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The FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) seeks to increase the number of students participating in and completing mentored undergraduate research and internship opportunities by collaborating with FAMU’s colleges and schools as well as external entities. These opportunities are designed to encourage and motivate undergraduate students to fully leverage these unique extensions of their academic careers. It is our intention, as a result of these experiences, to better position students to enter the workforce with applied knowledge and skills essential to their success

Research Symposium Purpose

The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) provides a platform for undergraduate students to showcase their research, creative work, and academic achievements to a broader audience. This URS allows students to engage in scholarly discourse, network with peers and professionals, and develop communication and presentation skills. Our undergraduates have an opportunity to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation among undergraduates by encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and promoting the sharing of ideas across fields.

Consequently, the FAMU Undergraduate Research Symposium helps inspire and recognize our undergraduates' academic and intellectual accomplishments while providing a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth.

About FAMU

The FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research

Founded October 3, 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public, historically Black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. What distinguishes FAMU from other universities is its legacy of providing access to a high- quality, aIordable education with programs and services that guide students toward successfully achieving their dreams. FAMU is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

In addition to the main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has several satellite campuses across Florida. These include the College of Law in Orlando and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, which has sites in Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.

Quick Facts

• Enrolls nearly 10,000 students from across the United States and more than 70 countries.

• 2020-2021 Academic Proﬁle (Admitted First Time in College Students) – 3.67 GPA / 23 ACT

• Retention Rate 82% / Acceptance Rate 30%

• One-third of summer and fall 2020 incoming students majored in S.T.E.A.M.

Accolades

Florida A&M University earned multiple spots on the badge- eligible list of the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges because of its high rankings:

• National Universities #152

• Top Public Schools - National Universities #81

• Best Value - National Universities #87

• Social Mobility - National Universities #20

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities #3

• Best Undergraduate Computer Science #214

• Best Undergraduate Psychology #249

• Best Undergraduate Nursing #254

• 23 degree programs ranked in top 10

• National Science Foundation Top HBCU for Research and Development #1

• Named Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader

• Forbes Top HBCU for online programs #1

• Producer of African-American Bachelor’s (Baccalaureate) Graduates, Diverse Issues in Higher Education Top 100 #11

April 4, 2026

Dear Faculty, staff, students and guests:

Welcome to Florida A&M University’s 4th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.

This symposium reflects a core truth about our institution: research is not reserved for a select few. It is a pathway for all students to question, to explore, and to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

At FAMU, we understand that learning is not just about what you know, but how you grow, how you think, and how you carry that knowledge forward. The work presented here represents more than completed projects. It represents persistence, critical thinking, and the willingness to engage with complex ideas.

Whether you are sharing your findings or learning from your peers, you are participating in a scholarly community that values rigor, collaboration, and discovery. Today is not only a reflection of academic effort, but of late nights, quiet determination, and a belief in your own abilities. That matters. It matters here, and it will matter long after you leave this campus.

Move through this experience with confidence and openness, knowing that your perspective has purpose. The questions you ask today, and the methods you use to pursue answers, are the same tools that will shape your impact in your chosen fields.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the faculty and mentors whose intentional investment in your growth sustains this work. Through your scholarship, guidance, and dedication, you are shaping not only capable researchers, but critical thinkers equipped to engage and influence an evolving world.

To our student participants, I encourage you to listen deeply, ask boldly, and connect genuinely. The relationships you build and the ideas exchanged here have the potential to extend far beyond this moment. Years from now, may you look back on this day and always be inspired.

We are proud of you. We are invested in you. And we are excited about all that you will continue to become.

Thank you for being a part of this important tradition.

With Rattler Pride, Marva B. Johnson, J.D. President Florida A&M University

April 8, 2026

Dear Undergraduate Research Symposium Scholars, Faculty, and Participants,

Welcome to the 4th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium at Florida A&M University. This annual gathering highlights one of the most important dimensions of the student experience at FAMU: the opportunity to engage in discovery, inquiry, and innovation alongside dedicated faculty mentors and peers.

Undergraduate research plays a vital role in preparing students for graduate study, professional leadership, and meaningful contributions to their communities and disciplines. Through your work investigating questions, analyzing evidence, and sharing new knowledge, you are strengthening the University’s culture of scholarship and advancing FAMU’s growing research momentum.

Your participation reflects the priorities outlined in the University’s Boldly Striking Strategic Plan and the Division of Academic Affairs’ continued focus on student success, academic excellence, and expanded pathways to opportunity. Experiences like the Undergraduate Research Symposium help ensure that FAMU students graduate not only with strong academic preparation but also with the confidence and skills to lead in a rapidly evolving world.

I commend each of you for your commitment to research and creative activity, and I extend my sincere appreciation to the faculty mentors whose guidance makes this work possible. I encourage you to continue building on this experience as you consider future study, careers, and leadership roles that extend the impact of your scholarship beyond the classroom.

Best wishes for a successful and inspiring Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Sincerely,

Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

April 8, 2026

Tiffany W. Ardley, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry

Director, Office of Undergraduate Research

Director, BSPS Degree Program

College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health

Florida A&M University

Tallahassee, FL 32307

Dr. Ardley and the Undergraduate Research Symposium Students:

Undergraduate research remains a defining pillar of academic excellence at Florida A&M University, and I am honored to extend my full support for the 4th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Title III has played a vital role in strengthening the Undergraduate Research Program, ensuring that students have meaningful opportunities to engage in inquiry, develop research skills, and prepare for future scientific and professional pathways. As reflected in last year’s letter, undergraduate research continues to serve as “an essential cornerstone for students to participate in research that will lead to scientific advances in the future”.

This year’s symposium highlights the dedication, creativity, and intellectual curiosity of our students. Their presentations will represent not only the culmination of months of hard work but also the promise of future contributions to their fields. These experiences, rooted in hands‑on learning and faculty mentorship, are central to FAMU’s mission and to the University’s commitment to fostering student success at every level of research engagement. As noted previously, “what students experience now will better prepare them for the future,” a sentiment that continues to guide our support for this important initiative.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, I remain committed to advancing programs that elevate student achievement, expand research capacity, and strengthen the University’s academic profile. Title III is proud to contribute to the growth and sustainability of undergraduate research at FAMU, and we celebrate the faculty, staff, and students whose efforts make this symposium a signature event each year.

To our students: thank you for your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Your achievements reflect the very best of Florida A&M University, and we look forward to the continued impact of your scholarly accomplishments.

Sincerely,

Erick Akins, Ph.D., Executive Director Office of Title III

April 8, 2026

Dear Students, Faculty, and Guests,

It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to the 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium. Now in its fourth year, this annual event continues to grow as a signature celebration of the intellectual curiosity, dedication, and creativity of our undergraduate scholars.

This year marks a signiﬁcant milestone for the symposium, with over 100 submitted abstracts and nearly 150 student presenters representing a wide range of disciplines across our campus. This remarkable growth reﬂects the expanding culture of research and scholarly engagement at Florida A&M University and the increasing commitment of our students to discovery and innovation.

This symposium represents months sometimes years of hard work, perseverance, and collaboration between students and their faculty mentors. The research presented here spans diverse academic ﬁelds, highlighting the richness of thought and inquiry that deﬁnes our institution. Each project embodies the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of knowledge.

Undergraduate research is more than an academic exercise it is a transformative experience. It teaches students how to ask meaningful questions, pursue answers with rigor, and communicate their ﬁndings with clarity and conﬁdence. These experiences prepare our students to excel in graduate study, professional careers, and as impactful contributors to society.

To our student presenters: congratulations on reaching this important milestone. Your work inspires us, and we are honored to celebrate your achievements.

To our faculty mentors, staN, and supporters: thank you for your unwavering dedication to student success. Your mentorship is essential in cultivating a thriving research environment.

And to our guests and attendees: thank you for joining us in recognizing and supporting the accomplishments of our undergraduate researchers. Your presence aPrms the value of scholarship and innovation within our community.

On behalf of the OPce of Undergraduate Research, thank you for being part of this special occasion. I encourage you to explore, engage, and enjoy the outstanding work showcased today.

Sincerely,

T i f f a n y W i l s o n A r d l e y

Director, OPce of Undergraduate Research Florida A&M University

Undergraduate Rattler Research Mentors

Albert Ngo, Ph.D.

Beni Dangi, Ph.D.

Benjamin Mwashote, Ph.D.

Bereket Mochona, Ph.D.

Bishnu Regmi, Ph.D.

Brandon Moton, DrPH

Bridg'ette Israel, Ph.D.

Carlos Theran-Suarez, Ph.D.

Carol Scarlett, Ph.D.

Cheslan Simpson, Ph.D.

Clement G. Yedjou, Ph.D., ACUE

Corbin Robinson, PhD

Daniel Hadush, Ph.D.

Doreen Kobelo, Ph.D.

Edwin Duke, Ph.D.

Erdell Maurice, Ph.D.

George Audi, Ph.D.

Hubert Hirwa, Ph.D.

Idongesit Mkpong-Ruffin, Ph.D.

Jacquelyn McMillan, PhD, LCSW, QS

Jamel Ali, Ph.D.

Lee Bushong, Ph.D.

Leeshawn Thomas, Ph.D., M.S.

Leon Prosper, Ph.D.

Lewis Johnson , Ph.D.

Mandip Sachdeva, Ph.D.

Michael Martinez-Colon, Ph.D.

Mohamed K. Ahmed, Ph.D., MBA, PMP

Natalie Arnett, Ph.D.

Nelly Mateeva, Ph.D.

Oluwatoyin Sangokunle, Ph.D.

Phyillis Reaves, PhD

Rajesh Singh Rathore, Ph.D.

Renee Reams, Ph.D.

Richard Brito, MSW

Richard Schulterbrandt Gragg III, Ph.D.

Ronald Williams, Ph.D.

Roshan Panahi, Ph.D.

Samuel Erskine, Ph.D.

Simon Foo, Ph.D.

Stephon Arce, Ph.D.

Syreeta Tilghman, Ph.D.

Jermaine Robertson, Ph.D. Tanise Jackson, DVM, DACLAM, CPIA

Jeuanne Pitter, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Jillian Pope, Ph.D.

Jocelyn Spates, Pharm.D., BCPS

Thomas White, M.S.

Tiffany Ardley, Ph.D.

Tyrone McGriff, Jr.

John Cooperwood, PhD, Pharmacy BS Ukamaka Smith, Pharm.D., MBA, ACUE

Jonathon Stevens. M.A.

Juyeong Choi, Ph.D.

Keniya Mitchell, MHS

Kinfe K Redda, PhD

Kyle Harris, Ph.D.

Veera Badisa, Ph.D.

Victor Eno, Ph.D.

Yohn Bautista, Ph.D.

Yvonne Nelson-Langley, MSW

Zhiyong Liang, Ph.D.

Florida A&M University 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium Program

Poster Setup 10:00 AM

Opening Session 10:30 AM

Welcome and Program Overview

Greetings

Poster Presentations & Judging 11:00 AM -12:30 PM

Tiffany W. Ardley, Ph.D.

Associate Professor & Director Office of Undergraduate Research

Erick Akins, Ph.D.

Executive Director Office of Title III

Allyson Watson, Ph.D.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Judges Finalize Scoring 12:30-12:45 PM

Lunch 1:00-1:50 PM – Lawson Concourse

Closing Session 2:00 PM

Award Presentations

Closing Remarks

Tiffany W. Ardley, Ph.D.

Associate Professor & Director Office of Undergraduate Research

Florida A&M University

2026 Undergraduate Student Research Symposium

Poster Presentations

April

Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center Concourse

Florida A&M University 2026 Undergraduate Student Research Symposium

Florida A&M University

2026 Undergraduate Student Research Symposium

Florida A&M University 2026 Undergraduate Student Research Symposium

Name of Presenter

Mecca Mickens-Malik

Jalia Miles 21

Miller

Shanyeri Mills

Joi Monsanto

Nana-Yaa Nanor 7

Kimia Ndombe-Lafortune 7 Behavioral Sciences

Nevaeh-Ann Neal 79

Taliyah O'Neal

Karlee Parker

Konner Paul

Ny'lah Pierre

Esther Pierrelouis

Raia Prevost

Quant

Sidney Radford 22 Health Sciences

Kaia Randolph 17 Health Sciences

Yasmin Rhoden 25 Health Sciences

Tori Richardson 22 Health Sciences

Jourdan Robinson

Selena Robinson

Rolle

Rosemarie Rosales

Sarah Salomon

Laila Siplin

Florida A&M University 2026 Undergraduate Student Research Symposium

The Blunt Truth: Cannabis and Harm Reduction Interventions

Ryanne Daniels

College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities

Department of Social Work

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

The Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is charged with educating Florida's diverse communities on the complexities of cannabis use. This research evaluates the impact of harm reduction services and educational interventions in reducing the negative social and physical consequences associated with both lawful and unlawful marijuana use. While the program highlights the potential health risks and legal ramifications of recreational use, it also serves as a critical resource for understanding the therapeutic applications of medical marijuana. By examining the efficacy of MMERI’s "Conversations on Cannabis" this study explores how informed public discourse can decrease stigma and mitigate high-risk behaviors. The findings suggest that providing accessible, evidence-based information regarding state statutes and health outcomes acts as a vital harmreduction tool, fostering a safer environment for patients, caregivers, and the general public. Ultimately, this research underscores the role of institutional education in bridging the gap between medical necessity and public safety within minority and multigenerational populations.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

The Relationship Between Rural Communities and Firearm Ownership: How Geography Shapes Perception

Arianna M. DeBagio

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University; College of Education Monet1.debagio@famu.edu

Rural communities often exhibit higher rates of firearm ownership than urban areas due to a combination of cultural, practical, and historical factors. Individuals in these areas typically use firearms for hunting, recreation, sport, and personal protection. They are also closely tied to traditions, family practices, and values emphasizing self-reliance. However, this raises important concerns about safety, storage, and access, especially in households with children. The purpose of this study was to examine college-aged students’ perceptions of firearms, with a focus on differences between rural and urban backgrounds. A quantitative survey, developed based on a literature review, was administered to college students from rural and urban backgrounds to collect data on firearm exposure, safety training, and personal attitudes toward firearm ownership and use. The analysis identified trends in perceptions and potential associations with geographic upbringing. Findings showed that students from rural backgrounds reported greater exposure to firearms, greater familiarity with firearm safety, and an overall more favorable view of firearm ownership, while urban students expressed greater concerns about safety and regulation. These results suggest that geographic location plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of firearms, highlighting the need for tailored education that promotes responsible use while respecting community differences. Understanding these differences can guide targeted education, community-based safety programs, and initiatives that promote responsible firearm use across diverse communities. Rural communities often exhibit higher rates of firearm ownership than urban areas due to cultural, practical, and historical factors. Firearms in these areas are commonly used for hunting, recreation, sport, and personal protection, and they are closely tied to traditions, family practices, and self-reliance. Despite this prevalence, concerns remain regarding safety, storage, and access, particularly in households with children, and how perceptions of firearms differ among younger populations. The purpose of this study was to examine college-aged students’ perceptions of firearms, with a focus on differences between rural and urban backgrounds. Based on a literature review, a quantitative survey was developed and administered to students from rural and urban areas to gather information on firearm exposure, safety training, and attitudes toward ownership and use. Data were analyzed to identify trends in perceptions and associations with geographic upbringing.Findings indicated that students from rural backgrounds reported greater exposure to firearms, higher familiarity with firearm safety practices, and more favorable attitudes toward firearm ownership, while students from urban areas expressed greater concerns regarding safety and regulation.These results highlight the significant role of geographic and cultural context in shaping firearm perceptions. Understanding these differences can inform targeted education, community-based safety programs, and public health initiatives that promote responsible firearm use while respecting local traditions. This study contributes to broader knowledge of how rural upbringing influences attitudes toward firearms and underscores the importance of context-sensitive approaches to firearm safety and injury prevention.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Mental Health Service Access for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care: A Systematic Review and Implications for Social Work Practice

Secoya Johnson; Dr. Jacquelyn McMillan, PhD, LCSW, QS

College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities , Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

E-mail of corresponding author Jacquelyn.Mcmillan@famu.edu

Significant barriers continue to hinder the success of youth aging out of foster care as they attempt to access and maintain mental health services. This systematic review of the literature examines how limited access to mental health care and challenges in sustaining services affect youth transitioning into adulthood. Multiple academic databases available in the Florida A&M University library system were used to search for relevant research literature, focusing on Englishlanguage, peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2026. After screening titles, abstracts, and keywords, thirteen studies met the criteria for full review, including both qualitative and quantitative research. Findings indicate that youth used mental health services less frequently after leaving foster care, revealing consistent difficulties in engaging in treatment, maintaining continuity of care, and navigating adult mental health systems. The literature also highlights ongoing gaps in the transition from child to adult services, which negatively impact youths’ experiences and outcomes. Evidence from this review shows a clear pattern of disruption in access to mental health services among youth aging out of foster care. These findings emphasize the need for stronger coordination, increased support systems, and continued advocacy as these young people transition into adulthood. Social workers, educators, health care professionals, and community leaders play a critical role in helping these individuals connect to services, express their needs, and receive consistent support.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use and College Students: Implications of AI for

Classroom Learning.

