71. Delivering gene-based replacement therapy for hearing loss

Zoë Shaw, Biosciences, 2-3pm

Congenital hearing loss is the most common congenital disorder, affecting around 1 in 1000 newborns, and age-related hearing loss is one of the most prevalent disorders in the ageing population. Around half of congenital deafness is caused by mutations to connexin 26 and connexin 30, and they have been shown to exacerbate age-related hearing loss in mouse models. Connexin 26 and connexin 30 are proteins that connect adjacent supporting cells within the cochlear sensory epithelium. Recent success with gene therapy has been seen in treating congenital deafness due to mutations affecting sensory hair cells, however there is limited research on gene therapy targeting supporting cells or age-related hearing loss. Therefore, this project aims to investigate the suitability of gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV) to treat congenital and age-related deafness caused by supporting cell dysfunction.

72. Promising potential of ZnTPP-Re(I)­terpy complexes as visible light-driven redox-photosensitisers for photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Hessah  Alanazi, Chemistry, 3-4pm

Rhenium(I) terpyridine tricarbonyl complexes [Re(terpy)(CO)₃X] are promising photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction due to their long-lived excited states and tunable redox potentials. However, their light absorption is often limited to higher-energy visible light. To enhance light harvesting, Zn(II) tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) photosensitisers can be coupled to the Re(I) catalyst. ZnTPP absorbs strongly in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions, enabling activation with lower-energy light and potentially improving photocatalytic efficiency in ZnTPP–Re(terpy) dyad systems.

73. Flavobacterium johnsoniae motility and chemotaxis

Soroush Zeaei Physics and Astronomy, 3-4pm

Bacterial chemotaxis is a mechanism for directing bacteria motility to navigate gradients of chemical concentration . In previous studies, the motility of swimming bacteria during chemotaxis, and signalling mechanisms involved have been thoroughly examined. For the first time, our group revealed that, in addition to swimming bacteria, a single surface-attached bacteria also exhibit chemotactic responses. It was shown that P. aeruginosa, performs chemotaxis by reversing its movement on surfaces. Another surface-attached bacterium whose chemotaxis has been less extensively studied is Flavobacterium johnsoniae, a member of the Bacteroidetes phylum, which moves via gliding on surfaces This psoter initially introduces the motility and sensory mechanisms of swimming and surface-attached bacteria. It then, discusses unanswered questions regarding the mechanisms underlying the chemotactic responses of F. johnsoniae to chemical gradients

74. Single-Molecule Analysis of Human Shelterin Complex Interactions with Telomeric DNA

Mark Greensill, Biosciences, 3-4pm

Human chromosome ends are protected by structures called telomeres; repetitive DNA bound by proteins known as Shelterin. Where Shelterin is absent or dysfunctional, cellular processes recognise telomeres as damaged DNA, leading to chromosome instability; a hallmark of cancer. However, we lack a detailed understanding of how Shelterin interacts with DNA, and the full six-subunit structure of Shelterin still remains unknown. 

Here, we produced the full human Shelterin complex in insect cells and characterised it with biophysical methods. Shelterin molecules were weighed by mass photometry to give insights into their structural composition and heterogeneity. Using optical tweezers, we directly observed fluorescently labelled Shelterin bind DNA at the single-molecule level, measured biophysical properties, and evidenced a DNA packaging property of Shelterin. 

This work contributes towards a broader understanding of telomere biology and how its dysfunction may result in genome instability.

75. Translating Effect Sizes into Real World Terms: Benchmarking the Effect of Behavioural Interventions to Reduce Speed

Rose Buhaenko, Psychology, 3-4pm

Speeding is a leading cause of road crashes and fatalities, and considerable research has sought to test and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce speeding, often using effect sizes to quantify their impact. However, effect sizes may not convey the real-world implications of these interventions; “What does it mean when an intervention designed to reduce speeding has a ‘medium-sized’ effect?”. Benchmarking uses population-level data to contextualise the effects of interventions in terms of real-world outcomes. The current study applied benchmarking to interventions designed to reduce speeding in order to specify their impact in terms of a reduction of speed in mph and associated outcomes (e.g., road casualties and fatalities). The study conducted a meta-analysis and benchmark on behavioural interventions aimed at reducing speeding and showed a reduction in speed of 1.20mph on 30mph roads, with a reduction in casualties and fatalities on roads by 4.91% and 11.82%.

