Health Sciences

Session I

Freda Kekeh, "The Effect of Intimate Partner Violence on Child Nutrition" 

Violence against women has been linked to adverse health outcomes, not only for the victims but also for their children. This research explores the effects of violence against women on child nutrition and morbidity. Children of mothers who experience violence may face greater negative health outcomes, such as a higher risk for malnutrition, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to illness. This study utilizes an international dataset to analyze the relationship between maternal exposure to violence and child health indicators such as nutritional status and disease prevalence. A mixed-methods approach will be used, combining statistical analysis with qualitative insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of this issue.

Student Major(s)/Minor: Self-Designed Major, Psychology Minor

Advisor: Dr. Scott Ickes

Carlie Meyerholz, "Aromatic Amino Acid Intake is Associated With Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex Inhibition and Lower Anxiety Severity"

Amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine are found in protein rich foods and are converted in the brain to serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine which regulate mood, motivation, and sleep. Amino acid to protein ratio is important for avoiding nutrient depletion because amino acids compete for transport across the blood brain barrier. This study investigated the effect of amino acid to total protein ratio on brain activity and anxiety severity level. Participants’ prefrontal cortex activity was recorded using an fNIRS neuroimaging device during a cognitive task. Findings demonstrated that a higher ratio of amino acids to overall protein correlated to increased ventrolateral prefrontal cortex inhibition, associated with response inhibition and memory retrieval. Additionally, increased tryptophan to total protein ratio was associated with a lower level of anxiety severity. These findings lead to a greater understanding of how dietary amino acid intake affects cortical brain recruitment, specifically during a cognitive task.

Student Major(s)/Minor: Neuroscience Major, Psychology Minor

Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Caligiuri

Session II

Deeka Abdi, "Syphilis Returns: Resistance, Inequity, and an Overlooked Epidemic"

This project examines how antibiotic resistance impacts treatments and prevention measures for syphilis as it connects to wider issues within the emerging pandemic. The result would be a scientific literature review paper looking at syphilis’ history, diagnosis, treatment, and social impact as well as pushing for improved public health measures, education, and vaccine development. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum, which advanced through different stages based on when infected. This spread impacts disproportionately marginalized populations, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, and racial minorities. Historical events such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study contributed to mistrust in healthcare systems. While penicillin remains the primacy treatment, barriers to limited access, reinfection, and emerging resistance complicate disease spread. Syphilis often coinfect with HIV and other STIs which worsen health outcomes. Stigma, lack of public awareness, and the absence of a vaccine further challenge prevention.

Student Major(s)/Minor: Biology Major, Public Health Minor

Advisor: Ashleigh Queen

Emily Avenell, "Nutritional and Psychosocial Predictors of Anxiety and Depression in College Students"

High rates of anxiety and depression among young adults are a significant public health concern. Many turn to modifiable lifestyle factors, like nutrition, as accessible alternatives for improving mental health.This study aimed to identify the key nutritional and psychosocial predictors of anxiety and depression severity in college students. We recruited 110 William & Mary Students to complete a comprehensive 24-hr diet recall interview along with several standardized mental health surveys during an in-person appointment. Afterwards, nutrient intake was analyzed using an online software and the mental health surveys were scored according to standard protocols. Statistical analyses identified perceived stress and increased added sugar intake as the strongest predictors of higher anxiety and depression scores. Conversely, higher Vitamin A and carotenoid intake, along with Vitamin D supplementation, may offer a protective effect on anxiety and depression. The findings underscore the importance of prioritizing stress management on college campuses, while also highlighting the role of nutrition in mental health.

Student Major(s): Neuroscience and Kinesiology 

Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Caligiuri

Elaina Bailey, "Dietary and Lifestyle Predictors of Fatigue in College Students: The Effects of Eicosatetraenoic Acid (20:4n-3) and Sleep Quality"

Fatigue is a common concern in college students, yet the dietary and lifestyle factors contributing to its onset remain underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between nutrition, sleep quality, and self-reported fatigue levels. Participants were assessed using multiple measures, including standardized questionnaires and a 24-hour dietary recall interview. Preliminary findings suggest that a lower intake of eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA; 20:4n-3) is associated with greater fatigue, potentially due to ETA’s anti-inflammatory properties and its role in preventing arachidonic acid oxidation. Additionally, poor sleep quality was found to correlate with higher fatigue levels, likely due to inadequate rest and recovery. These results highlight the importance of both diet and sleep quality in managing fatigue among students. Emphasizing targeted nutritional intake and improving sleep quality may serve as effective strategies to enhance overall well-being in college students.