Morgan Kenly and Dr. Leona Johnson

College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Leona.Johnson@famu.edu

This paper examines the growing use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) among college students and its implications for classroom learning. As AI tools become more accessible, students increasingly rely on them for tasks such as writing, studying, and problem-solving. While these technologies can enhance learning by providing immediate feedback, personalised support, and increased efficiency, they also raise concerns about academic integrity and critical thinking. This paper explores both the benefits and challenges of AI use in academic settings and considers how educators can adapt teaching strategies, policies, and assessments to promote responsible and effective use of AI. Understanding these implications is essential for the educational advancement of students as well as instructors in the academic setting

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

The Cycle of Control: Coercion, Abuse of Victims, and Economic Independence

College

Abigail E. Legg

of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities |

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Abigail1.legg@famu.edu

This project addresses the persistent and often overlooked ways intimate partner violence extends beyond physical harm into reproductive coercion and economic abuse, two forms of control that significantly limit a survivor’s ability to leave unsafe relationships. The purpose of this work is to examine how these patterns of coercion function together to create long-term dependence, particularly for mothers who must also consider the safety and stability of their children. This topic was chosen to better understand the structural and psychological barriers that keep survivors trapped, and to contribute to more effective responses within social work and related fields. To explore this issue, a structured review of existing peer-reviewed literature was conducted using academic databases available through Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Sources were selected based on relevance to intimate partner violence, coercive control, reproductive autonomy, and economic stability. The review focused on studies that provided both theoretical grounding and empirical evidence, allowing for a well-rounded understanding of how these dynamics operate in real-world contexts. The literature consistently shows that reproductive coercion and economic abuse are used as deliberate strategies to limit autonomy, disrupt access to resources, and increase emotional and financial dependence. These tactics are closely tied to poorer mental health outcomes, including increased anxiety, depressive symptoms, and reduced selfefficacy. At the same time, access to financial education, community resources, and consistent social support emerged as protective factors that can help survivors regain independence and begin to break free from cycles of abuse. The implications of this work point to the need for more comprehensive intervention strategies that address not only physical safety but also financial empowerment and reproductive autonomy. It reinforces the importance of trauma-informed practice, stronger policy protections, and interdisciplinary collaboration to support survivors in reclaiming control over their lives. This project contributes to a deeper understanding of coercive control and calls attention to the need for systems that prioritize long-term stability and survivorcentered care.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)Government of Namibia Partnership in HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control and Outcomes for Health, Wellness and Life Expectancy of Namibians.

Amaya G. McCarther and Victor Eno

College of Social Sciences Arts and Humanities- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Amaya1.mccarther@famu.edu

The country of Namibia in southern Africa has approximately 3 million people. With about 185,000 people living with HIV including 9,000 children, the HIV/ AIDS epidemic is incredibly prevalent there. Additionally, the issues of gender-based violence, patriarchal social structure, lack of sexual health education, community-based resources, and behavioral interventions only add to the number of emerging HIV cases on a regular basis. Fortunately, United States’ health assistance intervention through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been putting in meaningful work towards improving the healthcare and life expectancy of Namibian citizens in regards to HIV/AIDS prevention and control for the past 22 years. This study examines the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Namibia and PEPFAR’s strides for improvement using mixed method research. Through reviewing secondary data in PEPFAR documents, Namibia Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) reports, and scholarly studies that highlight the HIV epidemic in Namibia, this study provides a clear picture of afflictions of HIV and the intervention work of PEPFAR in partnership with the Government of Namibia. Furthermore, data from primary sources using oral interviews and surveys will help to gauge the performance of PEPFAR and Namibia government agencies including MoHSS in delivery of HIV prevention and control services. The objective of this research is to understand the impact of the PEPFAR initiative in Namibia, examine challenges that the PEPFAR-Government of Namibia partnership has faced in HIV/AIDS management, and identify lessons from the Namibian experience that other countries in Africa and the Global South can utilize for more effective HIV/AIDS intervention. Finally, the study assesses future steps for PEPFAR in regards to Namibia’s HIV/AIDS epidemic response considering current U.S international health assistance policy changes.

Comparative Machine Learning

Analysis of Breast Tumor Classification Using Concavity and Concave Point Features

Madisyn Aikens, Ayanna McCarthy, Raia Prevost, Kimia Ndombe-Lafortune, Nana-Yaa Nanor, Clement G. Yedjou

Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1610 S. Martin Luther King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307, United States

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in the United States, although recent declines in mortality rates have been achieved through improved early detection and advances in therapeutic strategies. Accurate classification of breast lesions into benign and malignant categories remains essential for guiding clinical decision-making and optimizing patient outcomes. Conventional diagnostic approaches including physical examination, mammography, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, and core needle biopsy are often used in combination to enhance diagnostic accuracy; however, each method has inherent limitations when used independently. Recent advances in machine learning (ML) have demonstrated considerable potential for improving breast cancer diagnosis by leveraging quantitative image-derived features. In this study, we investigate the application of ML algorithms to classify breast tumors using morphological features extracted from digitized FNA images. A publicly available dataset comprising 569 patient cases (Breast Cancer Wisconsin dataset) was obtained from Kaggle. The analysis focused on two real-valued features concavity and concave points which quantify the degree and distribution of irregularities along the tumor boundary and are strongly associated with malignant transformation. Our results indicate that 63% of the cases were classified as benign and 37% as malignant, consistent with known clinical distributions. Benign tumors are generally characterized by slow growth and non-invasive behavior, whereas malignant tumors exhibit rapid proliferation and metastatic potential. These findings highlight the importance of concavity-based features in distinguishing tumor types and demonstrate the effectiveness of ML approaches in enhancing classification performance. This study underscores the value of integrating computational methods with cytopathological data to support more accurate, efficient, and data-driven breast cancer diagnosis.

Ideology Under Pressure: How Black Liberation Movements Split, Adapt, and Reunite in a Digital Age

Morgan Watkins, and Suprivsed by Dr. Kyle Harris

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University E-mail of corresponding author: morgan.watkins@famu.edu & kyle.harris@famu.edu

Black liberation movements in the United States have never followed a single, unified path. Instead, they have developed through cycles of disagreement, adaptation, and collaboration. This research explores how internal ideological differences shaped by class, culture, and political strategy interact with external forces such as government surveillance and media representation. Through historical research and media analysis, the study examines how programs like COINTELPRO intensified division through surveillance, misinformation, and disruption, ultimately weakening collective political action. At the same time, mainstream and commercial media have often reframed Black political struggle by focusing on individual success and consumer participation rather than structural inequality. Drawing on Jared A. Ball’s critique of the myth of Black buying power, this project argues that media narratives can shift political struggle into market behavior, limiting broader visions of collective change. In today’s digital landscape, algorithm driven platforms continue these patterns by rewarding simplified and emotionally charged content, while also creating space for independent voices and counterpublic journalism. Ultimately, this research presents Black freedom as an ongoing and evolving process shaped by both internal debate and external pressure. While media visibility can amplify voices, it does not automatically lead to structural transformation, making it essential to connect representation with policy, organization, and material change.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

The

Lack of Adherence of the General Population to Vaccines in

Brazil

Hyjah Bennett, Kingston Chisolm, Aniyah Buckley, Promys Smith

School of Allied Health Science, Florida A&M University

Corresponding Author: Hyjah1.Bennett@famu.edu

Brazil faces persistent challenges in achieving high vaccination coverage, particularly among children. Vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and limited access in remote regions contribute to low adherence rates. Our research poster examines vaccination uptake in Brazil and proposes strategies to improve adherence. Data from 30 municipalities revealed that 302,603 individuals received at least one vaccine dose. Of these, 68% initiated vaccination during the first phase, 31.9% during the second, and 0.1% outside recommended timelines. Despite national programs, gaps in coverage remain significant. In 2020, 23 million children globally missed routine immunizations, with Brazil reflecting this trend. We propose a nationwide program combining traditional outreach radio campaigns, school visits, and door-to-door education with modern strategies such as QR code-enabled websites and mobile health clinics. Partnerships with the Brazilian Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and Gavi are essential to reduce hesitancy, expand access, and promote healthier futures. In conclusion, we recommend partnership and collaboration in communities with public health organizations to foster adherence in Brazil countrywide.

Impact of Working During Pharmacy School Among Students at an HBCU College of Pharmacy

Aleigh R. Bonner; Jeania A. Bloom; Jocelyn Spates

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health

Aleigh1.bonner@famu.edu

From student to student, working during pharmacy school can look very different and can have both positive and negative effects. Many pharmacy students work to support themselves financially, gain experience, or build professional connections, but balancing work with a demanding academic schedule may also increase stress, burnout, and impact academic performance. This study explores how working during pharmacy school influences academic success, well-being, and perceived career readiness among students at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The research focuses on PharmD students (P1–P4) at Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Students who work will be compared to those who do not work, as well as across different work-hour levels, to better understand how varying commitments may influence outcomes. Data will be collected through a 10–15-minute anonymous online survey that asks about demographics, employment status, weekly work hours, academic performance, burnout, stress, motivation, engagement, and professional development. Previous research suggests that working during professional school can provide valuable real-world experience and improve career readiness, but it may also lead to increased stress and decreased academic performance when work hours become excessive. However, there is limited research specifically focused on pharmacy students at HBCUs, making this study important in addressing that gap. By comparing these factors, this study aims to better understand the balance between the benefits and challenges of working during pharmacy school. The findings will help highlight how employment affects student success, mental health, and professional growth. Ultimately, this research may provide insight into how colleges of pharmacy can better support students through academic advising, wellness initiatives, and policies designed to help students successfully balance work and school responsibilities.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

AI-Driven Drug Design: Developing Natural Product-Based Hexokinase-2 and c-Met Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors with Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Effects for Oral Cancer Therapy

Madison Brown1, Hanna Burton2 Bereket Mochona*1

1Department of Chemistry, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307 USA

2College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307 USA

*Corresponding author: bereket.mochona@famu.edu.

At present, cancer therapy interfering with a single biological molecule or pathway has been successfully utilized. Still, the problem of drug resistance and the general belief that agents modulating multiple targets could have superior efficacy compared to single-target drugs have led to the search for molecules that do so. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across the pharmaceutical landscape. AI is transforming the process from the traditional, often costly, and trial-and-error methods to a data-driven, precise, and accelerated workflow. AI-driven discovery integrates generative models with computational chemistry. Biocuration has become an essential part of biological discovery and biomedical research. However, as the volume of biological literature grows, it becomes increasingly difficult for biocurators to keep pace, as manual biocuration is a highly expensive and time-consuming endeavor. By leveraging transformative AI tools and computer-aided drug design (CADD) methods, we have undertaken in silico identification of potential dual-acting anticancer agents based on the piplartine alkaloid for oral cancer therapy. A multifaceted approach was employed, commencing with AI-driven screening techniques to rapidly identify potential HK-2 and tyrosine kinase inhibitors from vast compound libraries and literature, including the ZINC and CHEMBL databases. AI-screened compounds were further validated through structure-based virtual screening to evaluate their binding affinities to the selected targets. In addition, a dedicated library of anticancer compounds (65,000) and protein kinase inhibitors (36,324) was used for virtual screening. Subsequently, pharmacokinetic profiling narrowed the selection to 24 hit compounds. Three hit compounds were chosen based on binding affinity, non-bonded interactions, stereochemistry, and pharmacokinetic profiles for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The comprehensive computational analysis confirms that compounds 4 and 5 are promising hits with potential therapeutic applications in the development of new treatments for oral cancer.

The Roles of Occupational Therapy: Managing Sensory Integration for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Skylar M. Clayton

Florida

Agricultural and Mechanical University skylar1.clayton@famu.edu

Sensory Integration is a foundational requirement in human development and daily living. Yet, individuals with autism experience neurological barriers. This research will explore the critical issue of sensory processing dysfunction, which results in hyper- or hypo-responsivity to environmental stimuli. These obstacles lead to emotional imbalances, inadequate social regulation, and low academic performance. These create a divide in the quality of life for individuals with autism. This research aims to find how specialized interventions can develop autonomy.

This research will be conducted through the analysis of prior clinical studies, peer-reviewed sources, and established data on the use of the just-right challenge in environments, which help define its impact on brain functioning and adaptive responses. Attention will be focused on examples that prioritize individual autonomy.

While research is in the early stages, the hypothesis suggests that occupational therapy using sensory-based therapies will improve one’s ability to manage daily life, perform well academically, and improve socialization. It will show how stabilizing systems within can help reduce cognitive burden, which in turn improves environmental awareness, memory, and goal-oriented tasks. Shifting toward sensory-based therapies is vital for neurodivergent individuals and necessary for adaptation.

Barriers and Facilitators to Nursing Informatics Tools in Hospital Settings

Brianna M. Cook

School of Allied Health Science

By facilitating clinical decision-making, increasing documentation accuracy, and improving patient care outcomes, nursing informatics plays a crucial role in contemporary healthcare. Despite these advantages, registered nurses’ and nursing students’ use of informatics technologies in hospital settings remains uneven. To improve implementation tactics and enhance efficient use in clinical practice, this study investigates the perceived barriers and facilitators influencing the adoption of nursing informatics technologies. The study employed a systematic examination of peer-reviewed literature with an emphasis on hospital-based nursing populations. Common themes in organizational, technical, and personal variables influencing adoption were identified through data analysis. The results show that resistance to change, an excessive workload, poor training, and problems with system use are the main obstacles. Peer cooperation, user-friendly design, leadership assistance, and access to continuing education are examples of facilitators. Experience levels and clinical contexts were shown to differ in preparedness, with nursing students frequently exhibiting less confidence than more seasoned nurses. These results show that to promote adoption, specific training, better system design, and encouraging organizational contexts are required. This study advances knowledge of nursing informatics adoption and offers guidance to businesses, educators, and healthcare executives seeking to enhance patient care outcomes and technology integration. The findings also imply that future studies should examine long-term adoption outcomes more closely and assess interventions that address issues at the individual and systemic levels, as well as the general efficacy of nursing practice.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

AI-Based Breast Tumor Classification Using Smoothness and Compactness Features

Samiah Dorsett, Ravi-Ann Douse, Briana Fountain, Clement G. Yedjou

Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1610 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in the United States. Although mortality rates have declined in recent years due to advances in early detection and improved therapeutic strategies, accurate classification of breast lesions remains critical for effective clinical management. Standard Diagnostic approaches including mammography, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, and core needle biopsy are often used in combination to enhance diagnostic reliability, though each method has inherent limitations when applied independently .Recent advancements in machine learning (ML) have demonstrated significant potential in improving the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis and prediction. In this study, we evaluate the application of ML techniques to classify breast tumors using quantitative morphological features derived from digitized FNA images. A publicly available dataset comprising 569 patient cases (Breast Cancer Wisconsin dataset) was utilized. The analysis focused on two real-valued features smoothness and compactness which describe the uniformity of cell boundaries and the degree of shape regularity, respectively, and are indicative of tumor morphology. The results show that 63% of cases were classified as benign and 37% as malignant, aligning with known clinical distributions. Benign tumors are typically characterized by slower growth and non-invasive behavior, whereas malignant tumors exhibit rapid proliferation and the potential for Metastasis. These findings suggest that smoothness and compactness are informative features for distinguishing between tumor types and highlighting the effectiveness of ML-based approaches in supporting breast cancer classification. This study underscores the value of integrating computational methods with cytological data to enhance diagnostic precision and support data-driven clinical decision-making.

