAV) carrying LiDAR and hyperspectral sensors. The flotant at Lake De Cade occurs in salinities from 0.3 to 7.3 ppt. In contrast, the flotant at Lac des Allemands occurs in salinities from 0.1 to 0.2 ppt. To protect the flotant from damage, we developed a floating launch pad that allows UAV to be deployed on the water. The LiDAR sensors have allowed us to record topographical features for resolution of vegetative height and mat breakages. Hyperspectral sensors have allowed us to record a range of wavelengths emitted by flora which will be used to train our algorithm to classify vegetative cover. We have identified the presence of several native plants such as Sagitarria lancifolia, Sagitarria latifolia, Hibiscus moscheutos, Typha latifolia, Althaea officinalis, and invasive plants such as Pontederia crassipes, and Ipomoea lacunose. This project was supported with federal funding from the RESTORE ACT, with administrative assistance from Dr. Jessica Henkel at LA-COE.
Symmetry-Driven Excitonic Behavior and Moiré Effects in Two-Dimensional Materials
Two-dimensional (2D) materials have unique optical and electronic properties that make them promising for future technologies such as solar cells, sensors, and flexible electronics. One important feature of these materials is the formation of excitons, which are bound pairs of electrons and holes that control how materials interact with light. In atomically thin systems, excitons are especially strong and highly sensitive to the arrangement of atoms. In this project, we study how symmetry affects exciton behavior in 2D materials. We compare high-symmetry materials like MoS₂ with lower-symmetry materials such as PdSe₂, which have more direction-dependent properties. We will also explore what happens when two different 2D materials are stacked together. When layers are slightly twisted or mismatched, they form a larger repeating pattern called a moiré pattern, which can trap and reshape excitons. Using computational modeling, we will examine how excitons form, where they are located, and how they respond to light in these systems. Our results show that lower symmetry and moiré patterns can lead to strongly directional exciton behavior and new optical responses that do not appear in single materials. This work helps us better understand how to control light–matter interactions and design advanced optoelectronic devices.
Tunable Carbon Dots from Sugars via a Green Acid–Base Synthesis: Influence of Heating Method
Carbon dots (CDs) are versatile, low-cost nanomaterials with applications in agriculture, biomedicine, and energy, motivating the development of green and scalable synthetic routes. This study examines how heating method influences the formation and optical properties of fluorescent CDs synthesized from glucose, fructose, and sucrose using a mild acid–base approach. Aqueous saccharide solutions with acetic acid were treated by either reflux (~100 °C, 20 min) or microwave irradiation (~1000 W, 5–10 min), followed by neutralization with sodium bicarbonate and further heating. All samples exhibited emission in the 450–500 nm range, with variations in intensity and emission profile dependent on precursor and heating method. Microwave-treated samples showed broader UV–vis absorbance and red-shifted emission, consistent with more rapid and heterogeneous carbonization. In contrast, reflux conditions produced narrower emission features and, in some cases, higher relative quantum yield, particularly for glucose-derived CDs. Filtration (0.2 µm) enhanced fluorescence by removing quenching particulates, and dilution confirmed filtration effects. These results demonstrate that weak-base-mediated synthesis under mild conditions yields CDs with tunable optical properties, where heating method serves as a simple control parameter, offering a low-cost, scalable platform for green nanomaterial synthesis and instructional laboratory design.
Density Functional Theory Investigation of GABA–C60 Conjugates for Enhanced Blood–Brain Barrier Transport
Efficient delivery of neuroactive compounds across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) remains a major challenge in treating neurological disorders. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in sleep and anxiety regulation, exhibits limited BBB permeability in its free form. In this study, we investigate a fullerene-based delivery strategy by covalently and noncovalently attaching GABA to a C₆₀ molecule to enhance transport potential. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to examine multiple adsorption sites and conformations of the GABA–C₆₀ complex, evaluating their stability, adsorption energies, and dipole moments. Attachments at nitrogen, oxygen, and perpendicular (“flat”) sites were compared to identify favorable configurations. Several structures exhibit negative formation energies, indicating thermodynamic feasibility. Nitrogen and oxygen attachment sites produce significant dipole moments of 30.35 Debye and 16.24 Debye, respectively, both exceeding that of water (1.84 Debye), a known BBB penetrant. Although nitrogen attachment yields the highest dipole moment, oxygen attachment provides greater energetic stability. These results suggest that GABA–C₆₀ conjugation is a promising and tunable approach for enhancing BBB permeability and highlights the potential of fullerene-based nanocarriers for neurotherapeutic delivery.