Student Majors: Biology and Kinesiology Majors

Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Caligiuri

Caroline Clinton, "Feasibility of Lactation Room Implementation in Medical and Agricultural Settings in Navaisha, Kenya"

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), or feeding only breast milk for the first six months of life, is a vital nutritional practice recommended by the World Health Organization. EBF has been proven to decrease infant mortality and illness and well as incidence of overweight and obesity later in life, and is a key practice in preventing infant malnutrition. Many women in Kenya struggle to reach the full six months of EBF due to returning to work after three months of maternity leave. This project is a qualitative study that established lactation rooms in both medical and agricultural workplaces in Naivasha, Kenya to determine both the feasibility of their implementation as well as their impact on duration of EBF. Participants from both hospitals and farms as well as management teams are asked to complete a survey after use of the lactation room regarding their experiences, opinions on how it can be improved, any barriers to use, and their breastfeeding practices. These responses will be used to determine if lactation rooms are a feasible and effective intervention towards increasing duration of EBF. It is expected that rooms will be feasible to implement due to their cost-effectiveness and employer buy-in, and that they will increase EBF duration by allowing women dedicated space and time to pump breast milk that can be bottle-fed to their baby by a caregiver. Should these rooms prove feasible and effective they will contribute to improved infant health in an area where malnutrition is prevalent, female autonomy, and employee satisfaction. These rooms will hopefully continue to be adopted by neighboring farms in Naivasha and eventually across Kenya in an effort to decrease infant malnutrition. 

Student Majors: Public Health and Hispanic Studies

Advisor: Dr. Scott Ickes

Tara Kamalakantha, "Association between Pulse Intake and Cardiometabolic Disease Prevalence Among US Adults, 1999 - 2018"

Suboptimal nutrition is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic disease (CMD), which includes coronary heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Increasing legume consumption—particularly pulses (beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas)—is a standard dietary recommendation. However, no nationally representative U.S. study has examined the association between pulse intake and CMD while disaggregating legumes. This study evaluates this association in a nationally representative sample. Data from 46,939 adults aged ≥20 years were analyzed from NHANES 1999–2018. Usual pulse intake was estimated using the National Cancer Institute Method. Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations across three models, adjusting for demographic, behavioral, and dietary covariates. Each 1 oz/day increase in pulse intake was associated with 19% lower odds of CMD (P = 0.026) in fully adjusted models. Intake was well below dietary recommendations. Greater pulse intake was linked to lower CMD prevalence, even after adjusting for key sociodemographic, behavioral, and dietary factors.

Student Major: Health Economics & Policy (Self-Designed)

Advisor: Dr. Zach Conrad

Kyle Reviello, "The Influence of Age and Gender on Fatigue/Stress Response to a 24-Hour Fast" 

Intermittent fasting is a growing health trend to reduce chronic disease burden; but most clinical studies focus on older men, leaving other groups underrepresented. Interestingly, not everyone responds similarly to fasting; why do some individuals thrive while others struggle? To explore this question, almost 100 participants were recruited across diverse ages, genders, ethnicities, physical activity levels, and health conditions to partake in this study. Over four days participants completed a single 24-hour fast. Data included height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, sleep architecture, brain activity, plasma metabolomics, cognitive performance, and self-reported stress, fatigue, and eating behaviors. This study identified a clear difference in fatigue levels in response to a 24-hour fast between males and females. At the completion of the 24 hour fast, females experienced a 50% increase in fatigue from baseline, whereas males showed an average increase in fatigue by 30%. The following day, males appeared to recover more from the fast; fatigue levels in males returned close to baseline, but, female fatigue scores remained elevated compared to baseline. A noticeable difference in stress response to the fast was also observed between age groups, with younger participants exhibiting higher stress responses than older participants. Previous fasting experience did not appear to be a significant predictor of fatigue or stress response to the fast. This information can be used to guide further research to help uncover why responses to fasting vary and help healthcare professionals and individuals find the most effective strategies for their unique physiology and lifestyle.   

Student Major: Biology 

Advisor: Stephanie Caligiuri 

Wendy Rios Flores, "Maternal Health Access Among Latinas in the United States"

Hispanic or Latina women experience the highest prevalence of gestational diabetes in the United States. If left untreated, gestational diabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes, posing long-term health risks. This literature review examines and critically analyzes the barriers to maternal healthcare access among Latinas in the U.S. A comprehensive search was conducted using databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Academic Search Complete, APA PsycINFO, and the National Library of Medicine, focusing on articles published between 2005 and 2025. The review emphasizes healthcare access and the inequities affecting this demographic in relation to maternal health. Synthesizing this evidence is vital for addressing the increasing rates of maternal mortality among Hispanic and Latina women. Without appropriate interventions, these disparities will remain overlooked. 

Student Major/Minor: Biology Major, Kinesiology Minor

Advisor: Dr. Julius Odhiambo