The Current State of Professionals Preparing to Enter Geriatric Care Fields in Brazil

Ariyana Exantus, Summer Littles, Marecia Young

School of Allied Health Sciences, Florida A&M University

Corresponding Author: ariyana1.exantus@famu.edu

Brazil’s rapidly aging population has intensified the demand for a specialized geriatric care workforce. Individuals aged 65 and older grew by 57% between 2010 and 2022, now account for 11% of the population. Despite this demographic shift, geriatric and palliative care services remain underdeveloped. Hospice care is largely limited to end-of-life support and concentrated in urban regions, leaving rural and underserved areas with significant gaps in access. Persistent workforce shortages, limited gerontology content in health curricula, and uneven service distribution further widen disparities in care. This research examines the state of professional preparation for geriatric care in Brazil and identifies opportunities to strengthen workforce capacity and service delivery. National demographic data, health system reports, and studies on gerontology education and palliative care integration revealed deficiencies in training, service availability, and policy frameworks. Findings highlight the scarcity of geriatric specialists, fragmented interprofessional collaboration, and limited integration of palliative care into primary health networks. As a result, many older adults face avoidable hospitalizations, inadequate symptom management, and increased caregiver strain. Recommendations include expanding gerontology education across health professions, integrating palliative care into primary care systems, and developing national workforce projections. Innovative models such as telehealth, task-sharing, and community palliative hubs can help reduce geographic disparities. A government-supported Geriatric Healthcare Initiative Program could further expand hospice infrastructure, provide training, and raise public awareness. Brazil’s experience demonstrates the need for proactive workforce development and coordinated service integration to meet the growing demands of an aging population and may offer guidance for other transitioning nations.

Machine Learning–Driven Analysis of Dietary Vegetable Intake and Its Association with COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality

Markira

D. Greene: Akira K. Alexander: Heaven Aitch: Apryl Hester: Clement G. Yedjou

Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1610 S. Martin Luther King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USAEclement.yedjou@famu.edu

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has posed an unprecedented global health challenge, significantly impacting healthcare systems worldwide. While vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have been authorized for emergency use and have contributed to reducing disease severity, concerns regarding long-term immunity, vaccine efficacy, and viral transmission following vaccination have prompted increased interest in complementary preventive strategies, including nutritional interventions. Vegetables, which are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antiviral properties, have been widely recognized for their potential role in enhancing immune function. This study investigates the relationship between dietary vegetable intake and COVID-19 outcomes, with the hypothesis that higher vegetable consumption is associated with reduced incidence and mortality rates. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed a publicly available dataset on dietary patterns and COVID-19 outcomes obtained from Kaggle. Machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied to evaluate the association between various food categories and COVID-19 incidence and mortality. Feature selection techniques were employed to identify key dietary factors contributing to disease outcomes, with a particular focus on vegetable intake. The findings suggest that higher consumption of vegetables is associated with a reduction in COVID19 incidence and mortality, supporting their potential role in mitigating disease impact. These results highlight the importance of diet as a modifiable factor in public health and suggest that vegetables may serve as potential chemo preventive agents due to their immunomodulatory and antiviral properties.

Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on Brazil’s Healthcare System: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations

Jenesys Harris , Kerliyah Joseph, Aniya Bascombe, Kaia Randolph, Jaslyn Dukes

School of Allied Health Sciences, Florida A&M University

Corresponding Author: jenesys1.harris@famu.edu

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming global healthcare by enhancing efficiency, predictive analytics, and patient outcomes. In Brazil, where most citizens rely on the Unified Health System (SUS), AI offers potential solutions to chronic challenges such as resource constraints and long wait times. At the same time, uneven digital infrastructure and limited workforce training raise concerns about equitable access and ethical implementation. This research evaluates AI’s dual impact on Brazil’s health system, particularly its ability to address the nation’s “triple disease burden”: chronic illnesses, infectious diseases, and violence-related health conditions. Policy frameworks, including the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan (PBIA) and reports from the Brazilian Health Innovation Institute (IBIS) inform this analysis, with emphasis on diagnostics, workforce development, and data protection. Evidence suggests that AI can strengthen diagnostic accuracy, predict disease outbreaks, and support clinical decision-making. However, disparities in access to digital tools and insufficient professional training risk widening existing health inequities, especially in rural and low-income regions. Ethical concerns include over-dependence on automated systems, reduced human interaction in care, and inadequate protections for sensitive patient data. To maximize benefits, Brazil must invest in stronger digital infrastructure, expand encrypted data systems, and implement nationwide AI training programs for healthcare workers. Reinforcing legal safeguards for patient privacy and developing ethical guidelines will be essential. International partnerships can further support technical capacity and financial sustainability. Ultimately, AI holds transformative potential for Brazilian healthcare, but its success depends on strategic investment, robust oversight, and policies that prioritize equity and human-centered care.

Engineering of Docetaxel Smart Crystalline Solid Dispersion for Prostate Cancer Therapy

Kamryn A. Jackson; T’Onj Mcgriff; Albert N. Ngo; Ramesh Badisa; Lacy Myers; Wang Zhang

College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institutes of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

E-mail of corresponding author albert.ngo@famu.edu

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. ProstateSpecific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) is an anchored and overexpressed transmembrane protein found on the surface of over 95% of prostate tumors Hence, PSMA is a valuable target for prostate cancer therapy. Docetaxel (DXT) is one of the few treatment options for Prostate cancer following the failure of androgen deprivation therapy. Currently, little is known about the docetaxel smart crystalline solid dispersion (CSD) effectiveness for prostate cancer therapy. It is hypothesized that a smart docetaxel crystalline solid dispersion potentiates DXT accumulation in prostate cancer cells, thereby increasing DXT efficacy and reducing side effects. The smart CSD is prepared by dissolving DXT in a sodium acetate/Glacial acetic acid solution and subsequently freeze-drying for 24 hrs. The resulting formulation (F) is redispersed in an aqueous solution of 1% v/v ethyl phenyl phosphinate, a potential PSMA ligand, and subsequently freeze-dried to produce the smart CSD formulation (SF). The resulting CSDs' physical and chemical properties are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ZetaSizer Advanced Pro, Fourier Transform Infrared, and Spectrophotometry (F). The cytotoxicity on a prostate cancer cell line (C4-2) is assessed by the MTS assay, and apoptosis by flow cytometry assay.The morphology analysis confirms that DXT is molecularly dispersed in sodium acetate. The entrapment efficiencies of formulations F and SF are 94.9±2.6% and 99.9±7.7%, respectively. The size and the zeta potential of F and SF are 2341±619 nm, 1203.33±29.26 nm, and -6.14±0.92 mV, -21.86±1.8mV, respectively. The drug loading of formulation F and SF is 8.83.±.0.6 % w/w and 8.62±0.19 %w/w, respectively. The cytotoxicity of F and SF is dose-dependent and Docetaxel kills cancer cell mainly via apoptosis and necrosis.In conclusion, we have successfully engineered the smart crystalline solid dispersion with high drug loading. DXT is molecularly dispersed in the sodium acetate. Low doses of DXT are effective in inhibiting cell growth. In a future study, we will optimize the CSD using response surface methodology

Strengthening Clinical Decision Making in Nursing Students: The Impact of Simulation-based Learning on Safe Medication Administration Practices

Kendall A. Jones

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University School of Nursing Email of corresponding author Kendall5.jones@famu.edu

Medication administration errors are any preventable events that lead to patient harm, while in the care of healthcare professionals. Medication administration is a critical nursing responsibility that requires strong clinical decision-making skills to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors. Since the late 20th century, simulation-based learning has emerged as an effective educational resource that allows nursing students to practice medication administration, among other skills in a controlled and realistic environment without causing patient harm. Through quantitative and qualitative data from undergraduate nursing students, findings provided insight into how simulation-based learning improves their clinical judgement, medication safety awareness, and readiness for real-world clinical practice.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Classification of Breast Cancer Based on Radius, Textural Features, and Concave Points

Amia McCoy

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

E-mail of corresponding author Clement.yedjou@famu.edu

Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, making accurate and early diagnosis essential for improving patient outcomes. This study explores the classification of breast tumors using quantitative features derived from digitized images of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. Using machine learning (ML) approaches, a dataset consisting of 569 breast cancer cases from the Wisconsin Diagnostic Breast Cancer dataset was analyzed. The dataset included ten real-valued features describing characteristics of the breast mass, such as radius, texture, perimeter, area, smoothness, compactness, concavity, concave points, symmetry, and fractal dimension. For this research, particular focus was placed on radius, textural variation, and concave points as key indicators of tumor morphology and structural irregularity. ML algorithms were applied to classify tumors as benign or malignant based on these feature values. Among the 569 patients included in the dataset, approximately 63% were diagnosed with benign tumors and 37% with malignant tumors. The analysis demonstrated that malignant tumors tend to exhibit larger radii, greater texture variability, and more pronounced concave boundary features compared to benign tumors. These findings support the use of quantitative image-based features and machine learning techniques as effective tools for improving the accuracy of breast cancer classification and assisting clinical diagnostic decision-making.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

AI-Based Classification of Breast Tumors Using Perimeter and Area Features

Arnelle Michel, Yasmin Rhoden, Jalia Miles, Destiny Lamar, Clement G. Yedjou

Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1610 S. Martin Luther King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307, United States

Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, affecting approximately one in eight individuals and representing a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Despite significant advances in early detection, screening, and treatment, accurate differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions remains a critical challenge in clinical practice. While not all breast lesions are malignant, and many benign lesions do not progress to cancer, diagnostic accuracy is often improved through the combined use of preoperative assessments such as physical examination, mammography, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, and core needle biopsy. Although effective, these methods have inherent limitations when used individually. Recent developments in machine learning (ML) have demonstrated strong potential for improving breast cancer classification by leveraging quantitative image-derived features. In this study, we investigate the application of ML algorithms to predict breast tumor type using morphological features extracted from digitized FNA images. A publicly available dataset comprising 569 patient cases (Breast Cancer Wisconsin dataset) was obtained from Kaggle. The analysis focused on two real-valued features perimeter and area which reflect tumor size and boundary extent and are important indicators of tumor morphology. Our findings indicate that 63% of the cases were classified as benign and 37% as malignant, consistent with established clinical distributions. Benign tumors are typically characterized by slower growth and non-invasive behavior, whereas malignant tumors exhibit rapid proliferation and metastatic potential. These results highlight the relevance of perimeter and area features in distinguishing tumor types and demonstrate the effectiveness of ML-based approaches in supporting accurate breast cancer classification. This study underscores the value of integrating computational methods with cytological data to enhance diagnostic precision and inform clinical decision-making.

Acknowledgment: This research was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant #2142465 and Grant #2417643 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, United States. The views expressed in this work are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the NSF. This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Autism and ADHD Diagnoses in Brazil:

Addressing Gaps Through Early Intervention and Inclusive Policy

Karlee Parker, Sidney Radford, Taliyah O’Neal, Zyra Ward, Tori Richardson

School of Allied Health Sciences, Florida A&M University

Corresponding

Author: Karlee1.Parker@famu.edu

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are major neurodevelopmental conditions affecting childhood development. In Brazil, prevalence has risen significantly, with the 2022 Census estimating 2.4 million individuals diagnosed with ASD. Despite growing awareness, barriers such as financial constraints, limited diagnostic services, and inadequate educational support continue to restrict access to timely care. This research evaluates the increasing burden of ASD and ADHD in Brazil and introduces Inclukids Brazil, a comprehensive intervention framework designed to reduce disparities in early identification, treatment access, and social inclusion. Using health data and evidencebased strategies, the program emphasizes universal screening in daycare centers and expanded diagnostic capacity through specialized evaluation hubs. Treatment components include accessible behavioral therapies, structured parenttraining programs, and medical oversight offered across public and private healthcare systems. The framework also promotes educational integration through the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), teacher training, and specialist support services within schools. Strengthening family and community support is another core element, including respite services and peer advocacy networks. Policy recommendations focus on establishing national registries, standardizing care pathways, and creating advisory committees to improve coordination and equity. Findings highlight substantial economic and social impacts, with many families reporting costrelated barriers to treatment and disruptions to employment. The Inclukids Brazil model aims to reduce diagnostic delays, improve academic outcomes, and enhance family resilience. Addressing ASD and ADHD in Brazil requires a coordinated, communitybased approach that unites healthcare, education, and policy efforts to promote more inclusive and effective support for neurodiverse children and their families.

Development of Monocarboxylate Transporter 4 inhibitor/Docetaxel-loaded Smart

Layer-by-layer Nanoparticles for Prostate Cancer Therapy

Konner Paul, T’onj D McGriff; Kamryn Jackson, Albert N Ngo; Wang Zhang , Badisa Ramesh, Karam Soliman

College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institutes of Public Health, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

E-mail of corresponding author albert.ngo@famu.edu

Prostate Cancer is the second leading cause of death in united States of America In advanced prostate cancer, anaerobic glycolysis increases, leading to excessive production of lactic acid. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCT4) play a crucial role in maintaining the hyper-glycolytic acid-resistant phenotype of prostate cancer by facilitating lactate efflux. Inhibition of MCT4 by an MCT4 inhibitor (MCT4i, AZD0095) increases prostate cancer cells’ intracellular pH, ultimately leading to prostate cancer cell death. Little is known about the anti-prostate cancer properties of the compound AZD0095, a promising MCT4i. Docetaxel(DXT) is one of the few options to treat advanced prostate cancer when androgen deprivation therapy has failed. .The proposed work seeks to develop and characterize a smart MCT4i/DXT loaded polylactide glycolide Acid (PLGA), a smart layer-by-layer (LBL) Nanoparticle for prostate cancer combination therapy. The core of the LBL smart NPs is prepared by nanoprecipitation and subsequently freezedried. Then, the LBL smart nanoparticle shell is engineered by resuspending the freeze-dried NPs in a potential Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) ’ligand ( i.e ethyl phenyl phosphinate) aqueous solution of sodium acetate and freeze-dried for the second time. The different nanoformulation parameters are shown in table 1. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles(i.e Particle Mean Diameter, zeta potential, percent weight, morphology and surfaced chemistry of the nanoparticle were characterized by Advanced ZetaSizer, UV/VIS Spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). The cytotoxicity of the different formulations is assessed on C4-2, a castration-resistant prostate cancer cell line, by MTS assay, and the mechanism of cell death by apoptosis assay using flow cytometry. The TEM shows a multi-layer spherical nanoparticle. The particle’s mean diameters (PMD) range from 153.8±6 nm to 2341.0 nm. The PMD of F3 and SF3 is 559.1±16 nm and 260.4±38 nm. The PMD of all smart nanoformulations (SF, obtained in step#4) are less than that of common PLGA nanoparticles (F, obtained in step#2). The FTIR confirms that sodium acetate coats all the nanoformulation. Based on ISO10993-5 for cell viability, with 100%viability assigned to the control, the blank PLGA NPs (B1) and blank Smart acetate layer-by-layer NPs (SB1), which do not contain any drug, are not cytotoxic to the C4-2 cells. As expected, the Smart layer-by-layer MCT4i/DTX-loaded PLGA NPs are strongly cytotoxic to the C4-2.cells. The C4-2 cell growth when exposed to both F3 and SF3 nanoformulations are 34.78±7.74% and 31.17±8.13%, respectively, after 48-hour exposure with 0.1 µg/mL of each nanoformualtions The Smart NPs show dose-dependent cytotoxicity on the C4-2 cells Cell death occurs via apoptosis and necrosis. The result of this unique process of engineering smart PLGA-based NP is promising to potentiate the efficacy and reduce the side effects of Paclitaxel or other anti-cancer drugs targeting prostate cancers.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

A Scoping Review: Microneedling Atrophic Acne Vulgaris Scars & PostInflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Ny’Lah Pierre:1,5 Meihmy Chang, M.D.:4 Jane Hufnagel, B.S.:2,4 Shayla S. Knighton-Black, MPH:4 Caleb M. Findley, B.S.:3-4 Julianna Gregory, B.S., RN:2,4 Zoë M. Rushetsky, B.S.:3-4 Rita Benkirane, B.S.:2,4 Madison Leonard, B.S.:2,4 Joyce N. Pineda Ordoñez, M.D.:4 Emilio Nasser, M.D.:4 Carlos Reyes-Ortiz, M.D., PhD:4-5 Richard C. Brito, MSW:4-5 Charles Fleischer, M.D.2,4

1. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, School of Allied Health.

2. Florida State University, College of Medicine.

3. Philadelphia Osteopathic College of Medicine.

4. Global Health Collaboration Project.

5. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health.

