The 27th Annual Florida Collegiate Honors Council Conference

Transcription

The 27th Annual Florida Collegiate Honors Council Conference
The 27th Annual Florida Collegiate Honors Council Conference
February 19 – 21, 2016
Gainesville, Florida
Hosted by:
#FCHC2016
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Table of Contents
Welcome……………………………………………………………………………………..
Mission………………………………………………………………………………………..
FCHC Member Institutions…………………………………………………………..
FCHC Executive Board………………………………………………………………….
Conference @ a Glance……………………………………………………………….
Conference Etiquette…………………………………………………………………..
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Abstracts:
Friday—Poster Session, 8:30-10 pm…………………………………………………
Saturday—Session 1, 8-8:50 am……………………………………………………….
Saturday—Session 2, 9-9:50 am……………………………………………………….
Saturday—Session 3, 10-10:50 am…………………………………………………..
Saturday—Session 4, 11-11:50 am…………………………………………………..
FCHC Scholarship Awards…………………………………………………………………
Saturday—Session 5, 2-2:50 pm……………………………………………………….
Saturday—Session 6, 3-3:50 pm……………………………………………………….
Saturday—Session 7, 4-4:50 pm……………………………………………………….
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Good Life Reception & Tour, The Harn Museum of Art at the University
of Florida, 7-9 pm………………………………………………………………………………………
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Sunday—Session 8, 9-10 am…………………………………………………………….
Sunday—Session 9, 10:10-11:10 am…………………………………………………
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Caps of Love……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Ronald McDonald House…………………………………………………………………………….
Hotel Map…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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Welcome
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Florida Collegiate Honors Council Executive Board, the Honors
Program at Santa Fe College, and the Honors Institute at the College of Central
Florida, I welcome you to the 2016 Florida Collegiate Honors Council Conference!
This year’s meeting marks the twenty-seventh annual statewide showcase of
undergraduate research and Honors education.
Our theme this year is Explorations of a Good Life. According to Aristotle, the
good life is an active life spent in pursuit of virtue, happiness, and most
significantly, of exercising that trait which makes us distinctly human, that is, our
capacity for rational thought. Honors education challenges students to engage
deeply in their academic studies, to serve their communities, and to reflect upon
how these experiences contribute to their intellectual, professional, and personal
growth.
We hope that the Conference presentations, the Good Life Reception and Tour of
The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida, and the opportunities you
have to make new friends, deepen current relationships, and reconnect with old
colleagues contribute to your personal explorations experience of a good life!
Bobby Hom
FCHC President-Elect and 2016 Conference Chair
Coordinator, The Honors Program
Professor, Humanities
Santa Fe College
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Mission
The Mission of the Florida Collegiate Honors Council:
 To provide a forum for sharing information about and improving the quality
of Honors programs.
 To provide students greater opportunities for intercollegiate Honors
program activities.
 To collaborate with the regional and national organizations which have
similar goals.
 To encourage articulation and collaborative programming between Honors
programs at associate and baccalaureate institutions.
 To increase the public and private awareness of and fiscal commitment to
Honors programs and projects.
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FCHC Member Institutions
Broward College*
St. Petersburg College*
College of Central Florida*
Stetson University
Daytona State College*
Tallahassee Community College*
Eastern Florida State College
University of Central Florida*
Florida A & M University
University of Florida*
Florida Atlantic University*
University of Miami
Florida Gulf Coast University*
University of North Florida*
Florida International University*
University of South Florida*
Florida Memorial University*
University of Tampa*
Florida Southwestern State College*
University of West Florida*
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Valencia College*
Hillsborough Community College*
Indian River State College*
Jacksonville University*
Miami Dade College
New College of Florida
Nova Southeastern University*
Palm Beach State College*
Polk State College*
Saint Leo University
Santa Fe College*
Seminole State College*
South Florida State College*
* Attending
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FCHC Executive Board
Jose Rodriguez
President
Florida International University
Kathleen King
Past President
Hillsborough Community College
Bobby Hom
President-Elect
Santa Fe College
Andrew Jenkins
Secretary
College of Central Florida
Cayla Lanier
Treasurer
University of South Florida
Sheila Jones
Scholarship Coordinator
Broward College
Leslie Kaplan
Writing Contest Coordinator
University of North Florida
Robert Fleischmann
2 Year Public Representative
Tallahassee Community College
Leslie Kaplan
4 Year Public Representative
University of North Florida
Janet Haavisto
4 Year Private Representative
Jacksonville University
Sanjay Jadoo
2 Year Public Student
Representative
Seminole State College
Jacob Wilson
4 Year Public Student
Representative
University of South Florida
Veronica Mercier
4 Year Private Student
Representative
University of Tampa
James Rowland
Webmaster
Florida Collegiate Honors Council
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The Conference @ a Glance
Friday
Conference Registration & Collection of Pull Tabs and Bottle Caps, 2-6 pm, Lobby
Dinner, 6-8 pm, Grand Ballroom
Welcome, Bobby Hom, FCHC President-Elect
Writing Contest Award Winners Announced, Leslie Kaplan, FCHC Writing Competition
Coordinator
Open Call for Nominations: 2016-17 Student Representatives, Jose Rodriguez, FCHC President
Poster Session, 8:30-10 pm, Bivens
Reception sponsored by
Saturday
Breakfast, 7-10 am, Grand Ballroom
Session 1, 8-8:50 am
Session 2, 9-9:50 am
Session 3, 10-10:50 am
Session 4, 11-11:50 am
Lunch, Noon-1:30 pm, Grand Ballroom
Scholarship Award Winners Announced, Shelia Jones, FCHC Scholarships Coordinator
Nominees for Student Representatives Announced, Jose Rodrigues, FCHC President
Session 5, 2-2:50 pm
Session 6, 3-3:50 pm
Session 7, 4-4:50 pm
Dinner, On Your Own
Good Life Reception and Tour, The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida, 7-9 pm
Free shuttle bus service is available, 6:30-9:30 pm
Sunday
Breakfast, 7-9 am, Grand Ballroom
Session 8, 9-10 am
Session 9, 10:10-11:10 am
Directors’ Election Meeting, 11:15-11:45 am, Bivens North
Students’ Representative Election Meeting, 11:15-11:45 am, Bivens South
Annual Business Meeting / FCHC Executive Board Meeting, 11:45 am-12:30 pm, Bivens North
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Conference Etiquette
Conference badges should be worn to all sessions, meetings, and meals.
Please refrain from arriving late to a conference session or leaving early, if
possible. If you must leave early, please wait until the speaker has finished his or
her presentation.
Please silence cellular phones while attending a conference session to give full
attention to all presenters.
Presenters using computers and projectors should set-up and test their
equipment PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING OF THE SESSION.
Moderators should be in every session to make sure presentations run the
appropriate length and to moderate the Question and Answer session afterward.
Please dress appropriately to all events.
Please show respect for other guests at the hotel and for the residents of
Gainesville.
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Friday—Poster Session, 8:30-10 pm, Reception sponsored by
Bivens
Genome Characterization of bacteriophage Zanzibar from soil samples around Pensacola, Florida
Sabina Cabrera, University of West Florida
The SEA-PHAGES program is a year-long research experience for freshman undergraduates that
encourages research on bacteriophages, which are a type of virus that infects and kills bacteria. The
bacteriophage Zanzibar was discovered on the University of West Florida's campus. From an enriched
soil sample, a single phage was isolated, purified, and DNA analyzed. The poster explores the isolation
and genome characterization of the phage Zanzibar as well as commenting on the application and
importance of phage research to society.
The Road to Discovery: Bacteriophages
Bayla Bessemer and Amara Ejikemeuwa, University of West Florida
This poster is a product of our SEA-PHAGES research project. We walk observers through the steps we
took to isolate our bacteriophage from a dirt sample in order to find the genome. Although we did not
discover a new sea-phage as hoped, we successfully isolated a bacteriophage.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the SEA
May Zaw, University of West Florida
This research poster displays my findings from the SEA-PHAGES research program. The presentation
includes a brief introduction of the climate in Pensacola, description of what bacteriophages are and
when they were discovered, and the research objective. There is a section outlining the research
methods and procedures, and a results section comparing my findings with a fellow SEA-PHAGES
colleague's findings. Finally, I describe my conclusion of the research as well as suggest future directions
for study.
Are Poultry and Agricultural Farmers Causing the Hypoxic Zone in the Gulf of Mexico?
Blaise Nunzio Guerriero, University of Tampa
Factory farming of chickens has caused pollution, from feces, which not only affects the area of origin,
but also environments hundreds to thousands of miles away. The runoff from the feces is causing
hypoxic zones within the Gulf of Mexico. The exact same outcome is occurring with the overuse of
fertilizers and pesticides. These actions are leading to major fish kills. Due to the farms’ standing as nonpoint source polluters, farmers can turn a blind eye to the runoff occurring and harming multiple
ecosystems.
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Friday—Poster Session, 8:30-10 pm
Effects of Space Travel on the Human Body
Carlos Negron, South Florida State College
This research project explores the effects of space travel on the human body and the way technology
can help protect astronauts. For example, on Earth, the constant force of gravity strengthens bones,
helps blood flow, and keeps muscles working throughout the day. In space where there is no gravity,
bones like the femur become thinner in as little as three months. In that same period of time, the bones
in the joints and spine will stretch since there is no force constantly pushing down on them. This can
cause health complications similar to osteoporosis and old age.
The Science behind Science Fiction: Exploring the Technologies of the Final Frontier
Alexis Drzewucki, Katherine Oyola, and Heather Oyola, South Florida State College
Science fiction visualizes the possibilities of how the scientific community can progress. Technology that
only existed in shows like Star Trek during the 1960s is widely distributed throughout the world today.