The effects of the Heavy Metal, Nickle, on the mutualistic relationship between the salt marsh grass (Spartina alteriflora) and the periwinkle snail (Litterona littorea)
Spartina alterniflora is a foundational salt marsh grass that helps structure coastal wetlands and supports interactions with invertebrates such as the periwinkle snail, Littoraria irrorata. These snails often graze fungal and algal biofilms on Spartina leaves and stems, creating an important ecological interaction within marsh systems. In coastal Louisiana, including Grand Isle, marsh habitats have been exposed to pollutants associated with oil industry activity, including heavy metals such as nickel (Ni). Such contaminants may alter the physiology or chemistry of the fungal and algal biofilms, reducing its palatability or nutritional quality, and may also directly affect snail behavior, feeding, or survival. This project examines how Ni exposure influences the interaction between S. alterniflora and L. irrorata under controlled conditions. We hypothesize that Ni will produce dose-dependent effects, with greater contaminant concentrations causing greater disruption to both the plant and snail. This study helps assess the resilience of a foundational marsh species interaction under pollutant stress.
The effects of nanoparticles on the growth rate of the algae Chlorella vulagaris
Plastic nanoparticles are an emerging pollutant of concern as global plastic production continues to rise. These particles can enter aquatic systems, where they may be taken up by primary producers such as phytoplankton and potentially move through food webs. Previous studies have shown that plastic particles can affect algal physiology and growth, but their effects may vary by species and concentration. This study examines the effects of plastic nanoparticles on the growth rate of the green alga Chlorella vulgaris. We hypothesize that increasing nanoparticle concentrations will have a negative effect on algal growth. To test this, C. vulgaris will be cultured in BG-11 Medium and exposed to a geometrically increasing gradient of environmentally relevant nanoparticle concentrations, with unexposed cultures serving as controls. Each treatment will include four replicates maintained in individual Erlenmeyer flasks with continuous airflow to keep particles and cells suspended. By evaluating growth responses across concentrations, this study aims to clarify how plastic nanoparticle pollution may affect freshwater primary producers and contribute to broader concerns about bioaccumulation and trophic transfer in aquatic ecosystems.
Automated Zebrafish Behavioral Classification via Multi-Architecture Deep Feature Fusion: CNN, 3D-CNN, and Autoencoder Representation
Automated classification of zebrafish behavioral responses to pharmacological stimuli is a challenging computer vision problem characterized by subtle inter-condition differences, limited labeled data, and high-resolution microscopy imagery. This paper presents a comprehensive deep learning pipeline comparing three complementary neural network architectures for behavioral classification across three experimental conditions: anesthetic, stimulant, and control. We trained a supervised two-dimensional convolutional neural network (ZebrafishCNN2D) for frame-level spatial feature extraction (512 dimensions), a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (ZebrafishCNN3D) for spatiotemporal sequence modeling, and an unsupervised convolutional autoencoder for reconstructive latent feature learning (128 dimensions). Using 5-fold stratified cross-validation with Bayesian hyperparameter optimization, we evaluate twelve model configurations combining four feature types with three classifiers (SVM, Random Forest, and Logistic Regression). The best configuration (3D CNN features with logistic regression) achieves 93.19% ± 5.08% cross-validation accuracy and 68.18% test accuracy on sequence-level classification, representing a 105% improvement over the 33.3% random baseline. The best frame-level model ( 2D CNN features with SVM) achieves 92.06% ± 2.33% cross-validation accuracy and 58.65% test accuracy. The 3D CNN's 68.18% test accuracy represents a 16% improvement over the best frame-level approach, showing that spatiotemporal modeling substantially outperforms spatial-only methods. Per-class ROC-AUC analysis yields 0.891 (anesthetic), 0.759 (stimulant), and 0.832 (control), with mean AUC of 0.827. Gradient-based saliency maps, intermediate layer activation analysis, and first-layer filter visualizations confirm that the models attend to biologically relevant anatomical regions. This work provides a systematic multi-architecture comparison demonstrating that spatiotemporal modeling is essential for accurate zebrafish pharmacological behavioral classification from microscopy imagery.