As modern technology has advanced, microneedling has become a trending and accessible treatment for improving the appearance of scarring and reducing hyperpigmentation. Compared to other modalities such as TCA CROSS and CO2 laser therapy, microneedling offers a minimally invasive option with promising outcomes. A boolean search method was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar through December 2024 for randomized trials, cohort studies, case series, and systematic reviews that reported quantitative outcomes of microneedling for acne scarring and/or pigmentation. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, eleven studies met the final inclusion criteria. Data extraction involved patient skin phototype, needle depth, number of sessions, objective outcome measures (scar grading scales and melanin index readings), patient satisfaction, the lack of standardized protocols, and adverse events. The findings were synthesized narratively to guide research innovation development and best practices based on chronologically valid and reliable findings. For the results, we found that most monotherapy studies (1.5–2.5 mm depth, three to six sessions) were conducted in Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV and demonstrated a 30–45% reduction in scar scores, supported by biopsy evidence showing increased collagen production and epidermal thickening. When microneedling was combined with either platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or phenytoin, outcomes improved compared to microneedling alone, though the two adjuncts were never studied together or directly compared (i.e., theoretically when combined with PRP, insulin, or phenytoin, improvements increased by an additional 10–20%). In Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin, five sessions at 1.5 mm depth reduced melanin index readings by 40–60%, with effects lasting at least six months. Fewer than 5% of patients experienced temporary pigment darkening when strict photoprotection was followed. Similar pigment reductions (40–60%) and mild, short-lived side effects were observed in Fitzpatrick I–III skin. In conclusion, microneedling is an effective, low-risk treatment for acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation across all skin types. Improvement with microneedling alone is typically seen after four monthly sessions, with results lasting up to six months; data beyond this point are lacking. Outcomes may improve further with adjunctive therapies. In darker skin types, appropriate needle depth and strict photoprotection help limit pigmentary changes.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research

AI-Driven Classification of Breast Lesions from FNA Morphometric Data

Yasmin K. Rhoden, Whitney M. Berry, Denim Greeley, Anari C. Goldsby, Clement G. Yedjou

Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1610 S. Martin Luther King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with approximately one in eight women affected during their lifetime. Despite advances in screening and clinical management, accurately distinguishing malignant from benign breast lesions continues to pose a diagnostic challenge. Traditional approaches such as physical examination, mammography, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, and core needle biopsy are often used in combination to improve diagnostic accuracy; however, each method has inherent limitations. In this study, we investigate the application of machine learning (ML) techniques to enhance the classification of breast lesions using quantitative morphometric features derived from digitized FNA samples. Specifically, we utilized a publicly available dataset comprising 569 patient cases and focused on two key real-valued features: cell nucleus radius and texture, which are known to capture critical structural and heterogeneity characteristics of breast tissue. ML algorithms were implemented to classify lesions as benign or malignant based on these features. Our analysis indicates that 63% of cases were classified as benign, consistent with non-invasive and slower-growing tumor profiles, while 37% were classified as malignant, associated with more aggressive and invasive phenotypes. These findings underscore the potential of ML-based approaches, even when applied to a limited set of features, to support accurate and efficient breast cancer diagnosis. This work highlights the promise of integrating computational methods with cytological data to improve clinical decision-making and diagnostic precision.

Machine Learning–Based Classification of Breast Tumors Using Smoothness and Compactness Morphological Features

Tanya Thompson, Nico Brown, Kenya Walters, Mauriah, Kamya Greene, Saij Rolle, Clement G. Yedjou

Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1610 S. Martin Luther King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in the United States. Although mortality rates have declined in recent years due to advances in early detection and improved therapeutic strategies, accurate classification of breast lesions remains critical for effective clinical management. Standard diagnostic approaches including mammography, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, and core needle biopsy are often used in combination to enhance diagnostic reliability, though each method has inherent limitations when applied independently. Recent advancements in machine learning (ML) have demonstrated significant potential in improving the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis and prediction. In this study, we evaluate the application of ML techniques to classify breast tumors using quantitative morphological features derived from digitized FNA images. A publicly available dataset comprising 569 patient cases (Breast Cancer Wisconsin dataset) was utilized. The analysis focused on two real-valued features smoothness and compactness which describe the uniformity of cell boundaries and the degree of shape regularity, respectively, and are indicative of tumor morphology.The results show that 63% of cases were classified as benign and 37% as malignant, aligning with known clinical distributions. Benign tumors are typically characterized by slower growth and non-invasive behavior, whereas malignant tumors exhibit rapid proliferation and the potential for metastasis. These findings suggest that smoothness and compactness are informative features for distinguishing between tumor types and highlight the effectiveness of ML-based approaches in supporting breast cancer classification. This study underscores the value of integrating computational methods with cytological data to enhance diagnostic precision and support data-driven clinical decision-making.

The

Empowering African American Communities Through Diabetes Education and Weight Management Interventions

Da’Nae M Turner

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

E-mail of corresponding author Danae1.Turner@famu.edu

Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects African American adults, increasing the risk of complications, decreasing quality of life, and contributing to higher healthcare costs. Individuals within this population often face barriers such as limited access to healthcare services, lack of culturally appropriate health education, and challenges related to maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors. This literature review examines current evidence on the effectiveness of diabetes education and weight management interventions in improving health outcomes among African American adults with or at risk for Type 2 diabetes. Five recent quantitative research studies were analyzed to explore the impact of culturally tailored lifestyle interventions, healthcare access, and pharmacological weight-loss treatments on diabetes management. Two of the studies focused specifically on culturally designed lifestyle and education programs aimed at improving selfmanagement behaviors, glycemic control, and overall health outcomes within African American communities. One study examined disparities in access to healthcare services and its influence on diabetes prevention and treatment. The remaining two studies evaluated the effectiveness and accessibility of weight-loss medications as part of comprehensive diabetes management strategies. Overall, the findings suggest that culturally relevant education programs, improved access to care, and equitable availability of treatment options can positively influence diabetes outcomes in African American adults.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Ointment Batch Reproducibility and Manufacture Percent Error

Kiana Williams ; Bridg’ette Israel

College of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences & IPH; Florida A&M University

Kiana4.williams@famu.edu

Reproducibility in a compounding pharmacy describes the scientist’s ability to prepare a formula repeatedly with accuracy. To maintain reproducibility, compounding pharmacists must follow strict quality control procedures and standardized methods. In addition, keeping precise records, complying with established compounding guidelines, and adopting advanced technologies that support automation all play key roles in ensuring high-quality preparations. Evaluation of pharmaceutical ointment batch to batch reproducibility and manufacturing percent error is essential to ensure the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the final product. Batch reproducibility refers to the ability to consistently produce ointments with the same composition, physical properties, and performance across multiple batches. To assess reproducibility, manufacturers evaluate parameters such as drug content uniformity, viscosity, texture, appearance, and, when applicable, pH and in vitro drug release. These results are compared across batches using statistical measures to confirm consistency within acceptable limits. The goal of this project is to establish clear, standardized laboratory procedures that are easy for beginners to follow in a pharmaceutics compounding lab. By providing step-by-step guidance on proper techniques and documentation, the project aims to reduce common mistakes that inexperienced students often make during compounding. Standardization helps ensure that each process is performed consistently, regardless of who is conducting the experiment. As a result, this approach minimizes variability, reduces material waste, and increases the likelihood of achieving the intended formulation and yield. Ultimately, implementing these structured procedures supports better learning outcomes, enhances product quality, and builds confidence in beginners as they develop their compounding skills

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Rotational Apparatus of Axion Field Production System

Malea M. Acklin; Arianna N. Young; Nahomie Gelin; Dr. Carola Y. Scarlett

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University

Email of corresponding author malea1.acklin@famu.edu

From electrons to protons to neutrons, scientists have spent centuries of deduction researching a particle beyond the accepted. The hypothetical elementary particle axion has been blogging the minds of physics since 1970’s. In the ultimate search in the production of axion light particles evidence observed in the change of nuclear decay of heavy metals such as americium 241 and uranium 248. Axion light particles function as the missing piece that could potentially answer the unsolved mysteries of dark matter present in the cosmic background, and the stability of nuclear particles. What comes with advance theory comes from experimentation as we must produce our own laboratory made axion particle. We developed a research method of creating a spinning apparatus that would allow us to change the polarizing mode of the magnetic field of a photon pass through to help us differentiate between vector axion and scalar axion particles. Currently we are developing a motor that would continuously spin the apparatus as the beam passes. We have been testing various drivers and circuit boards that best optimization.

Chromium Tolerance and Bioremediation Potential of the VMI-ORR-11 Fungal Strain

Joy Agummadu; Amari DeSouza; Jada Taylor; Victor Ibeanusi; Rajesh Rathore; Veera Badisa, Ben Mwashote; Sulayaman Walters; Ebony Stevenson; Cameron Stroud

Core Lab, School of Environment, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Joy1.agummadu@famu.edu

Heavy metal contamination is an ongoing environmental issue that when left untreated, compromises the health of humans and surrounding ecosystems. Chromium (Cr(VI)) is one of the most prominent metals and causes lung/nasal cancer, asthma, severe skin allergies, and kidney/liver damage, when humans are exposed. The main aim of this experiment is to isolate the dominant fungi and determine the depletion potential of fungi against Chromium (Cr(VI)). This enables the use of a sufficient ratio of microbes to reduce the hexavalent chromium present in the groundwater. At Los Alamos National Laboratory in Mortandad and Sandia Canyons there is hexavalent chromium plume contaminating the groundwater. This could be hazardous to those in the surrounding environment if not mitigated. The avenue through which I am approaching this issue is bioremediation. Bioremediation is the use of microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, to break down and remove toxic contaminants from polluted environments My study evaluates the fungal strain VMI-ORR-11 for it’s ability to tolerate Chromium (Cr(VI)) and determines it’s thresholds for applied bioremediation strategies. Regarding the preliminary results of this study the strain demonstrated a minimum inhibitory concentration of 40 parts per million(ppm). And the Inductive Coupled Photospectroscopy - Optical Emission Spectrum analysis showed a remediative capability of the strain. Through this study I am actively supporting Department of EnergyEnvironmental Management goals by identifying conditions under which fungus can effectively reduce toxic hexavalent Chromium (Cr (VI)). Ultimately, leading to the improved health and stability of all those who rely on the groundwater in Mortandad and Sandia Canyons, as well as other affected areas across the globe.

Muscadine Grape Seeds in Granola Bars: A Good Choice for Type-2 Diabetes

Kennedy M. Anderson; Oluwatoyin O. Sangokunle

College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University E-mail of corresponding author: oluwatoyin.sangokunle@famu.edu

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health issue, driving the search for functional foods that help manage blood sugar levels. Muscadine grape seeds are recognized for their high soluble fiber content and diverse bioactive compounds, which can influence the digestion of starches and the texture of food products. Nevertheless, muscadine grapes have yet to be widely utilized in the food industry and food systems, despite their well-documented health, nutritional, and functional benefits. Muscadine grape seed can enhance the nutritional value of granola bars and help regulate glucose release, supporting its use in healthy foods. This study examined the effect of incorporating muscadine grape seed into granola bars on their texture and digestibility. We formulated granola bars with muscadine grape seeds and a control (without muscadine grape seeds). In vitro digestion was performed by incubating a granola bar with an enzyme suspension (5% Rat intestinal acetone powder, 50 U/mL pancreatic alpha-amylase, 0.0005% ampicillin, at pH 6.8) and digested for 4 hours. The glucose released was measured at 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes and quantified using D-glucose oxidase/peroxidase (GOPOD) assay kit (Megazyme, Bray, Ireland). The total polyphenol content (DPPH method), dietary fiber, texture, and sensory analysis were measured to assess the quality of the granola bar. Muscadine grape seed increased dietary fiber content, altered texture, and slowed starch-to-glucose conversion compared to the control. Adding this ingredient to granola bars can enhance health benefits, improve functionality, and support blood sugar management for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Role of ATP5D in Mitochondrial Energy Production and UCEC Progression

Tori Ardley, Aniyah Lewis and R. Renee Reams

College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A& M University, Tallahassee, Florida;

Mitochondrial metabolism plays an important role in supporting cancer cell growth and survival. ATP5D is a subunit of ATP synthase, a mitochondrial protein complex responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for cellular processes. Cancer cells have increased energy demands, and alterations in ATP production may contribute to tumor progression. This project examines the role of ATP5D in mitochondrial energy production and its potential relevance to uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). A simplified pathway model illustrates how ATP5D supports ATP synthesis in mitochondria and how increased ATP availability may promote cancer cell growth and resistance to programmed cell death. By highlighting the role of ATP5D in cancer cell metabolism, this work emphasizes mitochondrial energy production as an important area for future cancer research and as a potential therapeutic target in UCEC.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Understanding Object Detection Vulnerabilities in the

Age of YOLO v11

Trinity Banks, Idongesit Mkpong-Ruffin, PhD: Deidre Evans, PhD

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

trinity1.banks@famu.edu, idongesit.ruffin@famu.edu, deidre.evans@famu.edu

Object detection models such as YOLOv11 play a critical role in safety-critical systems but remain vulnerable to adversarial manipulation. This study evaluates the robustness of YOLOv11 against adversarial patch attacks by replicating the Remote Adversarial Patch (IPatch) framework. A custom implementation was trained using the BDD100K dataset with Expectation over Transformation (EoT) and Adamax optimization for 1,000 epochs. The optimized patch failed to produce the intended remote adversarial effect, suggesting increased resilience of modern detection architectures to traditional stealth-based patch attacks. However, a targeted adversarial optimization experiment demonstrated that YOLOv11 can still be manipulated to hallucinate specific object classes. These findings highlight both the evolving robustness of modern object detectors and the continued importance of adversarial security research.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Synthesis of Potential Anti-Estrogens Against Breast Cancer

Briana Black; Zhongliang Wan; Musiliyu A. Musa; Patrick Joseph; John S. Cooperwood

College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

briana1.black@famu.edu

In this study, new nonsteroidal antiestrogen compounds were made and tested to see how well they could stop breast cancer cells from growing. Nonsteroidal antiestrogens work as selective estrogen receptor modulators, also known as SERMs, which help block estrogen from binding to receptors in breast cancer cells. The compounds were tested against different types of breast cancer cells, including MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and Ishikawa cells. The results were then compared to already known SERMs like tamoxifen and raloxifene to see which worked better. Some of the new compounds showed similar or better results than tamoxifen at stopping cancer cell growth. The compounds work by blocking estrogen receptors, which helps stop cancer cells from spreading. The side chain groups attached to the estrogen molecule were also looked at to see how they affect the activity of the compounds. That tells us that changing the side chains on nonsteroidal antiestrogen molecules can really affect how well they work as SERMs. This leads us to a better understanding how these drugs interact with estrogen receptors. And also helps find new ways to treat breast cancer more effectively.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Determining the Susceptibility of Intestinal Microbes to Hunteria umbellata using Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Method

Akilah C. Bowes; Jillian L. Pope

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, College of Science and Technology akilah1.bowes@famu.edu

Hunteria umbellata (HU) is a Nigerian medicinal plant whose seed contains phytochemicals that, when extracted, have several medicinal uses, including potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities that may inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. These are Gram-negative bacterium that commonly resides in the intestine of humans. Some strains of these microorganisms contain the pks+ gene, which can initiate colorectal cancer through DNA damage and chronic inflammation. In this study we compared the effect of HU amongst several bacterial strains of E.coli (Nissle, LF82, NC101 and NC101 ΔPKS) and K. pneumoniae (ATCC, 51-5) with varying degrees of pathogenicity and determine the minimum concentration of susceptibility using the Kirby-Bauer Disk diffusion assay. Overnight cultured bacteria were diluted to the McFarland standard and spread on Mueller Hinton agar plates. Blank sterile discs were soaked with HU ranging from concentrations of 50mg/ml to 400mg/ml and added to plates that were incubated for 24 hours. As the concentration of HU increased, prominent zones of inhibition were observed increasing in size at concentrations of ≥100mg/ml of the extract. These findings suggests that crude HU extract can inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes. Future studies will be conducted to determine the specific property of HU crude extract that is responsible for its bactericidal effects on intestinal microbes.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Utilization of Cannabinoids in Combination Therapy to Enhance Antioncogenic Effects

Hannah M. Burton; Arvind Bagde; Aakash Nathani; Mandip S. Sachdeva

College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University E-mail of corresponding author Hannah2.Burton@famu.edu

Historically, Cannabis plants have been used in south Asian countries for medicinal purposes for centuries. Cannabis is known for containing the active compound cannabidiol, a nonpsychoactive compound that can account to up to 40% of the plant’s extract. Cannabidiol (CBD) is known to interact with CB1 And CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. While CBD does not activate CB1 receptors, it is an allosteric modulator for them, and it changes how strongly CB1 receptors signal when bound to other cannabinoids. CBD binds more strongly to CB2 receptors, which are responsible for immune function, inflammation, and halting tumour growth CBD has been proven to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation, and neuropathic pain and is currently studied for its potential cancer signalling pathways While CBD has been used in anti-cancer therapy, primarily to alleviate pain and symptoms, it is not currently used in clinical setting as an anti-cancer agent. The role of this study is to showcase CBD as a potential anti-cancer agent utilizing combination therapy with preestablished antioncogenic drugs Combination therapy is a method in clinical settings of combining two or more therapeutic agents at a lower dose to enhance efficacy compared to mono-therapeutic procedures. Combination therapy is vital in anti-cancer therapy to reduce side effects, toxicity, and drug resistance. This study utilized MTT assays to determine IC50 values determined by measuring cell apoptosis.