Cell phones and iPads are mainstream now and the scientific community is working on the next big
achievement featured in science fiction: planetary exploration and deep space travel. This project will
explore the theoretical physics of galactic travel and whether scientists are close to achieving the
technological advanced featured in Star Trek and The Martian.
Pluto, the Dwarf Planet
Hannah Cribbs and William Sager, South Florida State College
Pluto was originally discovered in 1930 by the American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. Since that
discovery decades ago, no one had studied Pluto up close and personal until July 14th, 2015, when the
New Horizons space craft passed by Pluto. The space craft, at its closest approach to the planet, was
7,750 miles away from Pluto. New Horizons gave close-up photos and measurements of the dwarf
planet that will take years to analyze. It also had a dual-purpose of studying other small celestial bodies
along the Kuiper belt.
Astronaut Farmers: Growing Food in Space
Christian Reitnauer and Keysha Pecor, South Florida State College
Very soon, human space exploration will begin to transition from short scientific expeditions to long
voyages, and eventually, the colonization of other bodies such as Mars. It will become necessary to
adapt to surviving away from Earth for long periods, perhaps most significantly by growing food, as
supplying these long missions with food shipped from Earth simply isn’t feasible. This project will
provide a brief overview of some of the techniques that could be used for growing food in space or on
other planets.
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Friday—Poster Session, 8:30-10 pm
Artificial Gravity
Dylan Whiteman, South Florida State College
Artificial gravity is a commonly used, often taken for granted concept in most forms of science fiction.
The concept itself is not, however, confined to fiction. There are multiple theorized ways of creating
artificial gravity in space, so as to counteract the effects of weightlessness. Three of the most recognized
methods of creating artificial gravity are touched upon and their pros and cons discussed. Utilization of
the methods is also discussed and elaborated on briefly before being evaluated as to the likelihood of
application in future flights.
Classes of Civilization: The Kardashev Scale
Tyler Whalen, Devan Ortegon, and Mathew Estima, South Florida State College
Ever wonder if we could be like a civilization shown in Star Wars or Star Trek? The Kardashev Scale is a
way for us to measure these possibilities. It ranks civilizations based on their energy consumption, and
allows us to speculate the possibilities of their future. Since energy consumption is so important to this
scale, we will be looking at where the human civilization is ranked on the scale and what future
possibilities we have. Is it possible for us to leave our planet? Could we ever colonize an entire galaxy?
Bee Sweet: Save the Honey Bees
Megan M. Burke, Palm Beach State College
Nearly one-third of Apis mellifera, the domesticated honey bee, populations have died or vanished. The
honey bee contributes $15 billion to the agricultural industry annually and pollinates 71 of the 100 most
consumed crops in the world. Without bees, we can expect a steep decrease in the availability of fruits,
vegetables, and nuts that humans include in their daily diets. This presentation addresses the problems
bees face currently, their causes, and clear solutions to help increase populations and lower deaths.
Oil Refinery and Environmental Impact
Edilmary Urdaneta and Maria Bordyug, Broward College, South Campus
The consequences of building a refinery could be potentially menacing to residents and the environment
around the plant. However, refineries are beneficial to consumers and businesses in many ways. The
decision to build an oil refinery may at first seem irrational, but a thorough analysis of their benefits to
the economy and development, suggests that oil refineries should be built. However, some methods
and requirements have to be satisfied in order to maintain a healthy environment for people.
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Friday—Poster Session, 8:30-10 pm
The role of a gene mutation in mitochondrial function and metabolism in Doberman Pinschers with
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Francisco Lourenco, Santa Fe College
Studies have shown that some Doberman Pinschers with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) have a
complete deletion of one gene in chromosome 14, which impairs the expression of a protein, Pyruvate
Dehydrogenase Kinase 4 (PDK4). When PDK4 is dysfunctional, cardiac cells utilize mostly glycolysis,
starve and may eventually die, potentially causing future development of clinical symptoms related to
DCM. The research seeks to investigate the genetic mutation as one possible cause of DCM. It also aims
to replace the dysfunctional gene by injecting a virus with the adequate gene and infecting the ill animal
with the virus (therapeutic agent). If successful, this project will open the scope for new treatments for
DCM in both dogs and humans.
Statistical Analysis of the Flow of Women in Specific Engineering Disciplines
Joanna Rosa Rivero, Florida International University
This study attempts to understand how certain engineering disciplines attract more women in the
undergraduate years, in order to provide insight into strategies that may help recruit women to other
engineering fields which have either stagnated or decreased in percentage. Using pre-existing data
drawn from Outreach Programs and Science Career Intentions, this study will analyze trends between
different engineering majors. The analysis will then disaggregate by student genders to study the flow of
women’s interests to and from particular engineering majors.
Amount of Sleep and Its Effects on Test Scores
Jessica Trochez and Mikayla Castro, Santa Fe College
Our study examines whether the amount of sleep an individual has the night before an exam influences
the grade received on that particular exam. The purpose of our data is to determine if any relationship
between sleeping habits and students' academic performance exists.
Comparison of Dog Lifespans
Olivia Smith, Santa Fe College
Do large dogs live longer than small dogs? This study gathered information from dogtime.com on the
lifespans of specific breeds of dog in the United States to determine if lifespan corresponds with size.
Animal Testing: Invaluable or Inhumane?
Christy Wenyi LaFlamme, Palm Beach State College
This research focuses on the dangers animal testing poses to both animals and humans, the abuse that
animal testing inflicts, and to prove that society would thrive without it.
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Friday—Poster Session, 8:30-10 pm
Existentialism & Borderline Personality Disorder in "The Tunnel"
Joaquin Van Thienen and Robert Saba, Florida International University
The purpose of this study is to interpret the condition of Juan Pablo Castel, Ernesto Sábato’s character
from the short novel The Tunnel. I believe this character shows symptoms of Borderline Personality
Disorder, and this can be related to the author's philosophical beliefs. I first analyze the author's social
and cultural context, and then examine different approaches to existentialism and borderline
personality disorder. My conclusion will show a relationship between Juan Pablo Castel's condition and
Ernesto Sábato’s exposure to existential philosophy.
The Social Psychological Impact of Eurocentric Beauty Standards on African American Women
Kade’Jah Stephens and Lahjaryel Robinson, Florida Memorial University
Although African American women may have their own standards of beauty within their culture, they
can still internalize the dominant beauty paradigm. This presentation will focus on how Eurocentric
Beauty Standards impact African American women’s self-esteem and perception of attractiveness.
Asymmetrical Conflict in the Caribbean, Haiti and the Dominican Republic: One island, Two Worlds
Amanda Mayne, Broward College
I will discuss the history behind this conflict, which will include Haiti’s struggle to become the world’s
first black sovereign republic as well as how the colonial past of the two countries have affected the
perceptions of the people that reside on the island. The hardships that both countries had to endure
during the reign of several controlling dictators will also be discussed.
Oscillatory Motion of a Variable Mass
Michael Nieves and Chance Brewer, Seminole State College
Usually when oscillation is observed and analyzed using classical mechanics, the system consists of an
object of a certain constant mass, hung from a spring assumed to be “ideal.” This time, a different
approach will be taken in order to further investigate the nature of oscillations. The system that will be
utilized will be composed of a realistic spring hooked onto a force sensor and an object whose mass will
be changing at a constant rate. The theoretical aspects of the interactions occurring will also be
addressed, allowing us to quantitatively investigate this system. This system will be adjusted throughout
the experiment so that the mass changes at different rates for each data collection.
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Saturday—Session 1, 8-8:50 am
Bivens North
The Endangered Lake Wales Ridge
Grace Brauer, South Florida State College
The Lake Wales Ridge is an important part of Florida’s geological history, but sadly overlooked by much
of the general public. As Central Florida expands and industry diversifies, the Ridge and the species that
reside on it are suffering the consequences. If attention is not brought to this special place, it could very
well die out, and an amazing history with it.
Global Warming’s Threat to Florida
Ricky Jeffries, South Florida State College
Global warming affects the entire Earth. Florida, however, has a specific threat: the rapid rise of tide
levels. Rising tide levels are projected to destroy Floridian wildlife ecosystems, which in turn will affect
key points in the Florida economy, including the fishing industry and tourism.
Bivens South
Art Activism, and the Pursuit of a Better Life
Reagan Wilf, Dalia Flores-Mora, Sierra Williams, and Dr. Wendy Thompson Chase, Florida
Southwestern State College
In response to economic and political injustice in his country, the Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei
has called on people to become, “‘obsessed citizens,’ forever questioning and asking for accountability.
That’s the only chance we have today of a healthy and happy life.” In the spirit of Ai Weiwei, this panel
will explore the connections between art, activism, and the pursuit of a better life. Reagan Wilf will
discuss the feminist art collective known as The Guerrilla Girls, Dalia Flores-Mora will analyze two of
Banksy’s artworks, Save and Delete and Dismaland, and Sierra Williams will be reading an original short
story that dismantles the conventions of courtly love.
Lakeview North
Are You Sure?
Amy Bhatt, St. Petersburg College
According to legal psychologist Dr. Daniel Yarmey, “mistaken eyewitness identifications are responsible
for more wrongful convictions than all other causes combined.” This presentation takes a look at some
reasons for eyewitness misidentifications and the legal issues of admissibility of expert witnesses to
testify regarding misidentifications.
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Saturday—Session 1, 8-8:50 am
Are you living, or existing?
Bebeto Amazan, Dawayne King, and Christopher Ferguson, Palm Beach State College
Most people have an ambiguous perception of what the good life is. In this presentation, we will
explore perspectives of the good life. The evidence provided will allow you to decide whether the good
life is applicable or even feasible. The information we present will promote a thought provoking
discussion for you to ponder.