Data Science for Determining the Kd Value Between Silver Nanoparticles and Pathogens
Antimicrobial protein-functionalized AgNPs represent promising therapeutic agents due to their flexible surface chemistry and high binding affinity to biological targets. This study aimed at analyzing the quantitative aspects of AgNPs binding to bacteria. Experimental binding curves were obtained by varying AgNPs concentration and analyzed using Langmuir and Hill binding models to calculate dissociation constant (Kd) and cooperative binding, respectively. In particular, the assumption of independent binding sites in the Langmuir binding model allowed us to accurately estimate Kd and binding affinity. Additionally, the Hill equation with the Hill coefficient (n) was employed to characterize the cooperative binding. Our data indicate that binding occurs with a low level of cooperativity (n ≈ 1). Experiments were conducted in triplicates (n = 3), and values are presented as mean ± SD. Data analysis and curve fitting were conducted using Python programming language and AI assistance in coding by researchers. These findings provide a quantitative basis for studying interactions of nanoparticles and bacteria, facilitating further improvement in the design of protein nanomaterials for antimicrobial applications.
Reviving a Digital Archive: Enhancement of The Early Ruskin Manuscripts, 1826–1842
The Early Ruskin Manuscripts, 1826–1842 (ERM) is a digital humanities project at Southeastern Louisiana University that presents a comprehensive diplomatic edition of John Ruskin's youthful writings paired with manuscript facsimiles. The archive spans poetry, travel writing, religion, and earth sciences, serving as a resource for the study of Victorian juvenilia, education, and culture. This abstract describes the student-led technical recovery and modernization of the ERM platform after it was rendered inaccessible for approximately eighteen months following a network disruption to the university's servers. The project's restoration began with diagnosing and resolving Nginx server misconfigurations, that prevented the site from running either locally or in production. With little to no relevant surviving documentation, students reverse-engineered the TEI-XML transformation pipeline, rebuilt the local and production development environment, and produced comprehensive developer documentation to ensure long-term maintainability. Faculty and graduate assistants received training in Git-based version control, and a standardized contribution workflow was established. Beyond recovery, students introduced several new features: a custom-built Elasticsearch- powered search engine, an interactive Leaflet.js map that visualizes places referenced in Ruskin's manuscripts alongside a synchronized historical timeline, CSS and SEO improvements, and ongoing error remediation. Current work includes integrating AI-generated summaries for apparatus pages to improve accessibility for researchers. The site was redeployed to the university server and continues to receive iterative updates. This project demonstrates how student contributors can sustain and advance faculty-and-student-driven digital humanities scholarship through infrastructure repair, feature development, and knowledge transfer.
Automated Zebrafish Behavioral Classification via Multi-Architecture Deep Feature Fusion: CNN, 3D-CNN, and Autoencoder Representation
Exosomes play a crucial role in cancer cell proliferation and drug resistance, specifically in advanced-stage prostate cancer. Understanding the role of exosomes in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) can drastically improve treatment outcomes in advanced-stage prostate cancer patients, as well as inform new strategies for targeting resistance pathways. We hypothesized that combining androgen receptor (AR)-targeting drugs, Ketoconazole and
Tipifarnib, with the AR inhibitor, Enzalutimide, could regulate exosome-mediated drug efflux, enhancing the bioavailability of the drugs and the cytotoxicity in CRPC cells. To test this, we treated 5 different CRPC cells lines with different combinations of Ketoconazole or Tipifarnib in combination with Enzalutimide, and then quantified the exosome secretion with the Zetaview nanoparticle tracking analysis. We assessed drug cytotoxicity to determine the most adequate concentrations. For LNCAP CRPC cells, the greatest increase in cell death occurred with Tipifarnib at 10 um combined with Enzalutamide at 10 μM, and with Ketoconazole at a concentration of 2 um combined with Enzalutamide at 10 μM. These concentrations most effectively reversed ENZ resistance and enhanced cytotoxicity in LNCAP CRPC cells. This was shown to reverse ENZ resistance. However, when these optimal
concentrations were assessed without Enzalutimide, LNCAP cells demonstrated minimal differences in exosome secretion between treated and control groups. In contrast, CWRRI cells exhibited significant changes in exosome secretion across treated and control groups. These results suggest that while exosome mediated drug efflux may not have driven resistance in LNCAP CRPC cells, it still plays a significant role in other CRPC cell lines, such as CWRRI. By understanding these cell line-specific mechanisms, we are able to highlight the complexity of drug resistance pathways. This could lead to the discovery of personalized, exosome targeted therapies to improve the efficacy of CRPC treatments, offering long term treatment options for CRPC patients and potentially benefitting broader cancer patient treatment.