The Effects of Diet on COVID-19 Outcomes: An Analysis of Population-Level Data

Semira Bush, Tommy Bridgewater Jr, Aunika Curtis, Selena Robinson, Clement G. Yedjou

Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1610 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA

Email of corresponding author: Semira1.bush@famu.edu

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has remained a major global public health challenge, straining healthcare systems worldwide. Following emergency use and subsequent FDA approval of vaccines in December 2020, including Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, substantial progress has been made in reducing COVID-19–related mortality. As of July 31, 2022, the United States reported over 91.3 million confirmed cases and approximately 1.03 million deaths. While overall mortality has declined due to improved clinical management, testing, early detection, and vaccination, emerging evidence highlights the role of nutritional status in shaping COVID-19 outcomes. This study provides an overview of COVID-19 epidemiology with a focus on diet and nutritional health. Publicly available datasets from the U.S. and twelve countries including Japan, Italy, India, Brazil, Nigeria, and Mexico were analyzed for obesity prevalence, consumption of animal-based products, undernourishment, and overall nutritional profiles. Correlation analyses examined associations between these factors and COVID-19 cases and mortality. Results indicate that higher obesity prevalence is consistently associated with increased COVID-19 death rates, with higher consumption of animal-based products indirectly contributing through elevated obesity. Populations with higher undernourishment showed variable COVID-19 trends, highlighting the complex influence of insufficient nutrition on immune vulnerability. These findings underscore diet as a modifiable risk factor in infectious disease outcomes. Targeted public health strategies to improve nutritional health may enhance immune resilience, reduce disease severity, and support more effective responses to current and future global health crises.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Comparative Analysis of Hunteria Umbellata Effect on Klebsiella Pneumoniae and Klebsiella 51-5

Keiondra Chatman, Joi Monsanto, Akilah Bowles, Dr. Jillian Pope

College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Keiondra1.chatman@famu.edu

Hunteria Umbellata (HU) is a medicinal plant found in Nigeria and Ghana where it is locally known as “Abeere.” In African folk medicine, extracts have been derived from different parts of the plant to treat various human diseases such as sexually transmitted infections, diabetes mellitus, stomach-ache, and colitis. Despite its widespread use in human health, its therapeutic efficacy against bacterial infections has yet to be scientifically validated. Therefore, the current study was designed to explore the effects of HU on the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a nosocomial bacterium found in the gut microbiome due to the ability of the strain maintaining resistance to certain antibiotics, such as carbapenems. Here we compare the effect of HU on an infant isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp 51-5) to a standard strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpATCC). This was achieved by implementing three techniques: determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for HU on the tested bacterial strains using a microplate assay employing the Kirby-disk Assay, and using Crystal Violet Assay to quantify effect on biofilm formation. We observed a significant decrease in Kp 51-5 bacterial growth (MIC) at HU concentration of 5 mg/mL (p<0.001) compared to significant decrease observed at lower concentration 1.25 mg/mL (p<0.01)), There was no significant difference observed for Kp51-5 and KpATCC with the MBC .

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

KIT Gene Overexpressed in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma:

ccA Subtype

Leah C. Collins; R. Renee Reams

College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fl 32307, USA

leah1.collins@famu.edu

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common kidney cancer, exhibits marked molecular and clinical heterogeneity. Gene‑expression profiling identifies two principal subtypes, clear cell A (ccA) and clear cell B (ccB), with ccA tumors generally associated with angiogenic and microenvironmental signaling and more favorable outcomes. However, robust subtype‑specific biomarkers remain limited. The KIT gene (c‑KIT/CD117) encodes a receptor of tyrosine kinase with established roles in cell survival, proliferation, and immune regulation, yet its contribution to ccRCC biology is poorly defined. We hypothesize that KIT is selectively overexpressed in the ccA subtype and reflects immune‑ and stromal‑driven tumor microenvironment signaling. This study tests this hypothesis by evaluating KIT expression across ccRCC molecular subtypes and assessing its biological relevance to ccA tumor characteristics. Defining KIT overexpression in ccA ccRCC may identify a novel molecular marker of subtype‑specific tumor biology and support the development of precision biomarkers for kidney cancer.

AI/ML Facilitated CADD in Drug Design for Mutual management of cancer and neurodegenerative Diseases: A Focus on Florida’s Aging Population

Johnathan Crosse and Bereket Mochona*

Aging is the leading risk factor for many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Approximately one in ten individuals aged 65 and older is affected by AD, and its prevalence continues to rise with age. Currently, there are few effective treatments available for age-related neurodegenerative diseases, which typically progress irreversibly and impose significant socioeconomic and personal burdens. Florida has one of the highest percentages of elderly residents in the U.S., making it particularly vulnerable to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. AI-driven CADD could lead to the development of more effective treatments, directly benefiting a large portion of the state’s population. Overexpression and activation of some tyrosine kinases may be pathological features in neurodegeneration. Postmortem Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease brains show that the levels of several tyrosine kinases, including Discodin Domain Receptors (DDR), are elevated. The interaction of DDR1 (PDB id:4CKR) with a recently developed ligand, VU6015929, was used in a structure-based computer-aided drug design (CADD) campaign to identify a small molecule DDR-1 inhibitor as a potential agent for triple-negative breast cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Method: An epharmacophore model was developed and validated. The model was applied to the virtual screening of the ZINC 20 database for potential 4CKR inhibitors. The hits from the virtual screening were filtered and ranked based on binding affinity scores. The top-scoring compounds were subjected to AutoDock vina in PyRx and the Maestro molecular docking analysis wizards, followed by physicochemical (ADME) descriptor prediction. The multistep screening protocol yielded three promising DDR-1 inhibitors. The in vivo and in vitro studies are underway to establish solid experimental evidence.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

The Study of High-Temperature Carbon Nanotube Yarn Sensors

Camille Crump

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Camille1.crump@famu.edu

Carbon nanotube yarns are over 80% aligned bundles of carbon nanotubes. The resistance in the yarns is limited not by the resistivity in the individual carbon nanotubes, but by the geometric changes between tubes and their bundles. This geometry-dependent resistance makes CNT yarns promising multifunctional sensors. Currently, CNT yarns are used as strain sensors at room temperature, enabling real-time collection of resistance changes. This research aims to study the impact of thermal processing on the thermoresistive reliability of carbon nanotube yarns for use as temperature sensors outside of a composite laminate. Preliminary TGA results indicate an 8% mass loss at 300°C and oxidation at 400°C. CNT yarns will undergo thermal processing at 100°C and 200°C in air, and 400°C, 1200°C, and 2000°C in a vacuum to avoid oxidation. At these temperatures, the reliability of the yarns is determined by compositional and microstructural purification, including the removal of moisture, amorphous polymer, and iron, as well as by structural changes in the yarns. Four-point probe data of thermally processed yarns show an increase in resistance from 2.77Ω to 8.58Ω after carbonization; however, after graphitization, resistance falls to 7.42Ω. Repeatable resistance response will then be tested with continuous thermal cycling while monitoring real-time changes in resistance. Additionally, WAXS spectra will be acquired to determine how structural changes impact the desired properties. Introductory results show increased sensitivity in thermally processed yarns, along with improved repeatability between cycles. These results support the use of carbon nanotube yarns as temperature sensors, with additional multifunctional sensing capabilities.

Synthesis of Substituted Tetrahydroisoquinoline Derivatives as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Natnael Daniel*; Madhavi Gangapuram; Kinfe K. Redda

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health

E-mail of corresponding author: natnael1.daniel@famu.edu; kinfe.redda@famu.edu

Breast cancer currently is the second leading cause of mortality among women worldwide, accounting for 286,543 deaths during 2025. The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes, which are highly invasive, occur disproportionately higher in younger, non-Hispanic Black women. TNBC is characterized by the absence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, estrogen receptors, and progesterone receptors. It’s highly aggressive in nature, has a poor prognosis, and there are currently fewer options for treatment. TNBC is typically treated today with antibody-drug conjugates such as Sacituzumab. TNBC has also been treated with the combination of Govitecan (Trodelvy) and Pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Previously, in Dr. Redda’s research lab, tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) derivatives were synthesized, characterized, and demonstrated in vitro anticancer activity. THIQ derivatives are heterocyclic compounds with extensive structural diversity and biological activity. In this study, multiple THIQ compounds with different substituents were synthesized to explore structure-activity relationships and identify a more effective, less toxic therapeutic agent for TNBC. The substituted THIQs were synthesized using O-mesitylene sulfonyl hydroxylamine as an aminating agent. Reaction of the isoquinoliniumamino salt with substituted acid chlorides in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran gave stable ylides, followed by reduction with sodium borohydride to give the target THIQ compounds, which were then characterized by NMR, Mass Spec, and elemental analysis. The two THIQ analogs that were successfully designed, synthesized, purified, and fully characterized were N-(7-bromo-3,4dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-4-ethylbenzamide (ND-KKR-1-5) and N-(7-bromo-3,4dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-4-methoxybenzamide (ND-KKR-1-9). The findings of this study aim to contribute to the growing field of research exploring heterocyclic compounds as potential future anticancer therapeutics. In the future, research will continue to analyze the efficacy and safety of these compounds against cancer cells.

This research was supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health under the Award Number U54 MD007582. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Mechanistic Insights into Nickel Stress Response and Bioremediation Potential of Pseudomonas sp. VMI-ORR-2

Amari R. Desouza, Jada Taylor, Sulayman Walters, Cameron Stroud, Caitlyn Smith, Veera Badisa, Benjamin Mwashote, Victor Ibeanusi, Rajesh Singh Rathore

Core Laboratory, School of the Environment, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA

Amari1.desouza@famu.edu, jada5.taylor@famu.edu, sulayman1.walters@famu.edu, cameron1.stroud@famu.edu, caitlyn4.smith@famu.edu, veera.badisa@famu.edu, Benjamin.mwashote@famu.edu, victor.ibeanusi@famu.edu, rajeshsingh1.rathore@famu.edu

Nickel contamination remains a persistent environmental stressor that disrupts ecosystem stability and poses risks to human health. In microbial systems, excess nickel can impair redox balance, damage DNA, and inhibit metalloenzyme function, underscoring the need for effective biological remediation strategies. In this study, we evaluate the nickel resistance and detoxification capacity of Pseudomonas sp. strain VMI-ORR-1, an isolate recovered from metal-impacted sediments at the Oak Ridge Reservation. The strain demonstrated high nickel tolerance, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 10.5 mM, and significantly reduced dissolved nickel concentrations during growth, as measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Bioinformatic and protein-level analyses revealed stress-responsive expression patterns consistent with activation of metal resistance and detoxification pathways. Collectively, these findings highlight the applied potential of environmentally adapted Pseudomonas strains for sustainable nickel bioremediation and support microbe-based approaches for restoring heavy-metal-impacted environments.

Perturbation Theory Analysis of the Haldane Model

Sarah W. Dubuisson; Vasile Lauric; Alexander Cerjan

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

sarah1.dubuisson@famu.edu

Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon nanomaterial that is valuable for its rigidity, flexibility, and efficient conductivity. It can be characterized by two interpenetrating triangular sublattices with electrons inhabiting and moving discreetly throughout the vertices. Although graphene is not necessarily restricted to one-to-one electron interactions, the model of my research, the Haldane model, is composed of nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor couplings. The energies of these couplings correspond to the elements of a tight-binding Hamiltonian operator and the sites in the lattice correspond to two position operators (one for each dimension of the system) that do not commute with the Hamiltonian. Using the spectral localizer framework, I inspected about 100 different configurations of the approximate joint eigenspectrum of these observables that varied by sizing of the position operators and Hamiltonian independently to determine the limits in which the Haldane model shifts into topologically non-trivial phases. In the systems in which only the position operators are being perturbed, I have found that the electrons are more likely to be localized for very large iterations as opposed to the configurations of the material focused on the energies only creating zero eigenvalues for very small sizings of the Hamiltonian. However, I have found two specific configurations for each that produces a zero eigenvalue for neither particularly large nor small values. This disrupts the trends I have established. The system’s singularity at these odd points imply the existence of a spectral gap that can aid in determining the localized states of the system.

Lead Metal Resistant Raoultella Strain VMI-TD-ORR Bacterium: A Potential Candidate for Lead Remediation

Tia Duke, Veera LD Badisa, Benjamin Mwashote, Rajesh S. Rathore, Victor Ibeanusi

Core Laboratory, School of The Environment, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA

Lead (Pb) metal pollution is a significant global environmental concern due to its toxicity and persistence in ecosystems. It poses significant risks to human health. Hence, there is an urgent need for cheaper and eco-friendly remediation techniques. Bioremediation, using bacteria provide a sustainable approach to mitigate the metal pollution. This study mainly focused on the Pb remediation and mechanism by the isolated lead-resistant Raoultella strain VMI-TDORR bacterium from the Oak Ridge Reservation site soil The Pb resistance of VMI-TD-ORR bacterium was determined by growing on NB agar plates amended with various Pb concentrations. The optimum growth temperature of the bacterium was determined by growing at various temperatures in an incubator with rotation speed of 100 RPM. Bacterial growth was measured using spectrophotometer at 600 nm. The Pb remediation potential was measured by exposing the bacterium to various concentrations of Pb for 24 h. After the incubation time, the remaining Pb concentration in the supernatant was measured with the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The mechanism of Pb remediation by the bacterium was studied through proteins expression. The total cell lysate, membrane and cytoplasmic protein fractions were run on SDS PAGE gel and analysed. The VMI-TD-ORR bacterium was identified as Raoultella ornithinolytica. The results showed that the bacterium can resist 500 ppm Pb. The optimum growth temperature of the bacterium was found to be 30 °C. It showed Pb remediation of 84.3 ± 4.0 and 97 ± 0.6% respectively after treatment of bacterial cells with 10 and 25 ppm Pb for 24 h. The SDS PAGE gel and heatmap clearly showed the differential expression of proteins in untreated and Pb treated bacterial cells. This study clearly shows that the isolated Pb resistant Raoultella strain VMI-TD-ORR bacterium can be used as a candidate for Pb remediation in the polluted environmental samples.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Artificial Intelligence Guided Drug Design: Search for Dual-Acting 1,3,4Oxadiazole Hybrids as Dual-Acting Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Angiogenesis-Dependent Cancers.

Jenesis DuPree, Hannah Burton, and Bereket Mochona*

Department of Chemistry, Florida A&M University, FAMU 32307

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, as these tumors are highly vascularized. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the primary driver of angiogenesis in NSCLC; this process supplies oxygen and nutrients to tumor cells. Anti-angiogenic therapies, notably monoclonal antibodies (e.g., bevacizumab) that bind to VEGF and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., Tivozanib) that block VEGFR signaling, are used to inhibit these vessels, improving outcomes for advanced NSCLC patients. However, NSCLC patients frequently develop multiple drug resistance (MDR) infection following immunotherapy or chemotherapy treatments. Fivemembered heterocycles, including 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, are primarily used in managing systemic infections. In this study, an AI-based algorithm (PubTator3) was used to mine literature databases to generate 1,3,4-oxadiazole hybrids and develop a new lead compound to fight NSCLC and MDR infections. A sequence of structure-based computer-aided drug design (CADD) flowcharts was developed to identify the potential VEGFR-2/EGFR kinase inhibitory activity of the selected 1,3,4-oxadiazoles. Molecular docking assessments of these compounds were conducted using open-access software (PyRx, Biovia Discovery Studio) to analyze the binding interactions between the ligands and the active (binding) sites of the chosen receptors. Molecular docking results revealed VEGFR-2 as the most responsive target for the selected compounds, with binding energies ranging from −10.1 kcal/mol. All compounds complied with Lipinski’s Rule of Five, indicating favorable drug-like properties with no violations. ADME predictions further revealed that the compounds are likely to inhibit multiple cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms, primarily CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4. Nevertheless, thermodynamic stability (molecular dynamics simulations) and in vitro/in vivo evaluations are needed to establish solid evidence of their potential activities.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Climate-Smart Agriculture in Mississippi and the Food Security Gap: A Bibliometric Analysis

Jasmine N. Engel; Hubert Hirwa

School of the Environment, Sustainability Institute, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

E-mail of corresponding author jasmine1.engel@famu.edu

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is widely promoted in Mississippi as a source for sustainable land management, climate mitigation, and agricultural resilience. However, it remains unclear whether CSA projects meaningfully address food insecurity in marginalized communities that are overly impacted by environmental and socioeconomic stressors. Using Web of Science (WoS), we conducted a bibliometric review of peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. Applying the PRISMA screening criteria and examining climate-smart criteria, a total of 536 articles were chosen. We used VOSviewer to analyze keyword co-occurrence networks and identify dominant research topics. The keyword analysis shows that most CSA-related work in Mississippi focuses on technical and biophysical topics such as cover crops, no-till, soil organic carbon, carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, water quality, hydrologic modeling, crop yields, and “smart” agriculture. Meanwhile, research areas directly connected to food systems and community health appear far less frequently. For example, Nutrition and Dietetics account for only 3.9 percent of publications, compared to the overwhelming focus on Environmental Sciences & Ecology (39.6 percent) and Agriculture (23.5 percent). This distribution shows that CSA-related research in Mississippi is concentrated on environmental and agricultural performance, with limited attention to nutrition, food access, or equity. Overall, CSA research in Mississippi tends to focus heavily on climate and environmental performance, with limited attention to food security and equity outcomes. These findings highlight a clear gap and emphasize the need for CSA projects and policies that intentionally connect technical agricultural practices with equitable food access for the communities most affected.