76. Independent electrical control of quantum dots in photonic crystal cavities via targeted ion beam implantation

Monika Singh, Physics and Astronomy, 3-4pm

Photonic crystal (PhC) nanocavities in GaAs hosting self-assembled InAs quantum dots (QDs) provide a promising platform for cavity quantum electrodynamics and scalable quantum photonic integration. Achieving independent tuning of each emitter in multi-QD systems is an important measure toward scalable quantum photonic devices. In this work, we employ a scalable electrical approach to tune spatially separated quantum dots embedded in a PhC microcavity formed in a GaAs p–i–n diode heterostructure. Targeted O⁻ ion implantation into the p-doped region creates a high-resistivity barrier that enables localized Stark tuning while preserving the optical properties of the surrounding nanophotonic structure.

78. Cellular Structures in Abstract Homotopy Theory and Obstructions to Their Finiteness

Penglin Li, Mathematics and Statistics, 3-4pm

In topology, we build spaces using simple "building blocks" called cells. A natural question is: when can a space be continuously deformed—without tearing or gluing—into one built from finitely many cells? To answer this, mathematicians use tools called "finiteness obstructions." Thomas Athorne, a Sheffield PhD graduate, proved that these cell-gluing steps match a specific algebraic structure. However, his results only apply to classical topology. 

My research extends this to "abstract homotopy theory." This framework applies to any mathematical objects, as long as we can define when two objects are "essentially the same."  Abstract settings are much harder to work with. My work explores how abstract "cells" behave here. My goal is to define clear cellular structures, create valid finiteness obstructions, and extend Athorne’s algebraic results to this broader mathematical world using modern tools like model structures and infinite category theory.

79. What is needed to save the world’s birds? Understanding the conservation action gap

Holly Green, Biosciences, 3-4pm

From parrots to penguins, birds everywhere are under threat. Nearly half of all species are declining due to threats such as habitat loss and overuse by people. Yet birds are vital: they pollinate plants, disperse seeds, control pests and inspire cultures worldwide. Conservation is effective, but there’s still a major “conservation action gap” between what we know needs to be done and what is happening. 

This research assesses how conservation needs and implementation vary across IUCN Red List of Threatened Species categories, ecological traits, taxonomic groups and geographic regions. This approach identifies where efforts are falling short, highlights priority species and regions, and provides a framework to guide more effective global bird conservation.

80. 5-hydroxytryptophan, a serotonin precursor, as a novel treatment for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A randomised, double-blind trial

Eleanor Jackson, Psychology, 3-4pm

Current ADHD therapeutics, although effective, carry high abuse risks. A novel therapeutic avenue is serotonergic intervention, serotonin being a critical neurotransmitter for orienting attention and observed at reduced levels in ADHD individuals. We assessed the efficacy of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a serotonin precursor, in reducing the core ADHD trait of distractibility. 

112 participants completed a randomised, double-blind trial with a 2(placebo or 200mg 5-HTP) x2(high or low ADHD traits) x2(pre and 90 minutes post-administration) design. Distractibility was assessed using reaction time and accuracy with a task-relevant and task-irrelevant distractor. 

Distractor tasks revealed no significant performance differences between high and low-ADHD groups pre-intervention. Both 5-HTP and placebo reduced reaction time, and the three-way interaction among intervention, group, and time was non-significant. 5-HTP supplementation was not found to alter distractibility in any measure.

81. Quantifying redshift in chromatic homotopy theory through TR(BP<n>)

Pierre-Louis Guillot, Mathematics and Statistics, 3-4pm

Chromatic homotopy theory has been very successful in helping homotopy theorists understand the category of spectra, a sort of highly structured environment for cohomology theories to live.

It does so by decomposing the category of spectra into various “chromatic heights” and in that context, there is a well-known phenomenon in chromatic homotopy theory that I am interested in : chromatic redshift. It says that applying the complex operation called “algebraic K-theory” on a multiplicative cohomology theory of chromatic height n outputs something of chromatic heights exactly n+1.