Lakeview South
The Jimmy Ryce Act: Blurring the Distinctions Between the Criminal Justice System and Commitment
Nicole Lampe, University of Tampa
The Jimmy Ryce Act, a current law in Florida, pertains to the involuntary civil commitment for persons
convicted of sexually violent crimes. This Act is controversial among the legal community due to its lack
of moral foundation and constitutionality under Florida’s criminal justice system. The State of Florida
must create the proper vehicles serving state’s interests without violating an individual’s right to
constitutional protection under due process.
How Operational Conditioning is Embedded within the Criminal Justice System
Katia Florit, Florida International University
The United States Criminal Justice system represents a formal method of social control that is firmly
seated within the foundation of cognitive behavior and operant conditioning. This study examines the
requirements of operant conditioning and the failures of the components of the justice system as
vehicles of mechanism delivery in more depth. Considering this failure, this study discusses the
opportunities of reforming the system to better manage crime behavior and appropriately meet the
requirements of operant conditioning.
Kanapaha
Women in Comedy: Honors UnCommon Reading
Sally Greider, University of Florida
As an English and public relations major, with a love of comedy, experience in editorial writing, and
longing to bring discussion of women in comedy to the undergraduate level, I wanted to create a class
that would expose undergraduate students like myself to fresh conversation on the role of women in
comedy, and foster new understanding of this role and its impressions on modern American life. This
presentation examines the impact and development of a one-credit Honors seminar, created by an
undergraduate junior and a Student Engagement Specialist.
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Saturday—Session 1, 8-8:50 am
It’s a Musical! Honors UnCommon Arts
Amy Sapp, University of Florida
I will discuss the methods an undergraduate like myself must pursue in order to create a course focused
on bringing art education to majors unfamiliar with creative outlets. I shall recount the story of creating
a new Honors class as an undergraduate, highlighting the importance of persistence, passion, and
collaboration. I will explain how this one-credit seminar, created by an undergraduate Political Science
senior and Honors Program Director, focuses on the core genres of the Broadway musical from book
musicals to song cycles and all of the revivals in between.
Paynes Prairie
Workshop: Intro to Astrobiology: A Model for Integrating Undergraduate Research into Any Class
Facilitator, Dr. James Hawker and Erik N. Christensen, South Florida State College
Providing authentic research and research-based activities helps prepare students for success in a global
economy that demands innovation, collaboration, communication, flexibility, and high-level thinking
abilities. Come learn about an exciting initiative that integrated undergraduate research into our Honors
Seminar – Introduction to Astrobiology. This unique learning experience was co-taught by two
instructors and fused together the flipped classroom methodology, AVID strategies, journal club, guest
speakers, semester-long research projects, and extra-curricular activities into a highly effective and
engaging learning experience. This course also serves as a model for an ambitious plan we have to
integrate undergraduate research campus-wide. Elements of this course could readily be adopted and
integrated into any curriculum. Come see how this might work for you and your institution and leave
with a variety of ideas that you can implement immediately.
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Saturday—Session 2, 9-9:50 am
Bivens North
Creating an Honors Program Promotional Video
Melissa Micceri, University of Tampa
As a member of the University of Tampa Honors Council, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand
many of the unique aspects that UT's Honors Program has to offer. These range from the Oxford Study
Abroad Program, the opportunity to study at the Washington Center in Washington, DC, and our
semester long symposiums series. This experience led to the creation of a recruitment vide that
highlights these unique opportunities. This video will be presented and discussed, along with the
process for creating it.
7 Steps to a Successful Campus PR Agency
Courtney Barclay, Alexandra Abreu-Figueroa, Susie Bryan, Chloe Lyden, Lovely Valbrun, and
Jonathan Wickliff, Jacksonville University
The Public Relations Student Society of America recommends a student-run agency as a key tool for
students to "advance their experience." Existing research consistently supports the pedagogical benefits
of student-run agencies, but few scholars have focused on best practices for the developing these
agencies. Researchers will conduct in-depth interviews with faculty and student leaders of existing
agencies at universities and colleges across the country. The interviews will be analyzed to develop a
model operational structure for a student agency.
Core 1 Representatives
Leonie Dupuis and Abigail Megginson, University of West Florida
The goal of our presentation is to inform the audience of the purpose, function, and effects of an Honors
freshman class representative. We will describe the position as well as the Honors Council's goals in
creating this office. We will then analyze the effectiveness of our communication to our peers as well as
the various outlets used to present the information we were accountable for. Through this analysis, we
will reach a conclusion that shows that our position did fulfill the needs of the Honors Council. We will
then mention potential improvements.
Bivens South
The Origins of the Trombone
Erik Blomgren, Jacksonville University
The evolution of the trombone is explored in the analysis of both modern reviews of the instrument and
its performance, as well as in the study of technique and pedagogy texts from earlier in the instruments
history. While the instruments basic makeup has remained relatively unchanged, the trombone and its
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Saturday—Session 2, 9-9:50 am
many sizes and variants have continually evolved both along with technological advancements and in
order to fit the tonal ideal of the time period in which it was used.
Theme and Variation: The Classical Ancestry of Progressive Metal
Sarah Pamplin, Jacksonville University
The umbrella term “metal” now refers to any of a vast array of musical styles, some little more than
intense noise elements in strict rhythm, while some is closely akin to symphonic works of the 19th and
20th centuries. Progressive metal is one of the more complex and engaging subgenres born of this
tradition, but as yet, no clear definition for the genre has been formulated. A definition of progressive
metal is here set forth and its roots in the classical tradition of Western music traced back through its
beginnings in progressive rock.
How Music Affects Society
Alexis Rae Harrell, Seminole State College
The article “Rape Culture in Music: Lyrics that Provide a Step-by-step Guide to Sexual Assault” solidifies
that music lyrics reflecting horrific acts such as rape have a detrimental influence on society. A song
repeatedly played over and over again loses the initial shock factor and leaves people desensitized to
the magnitude of harm that the lyrics endorse. People need to be aware of the damage ensued from
repugnant music lyrics. Because popular music is extremely influential, lyrics which are inspiriting and
ethical will assist in a healthier attitude and mentality.
Lakeview North
Satellite Orbits in Context of Gravitational Law
Amy Vargas, Jonathan Gumpangkum, and Jacob Menges, Seminole State College
In a hypothetical scenario, a SpaceX Dragon V2 capsule has recently disembarked from the International
Space Station. However, hydrazine contaminated the capsule interior. Instead of proceeding with
atmospheric re-entry as planned, the Dragon was sent from low Earth orbit into the graveyard orbit via
a Hohmann orbital maneuver. With this in consideration, what would the velocity of the Dragon be the
instant it has reached the graveyard orbit?
Determining Search Area for Downed Planes
Savannah Victoria Bates, Adam Johnson, and Bryam Duque, Jacksonville University
The ocean covers about 70% of the Earth's surface which can make finding a downed plane difficult,
especially if they have lost signal with air traffic control. Once data is collected for last known speed,
longitude, latitude, altitude, and direction of travel, the model can define a set of possible trajectories
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Saturday—Session 2, 9-9:50 am
for the plane. The model is designed to incorporate psychological aspects about the pilot's risk-taking
probability, wind, drag force, lift force, gravitational force, and the effects of both surface and deep
water currents. This combination of data is then used to predict the most accurate search area possible
in hopes to find a downed plane.
Interferometry
Latifah Maasarani, Seminole State College
Interferometry uses the superposition of waves to measure properties of light sources and materials the
waves interact with. The Michelson interferometer configuration used in this experiment splits a laser
beam into two paths with a partially reflective mirror, bouncing them back from two other mirrors and
causing a phase shift. This creates an interference pattern which is used to determine the wavelength of
the light source and the index of refraction for a piece of glass. This process later disproved the theory of
ether wind leading physics to the idea of special relativity.
Lakeview South
Campaign Proposal by First Citizens’ United
Emily Jean Smith, Daytona State College
Students were tasked with assuming the role of a campaign marketing team and given the goals of
analyzing the population demographics, educational attainment, median household income levels, and
common industries of employment, in addition to any other political factors within an assigned
Congressional District. Data was gathered and reviewed for any information that may be relevant to the
success or failure of a congressional campaign within the district, and used to establish the candidate’s
political platform. Our team has utilized numerous research sources in order to develop an effective
campaign strategy that can be used to unseat the current incumbent in Ohio's 3rd Congressional
District.
Exploring Agenda-Setting via Social Media: The Impact of Political Agendas on Students at Daytona
State College
Alyssa Marie Tedrick, Danjha Leon, Tiana MacNichols, Greta Eitzen, and Joel Diaz, Daytona State
College
This study shows that agenda-setting does exist and function within social media. Surveys, which
measured the political agendas of those who pay attention to social media and those who pay attention
to traditional media, were administered to four different classes and a random pool of students at
Daytona State College, Daytona Beach campus. We found that the interests of the students who
received their political news from social media and those who received it from traditional media sources
were almost identical.
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Saturday—Session 2, 9-9:50 am
Students Under The Influence of Political Media: A Comparison Study of the Effects of Hard News vs.
Soft News on Students’ Learning & Knowledge
Jacqueline Carelli, Justin Martins, James Langer, and Madison Brown, Daytona State College
Prior research on the effectiveness of media campaigns at large focused primarily on results based on
changes in voter’s choice in response to learning and knowledge. While findings have been limited on
whether or not campaigns and media actually matter, the question has since been reframed to not only
look at persuasion but also the impact that campaigns and media have on “learning”. We developed a
comparative study between soft and hard news to measure students’ learning and to determine which
media sources have more of an impact on value-based questions.