Imaging and Machine Learning Analysis of Aspirin Deposit Patterns

Danielle O. Eniola; Sanam Pudasaini; Beni B. Dangi

Department of Chemistry, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee FL, 32307

*Beni.dangi@famu.edu

Rapid detection of substandard or falsified pharmaceuticals remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where analytical infrastructure and regulatory capacity are limited. Although high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV–visible spectroscopy provide reliable quantification, their cost and complexity restrict widespread use. This study investigates a new imaging-based method combined with machine learning for quantitative estimation of aspirin concentration using dried sessile droplet patterns. Aspirin solutions ranging from 6% to 100% (saturation) were deposited on glass slides and evaporated under ambient conditions, producing distinct crystallization patterns. These deposits were imaged, and 46 geometric and textural features were extracted from each image. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed concentration-dependent clustering, improving discrimination between samples. Regression models, including Random Forest and XGBoost, were trained on extracted features, while deep learning models (ResNet-50 and EfficientNet-B3) performed direct image-based prediction. EfficientNet-B3 achieved the highest accuracy for standard solutions (R² = 0.997), while feature-based models also performed strongly (R² ≈ 0.98). The method was further applied to a commercial aspirin tablet, with results compared to UV–visible spectroscopy using standard addition. PCA enabled identification of the unknown relative to known standards. Ongoing work incorporates additional models, including high-dimensional linear regression and multilayer perceptron networks, to further improve predictive performance and establish detection limits. This approach demonstrates strong potential as a rapid, non-destructive, and accessible tool for pharmaceutical quality assessment.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Investigation of Manganese Remediation Mechanism by Raoultella ornithinolytica Bacterium through Shotgun Proteomic Analysis

Noah Francis; Veera LD Badisa; Benjamin Mwashote; Rajesh Rathore; Victor Ibeanusi

Core Laboratory, School of The Environment, Florida A&M University

E-mail of corresponding author: noah1.francis@famu.edu

Manganese (Mn) metal pollution has become a prevalent environmental problem due to many anthropogenetic activities. It is causing chronic and acute disorders in humans owing to its nondegradability and harmful effects. Hence, there is a great need for Mn remediation/removal from the environment and isolation of Mn resistant bacteria which help in remediation. Recently, we have isolated Mn resistant bacterium Raoultella ornithinolytica from Oakridge soil and showed Mn remediation. In this study, we have investigated Raoultella ornithinolytica’s response to various concentrations of Mn treatment by shotgun proteomic analysis. The proteomic analysis showed the expression of 718, 759, and 607 proteins in 0, 5, and 7.5 ppm Mn treated bacteria. The analysis also showed that 17 and 43 unique proteins were expressed in 5 and 7.5 ppm treated bacteria. Proteomic analysis revealed that 297 and 2 proteins were upregulated and downregulated in 5 ppm Mn treated cells, while 20 proteins and 30 proteins were upregulated and downregulated in 7.5 ppm Mn treated cells in comparison to untreated cells. Functional protein studies showed that these proteins were associated with various cellular pathways such as protein synthesis, translation, and transport. This study clearly revealed the Raoultella ornithinolytica bacterium proteome alteration responsible for Mn remediation. These regulated proteins in Mn treated bacteria can be considered in the development of recombinant bacteria in future for better Mn remediation.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Voices of Resilience: Community-Based Environmental Advocacy and Its Lasting Impact

Anayah N. Fray

Environmental Science and Policy Research Roundtable,

School of the Environment, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University

anayah1.fray@famu.edu

This research examines how African American-led, environmentally focused community-based organizations and campus initiatives advance environmental and ocean justice in underserved communities. The project addresses the need to understand how these groups strengthen environmental literacy, youth leadership, and community resilience while navigating persistent challenges such as limited funding and low institutional visibility. This research aims to highlight the contributions of these organizations and to clarify the barriers that shape their long-term sustainability. Using qualitative methods, the study combines rapid stakeholder mapping with semi-structured interviews to explore the missions, experiences, and perspectives of organizational and student leaders connected to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Participants included representatives from Black in Marine Science, Behind the STEAHM, and the FAMU Sustainability Institute. Interviews focused on community engagement, environmental education, barriers to justice-centered work, and the role of culturally relevant leadership in advancing environmental equity. Thematic analysis revealed three central findings. First, unity and collaboration among organizations strengthen environmental solutions in underserved communities. Second, funding gaps and limited visibility restrict the longevity of environmental initiatives, particularly on campuses where environmental programs receive minimal support. Third, inclusive action that centers African American voices is essential for advancing climate justice and environmental equity. The project also contributed to the establishment of the Nu Alpha Chapter of Epsilon Eta, the first environmental fraternity at a Historically Black College or University, demonstrating how research can directly inspire student-led change. Overall, this study affirms that African American-led environmental organizations and campus initiatives are vital to building resilient, justice-centered communities.

Automation of the Rotation of a Magnetic Field

Nahomie Gelin; Dr. Carol Y. Scarlett; Scott C. Garner; Malea M. Acklin; Arianna N. Young; Emori Long

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University College of Science and Technology

nahomie1.gelin@famu.edu; carol.scarlett@famu.edu; scott.garner@famu.edu; malea1.acklin@famu.edu; arianna2.young@famu.edu; emori1.long@famu.edu

Dark energy and dark matter together constitute the vast majority of the universe, yet their fundamental nature remains unknown. While dark energy is inferred through its gravitational effects, dark matter may consist of particles beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. One candidate is the Axion, originally proposed to resolve the Strong CP Problem in Quantum Chromodynamics. The experimental detection method used in this project is the “light-through-awall” technique. In this method, laser photons pass through a strong magnetic field and may convert into axions, which can travel through opaque barriers. These axions are then reconverted into detectable photons in a magnetic field, potentially enhanced by interaction with a radioactive source such as Americium. Earlier versions of this setup required manual rotation of the magnetic field set up, causing alignment errors and limiting reproducibility. A redesigned system now encloses the laser pathway within a cylindrical tube mounted on a fixed-axis wheel mechanism, improving structural stability. However, rotation is still performed manually. In addition to improving alignment, controlled rotation of the system allows for systematic variation of the magnetic field orientation, which can be used to modulate and verify any potential signal. A true particle signal is expected to change predictably with orientation, helping distinguish it from background noise and strengthening evidence for previously undetected particles. To address remaining limitations, a stepper motor has been proposed as an integrated solution to automate the rotational control of the system. This enhancement should allow for precise, repeatable angular adjustments with minimal disturbance, significantly improving experimental accuracy and efficiency. The automation of the magnetic field orientation represents a critical step toward more reliable detection of axion-like particles and advances the search for dark matter.

Effects of Counterions on the Solvatochromic and Optical Properties of Methylene Blue

Emmani T. Hagins; Laila C. Siplin; Bishnu P. Regmi

College of Science and Technology at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Bishnu.regmi@famu.edu

Solvatochromic dyes are a group of compounds which optical properties depend on their surrounding environment. These compounds are found to be useful in various analytical and biomedical applications. Methylene blue is a well-known dye that exhibits solvatochromism. In these studies, we synthesized methylene blue stearate (MBSTE) from methylene blue chloride (MBCl), and its optical absorption and fluorescence properties were investigated in different solvents. Stock solutions of these compounds were prepared in methanol and then the solvatochromic properties were evaluated by added the stock solutions to seven different organic solvents. These solvents included a range of polarities within both protic and aprotic classes. A noticeable color difference between the original compound and MBSTE across different solvents with MBSTE exhibiting stronger solvatochromic effects. The visible absorption spectra were found to be different. Water sensing in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was demonstrated. A distinctly different fluorescence property was observed in MBSTE compared to MBCL. These studies highlights the potential for tuning the photophysical properties of dyes through counterion exchange, with potential applications in solvent sensing and fluorescence-based detection.

From Watershed to Estuary: An Integrated Biogeochemical Assessment of Freshwater Contaminant Pathways and Coastal Impacts in North Florida

Xavier M. S. Harrell, Charles Jagoe, Benjamin Mwashote, Veera LD Badisa, Victor Ibeanusi, Rajesh S. Rathore

Core Laboratory, School of the Environment, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307

xavier1.harrell@famu.edu

Freshwater scarcity represents one of the most urgent sustainability challenges of the 21st century. Freshwater is essential not only for drinking, food production, sanitation, and economic activity but also for sustaining aquatic ecosystems that ultimately support downstream estuarine and coastal environments. This study evaluates freshwater vulnerability in Tallahassee, Florida, where lakes such as Lake Bradford and Lake Piney Z provide recreational and fisheries resources while remaining hydrologically connected to Wakulla Springs, a nationally recognized manatee habitat. Lake Bradford, part of the Bradford Brooks chain of lakes, receives water from upstream sources including Lake Hiawatha and Cascade Lake, demonstrating surface hydrologic connectivity. Lake Piney Z, located within the Lake Lafayette system, discharges toward Lower Lake Lafayette and, through subsurface karst connections, toward the spring shed. The Wakulla Springs spring shed lies within a karstdominated subsurface environment (the Woodville Karst Plain) and is highly vulnerable to nutrient and contaminant loading from both surface and groundwater sources. This watershed connectivity creates systemic risks: contaminants introduced into upstream water bodies, including nutrients, heavy metals, and microbial pathogens from urban, agricultural, or industrial sources, can propagate downstream through surface and karst groundwater flow, ultimately reaching the springs and estuarine zones of the Apalachee Bay/St. Marks River system. To assess these risks, water samples from nine sites were analyzed using a multi-parameter probe, a Dionex ICS-2100 Ion Chromatography System (ICS), and an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) system to characterize physicochemical conditions, nutrient distributions, and trace metal concentrations. These integrated analyses provide a more comprehensive evaluation of contaminant pathways, ecosystem health, fisheries relevance, and downstream consequences for Florida’s water security, estuarine integrity, and broader national freshwater sustainability strategies.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Evaluating LoRa vs. XBee for High-Reliability CanSat Telemetry

Nickolas B. Harvey

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University nickolas1.harvey@famu.edu

Reliable telemetry is essential for Can-Satellite (CanSat) missions to support real-time monitoring and validation of sensor data during flight. While onboard data logging allows post-recovery analysis, consistent wireless communication remains critical for ensuring system health, confirming proper operation, and meeting competition requirements. In many student aerospace programs, including the NASA CanSat Competition, Digi XBee radios are commonly used, while LoRa (Long Range) technology is less frequently adopted despite its potential advantages for low-power, long-range communication. Limited real-world testing exists to validate LoRa performance under realistic CanSat deployment conditions. This project evaluates the RFM95W LoRa radio as a telemetry solution for CanSat applications operating in the 915 MHz ISM band. A drone-deployed CanSat equipped with temperature, pressure, and altitude sensors was used to assess telemetry performance at altitudes of 30 m, 60 m, 90 m, and 120 m in both urban and rural environments. System performance was assessed using received signal strength indicator (RSSI), packet delivery rate (PDR), latency, and effective data rate. Telemetry data were logged simultaneously to an onboard SD card and a fixed ground station using a directional Yagi antenna. Results show that the LoRa system maintained strong and reliable real-time communication across all test conditions, with high packet delivery rates and signal strength well above receiver sensitivity limits. These findings support LoRa as a potential cost-effective and reliable telemetry option for low-altitude CanSat missions, with future work planned for direct comparison against XBee radios under identical flight conditions.

Midasin Drives Cancer Stem Cell Maintenance and Endocrine Resistance in Breast Cancer

Amayia Henry; Bipika Banjara; Mounika Pamukuntla; Manasa Kotina; A. Michael Davidson; Jillian L. Pope; Selina Darling-Reed; Syreeta L. Tilghman

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Amayia1.henry@famu.edu

Midasin, a conserved AAA+ ATPase functioning as a ribosomal chaperone during late-stage 60S subunit maturation, has recently been implicated in cancer biology; however, its role in endocrineresistant breast cancer and cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance remains poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of midasin to the progression and stem-like properties of endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells. Aromatase inhibitor (AI)-sensitive (AC-1) and AI-resistant (LTLT-Ca) breast cancer cell lines were cultured in both two-dimensional (2D) and threedimensional (3D) systems to assess midasin-dependent effects on cellular behavior. Cells were treated with 1–18 µM ribozinoindole-2 (Rbin-2), a pharmacological inhibitor of midasin, and evaluated for proliferation, colony formation, and mammosphere development. Rbin-2 treatment resulted in a >50% reduction in colony formation in AC-1 cells, indicating greater sensitivity relative to LTLT-Ca cells, which exhibited an approximate 50% decrease. Baseline midasin expression was elevated in LTLT-Ca cells compared to AC-1 cells, and treatment with 18 µM Rbin2 reduced midasin expression in both cell lines. In 3D culture, Rbin-2 disrupted mammosphere integrity, with AC-1-derived mammospheres displaying larger, denser structures (41.73 µm), whereas LTLT-Ca mammospheres were smaller and exhibited hollow morphology (5.80 µm). Furthermore, mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and vimentin were significantly downregulated in LTLT-Ca mammospheres following Rbin-2 treatment. Collectively, these findings suggest that midasin supports proliferation and maintenance of CSC-like phenotypes in endocrine-resistant breast cancer. Pharmacological inhibition of midasin disrupts stemness-associated features, highlighting a potential therapeutic strategy for targeting endocrine-resistant disease.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Does Sustainability Require a Lower Standard of Living? An

Analysis of Environmental and Economic Trade-offs

Rachel R. Hewitt

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Sustainability is often perceived as requiring individuals and societies to sacrifice comfort, convenience, and economic stability. This creates the assumption that environmentally responsible living leads to a lower standard of living. This study explores whether that perception reflects reality or is a misconception shaped by outdated views of sustainable practices. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the relationship between sustainability and quality of life by examining technological advancements, household practices, and real-world applications of sustainable systems. This study uses a qualitative approach, analysing existing research, case studies, and examples of energy-efficient technologies and urban sustainability efforts. Evidence includes the use of energy-efficient appliances, water conservation systems, and sustainable infrastructure, as well as urban models such as Copenhagen, where environmental initiatives have been integrated into daily life without reducing comfort or accessibility. The findings suggest that sustainable practices often improve quality of life by enhancing public health, reducing long-term costs, and increasing efficiency, rather than diminishing it. These results challenge the assumption that sustainability requires sacrifice and instead demonstrate that it can support both environmental protection and human well-being. This research contributes to a broader understanding of sustainability by reframing it as a practical and beneficial approach to modern living, encouraging wider adoption of sustainable practices without fear of reduced living standards.

Evaluating the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Remediation Potential of Pseudomonas sp. Strain 2-L on Heavy Metal Manganese

Noelle I. Howell; Amari R. DeSouza; Jada K. Taylor; Ebony N. Stevenson; Cameron M. Stroud; Sadie E. Newman; Sulyman Walters; Joy Agummadu; Veera Badisa; Benjamin Mwashote; Victor Ibeanusi; Rajesh Singh Rathore

Core Laboratory, School of the Environment, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, Florida USA

Noelle1.howell@famu.edu

Manganese (Mn) is the fifth most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust. It is a brittle, hard, silvery metal, mainly used in alloys. It is an element that is essential to all living organisms. However, excessive amounts of Manganese can become toxic. Manganese’s primary exposure pathways occur mainly through dietary ingestion, and sometimes inhalation. In humans and animals alike, excessive amounts of Manganese can cause neurotoxicity and a permanent, neurological disorder called Manganism (which is characterised by behavioural changes, tremors, and ataxia (loss of coordination), along with developmental and cognitive effects. For decades, researchers have been searching for ways to discard toxic metals in an efficient, environmentally conscious way. This research highlights how to remediate the heavy metal, Manganese, from soil and groundwater by utilizing the bacteria strain Pseudomonas sp. Strain 2-L. Throughout the span of one month, our team selected four time intervals to analyse the MIC (minimum inhibitory complex), collect the OD (optical density), and apply the ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) machine to determine how much metal was remaining in our tubes after Pseudomonas sp. Strain 2-L was introduced. Bioremediation technology is such an important tool in research. Instituting bacteria to remediate heavy metals can bring scientists one step closer to a cleaner, sustainable future.

