Executive Aggrandizement and Democratic Erosion: A Comparative Study of Nicaragua and El Salvador (April Anderson; mentored by Dr. Tony Ugues)

My project's goal is to compare and contrast El Salvador and Nicaragua, with a particular emphasis on the policies of their presidents, Daniel Ortega and Nayib Bukele, and the effects those policies have had on democracy. While Ortega’s regime in Nicaragua has moved into a closed autocracy marked by repression and fraudulent elections, Bukele’s presidency in El Salvador is relatively well supported by El Salvadorians. However, there have been many concerns raised about executive aggrandizement and the erosion of democratic norms. Executive aggrandizement is the process through which the head of state (president or prime minister) consolidates power in the executive branch beyond their constitutional bounds. Bukele’s disregard for the rule of law, his declaration of a “state of exception,” and his evasion of constitutional term limits exemplify this. The rule of law is the principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable under the law. A state of exception is a situation where normal constitutional and legal procedures are temporarily suspended, usually in response to an emergency or crisis (such as COVID-19, or in El Salvador, the crime and gang violence epidemic). Through the analysis of global indices and public opinion data, literature review, and reports about events that have taken place in the country, I seek to determine the extent that executive aggrandizement has occurred in El Salvador compared to Nicaragua’s, and its eventual fall into autocracy. Overall, through taking a closer look at El Salvador and Nicaragua we can acquire a greater understanding of the ways political developments in the area are interconnected. In addition to working to highlight the emergence of autocracy and more effectively hold our leaders accountable, we can recognize the effects it has on democracy and come up with solutions or possible legislative remedies to better support democratic governance and safeguard fundamental civil liberties.

Balancing Collective Needs with Commercial and Military Growth: A Case Study of Development Politics in St. Mary’s County (Mahree Annan; co-mentored by Dr. Parisa Rinaldi and Matthew Wilfong)

Scholarship on critical rural geographies has grown in recent years, but few studies have addressed the legacy impacts of military-led development in rural areas of the US. Given the increased significance of rural politics, it is urgent to develop a greater understanding of how rural communities can reclaim their place-based visions of social, economic, and ecological solidarity in the face of these transformations. In St. Mary’s County, the expansion of development brought on by the Patuxent Naval Air Station brought remarkable economic growth to the region; however, the acquisition of over 6,412 acres of land by the U.S. government, particularly impacting Cedar Point residents, irrevocably altered the local landscape. This transformation was further compounded by the loss of ownership of the railroad system in 1965 and the construction of a highway to the military installation, which diminished resident involvement in development initiatives and reshaped community dynamics. Additionally, the 2000 Tobacco Buyout introduced corporate interests and an influx of intellectually skilled labor in technology and craftsmanship. By 2008, local governments began prioritizing corporate investment, resulting in the displacement of community-owned businesses and the erosion of rural heritage.

The first round of research, commenced in Fall 2023 through an off-campus internship opportunity, delved into the historical transformation of St. Mary's County, Maryland,

commencing with the establishment of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in 1942. Through semi-structured interviews and archival research, the study aimed to understand how local farmers, tenants, and sharecroppers responded to the profound changes in the region's economy and development trajectory, which ultimately undermined their autonomy and collective ability to address economic challenges. The decision-making processes of local political elites, often disconnected from their cultural heritage, perpetuated the transformation of St. Mary's County into a rural area devoid of its rich history. The proposed study seeks to further this research through community engagement with these results in the form of local workshops on collective memory, community economies and the codesign of alternative futures. In this way, the study seeks to revitalize communal knowledge rooted in social, economic, and ecological interconnectivity.

Effects of Spatial Dynamics and Resource Contagion on Oyster Reef Community Assembly (Joanna Cleaver; mentored by Dr. Elizabeth Hamman)

Spatial dynamics play a role in the formation of communities, both due to a habitat’s intrinsic qualities (such as predator density or food availability), and spatial contagion, where resources or risks in neighboring patches affect colonization. In the case of oyster reef communities, the type of substrate and the overall landscape context affect community assembly, but the specifics of many spatial relationships are not clearly understood. Our experiment will determine the potential effects of one of these relationships - resource contagion, or how oyster reef community assembly is influenced by the habitat quality (i.e. substrate type) of neighboring patches. We will sample cages adjacent to low, medium, and high habitat qualities at 1, 4, and 12 weeks for both motile (e.g. fish, mud crabs) and sessile organisms (oysters and mussels). If spatial contagion is indeed a factor in oyster reef colonization, we might expect to see a pattern of increasing settlement in cages as the adjacent habitat quality increases. Conversely, neighboring habitat of a high quality could “steal” settlers from the focal cages, resulting in lower numbers near habitats of higher quality. Regardless of the response, the findings could lead to development of more efficient reef restoration efforts with a greater understanding of how the surrounding environment impacts community success.