Does Early Performance Set the Tone for the Rest of the Semester?
We have either said or heard this cliche numerous times: Does the first exam significantly set the tone for the rest of the semester? The first exam can be influential, but it's not a guaranteed predictor of overall success in the course. To investigate this more systematically, we collected the data on student performance in ECON 4020 Managerial Economics course at a major regional university over seven academic terms spanning from spring 2019 to spring 2023. We first examined the relationship between the first exam grade and the final course grade. Our preliminary finding was that there was a moderate positive linear relationship between the standardized first exam grades and the standardized overall course grades. We also ran a simple regression on the two values and found that about 30% of the variability in the standardized overall course grade can be linearly explained by the standardized first exam scores. Our findings are preliminary and incomplete in that there are many important factors that have not been observed or measured. For example, students can adapt. If they reflect on their study habits, time management, etc., they can recover strongly. In addition, other underlying factors such as general study skills may be a predominant factor on later success in the course than early success. Utilizing registrar data may shed more insight on students' overall performance in a course.
The role of DedA proteins in bacteriophage resistance of capsulated Klebsiella pneumoniae
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a pathogen that is clinically significant that continues to increase its antibiotic resistance. This emphasizes the need for alternative treatments such as bacteriophage therapy. However, bacterial resistance to phages is still a huge limitation. DedA proteins are conserved membrane proteins in membrane homeostasis involved and are key host factors in RNA virus infection, including SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to investigate whether DedA proteins contribute to phage susceptibility in Klebsiella pneumoniae strain ST258 (wt). The bacteriophage was an environmental sample derived from a wastewater plant. This bacteriophage was isolated, enriched, and purified. The phage was sequenced and degree of infection was measured in both wild type and DedA mutant strains, ΔdkcA and VT201 (deletion of ΔyqjA and ΔyghB). The deletion of the DedA proteins showed increased susceptibility to phage infection in VT201 strain. Additionally, higher temperatures were associated with increased phage resistance.
Genomic and Experimental Analysis of Bacteriophage Characteristics
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates alternative antibacterial strategies, including bacteriophage therapy. This research investigates the temperate potential of Benchscraper, an Arthrobacter globiformis phage in cluster AY, predicted to be lysogenic based on genomic features. Following isolation, amplification, genome sequencing, and annotation, Benchscraper was found to encode specific genes and a conserved attP site consistent with lysogeny. However, lysogen assays demonstrated a strictly lytic phenotype. These findings highlight a discrepancy between genomic indicators and experimental behavior, raising questions about lysogeny regulation and implications for phage therapy applications. Ongoing analyses aim to further characterize this inconsistency.
"Confessions: Poems"
“Confessions: Poems” is a 40 page book of original poetry written by Toby Lirette that serves as a complex observation of various poetic forms and themes. The collection is composed of poems centered around memory, youth, corruption, love, and more, aiming to answer questions such as “who am I as a person?” and “how have I grown throughout my life?”. This poster presentation discusses the writing of “Confessions: Poems” in greater detail, showing the poetic forms researched for this project and diving deeper into the editing and composition aspects of its creation.