The

Synthesis of N-(3,5-Difluorobenzoyl chloride)-4-ethyl-1,2,3,6-

Tetrahydropyridine

Act as Anti-Breast Cancer Agents and Selective COX2 Inhibitors

JerMeny B. Israel; Tiffany W. Ardley

Florida A&M University - College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 1415 S. Martin

Luther King Jr Blvd, Tallahassee FL, 32307 JerMeny1.israel@famu.edu tiffany.ardley@famu.edu

The synthesis of N-(3,5-Difluorobenzoyl chloride -4-ethyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine represents a segway for anti-breast cancer agents with selective COX-2. This compound is a target against breast cancer cells while minimizing effects on healthy tissues. By using Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is often expressed in various malignancies, including breast cancer, this synthesized compound aims to disrupt inflammatory pathways implicated in cancer progression. Additionally, the presence of the tetrahydropyridine in the molecule suggests potential antiinflammatory and chemotherapeutic effects, through evaluation and testing, this synthesized compound offers an approach in combating breast cancer while minimizing side effects commonly associated with conventional treatments. As a result, substituted phenylcarbonylamino-S-ethyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine compounds have been proposed in the development of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. The synthesis of a new tetrahydropyridine analogue was carried out in four steps. The hydrolysis of ethyl-o-(mesitylene sulfonyl) acethydroxymate to produce O-(mesityl sulfonyl) hydroxylamine (MSH) was the first step in the synthesis of these 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine analogues. MSH then interacts with 4-ethyl pyridine, acting as an aminating agent to afford the 1-amino-3-ethylpyridin-1-ium salt. To create N-ylide products, the salt product was subjected to acylation with different substituted benzoyl chlorides. The desired final tetrahydropyridine product, N-(3,5-Difluorobenzoyl chloride)-4ethyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine was produced by the partial reduction of their respective ylides. Analytical methods include thin layer chromatography, liquid-liquid extraction, and vacuum filtration. Column chromatography was utilized to purify the desired compounds and characterization was done by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy. Further studies involve biological studies on breast cancer cell lines.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

The Benefits of 3D Printing Gastro-Retentive Cannabinoid Tablets

JerJuan B. Israel; Thanh Dinh; Leeshawn Thomas

College of Science and Technology; College of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences & IPH; Florida A&M University

JerJuan1.israel@famu.edu

Cannabinoids such as CBD are clinically investigated for the management of neuropathic pain. Dronabinol, also known as Marinol, is a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, that is FDA approved for the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Dronabinol works by activating the CBD 1 receptors in the brain. It is also involved with regulation of nausea, vomiting, and pain-relieving effects by activating the body’s endocannabinoid system.Cannabidiol is one of the non-psychoactive components of the Cannabis sativa plant that are under clinical trials for several diseases including diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can be painful and pain management is an important part of treatment. The aim of this research is to develop a 3D printable filament with encapsulated drug that will then be fabricated in tablets of varying release characteristics. By modifying the filament drug composition and printing parameters, we aim to create modified release tablets in mass quantities which will provide preliminary data for our artificial neural network and demonstrate the benefits of 3D printing in pharmaceutics CBD has low binding affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors, unlike THC. THC binds directly to the receptors, leaving the patient intoxicated. Since CBD barely interacts with the receptors, that effect is not very pronounced. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain and responsible for the “high”. CB2 receptors are found in immune tissues. When CBD has a low bonding affinity they can act as an antagonist. In our preliminary studies, a tablet was printed with polyvinyl alcohol at an infill density of 1% and placed in tap water in a 500 mL beaker with a hot plate set at a temperature of 100C until the water became warm to touch with agitation at 1200 revolutions per minute. Tablets were placed in simulated stomach acid hydrochloric acid solution of pH 1.5, temperature of 37’C, stir speed of 125 rpm over the course of a 24 hour period. Oral dissolving strips were placed in simulated saliva and left to dissolve over 1 hour. The concentration of drug was determined by obtaining samples at different time points followed by replacing the volume of fluid that was taken. 3D printing can be used to combine several medications or supplements into one pill to increase patient compliance.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Post-Modifiable Alkyne-Functionalized PAES Copolymers as Next-

Generation Reverse Osmosis Membranes

Dominique P.E. Jackson; Natalie Y. Arnett

Florida A&M University, College of Science and Technology

natalie.arnett@famu.edu

Alkyne-derivatized poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (a-PPLn PAES), synthesized from alkynefunctionalized phenolphthalin (a-PPLn) and difluorodiphenyl sulfone (DFDPS) via nucleophilic aromatic substitution, were investigated as tunable materials for reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and advanced separations. While a-PPLn PAES homopolymers exhibit desirable chemical functionality, they suffer from poor film-forming ability and limited mechanical integrity, restricting their practical application. To address these limitations, biphenol (BP) was incorporated into the polymer backbone at varying ratios (100%, 70/30, and 50/50 a-PPLn/BP) to produce copolymers with improved mechanical stability and flexibility. These compositional modifications enabled the formation of robust, defect-free, and ductile films suitable for membrane fabrication. To further tailor material performance for RO applications, post-polymerization amidation reactions were carried out in the presence of cesium carbonate, introducing polar functional groups to enhance water transport and solute selectivity. Structure–property relationships were systematically evaluated to understand the effects of composition on film integrity and functional performance. In parallel, UV-induced crosslinking studies were conducted using copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄) and diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (TPO) as catalytic and photoinitiating agents, respectively. These experiments revealed composition-dependent curing behavior, providing insight into crosslinking kinetics, network formation, and overall film stability under irradiation. Overall, incorporation of BP significantly improves film quality while preserving the chemical tunability afforded by a-PPLn. Combined with post-modification and controlled crosslinking, these materials demonstrate strong potential as next-generation RO membranes with tunable performance for water purification and selective separations.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

An 83-year-old Record of Total Organic Matter and Organic Pollutant Changes from St. Joseph Bay, FL

Kion James; Henry H. Alegria; Jessica Graham; Ryann Rossi; Michael Martinez-Colon

School of the Environment, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University; Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida; St. Joseph Bay Estuary Program; St. Joseph Bay Estuary Program; School of the Environment, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

kion1.james@famu.edu

The St. Joseph Bay is a highly saline estuary that has undergone decades of watershed and ecosystem alterations. Starting in 1938 with the St. Joe paper mill followed the establishment of the bay as an aquatic preserve in 1969, and ending with the closure of the mill in 1999; it is not well known the long-lasting impacts towards the benthic habitats (e.g., sediments, sea grasses). It is known that estuarine sediments are “sinks” or “reservoirs” of pollutants and the effects are reflected on their quantity and quality. Two short sediment cores (20 cm) collected in 2024, in relatively proximity to each other, show noticeable temporal trends in the amount of total organic matter (TOM), organochlorine pesticides (21ƩOC), polychlorinated biphenyl (14ƩPCB), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (18ƩPAH). At core site 7, the TOM ranged from 17 to 30% with an overall increasing trend over the past 78 years (1946 – 2024) while both 14ƩPCB (2 – 11 ppb) and 21ƩOC (6 – 16 ppb) had an overall decreasing trend between the core bottom (20 cm) and the top (0 cm). However, the 18ƩPAHs (140 – 420 ppb) showed an initial increase between 20 and 12 cm that lasted for 64 years (1946 – 2010) followed by a decreasing trend towards the top of the sediment core between 2010 – 2024. In the case of core site 9, the TOM had a persistent increasing trend (8 – 18%) over the past 83 years (1941 – 2024) while for the 18ƩPAH’s (488 – 1340 ppb) it was a constant decrease. In the case of the 14ƩPCB (3 – 10 ppb) and 21ƩOC (2 – 13 ppb), both have a two-step change almost at the same interval as reported in the previous core. For 49 years (1941 –1990) a decrease in concentrations were observed between 20 –14 cm followed by an increase lasting 34 years (1941 – 2024) towards the top of the core. These noticeable temporal changes between the sites and the pollutants is indicative of how sediments affect the fate and transport of the pollutants. Non-parametric statistics supports that TOM is a controlling mechanism only of 21ƩOC and 14ƩPCB (Kruskal-Wallis p-value = 1.19x107; Dunn’s post hoc) since no significant correlation was observed for 18ƩPAH at both core sites. The current hypothesis is that the type of sediment (sand vs mud) is the main controlling mechanisms in the preservation and legacy of the 18ƩPAHs. Ongoing sediment analysis as part of my senior thesis will prove or disprove this hypothesis. The PAH-pyrene is the only pollutant to have variable historical values (>53 ppb) above the “Threshold Effect Level” established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection indicative of “adverse effects are expected to occur” to the biota.

The Anticancer Effect of Hunteria umbellata Seed Extract on Colorectal Cells

Assata S. Johnson, Alexis Liggins, Jillian L. Pope

College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the United States. Current methods for treatment can be costly and have adverse side effects. The use of plants and their extracts demonstrate healthier alternatives with minimal side effects. Here we investigate the extract of a plant, Hunteria umbellata (HU), that has been shown to alleviate diabetes, inflammation, and pain, however its role in CRC is unknown. Using the CRC cell lines, HCT116, HT29, SW620, and SW480, as a model, we measure the effect of HU on cancer cell survival, cell migration, and apoptosis Cells were treated with different concentrations of HU methanol extract ranging from 25 ug/ml to 1000 ug/ml to measure its effect on cell viability. Cell viability was tested 24 hours after treatment using Cell Titer Blue. Our data demonstrated a dose dependent decrease in cell viability amongst cell lines tested, with a 50% decrease in viability at 250 ug/ml for SW480, SW620, and HT29 cells and at a higher concentration for HCT116 (500ug/mL) This decrease in viability was associated with an increase in apoptosis (caspase 3/7 activity). To test the effect of HU t on cell migration, cells were with 250ug/ml and 500ug/ml dosages of HU. Images were taken at 0 hour, 24 hour, and 48 hour timepoints to measure the percent wound closure. We found that HU extract reduces HCT116 cell migration with less of an effect in the SW480 cells. Overall, the data supports an anticancer role for HU seed extract in treatment of colon cancer cells.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Muscadine

Grape Component-Extracts:

Antioxidant Effects and Inhibition of Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Le’Maya Johnson, Madison Williams, Ofosu-Asante Kweku, Lamango Nazarius, and Oluwatoyin Sangokunle

College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Email of corresponding author: oluwatoyin.sangokunl@famu.edu

Dietary interventions in cancer treatment primarily focus on prevention. We hypothesized that different components (skin, pulp, and seeds) of the muscadine grape berry (red and white cultivars) could inhibit the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells (MIA PaCa-2). The muscadine grape berries were fractionated into skin, pulp, and seeds. These components were then freezedried and solvent extracted. The extracts were used to treat MIA PaCa-2 cells in a 96-well plate (approximately 10,000 cells per well) at varying concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 2.0, and 5.0 mg/mL) for 48 hours. Similarly, the extracts were analyzed for total polyphenol and antioxidant capacities. Results showed that grape seed extract from the white cultivar reduced cell viability more significantly than extracts from the pulp and skin, indicating that the seeds contain a more active polyphenol compound capable of inhibiting the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. This study provides the first evidence that various components of muscadine grapes can inhibit the viability of pancreatic cancer cells, from both dietary and food ingredient perspectives. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential application of muscadine grape components in food formulations for pancreatic cancer patients.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Benchmarking Cloud Computing Platforms for Deep Learning Workloads: A Comparative Study of Google Colab and NRP.ai

JupyterHub

Marcus A. Jones

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University

Email: marcus3.jones@famu.edu

This research project investigates the performance of cloud computing platforms for deep learning workloads by benchmarking Google Colab and NRP.ai JupyterHub across multiple performance dimensions including computational speed, reliability, effectiveness and usability. The study evaluates each platform using standardized benchmarks such as system profiling, matrix operations, convolutional neural network training on the CIFAR dataset, inference performance and input/output performances as well. Both platforms are tested under similar configurations to ensure a fair and reproducible comparison. Performance metrics such as training time, GPU utilization, accuracy and session reliability are collected and analyzed using automated comparison tools and statistical analysis. These results are used in a way to identify key differences in performance, accessibility and efficiency between two cloud environments. This study contributes to the growing set of research on cloud based machine learning by providing structural insights into platform selection for students, researchers and developers working on deep learning models. The findings will guide decisions on which platform is the best fit for different scenarios and projects while highlighting the tradeoffs between performance and accessibility.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Investigating the Effects of Hunteria umbellata on Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strains

Jada J Joseph: Jillian L Pope

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, College of Science and Technology jada2.joseph@famu.edu

Hunteria umbellata (HU), a West African medicinal plant, has reported antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. In this study, we evaluated the effects of HU seed extract on intestinal bacteria associated with gastrointestinal inflammation, with a focus on its ability to regulate bacterial growth. We examined Escherichia coli strains NC101, LF82, and a polyketide synthase-deficient mutant (NC101 dPKS), and compared these to the probiotic strain Nissle 1917, the laboratory strain K-12, and Enterococcus faecalis. We hypothesized that the pks gene contributes to bacterial virulence, and that strains lacking this gene would be more susceptible to HU-mediated inhibition. The pks gene cluster encodes colibactin, a genotoxic compound implicated in DNA damage and colorectal cancer progression. A crude methanolic extract of HU seeds (10 mg/mL stock) was applied using two-fold serial dilutions to assess bacterial growth inhibition. The dPKS strain exhibited greater susceptibility to HU extract compared to NC101, showing approximately 30% reduction in OD600 at 1–2.5 mg/mL, while NC101 showed only ~10% reduction under the same conditions. Enterococcus faecalis demonstrated approximately 50% growth inhibition, while Nissle 1917 exhibited a 40–50% reduction. The K-12 strain exhibited inhibition comparable to NC101 at 1.25 mg/mL, but results varied at 2.5 mg/mL. In contrast, LF82 did not follow the expected trend and showed increased growth across multiple concentrations. Overall, these findings support the potential antibacterial activity of HU, particularly against pathogenic strains, and suggest that the pks gene may play a role in modulating bacterial susceptibility to plant-derived compounds.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Rainfall and

soil properties

may influence termite activities: A Case Study

Evaluating Formosan termites and Weather Patterns in Texas and Florida

Brianna Josue, Maya Darville, Elizabeth Earhart, Charlize Taffe, D’Elia Bonilla, Thomas White, Johanna Welch

College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Department of Biology, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307

Brianna1.josue@famu.edu

Coptotermes formosanus are subterranean and aerial species that invaded Florida and Texas in 1956 and caused damage to wooden homes and buildings since their invasion. Because they have a strong desire to consume and live in moisture, they will consume materials that are and are not composed of cellulose, as well as build nests to create their own moist ecosystem. Weather patterns were tracked by using the Weather Underground website. Traps were set up, collected, and replaced every week. Rainfall and soil were collected and tested using the HACH soil, water, and pH testing kit. There were no Formosan termites caught in the traps located in Texas. Most soil samples were slightly acidic. The two samples of rainfall had 60 or more mg/L of dissolved oxygen. The correlation between termite activities and chemical components, as well as damage, is discussed. Many of the homes and historic buildings in Texas are made of wood, which would be difficult to reconstruct if infested by these termites. The purpose of this study is to spread awareness to communities in Texas, as this poses a potential threat to people and historical monuments.