Formulations of this phenomenon have been proven using approximations to algebraic K-theory on prototypical “height n” cohomology theories. They use a lot of tricks to do that without actually computing them! Only this month have people managed to do actual computations of one of those approximations (Topological Cyclic Homology). I am trying to compute a different one (Topological Restriction Homology).

82. Identification of novel penicillin sensitising genes in Streptococcus pneumoniae and their impact across a wide range of clinical isolates

Scarlett Voolar, Biosciences, 3-4pm

Streptococcus pneumoniae is considered one of the most problematic pathogens by the WHO and CDC due to increasing levels of antibiotic resistance. Invasive infections are commonly treated with penicillin-like antibiotics and if we are to continue to treat them in the long-term, we need to identify points of weakness in bacterial cell metabolism that support resistance.

We carried out a genetic screen to identify new cellular targets that could enhance penicillin treatment. We validated these hits and characterised their effects. Subsequent work has focused on the clinical effect these genes might have if they were targeted by new treatments in combination with penicillin.

From the genes identified in our screen, nine were shown to significantly enhance the effectiveness of penicillin. To assess their potential as drug targets, we tested gene inactivation mutants across twelve S.pneumoniae strains, including lab wild-type strains, international standards, and clinical isolates.

83. Independent electrical tuning of multiple waveguide-coupled quantum dots for scalable quantum networks 

Eric Fileman, Physics and Astronomy, 3-4pm

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals that act as artificial atoms, emitting light at specific energies. Because QDs grow randomly, variations in size and shape cause them to emit light at different energies. This presents a challenge for photonic quantum circuits that utilise light-mediated interactions between QDs, as multiple dots should have the same emission energy for these interactions to take place. QDs are embedded in a photonic crystal waveguide formed by etching a periodic lattice of holes which gives rise to a photonic band gap. This allows light to only travel down a central line defect. To bring multiple dots into resonance, we utilise electrical tuning. By using oxygen implantation to create resistive barriers within the p-layer of a p-i-n diode, we can electrically isolate five sections of the waveguide without changing its optical properties. This allows for independent control of individual emitters, providing a scalable architecture for quantum networks.

84. Establishing a Reproducible Inflammatory Fibroblast Activation Model with Transcriptomic Validation

Kaiqi Lei, Biosciences, 3-4pm

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key components of the tumour microenvironment and exist in multiple functional states, including contractile myofibroblastic CAFs and inflammatory CAF-like populations that influence tumour–stroma interactions. Here, we established a reproducible in vitro model to induce an inflammatory fibroblast activation state in human dermal fibroblasts using tumour-derived secreted factors. Marker-based analyses were used to characterise fibroblast activation and distinguish inflammatory features from contractile signatures. Transcriptome profiling further revealed consistent gene expression changes associated with inflammatory signalling and microenvironmental interactions.

85. Epoxy Polymers Based on Covalent Adaptable Networks: A Sustainable Approach for High Performance Protective Coatings

Ewa Krzyzanowska, Chemistry, 3-4pm

Epoxy thermosets possess high mechanical strength and durability which make them highly utilised in high performance applications. Despite this, their permanent crosslinks make them unsuitable for recycling or reprocessing, unlike thermoplastics which can be melted and reshaped. The development of polymeric materials that can create a bridge between these two classes of polymers can give rise to a new class of materials with enhanced properties. Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) offer a solution by introducing dynamic bonds that can be activated upon a certain stimulus extending the service life, reducing material usage as well as CO2 emissions. Here we investigate different chemistries which operate via associative and dissociative mechanisms to enable the synthesis of materials with desired characteristics for asset protection. 

86. Dimensions of parental responsiveness and child language development 

Molly Willis, Psychology, 3-4pm

A wealth of literature links responsive parenting to cognitive development, and particularly language. However, the construct of responsive parenting covers a set of nested dimensions (including linguistic, affective and autonomy-promoting elements) and it is unclear if and how these are related to each other and to child language development. In this study we explored this and are testing whether distinct profiles of parent responsiveness are present and whether/how these are related to language development across early childhood. Families participated in a three-wave longitudinal study from when children were 30 months old (N=208). Parent linguistic responsiveness, warmth and autonomy support were coded (using reliable and, where available, well-validated measures) during play-based semi-naturalistic interactions between parents and their children at the first time point. Child expressive and receptive language skills were assessed at six and 12 months follow-up. 