Kanapaha
Political Corruption in Latin America
Laura Marcela Ocampo, University of Tampa
In this presentation the focus will be on Latin America, specifically investigating major political
corruption that can be correlated with the historical founding ideology, religion, and governmental
organization. Modern factors that contribute to oppression in these developing countries, such as laws,
education, freedom of press (or lack thereof), and economics, will also be discussed. Focus will be on
covering the consequences of corruption, and looking at how political corruption develops and is
measured.
Japan’s Population Problem: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
James Alexander Adaryukov, Florida Atlantic University
This presentation examines the status and origins of Japan’s present population crisis, dating back to the
aftermath of World War II and the controversial Eugenic Protection Law. Present factors involved in the
crisis, along with its effects on Japan’s national economy, will also be analyzed. We will examine
proposed and implemented solutions for the shrinking population, and the factors that have prevented
them from effectively resolving the issue.
Paynes Prairie
Flakka “Gravel”
Karly Mixon, Broward College
Flakka or “gravel” is a new stimulant drug that is devastating the state of Florida. I will discuss the
structure of the drug, as well as identifying and describing the type of organic molecule it is. After going
through the history of Flakka, I plan to share a few stories that I have gathered after interviewing
survivors of this uncontrolled substance. I plan on raising awareness to this harmful, uncontrolled
21
Saturday—Session 2, 9-9:50 am
substance by breaking down the process of the “high” and what the body is actually going through
during this temporary, life threatening, euphoria.
Political Uses of Drug Criminalization in the United States
Jacob Wilson, University of South Florida
The first drug policy in the United States was the outlaw of opiates in the late 19th century. Since that
time, the United States has outlawed many other drugs. Some of these policies were born out of a
concern for the population; however, many of them were born out of an interest to control a specific
population. In this presentation, I will outline some of these drug policies and mechanisms by which
they were presented to the general population.
Why Florida Needs a Needle Exchange
Kimberly Drake, St. Petersburg College
After the drive to shut down Florida pill mills and reduce opiate pain killer usage, the street value of
these pills has skyrocketed. The lack of availability of OxyCotin is pushing addicts to seek other, cheaper,
alternatives, primarily heroin. As the OxyContin problem has shifted into a heroin crisis, a needle
exchange program would help addicts get in touch with addiction counselors as well as combat the
spread of infectious diseases.
22
Saturday—Session 3, 10-10:50 am
Bivens North
The World is Full of Many Opportunities to Take Action and Become a Leader
John Williams, Seminole State College
Anyone can become a leader but it just takes one characteristic to help them make that first step in
leadership. This trait, which not many people have but everyone needs, is confidence. In leadership,
confidence can make or break how people view you as well as how you view yourself. This presentation
emphasizes the importance of confidence in making a better leader as well as how to mold and inspire
the people following you to become better leaders.
Volunteering In and Out of Your Comfort Zone
Mariya Muravia, Florida Atlantic University
This presentation will address the importance of varied medical experiences across different cultures to
gain personal insight for a future in the medical field. I will talk about the differences and the similarities
of my experience volunteering and shadowing both in Cusco, Peru, and Miami, Florida. I will briefly
explain what I did in both clinics and what my duties were and what new skills I learned. Overall, I want
to encourage interning/shadowing in different settings for anyone who has any interest in medical
careers.
A Hands-On, Community-Centered Honors Leadership Course
Charolotte Pressler, South Florida State College
South Florida State College’s design for its required Honors leadership course, IDH1107, “The
Competitive Edge,” blends PTK’s humanities-centered curriculum with a practical, community-based
education for leadership. Speakers from local government, community service agencies, and NGOs
discuss their work with the class. Student teams research, then develop a service-learning plan based on
a needs assessment for each speaker’s organization. They then participate in service-learning with at
least one organization, and finally, prepare an after-action report. The course gives students “in the
trenches” experience with community leadership, preparing them for the roles we hope they will fill
when they enter their own careers.
Bivens South
Art Therapy
Maria Boyd, Seminole State College
The purpose of my speech will be to inform people on what art therapy is. In addition, I will discuss the
benefits of art therapy to people, particularly those with depression and anxiety.
23
Saturday—Session 3, 10-10:50 am
Hallucinogens in the Treatment of Substance Abuse
Caitlin Benedict, Florida Atlantic University
Recently, there has been a resurgence of the clinical use of hallucinogens in the treatment of alcohol
dependence and nicotine addiction. Early research in the 1960s focused mainly on the use of LSD in
treating addiction whereas current research has focused on other psychedelics. This presentation
examines the efficacy of hallucinogens – particularly LSD, ayahuasca, and psilocybin – in the treatment
of substance use disorders.
The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Health and Physical Performance
Brady Stephen DeCouto, Jacksonville University
I will be researching the effects of manipulation of different regions of the spine on health factors such
as blood pressure, immune system function, and spinal health. I will also explore the effects of spinal
manipulation on athletic performance. Chiropractic care has been given to some of the world’s fastest
sprinters and best athletes, and I will see if the care has a positive correlation with an athlete’s
production. My hypothesis is that it improves overall health and physical performance.
Lakeview North
Water and the Maya
Josie Bready, University of Tampa
Counterintuitively, the most powerful cities in the Maya world were located in the least logical areas, in
places where water management systems had to be built in order to survive. The control necessary for
organizing the building of these systems and the religious connections rulers had with water began a
process that allowed these cities to assert their dominance over other smaller cities in their regions.
Water Crisis in Lima, Peru
Laura Wiedenhoever, Santa Fe College
The majority of Limeños do not realize how devastating their water crisis really is. In order to solve the
city’s water scarcity problem, Lima needs to have stricter management of its water supply, and the
government needs come to a consensuses with SEDAPAL, Lima’s local water and waste-water utility, to
increase water prices.
Fracking Away Our Environment
Kevin Travis, University of Tampa
Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) changes local biogeochemical cycling, depletes and contaminates
groundwater, and increases global climate change. companies and consumers are ignoring the
24
Saturday—Session 3, 10-10:50 am
environmental impacts of this practice, due to the large amounts of money within the natural gas
industry.
Lakeview South
Is Poverty a Human Rights Violation?
Alonna Williams, Florida Memorial University
According to the Declaration of Human Rights, individuals have a right to an adequate standard of living.
People should have access to clean water and be able to provide food and clothing for themselves.
Human rights are rights that are inherent to all human beings. These rights do not discriminate against
gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or any characteristic. Poverty is a huge social and economic issue and
can be considered a human rights violation.
Freedom and Security: 14 Years After 9/11
Laura Isabel Valdes, St. Petersburg College
Fourteen years have passed since the 9/11 attack on the United States. Many people still do not feel
secure, and feel uncertain of the laws that protects them. The technology we have today, makes it
possible for more terrorists to have access to more resources that they can use to harm us. The question
is: Are we willing to give up some liberties in order to gain more security? The laws that may harm us at
times, are also the laws that protects us against terrorism, illegal drug distribution, and hackers trying to
illegally gain access to our personal information.
Gun Control: Arguments and Alternatives
Michael Santos, Florida Atlantic University
The ultimate goal of gun control laws is to reduce violence. However, there is debate over how gun
control laws should be implemented and whether new and more stringent laws are necessary. After
summarizing the arguments on both sides of this debate, this presentation will argue that it would be
more efficient to invest resources in criminal justice system campaigns rather than introducing
additional laws. Thus, reduction of gun-related crimes may be achieved without compromising a U.S.
citizen’s right to “bear arms.”
Kanapaha
Our Health and the Environment
Kiara Lee Caballero, Florida Atlantic University
The purpose of my presentation is to inform people of the detrimental effects of animal agriculture on
both the planet and their health, as well as to encourage them to adopt a vegan lifestyle. I will use facts
from credible sources as well as visual aids, real-life accounts, and statistics to inform my audience. My
25
Saturday—Session 3, 10-10:50 am
conclusion will encourage people to take care of our bodies and the environment for our future
generations.
Grass Agriculture in USA
Chloe Quant, Seminole State College
Turf grass is the most irrigated crop grown in the United States. Approximately thirty percent, or forty
billion gallons, of all of America’s drinking water goes to water grass. Americans use seventy million
pounds of pesticides on our front lawns annually to maintain the nonnative plant. All of these resources
go to grass, which does not feed us nor provide any benefit other than to uphold an American Ideal.
Grass in America is taking priority over the necessary crops needed to provide for our ever growing
population.
Bee Colony Collapse Disorder: The Demise of Bees
Erin Maureen LaFon, Palm Beach State College
This paper examines the symptoms of Bee Colony Collapse Disorder, its effects, and what people can do
to help bees thrive and grow in numbers.
Paynes Prairie
2065: Trading Our Way to a Better Future
Alexander Francis DeLong, Jacksonville University
This essay is a brief investigation of current factors that influence international trade as well as a
meditation on the trends that will shape international trade in the next fifty years. Such factors including
recent world trade policy agreements and the influence of technology on global commerce are explored
in great detail. The author concludes that the global trade environment of 2065 will be one of bountiful
international opportunity if governments and the free market adequately respond to trends in the
current stratosphere of international commerce.
Low Cost Airline Pilots: New Hire Pay Issues at Regional Airlines
Zacchari Gale, Jacksonville University
Newly hired pilots at regional airlines are subject to some of the lowest professional salaries in the
country, many earning below living wage. Regional airlines have limited resources to dedicate to pilot
compensation, thanks to decreasing margins provided by their contracted majors. Also, unions often
hold out excessively during contract negotiations, while new hires remain underpaid. However,
following the example of airlines like Endeavor Air and Republic Airways, regional airlines, major carriers
the regionals fly for under contract, and pilot unions can solve the current “pilot pay shortage” and help
prevent the predicted pilot shortage.