An Artist's Contribution to Neuroaesthetics
Neuroaesthetics expores the frontier where neural activity meets artistic analysis. While groundbreaking, this emerging field still lacks the empiricial depth to clain full academic maturity. This research bridges this gap by isolating the brain-art connection through a unique methodology that integrates creative practice with scientific observation. Guided by R. Lyle Skain's Practive-Based Research model, I compare two parallel avenues. Contextual research employs methods such as semiotics and comparative analysis, while empirical research applies the "aesthetic triad" to the creative process. After comparison, my thesis argues that neuroaesthetic quailities are already active within traditional art analysis but remain unidentified. By documenting thse influences through the active creation of art, further research and specification can contribute to the practicality and vitality of academic artistic pursuits.
Bias and Ethical Implications of AI-Based Hiring Systems
This thesis explores the presence and implications of bias in automated decision-making systems
used within the workforce, specifically resume reviews and hiring. As organizations increasingly
rely on algorithmic tools to streamline employment decisions, concerns regarding fairness,
transparency, and accountability have emerged. This study investigates potential sources of bias
within automated decision-making systems by measuring demographic bias in 2 AI-based
Applicant Tracking Systems used for résumé screening. The technical approach is supported by a
qualitative review of existing literature and ethical frameworks related to artificial intelligence in
the workplace. By situating technical systems within broader social and organizational structures,
this research seeks to contribute to ongoing discussions surrounding responsible AI deployment.
The Presence of Microplastics in Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish Moss)
Tillandsia usneoides is an epiphytic plant found in subtropical regions that have been explored as bioindicators. Microplastics are a current topic of interest due to their proximity to important ecosystems and manifestation in the human body. Oceanic microplastics are highly studied while atmospheric nanoplastics are neglected. The aim of this study is to determine the presence of atmospheric microplastics in Tillandsia usneoides in order to pioneer a methodology of studying airborne plastics and to further understand effects on air quality, human health, and ecosystems. After collecting several samples across the University of Louisiana Lafayette, the T. usneoides was dried and homogenized before a visual assessment under 440-520 nm light filters. Additionally, a digestion method adapted from oceanic microplastic analysis was also used to isolate plastics from sedimentary samples in a three-stage filtration process. Various plastic morphologies and colors were found with fibers being the most prevalent. Prior to performing qualitative analysis, contamination from centralized air was found and minimized as much as possible. Future detection methods will include stains and spectroscopic analysis to better identify plastics. Currently, this is an ongoing research project focused on separating plastics based on density to avoid issues of degradation.
Legislation and Early Sex Education: STI Prevention Gaps Among College Students
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant public health concern among young adults, particularly college students, as they navigate emerging adulthood. Inadequate or inconsistent sexual health education prior to college may contribute to persistent misinformation and gaps in STI prevention knowledge, increasing vulnerability to infection. The purpose of this study is to examine college students’ understanding of accurate sexual health literacy, including STI prevention, and to assess correlations between identified knowledge gaps and sexual health education received prior to college. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was administered to graduate and undergraduate college students aged 18-24 attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Louisiana consistently reports some of the highest rates of STIs in the United States, with a notable amount of cases seen within the young adult demographic. Sex education is not mandated statewide, making this population particularly important to examine. Survey items assessed students’ knowledge of STI transmission, prevention strategies, and perceptions of prior sexual health education. This study is grounded in the nursing role as educator and advocate. Nurses are uniquely positioned to identify knowledge deficits, provide evidence-based sexual health education, and connect students to appropriate resources within both clinical and community settings. The findings from this study aim to inform nursing practice, campus health initiatives, and educational interventions within schools, with the goal of reducing the risk of STIs and increasing accurate sexual health knowledge among college students.