87. The relationship between spring barley and microbial activities associated with nitrification and denitrification

Marije de Vries, Biosciences, 3-4pm

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a global pathogen causing a wide range of diseases such as meningitis and septicaemia. While β-lactam antibiotics are the standard treatment, the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) increasingly renders them ineffective. Therefore, it is important that we understand the mechanisms driving resistance. The secondary messenger c-di-AMP is a suspected contributor, as high levels have been linked to resistant strains in S. pneumoniae. As a signalling molecule, c-di-AMP regulates cellular processes by interacting with specific proteins. Identifying these binders is key to understanding its role in AMR. To isolate these proteins, a c-di-AMP capture compound will be synthesised for use in a pulldown assay. Captured proteins will be analysed via mass spectrometry, followed by testing to establish their specific links to resistance. This approach aims to uncover novel pathways that could be targeted to bypass or reverse antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae.

88. Giant Second Harmonic Generation Enhancement in 3R-MoS2 Metasurfaces 

Owen Wolley, Physics and Astronomy, 3-4pm

Second harmonic generation (SHG) is a second order nonlinear optical process whereby light is converted to double its frequency that relies on second order nonlinear susceptibility. Combining strong nonlinearity with a high refractive index allows realisation of compact devices for SHG. In this work, we utilise the 3R phase of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a high-refractive-index layered transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDs) from a class of so-called van der Waals crystals, to fabricate grating nanostructures to boost the SHG signal. This approach provides a promising route for enhancing optical nonlinear processes in van der Waals materials and highlights the potential of TMDs for applications in nonlinear nanophotonics.  

89.  Homeostatic Regulation in the Mushroom Body of Drosophila melanogaster

Melissa Wei Yi  Tan, Biosciences, 3-4pm

Homeostatic plasticity is a compensatory mechanism that is important for neuronal function to maintain a stable state in the face of intrinsic and extrinsic changes.  We aim to address the current lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying homeostatic regulation. This project investigates homeostasis using the mushroom body of Drosophila melanogaster as a model. We use a non-specific heat sensitive cation channel, dTrpA1 as a tool to perturb the excitatory-inhibitory balance within the circuit. RNA sequencing and conditional labelling techniques are used to identify genes that are up and downregulated during homeostatic compensation. I also plan to perform conditioning experiments on flies with overactivated Kenyon cells to understand how perturbations to the excitatory-inhibitory balance affect flies on a behavioural level. Overall, this project studies homeostatic compensation from molecular and behavioural perspectives.

90. Self-driving lab for personal care formulation optimisation 

Sivarajan Sivakumar , Chemistry, 3-4pm

The need to design novel personal care formulations quickly is vital to meet consumer demands, cost reduction as well as sustainability goals. Hence, focus of this project is to build a high throughput automated milli-fluidic platform to enable rapid sample screening for aqueous surfactant-electrolyte-water combinations with in-line capillary viscometry, polarised light microscopy and small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) to analyse the rheological properties and morphologies present in these formulations. The self-driving aspect of the project arises from using machine learning to interrogate the data collected from the platform and suggest further experiments to run until the key objectives which are optimal viscosity, low cost and reduced greenhouse gas emission (GHG) are met. 

91. The structure and function of the Enterococcal Polysaccharide Antigen (EPA) in Enterococcus faecalis: insights from the ΔepaB mutant

Lea Kupcova, Biosciences, 3-4pm

Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen and a major cause of hospital-acquired infections. Therefore, it is important to understand how E. faecalis causes disease. A major driver of virulence is the Enterococcal Polysaccharide Antigen (EPA), a cell wall component composed of a rhamnose backbone, and a strain-specific decoration region, which is involved in critical function such as host immune system evasion and infection by bacteriophages.