26
Saturday—Session 3, 10-10:50 am
Business Etiquettes of Chinese and Americans
Grace Ni, University of Tampa
Business etiquette is different depending on the culture. For example, in Chinese culture, a gift is highly
valued because it is seen as a small token of gratitude to your partner, meanwhile in America, a gift can
be seen as an act of bribery. Before entering the global environment, one should investigate the
business etiquette proper for the culture, as well as research verbal communication and the silent
language of appearance, gestures, and behaviors.
27
Saturday—Session 4, 11-11:50 am
Bivens North
Coral Reef Presentation through Bacterial Control of Microalgae
Nathaniel Price Curtis, Jacksonville University
To prevent coral bleaching, we will attempt to selectively control macroalgae growth within Caribbean
reefs by increasing the population of native nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This management method could
reduce nitrogenous compounds without adding harmful chemicals or foreign species to the reef
environment. The decrease in nitrogen available to macroalgae would mitigate the effects of
eutrophication and reduce competition experienced by corals, increasing the health of the reef.
Overfishing: Our Impact on the Ocean
Kendall Henry, Tallahassee Community College
Our presentation will showcase the cause and consequences overfishing has on our ocean.
Exploring White Shark (Carcharodon Carcharias) Biology Using Ocearch Public Domain Data and
Literature
Adam Johnson, Christina LoBuglio, Natalie Swaim, and Quinton Whit, Jacksonville University
Strong public interest and advances using technology have led to a better understanding of white shark
(Carcharodon carcharias) migratory patterns, life history, but more can be learned. This research review
examines current understanding of white shark biology through migratory patterns, and poses questions
for future research to allow for effective conservation techniques.
Bivens South
The Perspectives Project: Documenting the Latino / Hispanic Experience
Leeann Fox, Santa Fe College
The Perspectives Project (http://www.perspectivesproject.org/) is a forum for first person narratives as
told by the men and women of the Latino / Hispanic community in North Central Florida. The narratives
focus on personal reflection, identity, family, and culture, while challenging stereotypes and providing
collaborative space.
Finding a New Home: Analyzing Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Patterns
Alexandria Sofia Pecoraro, Paul Donaldson, and Kevin Nguyen, University of North Florida
The UNF Honors Global Information Systems Group has created an interactive map that analyzes
settlement patterns of refugees and immigrants living in Jacksonville, Florida. Jacksonville is one of the
largest resettlement cities for refugees in Florida despite many of the city’s residents being unaware of
28
Saturday—Session 4, 11-11:50 am
the immigrants’ presence within their community. By identifying the locations of the immigrant
businesses and communities, the group has been able to categorize each location by ethnicity and
general description (ex. “eatery”) as well as identify trends amongst the immigrants through
comparative analysis. This analysis extends beyond the immigrants themselves to the demographics of
Jacksonville on both macro and micro scales, such as crime, income, and diversity. It is our objective to
raise awareness for the immigrants and their hardships in order to help them establish “A Good Life”.
The Republic of Cuba: An American’s Perspective of a Nation in Transition
Benjamin Kee White, University of Tampa
Through my travels in Cuba this past May, I have come to the conclusion that Cuba’s main priorities lie
within four main reform facets: political, economic, environmental, and social. Nobody knows what lies
ahead for Cuba, but one thing is certain: a new course is imminent.
Lakeview North
Criticism of Colonialism and the Apparent Racism in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness
Ronda Bailey, St. Petersburg College
Heart of Darkness, a novella by Joseph Conrad, explores the journey of Marlow, a French seaman, who
takes a trip on the Congo River in the early nineteenth century. During his trip, Marlow is able to
witness the ruthless exploitation and genocide of the African natives, disguised as a civilizing mission.
The journey into the Congo allows the Marlow to denounce the inhumanity of colonization. I will
present research to prove Conrad reduces the natives to objects in a story instead of human beings, in
order to build his argument against colonization.
Health Conditions of African Slaves in America
Jelonia Rumph, Shellian Wheeler, and Diva Sessions, Florida Memorial University
The Best Defense: British Protectionist Conservatism and the Age of Revolutions
Matthew Steven Harris, University of North Florida
Most historians consider the rise of liberalism to be the most formative motivation for the construction
of modern nations. However, as the British engaged with France over the course of the Age of
Revolutions, in what is known often as the ‘Second Hundred Years War,’ the primary motivation of
government innovation and change was not revolutionary liberalism, but rather protectionist
conservatism. It is critical that historical argument examine the role of conservative thought, and not
just revolutionary liberal ideology, in shaping modern institutions and conventions.
29
Saturday—Session 4, 11-11:50 am
Lakeview South
Ab Initio Many-Body CO2 Model for the Condensed Phase
Jasmine Cherry, University of Tampa
The condensed phase of the carbon dioxide (CO2) molecule is an important compound to study. In order
to fully understand the structure and dynamics, we aim to apply quantum chemistry methods, such as
the coupled cluster theory. Unfortunately, this type of method is limited to small molecular systems
(small CO2 clusters, no larger than six molecules). Thus, the question posed is: how can this
computational obstacle be overcome? The solution to this problem is through the many-body
expansion of interactions and the fragmentation method.
Inexpensive and More Abundant Alternatives to Hydroxylated Ruthenium Polypyridine Complexes
Carlos Alberto Acosta, Florida International University
This project will examine the electrochemical and photo physical properties of hydroxylated first row
transition metal (FRTM) polypyridyl complexes. In particular, we will focus on how these FRTM stand up
to ruthenium regarding the aforementioned properties so as to better judge their potential in
applications such innovations in cancer treatment and solar power.
Kanapaha
Musical Speech
Julia Rollins, Seminole State College
The types of music I plan on touching are Jazz, Baroque, classical, and contemporary music. Each of
these styles has different criteria of what qualifies as “beautiful” and “well-executed,” and all bring a
different aspect of music to light. Such aspects include rhythm, expression, emotion, creativity,
accuracy, and various instrumentations.
The Roots of American Sign Language
Nicole Darder, South Florida State College
American Sign Language is used in the United Sates as a way for the deaf to communicate, and is also in
some instances used by the mute. Like English, ASL has evolved from a variety of different sign
languages, and, to this day, signs used for different types of words or meanings continue to change. The
various roots of ASL that contributed to the development of this language and to its use today will be
explored.
30
Saturday—Session 4, 11-11:50 am
Paynes Prairie
Popular Perception of Education in Post-War America
Hannah Tarleton, Florida Atlantic University
Attitudes towards the power, role, and importance of school in post-war America are portrayed in
popular media. I plan to explore the culture surrounding its perception in an attempt to further explore
past, current, and future perceived purposes of education.
Revaluing Families in America
Rida Nayab, Seminole State College
The presentation discusses new working-oriented lifestyles in America, and how it affects families. The
reasoning and dynamics behind this issue are addressed utilizing the sociological perspective. Family
values are a main focus of the presentation. The presentation also includes a survey administered to the
public to aid in analysis of opinions and ideas.
31
FCHC Scholarship Awards
The Mary Jo Henderson Scholarship awards $1,000 to an exceptional state and community
college Honors student who will graduate with an Associate’s degree from a 2-year FCHC member
institution and will transfer to a baccalaureate program at a 4-year FCHC member institution.
This year’s Mary Jo Henderson Scholarship nominees are:
o
Keyera Lyn, Broward College
o
Joshua Pickering, Santa Fe College
o
Hawwah Santiago, Daytona State College
o
Shahriar Zamani, Hillsborough Community College
The Dr. Richard Piper Scholarship awards $1,000 to an exceptional university or college
student who will graduate from a 4-year FCHC member institution.
This year’s Dr. Richard Piper Scholarship nominees are:
o
Tatiana Rodriguez, Florida Gulf Coast University
o
Michael Scimeca, University of Central Florida
The Dr. Irmgard Bocchino Partners in the Park Scholarship awards $500 towards
National Collegiate Honors Council Partners in the Parks program costs and are available to students
currently enrolled at an FCHC member institution. The deadline to apply for a scholarship for students
attending a 2016 project is Friday, April 1st.
To apply for a Dr. Irmgard Bocchino Partners in the Parks Scholarships:
o
Please check with your Honors Dean or Director before submitting
o
Write an essay (500-1000 words) explaining why you believe the experience would be valuable
and why you should receive funding
o
Submit your essay, along with your name, your contact information, and your Honors Dean or
Director’s name and contact information to the FCHC Scholarship Coordinator, Dr. Sheila Jones,
[email protected]
o
A subcommittee of the FCHC Executive Board will review applications. Scholarship winners will
be asked to present their experiences at the 2017 FCHC conference, or to write a reflection
essay, including pictures, of their experience and submit to the FCHC President.
32
Saturday—Session 5, 2-2:50 pm
Bivens North
Roundtable: DACA’s Promise for the Good Life
Facilitators, Leonardo Dulanto and Rebecca Todd, Hillsborough Community College
On August 15, 2012, President Barack Obama issued an executive order for the DACA program, Deferred
Action for Childhood Arrivals, giving undocumented students a chance to take advantage of higher
education in the United States. DACA allows these ‘dreamers’ to obtain a driver’s license, social security
number, and authorization to work for two years with a chance to renew biannually. This roundtable
explores DACA struggles and successes, the statistics behind it, how this relates to the pursuit of
happiness, and how Honors Programs can support this specific population.