Anti-Transgender Bias Predicts Victim Blame in a Sexual Assault Vignette
236 college students read a story about a sexual assault between two acquaintances. Half of the stories described the victim as a transgender woman; half described her as a woman, expecting that participants would assume she was cisgender in this case. The two versions had the victim either drink before the assault or abstain from alcohol for a total of four vignette conditions. After reading, the participants answered a series of questions that assessed their attitudes towards the characters, including 7 items assessing victim blame (α = 0.86). The participants then completed an abbreviated form of the Genderism and Transphobia Scale (GTS, Tebbe et al., 2014), which measures general attitudes about gender and transgenderism (16 items, α = 0.95). Lastly, participants answered basic demographic questions regarding their age, race, and gender. A two-way ANOVA was conducted and revealed no significant main or interaction effects between the gender and alcohol conditions on victim blame. Models including GTS scores showed no interaction effects between either gender or alcohol condition variables and GTS scores. However, an exploratory analysis including participant gender showed that GTS scores were positively related to victim blame, b = 0.30, t = 6.87, p<0.001. There was also a significant interaction effect between participant gender and GTS scores, b = 0.15, t = 3.33, p = 0.001, with the positive association between GTS scores and victim blame being much stronger among men than among women.
Double Jeopardy: The Phydiological Effects of Combined Drought and Pathegen Stress on the Arabdopsis thalliana -Psuedomonas syringae Pathosystem
In the wild and in agricultural settings, plants often face a “double jeopardy” of stressors, both abiotic and biotic. Plant physiological responses to combined drought and infection stress remain poorly understood. My aim is to use the Arabidopsis thaliana/Pseudomonas syringae pathosystem to determine how water scarcity and infection influence photosynthetic traits (water loss, chlorophyll content), biomass allocation (towards roots vs shoots), and consequently, whole-plant performance (growth and survival). Using a multi-factorial experimental design, with four treatment groups and three lines of Arabidopsis thaliana, I will determine if combined stress effects are synergistic, additive, or antagonistic. Two gene-knockout lines and wild-type Arabidopsis will be used, and the differences in physiological response between these lines will be evaluated under low/high drought stress and infection/non-infected conditions, including a double control. I expect that combined drought and pathogen stress will likely induce synergistic physiological decline, significantly reducing stomatal conductance and biomass compared to individual stressors and the double-control group. Understanding the complexities of interacting stressors on plant physiological traits is essential for predicting plant resilience to future climate stress and for improving crop productivity in the face of increasingly erratic global climate patterns.
ARMOR-2 on CAPE 4
ARMOR-2 (Astronaut-wearable Radiation Monitor for Operation in Radiation-prone environments) is a compact experimental platform designed to validate the scientific and technical feasibility of luminescence-based radiation and temperature sensing. The system investigates the time-resolved optical response of a luminescent material under both controlled excitation and ambient radiation exposure. The project integrates optical stimulation, photon detection, and onboard data storage into a single platform. Emphasis is placed on reliable data acquisition, deterministic operation, and preservation of measurement integrity. Experimental results are used to establish quantitative relationships between luminescent response, radiation dosage, and temperature variation. ARMOR-2 serves as a validation step toward the development of a compact, astronaut-wearable radiation and temperature monitoring system. By transitioning luminescence-based sensing from conceptual theory to experimentally verified system performance, the project reduces scientific uncertainty and informs the design of future personal radiation instrumentation for space environments.
The Ripple Effect: Causes and Effects of University Noncompliance Found in Financial Audits
In this paper, we discuss the causes and effects of noncompliance issues identified in university financial audits. Universities across the southeast have recently been criticized for noncompliant practices that affect students and the university. We wanted to bring light to the issues the higher education system is facing and how there needs to be more awareness on the financial noncompliance that is occurring. Through a data collection methodology, we were able to uncover the leading noncompliance issues universities face, the reasons they occur, and the effects these issues have on university stakeholders and the university as a whole. The audits covered fiscal years 2017 through 2025 and focused on key operational, financial, and compliance areas. Our research uncovered a trend of issues in places such as internal controls, material misstatements, and financial aid compliance. We found that the causes of these issues were primarily linked to high staff turnover and student enrollment. The issues then affected student enrollment and leadership, structural, and budgetary changes to the universities. Through our approach, we aim to gather information on whether universities in the southeast US are using noncompliant financial practices, highlight the kinds of insufficient financial practices universities have, what is leading these universities into their noncompliance, and how universities without sufficient accounting practices can affect stakeholders like students who are affected by the noncompliance.