Using an NMR approach, the structure of EPA_B (EPA from the strain E. faecalis OG1RF ΔepaB), has been solved, revealing that in EPA_B, decorations directly anchor to the peptidoglycan. However, this strain is avirulent and is not infected by bacteriophages, functions driven by the decoration region, hence epaB deletion may also cause changes to the enterococcal cell surface. Solving the structure EPA_B provides further insight into EPA biosynthesis, and elucidates how structure and ultrastructure influence enterococcal cell wall function.

92. Novel Urea-Based Catalysts for Bio-Based Polyurethane Adhesives: Catalytic Performance in Synthesis and Curing

Han Li, Chemistry, 3-4pm

Polyurethane prepolymers are widely used as adhesives, but most are still derived from fossil-based raw materials. Developing more sustainable adhesive systems from bio-based and degradable ingredients is therefore important. In this project, we investigate bio-based polyurethane prepolymers prepared from bio-based polyisocyanates and polyols. Because the bio-based system contains aliphatic isocyanates, which are generally less reactive than their aromatic counterparts, both synthesis and curing can be slower. To address this, we developed novel urea-based catalysts and evaluated their effects on both polyurethane synthesis and curing. By studying reaction kinetics, we aim to understand their catalytic performance and reaction behaviour and to compare them with commercial catalysts. Future work will investigate the biodegradability of cured adhesive films and identify degradation products using soft-ionisation mass spectrometry.

93. What measure should clinicians use when assessing Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder? 

Rebecca Nicholls, Psychology, 3-4pm

We compared two measures of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) - the Nine Item ARFID Screen (NIAS) and the Pica ARFID and Rumination Disorder Interview-ARFID Questionnaire (PARDI-AR-Q). We aimed to determine which has better psychometric and clinical utility and could be recommended for clinical use.   

Participants were screened via a written description of their self-identified fussy eating habits. Eligible individuals (N = 156) completed an online survey, consisting of the NIAS, PARDI-AR-Q and measures of depression, anxiety, clinical impairment and broader eating disorder pathology. The study was adequately powered, had ethical clearance, and was pre-registered. 

We examined how the NIAS and PARDI-AR-Q captured the eating difficulties associated with ARFID. The measures agreed with each other in terms of caseness. However, they appear to capture different aspects of ARFID. The PARDI-AR-Q had greater clinical utility, and is recommended for clinical use.

94. Lie Algebras and Their Universal Enveloping Algebras

Hadbaa Alqahtani, Mathematics and Statistics, 3-4pm

This research concerns Lie algebras and their universal enveloping algebras, which are fundamental objects in algebra and representation theory. Lie algebras encode infinitesimal symmetries, while universal enveloping algebras provide an associative framework that allows these symmetries to be studied using ring-theoretic methods. 

The work focuses on the universal enveloping algebra of a semi-direct product Lie algebra formed from the simple Lie algebra \mathfrak{sl}_2, acting on a two-dimensional module. By analysing the centraliser of a Cartan element and its relation to the centre of the enveloping algebra, and by identifying connections with Generalised Weyl Algebras, this research contributes to the structural classification of enveloping algebras. Such classifications are central to the study of representations and ideals in non-commutative algebra.

95. What is the effect of ancestral state estimation on disparity?

Caleb Scutt, Biosciences, 3-4pm

Morphological variation (disparity) is a metric for analysing macroevolutionary dynamics. However, our understanding of these patterns is hampered by an incomplete fossil record. Ancestral state estimation (ASE) can be used to fill these gaps, but estimations carry significant uncertainty. Using simulations, we evaluated methods for integrating uncertainty into traitspace analyses. We compared point-estimate and probabilistic approaches across various models and fossil sampling. We find that ancestral states generally improve the recovery of true disparity signals, though the optimal method depends on the data. For continuous traits, distribution-based methods are favoured but sensitive to model misspecification when data is sparse. For discrete traits, probabilistic methods are best when fossils are sparse, whereas point estimates become more reliable as sampling increases. The results provide a framework for using ASE to estimate disparity under different models and fossil levels.