Bivens South
The Neutralization of Lactic Acid to Enhance Weight Training Performance
Daniel Indorato, University of Tampa
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the ingestion of sodium bicarbonate pre-exercise
improved athletic performance during weight training. Sodium bicarbonate has the efficacy to
neutralize lactic acid produced during intense exercise, by increasing intramuscular pH levels. I
hypothesized that effectively neutralizing lactic acid 60 minutes prior to vigorous weight training would
increase the number of repetitions the subject can perform for a desired amount of weight. The
research was conducted using daily adjustable progressive resistance exercise to measure the number
of repetitions performed in various compound exercises. The data was then analyzed to determine if
there was an increase in number of repetitions in the group who consumed sodium bicarbonate,
compared to the control group who did not receive the supplement.
Jump Start, Not Hard
Flavio Pacheco, Camila Benavides, and Ivan Nunez, Seminole State College
Jumping is a complex movement that involves two principle pivot points, the pelvic joint and the subject
of this experiment, the knee. Because the knee suffers a lot of stress during this motion, it is vulnerable
to deteriorate with time. By analyzing the forces present during the movement and its directionality, we
can calculate the stress created by the forces on the knee, specifically on the patella from the forces
applied and received by the upper and lower leg.
Malnourishment and its Correlation with Neurological Disabilities
Tyrstan Drew, Palm Beach State College
Malnutrition can affect the body’s neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, serotonin, and dopamine.
When these neurotransmitters are affected, malnourishment can cause more extensive issues, such as
33
Saturday—Session 5, 2-2:50 pm
neurological disabilities. The goal of this presentation is to review the resultant effects of
malnourishment on the body.
Lakeview North
Lethal Removal and Conservation: Removing the Barred Owl (Stric varia) to protect the Northern
Spotted Owl (Stric occidentalis caurina)
Melissa Blasky, University of Tampa
FWS has concluded that the biggest threat currently facing Northern Spotted Owls is competition from
the Barred Owl. There have been several cases where a management plan was implemented that
authorized the lethal removal of a competing species to ensure the continued existence of a
threatened/endangered species; these cases often see radical species recovery rates in a matter of a
few years once competing threats are removed. Preliminary cases and studies by USFWS have shown
potential for helping recover the Northern Spotted Owl populations in the Northeast.
Arthropod Economics
Mckenzie D. Merritt and Euda W. Fils, Florida Atlantic University
The Ideal Free Distribution (IFD) theory claims that an animal’s distribution in a given area is
proportional to the amount of resources that are available in that area. Our research aims to use the IFD
theory to predict the distribution of antlions in order to prove that IFD is applicable to small, semisedentary arthropods. This will help scientists conducting environmental impact studies to better
estimate how many animals, from small arthropods to large mammals, are dwelling in an area.
Lakeview South
Ballistics
Jacob Menges and Amy Vargas, Seminole State College
In this experiment, we compared two air soft guns. Our goal was to see if the marketed velocities
matched the actual velocities and see what affects drag from the air would have on each BB at varying
distances.
Sustainable Ion Concentration Polarization focusing on Bipolar Electrode Focusing
Kevin Bunkowske, Seminole State College
Ion Concentration Polarization (ICP) uses a charged membrane or membrane wall to polarize the ions in
a solution, such as salt water. Bipolar Electrode Focusing is a form of ICP that is practical for large scale
design and sustainable operation. It uses three channels to separate brine and freshwater from
saltwater. Using Hydroelectricity to charge the membranes that polarize the particles will make this an
efficient and sustainable source of desalinization.
34
Saturday—Session 5, 2-2:50 pm
Kanapaha
Discovering Emotion in Anna Karenina
Allison Kathleen McClain, Jacksonville University
“Discovering Emotion in Anna Karenina” is an intense look into the internal and external workings of
characters' hearts, minds, and relationships. Happiness and its façade are examined through Dolly and
Kitty as well as joy in opposition with vengeance through Karenin. Further discussion includes a critical
study of the motif of the flame in Anna Karenina. A secondary focus is the complex character of
Levinand the contrast between the light he finds and the darkness Anna continues to embrace. An
intriguing dialogue on the musical aesthetic debate is considered.
Isolation as Frankenstein’s True Monster
Rachel Leigh Gross, Indian River State College
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a warning against the upheaval and isolation caused by mankind’s
technological advancement. This presentation explores the true monster of the novel Frankenstein: not
Victor nor the creature, but isolation itself.
The Synthesis of Eras Seen in POEtry
Alexis Deveaux, St. Petersburg College
German Idealist Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, proposed that history is a dialectic, a movement of
events in progressively nonlinear way. This idea is optimized in the work of Edgar Allen Poe, which
synthesize the ideals from the preceding Classical and Enlightenment eras, and incorporate newly
emphasized Romantic virtues.
Paynes Prairie
Commercially Successful Music Analysis
Constance Demille Willis, Jacksonville University
The purpose of this research was to conduct a harmonic analysis of country ballads. Ten top country
ballads were selected from both current song charts as well as music charts from the 60’s to 90’s. A
harmonic analysis of each song was conducted and the way specific chords and progressions function
within a musical phrase were interpreted. The similarities of each song are discussed and the possible
purpose for the composer making specific choices in these songs.
The Key to Broadway Musical Success
Miranda Palumbo, University of Tampa
But what determines if a Broadway Musical is successful? If it is based off of a well-known movie or
35
Saturday—Session 5, 2-2:50 pm
book, will that bring more people to the theatre than if the show’s concept is completely original? This
presentation evaluates the role of source material in the lifespan of Broadway musicals since the 1920’s.
The Evolution of the Modern Music Producer
Malik Jackson, Florida Memorial University
Music production is an ever-growing field, and music producers are increasing at an alarming rate. This
presentation will focus on what is needed to survive in the music industry as a producer.
36
Saturday—Session 6, 3-3:50 pm
Bivens North
Roundtable: Exploring the Good Life through Advertising
Facilitator, Portia Harris, Hillsborough Community College
Hillsborough Community College’s (HCC) Honors Institute offers exciting programs for students to
develop leadership skills, grow academically and build a comradery amongst peers, in essence, help
creating “The Good Life.” As an Honors Advisor, one’s duty is to engage and encourage students to
achieve their educational goals by providing in-depth college information and policy interpretation
relevant to their academic progress. Discussion will include how Advisors provide students with
connections to campus services and share essential academic logistics.
Bivens South
Genetic Modification: The Possibility of Horizontal Gene Transfer Between Modified Bacteria in
Commercial Food Crops and Symbiotic Human Bacteria
Nichole Lee Barber, St. Petersburg College
The possibility of horizontal gene transfer from bacteria in genetically modified crops to bacteria in
humans was investigated to determine the possible pathogenicity of genetically modified crops.
Determining the Presence of Staph in Local Impaired Waterways
Kacey Marie Talbot, Jacksonville University
To assess human infection risk due to Staphylococcus aureus in waterways impaired by fecal bacteria,
water from local creeks was collected and analyzed on CHROMagar™, a bacterial growth medium used
to isolate staph in clinical and industrial samples. MALDI-TOF, rRNA gene sequencing, and additional
biochemical tests will be used to verify species identity in order to evaluate the usage of CHROMagar™
as an analysis tool for the quantification of staph infection risk in environmental samples.
Lakeview North
The Approach
Darnel Joseph, Broward College
What is the proper way to approach and court a woman? I surveyed multiple heterosexual men and
women on how their interactions with the opposite sex have gone in the past. My hope is that through
this research I will have a better understanding of the social dynamics between men and women upon
their first interaction and provide information that will be beneficial to courting as a whole.
37
Saturday—Session 6, 3-3:50 pm
Sexual Attraction in Hair Color: Males suffer from the Oedipus complex but females do not
Daniela Delvescovo, Abraham Miller, and Jennifer Wortham, University of Tampa
This study examines what hair color males and females find sexually attractive in other females; it also
includes analyses to determine if parental hair color is linked to offspring choice in a mate.
Lakeview South
Mental Health Stigmas in College Students
Elise Nancy Gonzalez, Florida Atlantic University
College students have a high risk of suffering from depression, anxiety, and panic disorders, and social
stigmas make it more difficult for students to seek professional help. I am going to examine the causes
of these stigmas, how we can attempt to view these stigmas differently and/ or get rid of them for good,
and how we as honors college students can relay the message to others.
Self-Control of Students in the Face of Digital Distractions
Daisy Nigri, Broward College
Digital devices are important tools in today’s classroom. However, these digital devices are also creating
distractions for many students in the learning environment.
Tolerance and Protectionism
Stephen Garcia, University of North Florida
Students at universities across the country have responded harshly to opinions and ideas that do not
align with their views regarding questions of cultural and sexual identity, and have called for
administrations to act in their interests and protect minorities that they believe need protection. It is
the goal of this presentation to highlight the valid issues and ideals that have led to the upsurge in
protections demanded by students while also addressing the paradoxical decline in tolerance that has
resulted.
Kanapaha
Maya Angelou: Writing for Freedom
Maya Priscilla Burtin, University of Tampa
Through her poetry and writing, Maya Angelou has been able to connect with readers and draw them
into a realm of social change. This paper examines how Angelou uses personal experiences and the
public oppression of African Americans, especially African American women, to convey the strength and
perseverance that both she and the African American community embody.
38
Saturday—Session 6, 3-3:50 pm
The Effects of Social Identity on the Success of African Americans
Neugenia Joseph and Naica Orilas, Florida Memorial University
This presentation will focus on the effects of social identity on individual success. More specifically, this
presentation will examine the effects of social labeling upon African Americans and their success in
society.
Not So Black and White: An Examination of the Disparate Treatment of African Americans by Police
Sarah Elizabeth Kirk, University of Tampa
My research addresses the origins of bias, as well as the way that internalized racial biases manifest in
outward racist actions. Additionally, I explore the causes of disparate policing and its impact on the
African American community. My research concludes with a collection of actions and policies that have
the potential to reduce this bias that is ingrained into our society and those who protect it.