How do Cultural Influences Impact Help-Seeking Behavior in Hispanic Communities? (Wendy Contreras; mentored by Dr. Ayse Ikizler)

This survey study aims to explore the impact of cultural influences on help-seeking behavior within Hispanic communities. The goal of this project is to investigate how cultural

beliefs, values, and attitudes shape individuals' willingness to seek professional help for mental health concerns. Utilizing a survey-based methodology, data will be collected from a diverse sample of Hispanic individuals in the United States, analyzing cultural factors such as stigma, familism, and acculturation. The broader significance of this research lies in its potential to develop culturally-informed interventions, programs, and policies aimed at improving access to mental health services for Hispanic populations. By understanding the cultural nuances of help-seeking behavior, this study seeks to promote the well-being of underserved Hispanic communities.

Mass Shootings Around the World: Where Does the United States Stand? (Abigail Huston; mentored by Dr. Todd Eberly)

This project aims to gain an understanding of why mass shootings occur at an alarmingly high rate in the United States despite the country’s prestige, power, and excess resources. I hypothesize that despite an intersection of differences within the general population of the United States, the country’s government can make real change in starting to eliminate mass shootings by creating laws and policies to prevent them. While this hypothesis may seem exceptionally obvious to some, I believe it is essential to explore it deeply. In going about this, I will use a dataset to do a comparative analysis of public mass shootings worldwide. I will look at what countries compare most similarly to the United States in deaths from public mass shootings and draw similarities and differences between them. To analyze this problem, my methodology will be qualitative with occasional quantitative support. Ultimately. I anticipate generating a 20-30 page research paper with my findings. Mass shootings within the United States are considered a heavily debated and polarized topic, and this project will contribute to a broader understanding of problems and solutions for this devastating issue.

Synthesis of Titanium and Cobalt Bis(phenolate) Aza-Dipyrromethene Chelates Toward the Exploration of CO2 Valorization via Ring-Opening Copolymerization (ROCOP) Catalysis (Jair Jackson; co-mentored by Dr. Andrew Koch and Dr. Daniel Chase)

The bis(phenolate) aza-dipyrromethene (aza-DIPY) scaffold represents a useful precursor toward the insertion of either main group or transition metal fragments. Motivation for the exploration of these classes of compounds is derived from their expectation that they can act as feasible catalyst candidates for ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP), a process where CO2 is valorized through the reaction of an epoxide to form either cyclic carbonate or polycarbonate materials in an effort to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions to pre-industrial levels. The proposal aims to synthesize a series of bis(phenolate) aza-DIPYs containing either Co (aza-CoDIPYs) or Ti (aza-TiDIPYs) centers and investigate their potential value as ROCOP catalysts.

Caspase-8 ELISA: An Alternative Measure for Quercetin-Induced Cytotoxic Effects on a Colorectal Cancer Cell Line (Tamani Kingsland; mentored by Dr. Pam Mertz)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a non-infectious disease with one of the highest cancer-related incidence (new cases) rates in America according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI, 2023). The incorporation of a healthy diet has been recommended to lower risk and prevent the progression of symptoms for those currently diagnosed with CRC (American Chemical Society, 2021). To date, scientists have explored Quercetin, a flavonoid compound found in a variety of plants, for the prospective treatment of colorectal cancer cells and subsequent induction of apoptosis. Though multiple studies have found evidence to support the cytotoxic effects of Quercetin, the means of which cytotoxic effects are measured are variable (Reyes-Farias et al., 2019). Caspase-8, an apoptotic initiator protein in cancer cells, has yet to be a factor analyzed experimentally in this field. Accounts of underestimation and non-specified reduction surrounding the mitochondrial reductase assay (MTT) assay (Jo et al., 2015) suggest that specific assays would be more effective. Caspase-8 regulation may exhibit a clearer picture as to the direct cytotoxic effect of Quercetin on the extrinsic and intrinsic CRC cell apoptotic pathway. The purpose of this research project is to validate the cytotoxic effects of Quercetin on an SW-48 colorectal cancer cell line in vitro by way of the Caspase-8 Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Analysis of apoptotic activity along this pathway will provide evidence to assist the promotion of efforts toward Quercetin treatment in clinical trials.

Mapping Motivation in College Students: Developing a Tailored Framework of Motivation (Nadia Lonnberg; mentored by Dr. Nayantara Kurpad)

This research project aims to develop a theory of motivation specifically tailored to college students, considering both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors. Drawing parallels between various types of motivations and existing theories such as the self-determination theory (Ryan et al., 2021), the project seeks to highlight the complex interplay between college related influences and experiences in shaping motivation. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, this project will critically analyze and synthesize key theories, concepts, empirical studies, and debates in the field of motivation. Additionally, drawing on philosophical perspectives, such as stoicism, hedonism, and utilitarianism, will enhance the understanding of the nature of motivation. For example, hedonism offers a philosophical lens through which to examine the nature of motivation, going beyond the purely empirical or behavioral explanations provided by psychology. It invites individuals to ponder the deeper drives and desires that shape human behavior and the pursuit of a fulfilling life (Moore, 2004). The project aims to connect and synthesize it all together through addressing gaps and limitations in existing literature while leveraging empirical evidence and theoretical principles, this project will provide a more comprehensive understanding of motivation among college students. Additionally, the project will involve the creation of an empirically supported resource, such as a brochure or infographic, to assist college students with coping strategies related to motivation and the transition to college. Overall, this research contributes to the field of motivational psychology by offering insights into the motivational dynamics of college students and informing the design of interventions aimed at promoting academic success and well-being during college transitions.