96. Optically-Activated Reverse Intersystem Crossing in Green Fluorescent Proteins is Ultrafast

Thomas Bradbury, Physics and Astronomy, 3-4pm

Fluorescent Proteins (FPs) are used as probes for a variety of different microscopy techniques, yet their utility is often limited by photobleaching and phototoxicity. Recent observations have shown that co-illumination (exciting with both blue/green and near infrared (NIR) light) significantly mitigates these issues. Co-illumination has also been demonstrated to allow FPs to function as quantum sensors and as probes of molecular size via rotational diffusion experiments. In this work we employ a multimodal approach to better understand the photophysical processes which enable co-illumination to work so effectively in these fluorescent probes. Finally, we note that this characterisation technique can be applied across a diverse range of proteins, and other fluorescent probes. This offers a framework for the rational design and optimisation of next-generation emissive probes tailored for advanced microscopy and quantum applications.

97. From Freshers to Finals:  A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Study of Mental Health Trajectories in Higher Education

Kristenn-Lénaïg Leporcher, Psychology, 3-4pm

Aim - This longitudinal study examines baseline mental health among new university students, identifying demographic and psychological risk factors, and exploring awareness of counselling services.

Methodology - University students completed an online survey assessing mental health and wellbeing, as well as academic adjustment, loneliness, and self-stigma. A counselling section measured awareness and attitudes toward support. Twenty-three demographic variables captured student diversity.

Results - Preliminary findings and descriptive, cross-sectional analyses will be presented to show demographic differences in mental health and service awareness, providing a baseline snapshot of student wellbeing on entry to university.

Conclusions - Findings will inform targeted, inclusive early interventions to promote student mental health equity.

98. Characterising the role of cell/extracellular matrix interaction in therapy response in pancreatic cancer

Fatma Gul Yoldas, Biosciences, 3-4pm

Chemoresistance is one of the reasons behind the low survival rates of pancreas cancer patients. The pancreatic cancer tumour microenvironment is characterised by a dense and desmoplastic stroma, featuring excessive amounts of extracellular cellular matrix (ECM) components. These are primarily secreted by fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The desmoplastic stroma prevents chemotherapy, increases nutrient scavenging, and activates pro-survival signalling pathways. This project hypothesises that cell-ECM interactions induce chemotherapy resistance in PDAC. The objectives are to determine how ECM composition and nutrient availability effect the chemotherapy sensitivity, to define the molecular mechanisms behind this, to understand the contribution of MSCs and CAF to ECM remodelling and chemotherapy sensitivity and to elucidate the metabolic changes associated with ECM-dependent drug resistance.

99. New Polymers for Sustainable Adhesives: The Use of Thermoreversible Diels-Alder Chemistry in Acrylic Covalent Adaptable Networks

Sophie Bryant, Chemistry, 3-4pm

Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs) are materials that bridge the gap between thermoplastic and thermoset materials. They contain the crosslinked network structure required to achieve the high strength and durability of a thermoset, but with the ability to be reprocessed, like thermoplastics. There are many strategies for incorporating dynamic character into a network to make a CAN, but a highly researched area is the use of thermoreversible Diels-Alder (DA) adducts. DA bonds dissociate at higher temperatures, causing a loss of crosslink density of the network, but then reassociate when cooled. This allows the material to be reprocessed, whilst maintaining the strong network structure required at service temperatures. This research investigates the use of DA-based CANs as a sustainable alternative to traditional thermoset adhesives, particularly through the synthesis of discrete DA crosslinkers which can be used in free-radical polymerisation of acrylic-based CANs.

100. Biogeophysical and Atmospheric Feedbacks of Cocoa Expansion with Enhanced Weathering in the Tropics

Chenxi Liu, Biosciences, 3-4pm

Cocoa production sits at a critical intersection of land-use change, atmospheric chemistry, and climate vulnerability. This research investigates the ""net climate impact"" of expanding cocoa plantations in the tropics, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions and the release of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), which influence cloud formation and air quality.

A key focus is evaluating Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)—a technology involving spreading crushed silicate rocks on soil to capture CO₂ and reduce nitrogen emissions. Using the Community Earth System Model (CESM), the study addresses a major gap: existing climate models fail to accurately represent cocoa. By developing a specific ""cocoa plant functional type,"" this project provides a high-fidelity simulation of how different management strategies alter regional warming. This work offers a scientific foundation for climate-smart agriculture and the sustainability of the global chocolate industry.