Paynes Prairie
The Last Act: An Exhibit Denied
Jennifer Whittaker, University of Tampa
An Exhibit Denied: Lobby the History of the Enola Gay, by Dr. Martin Harwit, captures the political debate
surrounding a planned 1995 exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum. I have the exclusive rights to
write a screenplay version of this book and the events surrounding the original exhibit. My intention is
to include within the frame of a motion picture every single artifact that would have been on display had
the original exhibit been allowed to move forward. I will be traveling to D.C. to conduct research for the
film and will share the experience.
Privacy as an Atmosphere of Freedom
Andrew Kenneth Faris, Florida Atlantic University
John Stuart Mill was a well-known advocate of rights that guarantee freedom of expression and
individual liberty. Mill´s philosophy was primarily concerned not with government overreach, but with
the effect that private social coercion can have as a means of imposing the cultural values of the
majority on the character and personal development of the individual. In this presentation I will argue
that Mill´s philosophy recognizes the necessity of an expansive right to privacy in the modern world as a
means of encouraging individual-development.
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Saturday—Session 7, 4-4:50 pm
Bivens North
Roundtable: State and Community College Honors Programs
Facilitator, Bobby Hom, Santa Fe College
From recruiting to graduation, what are the “best practices” for two-year college Honors Program? This
roundtable allows experienced directors from established programs and novice directors from new or
programs in transition to share ideas, campus practices, and solutions.
Bivens South
Intimate Partner Violence
Kristy Kenney, Seminole State College
It was love at first sight. He just swept me off my feet. It’s only been six months and we are already
talking about getting an apartment together. And he’s so protective. He always wants me looking my
best and says that I need to lose a few pounds and wants me to start working out with him. My parents
hate him but he says that they are just jealous of our relationship and are trying to take me away from
him. I love him so much. He says that he loves me too and couldn’t live without me. Does this sound
like someone you know? 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will become victims of intimate partner violence.
Get the facts. Know the warning signs. Find out what you can do to save a life.
DMST: The Young Victims of Sex Trafficking in Florida
Kimberly Drake, St. Petersburg College
Domestic minor sex trafficking, or DMST, is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, or obtaining of a
person for the purpose of a commercial sex act where the person is a U.S. citizen under the age of 18. In
the Tampa Bay area it is estimated that hundreds of DMST victims come into contact with professionals
every year who do not recognize them as victims. These children are either misidentified or not
identified at all. We can fight this violation of human dignity by educating ourselves how to identify the
victims and how to get them the help they so desperately need.
Lakeview North
Karma, Reincarnation, and Cosmic Justice—An Ethical Perspective
Angela J. Vanderkarr, University of Tampa
EEG's can now determine the first signs of electromagnetic brain activity of a fetus, approximately 40 to
49 days after conception, which indicates that "life" actually begins much earlier than previously
believed. These findings perfectly coincide with the ancient Jewish and Buddhist beliefs regarding the
journey of the soul, or life force after death, as well as the theories of karma, reincarnation, and cosmic
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Saturday—Session 7, 4-4:50 pm
justice. This presentation explores some of the most debated questions of human existence, looking into
ancient cultural belief systems for fundamental and ethical truths.
Creating Neural Map through 3D Reconstruction
Aniella Murphy, Florida Atlantic University
A neural map is created through 3D reconstruction of the rodent’s brain using AmiraMesh software. The
AmiraMesh program gives quantitative data about the stained cells needed for analysis. The goal of
these reconstructions is to find common characteristics among projecting dendrites based on their
position in the brain. This research will create a tool to increase efficiency in a wide range of
neurological experiments. This project will ultimately improve and encourage future research into
neurodegenerative diseases.
Why Humans Self-Impose Limits
Conor Green, University of Tampa
As human beings, we commonly impose limits on ourselves as we encounter obstacles, problems, or
opposition. My presentation uncovers the basic elements that cause us to self-impose limits and
establishes how these elements interconnect. Research is broken down into three main areas: 1)
survival instincts, 2) innate characteristics or the “nature” aspect, and 3) the external environmental
influences or the “nurture” aspect. By discovering fundamental causes for the common human behavior
of imposing self-limits, we can meet challenges we had previously perceived as impossible.
Lakeview South
The Acai Berry: True Benefits or Just a Craze?
Sarah Lynn Stamos, Florida Atlantic University
The acai berry is said to be one of the healthiest berries available and has been said to help fight health
problems associated with oxidative damage. It has been shown to help in heart health, in digestion, in
skin health, in energy and immune system boosting, and even in anti-aging effects. I will be looking into
these supposed health benefits and attempt to determine if the newly popular and commercialized acai
berry is just as good as its widely popularized proclamations claim.
Why There Should Not Be Restrictions Placed on Biomedical Research
Miranda Noelle Paredes, Seminole State College
I will discuss the multiple benefits that biomedical technology has on research, the numerous health
fields that rely on biomedical technologies, as well as the role that the government plays when it comes
to restrictions on scientific research and how it relates to not having restrictions on research. I will
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Saturday—Session 7, 4-4:50 pm
discuss my own firsthand scientific research experience that I procured thanks to the Bioscience
program at Oviedo High School. Lastly, I will include an opposing viewpoint on why some people may
believe placing restrictions on biomedical research is a good thing.
Kanapaha
A Potential New Source of Biosynthesized Sun Protection
Roberta Spathari and Erin Hoyle, St. Petersburg College
The purpose of this experiment is to find an effective and safe biological source of sun protection.
Pigments from a species of pink yeast were extracted and ultraviolet absorption was determined at
different wavelengths ranging from 290 to 360. Absorption was found at all wavelengths ranging from
12% to 5% absorption. These compounds can be concentrated in order to increase absorption in order
to make an effective, organic based sunscreen.
Wendelstein 7-X: The Latest in Nuclear Fusion
Vincent Indelicato, Florida Atlantic University
The completion of the new Wendelstein 7-X stellarator fusion reactor in Greifswald, Germany, has
revitalized the discussion on nuclear fusion as a source of safe, clean energy. In this presentation I will
explain the basic mechanics of the stellarator and discuss a few of the problems that physicists and
engineers encounter when designing and building fusion reactors.
Paynes Prairie
The Seduction of Literature
Kaitlyn Peacock, University of West Florida
I will present my Honors thesis, which consists of a short story with an accompanying thought paper. I
will focus on the idea that we can tell stories in literature that are socially unacceptable, such as the
story of a pedophile, and why it is acceptable to read such stories. I will examine works of classic
literature, such as Lolita, The Fall of the House of Usher, and Hamlet, to help my argument. I will also
briefly present on my own short story, what I hoped to achieve with it, and how these classic stories
inspired it.
Pride and Prejudice: The Plague of Derivatives
Brittany Paige Mathis, Jacksonville University
Because copyright has lapsed, many authors may now take advantage of Jane Austen’s famous work. A
major concern is the degree to which these new works stay true to Austen’s original message. Such new
approaches allow projection of current issues, fears, hopes, desires, even perversions, onto classics of
the literary canon. Traditional literary critics often argue that classic works should be experienced as the
authors intended.
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Saturday—Good Life Reception & Tour, The Harn Museum of Art, 7-9 pm
The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida is one of the largest university art
museums in the southern United States. Its collections include over 9,000 objects from African,
Asian, modern and contemporary art, and photography with significant representations of
Ancient American, Oceanic, and a growing collection of natural history works on paper.
We invite you to experience the Harn Museum as UF and Santa Fe students do! UF students
enrolled in the course, "What is the Good Life?", and SF students enrolled in Honors “Intro to
Humanities” take a tour highlighting five works that speak to the question, What is the Good
Life? SF Honors students (recognizable by their blue SF Honors Program t-shirts) will be
stationed near the “Good Life” works, ready to converse about the elements of the “good life”
that you and they find in the art and ready to suggest other similar works around the museum.
We also invite you to tour the Harn Museum’s eleven galleries, where you’ll find:
o Framing Nature: The Living World in Art — This exhibit offers a dynamic view of the
artistic engagement with nature across cultures.
o Contesting Terrain – Artists in this exhibition contest history and even the definition of
art itself.
o Michael Kenna: Haiku – Sixty-six photographs by Michael Kenna depict nature and the
manmade world from countries around the world
o Dawoud Bey: First-Year Florida Re-Visited – Five years after making portraits of first
year UF students and asking them to write about their “hopes, dreams, and fears,” the
Harn contacted these same students, inviting them to write about their UF experiences,
both positive and negative.
o Highlights from the Modern Collection – Featured in this exhibition are works from the
museum’s America, European, and Latin American collections spanning the mid-19th
through first half of the 20th century.
o Highlights from the Asian Collection – The Cofrin Asian Art Wing showcases more than
680 works from the the Harn’s collection of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and
south and southeastern Asian art.
o Into the Fold: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection – Featured
in this exhibition are ceramic works by artists inspired by both traditional themes and
the avant-garde.
o Elusive Spirits: African Masquerades – Masks from the mid-20th century to the present
demonstrate the continuity of masking but also new directions in masquerades.
o Dancing in the Moonlight: Zara Masks of Burkina Faso – The exhibition focuses on a
masking tradition of the Islamized Zara peoples of Burkina Faso, called Lo Gue, or White
Masks.
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The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida is part of the UF Cultural
Plaza, located at the corner of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road.
A free shuttle bus service to and from the museum is available, and will run 6:30-9:30 pm.