Black Students Strategies and Coping Mechanisms at a Predominately White Institution (Romeo Philippe; mentored by Dr. Bill Roberts)

The goal of my research is to examine the microaggressions Black students at St. Mary’s College of Maryland report (SMCM). In addition, I ask what are the strategies/coping mechanisms Black students incorporate to overcome these experiences and have had these experiences impacted them (academically, socially, and mentally). To contextualize the experiences of Black students at SMCM, I use four theorists. According to Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, In post racial America, a new kind of racism arises that is more subtle and harder to detect (Bonilla-Silva, 2015).  Elijah Anderson discusses the “White space”, which are places where Black people are normally absent or marginalized (Anderson, 2015). W.E.B Dubois introduces the concept of double consciousness, which is a kind of second sight that allows Black people to view themselves from the lens of the American world (Dubois, 1903). John U. Ogbu argues that Black people have developed coping strategies while living under an oppressive system that counters American values (Ogbu, 1991). I hypothesize that the amount of microaggressions a Black student encounters will impact their sense of belonging on campus. Microaggressions will also impact their academic performance, social & mental wellbeing. Black students who are less impacted by microaggressions use a variety of strategies and coping mechanisms to overcome their encounters with small acts of discrimination. To gain an understanding of students' experiences, a survey was sent out to 223 Black students, ending with 34 total responses. The survey asked a variety of questions using a likert scale. Through my survey I found that: 41% of respondents have experienced a microaggression, 64% of respondents strongly disagree that St. Mary’s has a racially diverse campus. One on one interviews and a focus group will be conducted in the fall semester of 2024 to further analyze the respondents' answers. Results may be used to improve Black students’ degree completion at SMCM.

Exploring the Contributions of Microglia in the Dysregulation of Hippocampal Neurogenesis in a Mouse Model of Epilepsy (Anjali Raheja; mentored by Dr. Sarah Latchney)

Dysregulated hippocampal neurogenesis is a feature of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), including the proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells, neuronal hypertrophy, and the appearance of ectopic neurons. These abnormalities are thought to increase the excitability of the hippocampus, leading to spontaneous seizures. Excessive activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been observed in epilepsy models, and mTOR inhibition reduces seizure activity. The tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome 10 (Pten) is a molecule that negatively regulates mTOR activity, and its deletion is implicated in the development of TLE. We have previously shown that genetic deletion of Pten in mice leads to an atypical increase in the number of proliferating cells and immature neurons in the hippocampus, confirming the known negative roles Pten has on cell proliferation and maturation. Notably, Pten deletion initially increased cell proliferation in subfields of the hippocampus that traditionally contain neurons. However, this increase in cell proliferation extended to subfields that are typically devoid of neurons and, instead, harbor non-neuronal cells known as glia. This research project aims to examine whether mice lacking Pten also exhibit increased numbers of glial cells in the Hilus and Molecular Layer subfields of the hippocampus that typically harbor glial cells. Using immunohistochemistry methods, we will quantify the presence of two glia types – microglia and astrocytes – in brain tissue from mice lacking the Pten gene. Mice lacking Pten are prone to developing seizures, and atypical neurogenesis within the hippocampus is a feature in the progression of temporal lobe epilepsy (a common form of epilepsy). Sometimes, seizures can induce neurogenesis in atypical locations. When this occurs, newborn neurons can integrate abnormally into existing neural circuits, rewiring hippocampal neural networks and leading to more development of spontaneous seizures. Our research findings will provide a greater understanding of how glial cells may contribute to the spatial dysregulation of neurogenesis in a mouse model of epilepsy.

Investigating the Effects of Environmental Enrichment on the Development of Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms and Anxiety-like Behavior (Julia Thomas; mentored by Dr. Torry Dennis)

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a complex and pervasive disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide differently. The increasing rates of addiction and its implications for public health highlight the importance of understanding mechanisms contributing to addictive behaviors. Past research has proposed that environmental enrichment can be a potential long-term treatment option for substance use disorder (Galaj, 2019). However, the specific impact environmental enrichment has on opioid withdrawal symptoms is uncertain. This research aims to investigate opioid withdrawal symptoms in rodent models, observing the differences between socially isolated environments and enriched environments. This will be done using Sprague-Dawley rats as the rodent model and morphine as the addictive opioid substance. This sheds light on the impact of enrichment on rats’ behaviors before the injection of morphine, throughout the administration time period, and during withdrawal, providing insights into possible treatments and therapeutic approaches. Opioid dependence will be simulated in a controlled environment using the Chronic Morphine Escalating Model (Fig. 1). The experiment will commence through a series of procedures, starting by separating the Sprague-Dawley rats into control (isolated) and experimental (enriched environment) groups and then initiating morphine dependence. The rodents' anxiety-like behaviors will be observed before and after morphine administration. Data will be collected throughout the entire experiment and analyzed to determine the relationship between environmental enrichment and symptoms of withdrawals.