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Sunday—Session 8, 9-10 am
Bivens North
Workshop: Designing Academically Enriched Theatre Courses
Facilitator, Gary Luter, University of Tampa
As one critic has said, "Art is the most complex form of thinking about life that has ever been
invented.” Honors theatre students at the University of Tampa experience this complexity first-hand in
Honors theatre courses designed to integrate performance with critical thinking skills. Examples of two
such courses are given. One has a focus on the censorship and suppression of artistic expression, past
and present. The other has a focus on plays that challenge authority and speak for those who are
denied equal voice in their communities. Both courses require students to examine art objectively and
formulate arguments and opinions about how theatre can serve what is good and just for society. These
courses and their designs, methodologies and outcomes will be examined and discussed.
Bivens South
Better Balance for Technology
Brittany Allyssa Judson, Raquel Baudrit, and Shawn Z. Zamani, Hillsborough Community College
Living a full life in honors requires engagement, efficiency, and creativity. By utilizing technology, honors
students can maximize individual productivity, collaborate with other students, programs, and
institutions, and improve the quality of their overall academic experience. Utilizing calendar apps, to-do
lists, and cloud management systems, students are better able to manage their time and stay up to date
with their academic work, service initiatives, professional pursuits, and personal goals. Our eWorkshop
consists of a hands-on demonstration of apps we have found to increase our productivity, efficiency,
and the work we conduct with other honors students and organizations.
Kanapaha
Workshop: Dare to Not Compare
Facilitators, Rebecca Fleeman and Lily Parish, University of Florida
It is generally understood that comparing yourself to others is unfair and ultimately detrimental to your
well-being. However, high achieving students often determine self-worth based on how they measure
up to their peers. Our presentation focuses on how beneficial it can be to encourage Honors students to
take the risk to be vulnerable, rather than comparing themselves to their peers. Through our
‘Sophomore Honors Leadership Adventures’ class, we were able to foster an environment where
students had round table discussions about their failures and insecurities without judgment. We
explored how the pressure we feel from our peers and superiors to be flawless affects our decisions
throughout college, as well as how our failures are critical in our journey to seeking the good life. We
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Sunday—Session 8, 9-10 am
believe that analyzing these topics with honors students will cultivate resilience in the wake of failure
and contribute to their overall success. The workshop will include interactive elements to help
participants discuss and practice getting out of their comfort zone.
Lakeview North
The Everglades in 3D
Crystal Russo, Florida International University
This project shows that the aquatic flora of the Everglades has a much greater importance than simply
providing habitat for aquatic fauna. It plays a major role in water purification from natural and manmade pollutants and acts as an indicator of the water quality. This project will explore the extent
aquatic flora purifies water and how these plants affect the Everglades ecosystem. To generate interest
and understanding for all age groups, I will construct realistic, interactive scale models via 3D printing of
the most common plant habitats people might encounter as they explore the Everglades.
Educational Everglades
David Albert Salgado, Florida International University
The Everglades—home to thousands of species, many of them endangered—is a complex wetland that
is being transformed by human development at the tip of South Florida. Its ecological importance
concerns all communities in South Florida, since this delicate environment is our source of water. In
order to create awareness of the Everglades ecological importance, I created an educational plan to
introduce the Everglades to 4th and 5th graders in a local Elementary Schools. This plan included
various sessions using a 5E Inquiry-Based Instructional Model along with several activities to involve the
students in proactive and positive ways. The educational plan will emphasize the significance of
protecting the Everglades by this and future generations.
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Sunday—Session 9, 10:10-11:10 am
The FCHC Writing Contest recognizes the best in Honors research and creative writing. FCHC member
institutions are invited to submit up to three entries in each category: Freshman/Sophomore Research,
Junior/Senior Research, Poetry, and Fiction. Winners are selected by a panel of at least three
community college and university reviewers from a variety of academic disciplines and are awarded
monetary prizes--$200 first place, $150 second place, $100 third place, and $50 honorable mention.
Bivens North
Freshman/Sophomore Research FCHC Writing Award Winners
Social Integration and the International Student Experience
Yanelle Cruz Bonilla, Broward College
International students encounter a higher number of challenges when studying in the United
States. This can affect their academic and social development as they go through the process
of adaptation. Failure to feel included in the college community can severely jeopardize a
student's chances of success. Using student surveys and interviews, my sociological research
used both Vincent Tinto’s Model of Social Integration (1975) and Arnold Van Gennep’s Rites of
Passage (1960) theories to analyze the international student experience at Broward College.
This research highlights both positive and negative practices at Broward College. Students
suggest ways negative practices can improve.
Demonic Possession in Early Modern Europe
Amanda Hash, Hillsborough Community College
The purpose of this paper is to examine the phenomenon of European demonic possession from the
years 1450-1750. Special focus is given to the symptoms of possession, its Biblical origins and their
relevance to early modern Catholic and Protestant beliefs, and the role of gender in shaping its cultural
perception. The causes of possession are examined both at the level of societal and individual.
Commonly cited causes, such as fraud and mental illness, are discussed, as are issues such as religious
guilt, propaganda, and the power of suggestion.
On the Metaphysics of Cloud Atlas: Suicide and Rebirth
Gloria Li, University of Florida
This essay contains a philosophical exploration of suicide and immortality as they pertain to Robert
Frobisher’s character plotline in the 2012 film Cloud Atlas. Before he commits suicide, Frobisher’s letters
to his lover describe his thoughts regarding his decision, including assertions of its certainty and
courage. This essay analyzes the similarities and differences between treatment of suicide and
reincarnation in the Platonic worldview, Nietzsche’s Eternal Recurrence, Camus’ absurdity, and Hume’s
defense. The evaluation of these wide-ranging ideas shed insight on the nature of eternity and these
various philosophers’ perspectives regarding the ethicality and efficacy of suicide.
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Sunday—Session 9, 10:10-11:10 am
A Good Life—“Seeing the Light.” Living with Photosensitive Epilepsy
Prudence Manolov, Seminole State College
The purpose of this research is to identify a subtype of epilepsy known as photosensitivity, which affects
approximately three percent of epileptic patients mostly during childhood and adolescence. The
“Pokémon Shock” incident from December 1997 in Japan was the largest widespread case of
photosensitive epilepsy. I will also research the significant paradigms including its visual triggers,
detection and medical treatment. This research will provide valuable information regarding
photosensitivity and address how its patients can maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Bivens South
Junior/Senior Research FCHC Writing Award Winners
Cognition and Intelligence in Cephalopods
Adam Johnson, Jacksonville University
Richard III and Caliban: Portrayal of Deformity in “Richard III” and “The Tempest”
Alanna Faulk, University of Central Florida
In his plays Richard III and The Tempest, Shakespeare explores the relationship between physical
deformity and moral corruption through the characters of Richard III and Caliban. Despite the fact that
society views their outward deformity as the sign of their moral corruption, both Richard and Caliban
use their rhetorical power to manipulate others in an attempt to gain divine kingship and transcend
their deformity. This ultimately leads to tragedy and demonstrates the consequences of the socially
constructed connection between deformity and moral corruption.
Proliferation and Prosody: Anti-Ciceroniaism in Milton’s Eden
Kaley Cole Jemison, Florida Atlantic University
This paper examines the Garden of Eden’s role as a linguistic space that foregrounds John Milton’s
philological convictions in Paradise Lost. Eden, unlike traditional orderly seventeenth century gardens,
demonstrates a verdant over-proliferation of flora which Adam and Eve continually struggle to restrain.
This superabundance echoes the floridity of the Ciceronian rhetorical style that was derived from the
famous Roman orator, Marcus Cicero, and was popular during the author’s time. The couple’s attempts
to stymie the Garden’s growth signifies the poet’s emphasis on structuring language.
Ordering an Atlas of Clouds: A Literary Approach to Theoretical Physics
Noah Rucker, University of Florida
The paper explores the relationship between the basic premise of the theoretical model of String Theory
and the thematic structure of the novel Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. The basic postulate of String
Theory revolves around the idea that the smallest constituents of matter and energy are tiny vibrating
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Sunday—Session 9, 10:10-11:10 am
strings that entail the structure and design of every kind of known particle, linking otherwise
incommensurable aspects of the known universe. Cloud Atlas’ disparate thematic structure is then
analyzed and compared, with the conclusion being that both disciplines exhibit their own search for
holistic truth.
Lakeview North
Poetry Writing Award Winners
My America
Yara Khalifa, Nova Southeastern University
“Keep your head up, love” my mother says.
Sent off with a kiss and a brown lunch bag. Contorted faces and visible scowls,
No one tries to hide their distaste,
I nervously look for a seat.
“Can I sit he—”
“No”
But why? I think to myself
I look down and realize,
Oh right.
Agate
Sujaya Rajguru, University of Florida
The Possibility, all gone.
Instigator of tears refusing to stream down her face.
Too much pride.
The water that drips inside her heart, a substitution for tears, is
Trivial, Negligible. . . They create
Icicles.
Cold, Hard, Stone
Kyle and His Bike
Sid Johnston, Daytona State College
Afterwards
Katharine Angelopoulos, University of Florida
Somewhere and when, not here or now,
should poppies kiss the morning mist
and bury roots through shapeless sieve:
that is the end, the start of We.
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Sunday—Session 9, 10:10-11:10 am
Lakeview South
Fiction Writing Award Winners
Alone
David Lucien, Florida Atlantic University
Shiver
Kaitlyn Stockdale, University of Tampa
Untitled
Alita Milian, Santa Fe College
I'd been seeing him for the past six months.
In the middle of the night, to no one else's knowledge besides our own, he arrived and
delivered my utmost pleasure. Some nights, the amount was so heavy that I would go weeks
without needing to see him. Others, he gave so little that I would beg him to bring me more.
Damn, his books were good.
Which One is Fairer
Rebecca Marshall, Seminole State College
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Hotel Map
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