The Importance of Preventive Maintenance in Facility Management

Raenel Lake

Florida

Agricultural and Mechanical University

Raenel2.lake@famu.edu

Preventive maintenance is arguably one of the most important aspects of facility management. Unfortunately, most facilities have continued with the reactive maintenance culture until the facilities fail. This study aims to understand the significance of preventive maintenance in facility management. In addition, the study aims to understand the benefits of a proactive maintenance culture. This study employed a literature review and a case study of Florida A&M University (FAMU) Housing. FAMU Housing comprises 30 buildings, covering approximately 861,858 square feet. This study aims to understand the consequences of a lack of preventive maintenance culture. In addition, the study aims to understand the benefits of a proactive maintenance culture. In 2017, a Facility Condition Assessment report identified nearly $49 million in deferred maintenance needs in the FAMU Housing portfolio. Out of the 30 buildings, 13 of the buildings were rated as being in poor condition. With the investment in HVAC systems, fire safety systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, as well as the demolition of the worst buildings, the adjusted maintenance backlog for the facilities was reduced to approximately $21 million. This is also supported by academic research, which has consistently shown that preventive maintenance reduces the need for emergency repairs, decreases lifecycle costs, and enhances the reliability of a system compared to corrective maintenance. It is anticipated that institutions that have implemented a structured preventive maintenance program, along with digital asset management systems and performance-based schedules, will have enhanced operational results, reduced liability risks, and increased building system lifespan.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Microbial Analysis of the FAMU Aquaponic Water System

Christine Larsen1; Emori Long2; Jesse Edwards4; Alejandro Bolques3; Jillian L. Pope2

1School of Environment, 2College of Science and Technology, 3College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Florida A&M University, and 4Department of Chemistry, Morgan State University

Jillian.pope@famu.edu

Aquaponics is a regenerative soilless farming system that integrates both hydroponics and aquaculture, providing a sustainable food production system. Its ability of nitrification and water recycling easily allows the ammonia (NH3) within the fish wastewater, along with the bacteria once it’s established, to be recycled into nitrite (NO2-) and then into nitrate (NO3-), one of the most important macronutrients in plant yield and growth, thus forming a self-sufficient closed loop system of wastewater recycling. FAMU has built an 800-gallon aquaponic system that demonstrates successful growth and cultivation of lettuce crops. Identifying and studying the microbial profile of our built system will allow further investigation into the role these microbes play within this ecosystem and how perturbations of the microbiome may influence other components of the aquaponics units. First, six 2L containers were filled with water collected from the three main water sections: the fish tank, the biofilter, and the plant waterbed. Each of the collected waters was filtered using Thermo-Scientific Nalgene 50ml Rapid-Flow Tube Filter 0.2 μm 75mm filtration device stored at 4°C until DNA analysis. The DNA was extracted using the Zymo QuickDNA fecal/soil microbe miniprep DNA kit and then stored at –30°C for DNA sequencing. After the sequencing, further analysis will be performed to identify and classify the microbes present at the indicated points. Future studies involve manipulating the aquaponic microbial system to identify microbes essential to the fortification of nutritional output for plant growth.

Automating Magnetic Field Rotation for Improved Precision in Americium Decay Experiments

Emori D Long; Scott Garner; Arianna Young; Nahomie Gelin; Melea Acklin; Carol Scarlett

Science and Technology

Emori1.long@famu.edu, scott1.garner@famu.edu, malea1.acklin@FAMU.EDU, arianna2.young@famu.edu, nahomie1.gelin@famu.edu

The nature of dark matter remains one of the most significant open questions in modern physics, motivating experimental efforts to investigate weakly interacting particles such as axions. These experiments explore whether interactions between light and a magnetic field can produce such particles. Rather than directly detecting them, the approach examines their potential influence on the decay behavior of Americium, providing an indirect method of observation. Accurate alignment and control of the magnetic field are essential to obtaining reliable measurements In previous configurations, the magnetic field apparatus was rotated manually, introducing systematic error due to misalignment and inconsistent positioning. This project addresses that limitation by developing an automated rotation system designed to improve precision and repetition. The experimental setup is enclosed within a cylindrical structure mounted on a fixed axis, allowing controlled rotation driven by a stepper motor and programmable control system. Various configurations were tested to evaluate compatibility and performance. The contributions include developing a control code, assembling circuitry, and conducting experimental testing. Preliminary results indicate that automated rotation improves consistency and reduces error alignment, in comparison to manual operation. Ongoing work focuses on enhancing system stability to support full experimental conditions. This development contributes to reliable measurements and supports the investigation into the role of light and magnetic field interactions in search of dark matter. Improving experimental control and reducing sources of systematic uncertainty, this work strengthens the foundation for future studies and advances current efforts to thoroughly understand the fundamental nature of dark matter in the universe today.

Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions Towards Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Among College Students

Samantha Lubin: Ruby.M Excellent: Alexis Haynes

Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health

1415 South Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32307

Ukamaka.Smith@famu.edu

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that is commonly asymptomatic but can also manifest as precancerous lesions. Currently, it is characterized as the number one sexually transmitted infection in the United States, affecting approximately 79 million Americans. The HPV vaccine has a proven efficacy of 97% if administered prior to being exposed to the virus, but despite this efficacy, there continues to be low uptake among adolescents and minority populations. We sought to identify associations between knowledge, awareness, and/or perceptions of HPV health literacy, barriers to vaccination, and HPV vaccination status at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Methods A mixed methods study design consisting of a quantitative survey with a qualitative assessment employing focus group sessions to gain in-depth knowledge regarding HPV literacy, barriers, and acceptability to seek vaccination was utilized. Study investigators designed a 53-item quantitative pre-intervention survey utilizing Qualtrics software to understand the knowledge and awareness of participants regarding HPV. The survey evaluated factors such as demographics, healthcare access, health literacy, HPV awareness, disease state knowledge, HPV perceived susceptibility and severity, HPV vaccine history and acceptability, and perceived social norms. Eligible participants were 18 – 26 years of age and currently enrolled as a student at the university. Study data will remain anonymous as personal identifiable information was not included in the survey. Study investigators recruited participants through a multifaceted distribution strategy encompassing online platforms, utilizing the university e-mail distribution list, bulletin boards, collaborating with clubs and organizations, social media platforms to display flyers and posters, and attending school-related events where adequate student attendance is expected to engage more students to participate. To maximize participation and accessibility to students, a QR code was created and linked directly to the survey. To minimize bias, a standardized caption and script were created for survey dissemination. Consent, screening, and survey activities were conducted utilizing the HIPAA-compliant survey platform. The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Modeling

Autonomous AI Agent Networks: A Mathematical Analysis of Moltbook Systems and Emergent Behavior

Myles Z. Luster and Erdell Maurice

College of Science and Technology at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University E-mail of corresponding author: Erdell.maurice@famu.edu

Artificial intelligence is starting to move beyond just responding to humans and is now evolving into systems where AI agents can interact directly with each other. In this research, I study Moltbook, a decentralized platform where agents can independently start conversations and respond through a repeating “heartbeat” process. I model this system using mathematical ideas from graph theory and dynamical systems, where each agent acts as a node and their interactions form a constantly changing network. Through this approach, I analyze how repeated interactions lead to emergent behaviors like compressed communication, trend formation, and selforganization. I also explore how agents improve over time using feedback loops and modular skill systems, which connect closely to optimization methods in computational mathematics. Another important part of this research is examining the security risks that arise when agents have access to systems, the internet, and the ability to act on their own. Overall, this work helps explain how autonomous AI networks behave, how they can be modeled mathematically, and why they matter for the future development of what could become an “Agent Internet.”

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Analysis of Radiation Detection Data for State of Health Monitoring

Rhaegan Loretta Madden*; Cheslan Simpson**; Natasha Arokium-Christian**

*Florida A&M University

**Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Rhaegan1.madden@famu.edu

This study presents a comprehensive analysis and comparison of gamma ray spectra collected from twelve Lanthanum Bromide (LaBr₃) detectors and thirteen Sodium Iodide (NaI) detectors. Measurements were conducted using seven distinct radioactive sources, generating a variety of dataset consisting of approximately five hundred individual gamma ray spectra. The primary objective of this work was to evaluate and contrast the performance characteristics of these two widely used detector types under consistent experimental conditions to utilize them in real words settings. The collected spectral data were systematically processed and analyzed using PeakEasy software alongside Python-based workflows implemented in Jupyter Notebook. These tools enabled efficient identification of isotopic peaks, precise energy calibration, and detailed quantitative assessment of spectral features. Through this analysis, key detector performance metrics including energy resolution, detection efficiency, and measurement reliability were carefully examined and compared. Results from this study demonstrate clear differences between Lanthanum Bromide and Sodium Iodide detectors, particularly in terms of resolution and spectral clarity. Lanthanum Bromide detectors generally exhibited superior energy resolution, allowing for more accurate peak discrimination, while Sodium Iodide detectors provided reliable performance with broader applicability due to their widespread use and cost-effectiveness. Overall, this work establishes a structured framework for evaluating gamma spectroscopy measurements across different detector systems. Furthermore, the findings highlight a potential application in long-term state-of-health monitoring of radiation detection equipment, offering valuable insight into maintaining measurement accuracy and consistency over time in both research and applied nuclear science settings. This is useful in many settings where radiation must be monitored such as hospitals, research labs, and at home livelihood.

Quality Water Insecurity in Underdeveloped Areas; Analyzing the Impacts of Low-Cost Purification Systems and How We Can Improve Them on a Large Scale

Sianna Marshall

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University- Florida State University College of Engineering

Everyday, regions around the world suffer from illness and mortality as a direct result of consuming contaminated water. Over 2 billion people globally do not have consistent access to clean drinking water, forcing many to drink bacteria rich water. The detrimental impact of waterborne illnesses furthers economic instability in developing regions like North Africa, East Africa, and the Middle East. Our research focused Kenya's use of Solar Water Disinfection and the use of Biosand Filters Nicaragua. We analyzed the impacts of both methods on their respective populations. Since implementing Solar Water Disinfection in 2004, Kenya has had a 45% decrease in diarrheal diseases. The use of Biosand to filter water decreases pathogen efficiency by 89%. We combined concepts from both methods to deliver cleaner and clearer water. Our prototype started with a Solar Water Disinfection system made from a glass bottle and aluminum foil, then transferred the water to a carbon filtration system using Biosand to clear any additional chemicals and turbidity. We found that using both methods lowered the particles per meter of the water and improved taste and appearance. Our research highlights the possibilities for cost effective water filtration without the need for labor-intensive infrastructure installation. Through these findings, developing countries can widen the scale of quality water production and prevent the spread of water-borne illnesses.

Discrete Event Simulation-Based Layout Planning for Temporary Debris Management Sites to Increase the Recovery and Recyclability of Post-Disaster Debris

Mecca Mickens-Malik 1; Roshan Panahi 2; Juyeong Choi 3

1 Undergraduate Student, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University-Florida State University College of Engineering, Email: mecca1.mickensmalik@famu.edu

2 Postdoc, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University-Florida State University College of Engineering,Email: rpanahi@eng.famu.fsu.edu

3 Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University-Florida State University College of Engineering, Email: jchoi@eng.famu.fsu.edu

Natural disasters such as hurricanes generate millions of tons of debris, much of which is vegetative. Although vegetative debris has potential for recycling, reuse, and recovery, its quality deteriorates over time. This problem is exacerbated at Temporary Debris Management sites, where mixed storage reduces material quality and complicates the separation of higher-value debris. Designing site layouts to store debris by type and condition while maintaining efficient operations is important but challenging. Prior studies have applied computational methods such as genetic algorithms, mixed-integer optimization, and data-driven waste analysis to optimize site layouts; however, these approaches generally overlook debris type and quality. To address this gap, this study proposes a layout planning approach based on debris type and quality and evaluates its operational feasibility using discrete-event simulation. A case study at the Charles Crossing Debris Management site in Tallahassee evaluated the proposed method, aiming to minimize truck entry and unloading time while examining the effects of the layout and debris categories on efficiency. An AnyLogic simulation model analyzed gate capacity, unloading, and truck arrival rates to determine their effects on wait times and site performance.Simulation results will evaluate truck wait times, congestion, processing time, and site efficiency by separating debris into untreated wood, yard waste, mixed debris, and non-beneficial debris, with dedicated piles for each to support an optimized layout for the Temporary Debris Management Site at Charles Crossing. Preliminary results suggest that optimizing layouts by debris type and quality can produce operationally feasible solutions.

Hunteria umbellata Seed Extract Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Kyra I Miller, Lakasjah A Brown, Jillian L Pope

Florida

Agricultural and Mechanical University, College of Science and Technology

Kyra3.miller@famu.edu

The Nigerian plant Hunteria umbellata (HU) is known for its diverse therapeutic applications and is highly valued for its effectiveness in diabetes, obesity, and pain. As a result, exploring its role in cellular systems, we can better understand its mechanism in biological applications. Here, we evaluate the ability of HU to modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in epithelial cells. Previous studies show HU can behave as a ROS scavenger in a cell free system and regulate antioxidant activities within the liver. Therefore, we hypothesize that HU can regulate ROS levels within intestinal epithelial cells. We utilized the IEC-6, rat intestinal epithelial cells, and Caco-2, human colorectal cancer cell derived from small intestine, as our experimental models. Stimulation of ROS was induced by hydrogen peroxide (��! ��! ) and measured using the 2’,7’-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) assay, which employs a cell-permeable, non-fluorescent dye that detects ROS levels. We first determined the effect of HU on endogenous ROS levels by treatment with HU seed extract (50 �� g/mL and 250 �� g/mL) for 2 hours. We measured a significant decrease in DCFDA fluorescence in both IEC-6 (*p<0.05) and Caco-2 (***p<0.001) cell lines, indicating HU has the ability to reduce basal ROS levels in epithelial cells. To assess the ability of HU to modulate ��! ��! induced ROS, we performed DCFDA assays under two conditions: two-hour pre-treatment or co-treatment with ��! ��! (1.5 mM). Pre-treatment with HU showed a slight decrease in peroxide induced ROS activity in both cell lines, while co-treatment with HU extract and ��! ��! demonstrated a significant decrease in the ROS-induced DCFDA fluorescence in IEC-6 cells (***p<0.001) and Caco-2 (*p<0.05). Our findings suggest that HU can modulate ROS in intestinal epithelial cells indicating that HU may have protective effects when present during oxidative stress. Future studies will determine the effect of HU on mitochondrial ROS and the role of the NRf2 pathway in HU mediated protection against ROS.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

From Fundamental Optics to Advanced Applications: A study of Light, Lasers, and Physical Systems

Shanyeri T Mills, Ronald L Williams College of Science and Technology

E-mail of corresponding author: shanyeri1.mills@famu.edu

This body of work presents a comprehensive exploration of optics and its connections to broader physical properties through a sequence of progressively advanced experimental and theoretical investigations. The research begins with a laser based measurement of the speed of light using phase shift techniques establishing a foundation in wave behaviour and precision measurement. Building on this, experiments with a helium neon laser system develop essential optical skills such as spatial filling, collimation and the observation of diffraction enabling improved control and understanding of light propagation These principles are then extended into more complex systems through the analysis of Herriot Cells using ABCD matrices which provide a mathematical framework for modelling how light travels through optical components. Further application is demonstrated through holography, where interference patterns reveal both the intensity and phase of light, linking optical theory to technologies such as fiber optic communication. Complementary theoretical work such as the Saha equation and studies of nuclear fusion situates these optical concepts with a larger physical context by examining how light and energy interact in hightemperature environments such as plasmas. Together these projects demonstrate a cohesive progression from fundamental optics to advanced applications.

J o i M o n s a n t o ; Keiondra Chatman, Akilah Bowes, Jillian L. Pope

College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Joi1.monsanto@famu.edu

Natural products, such as Rosmarinic acid (RA), can be utilized as alternatives to therapies or treatments that may have harmful consequences to the host. RA has demonstrated anti-cancer properties and antibacterial activity. The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of RA to reduce growth of a Colorectal cancer (CRC)-promoting bacteria, such as E.coli-NC101, which produces a genotoxin that promotes DNA damage in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). NC101 was cultured with a series of 2-fold dilutions of RA ranging from 10mg/mL to 0.01mg/mL, and OD600 was measured to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). RA significantly decreased E.coli-NC101 stationary growth at 5mg/mL (p<0.001). Growth curve analysis showed that this RA-induced decrease delayed the growth of NC101 at this concentration. We also measured the sensitivity of NC101 to RA using the Kirby-disk method and observed a zone of inhibition with higher concentrations of RA (50mg/mL to 200mg/mL). Further experiments will determine the effect of RA on NC101-induced DNA damage.

( N C 1 0 1 )

Addressing Esophageal Trauma in Rats During Oral Syringe Dosing: The Importance of Ethical Handling Practices

McKenzie Moore

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University mckenzie1.moore@famu.edu

Oral syringe dosing is a widely used technique in laboratory research due to its precision in administering controlled substances. However, this method is highly dependent on proper handling and technique, and when performed incorrectly, it may result in complications such as esophageal trauma. Esophageal trauma refers to damage to the esophagus caused by improper syringe placement, excessive force, or resistance during the dosing procedure. This damage may lead to irritation, inflammation, or more severe injury, which can negatively impact the rat’s health by causing pain, reduced appetite, and increased stress responses. In addition to affecting animal welfare, esophageal trauma can also compromise the accuracy of laboratory results. Injured or highly stressed rats may exhibit altered physiological responses, including changes in stressrelated biomarkers, feeding behavior, and overall metabolism, leading to unreliable or inconsistent data. Previous research demonstrated that ethical handling and positive reinforcement techniques can reduce stress and improve cooperation in laboratory rats during oral dosing procedures. Building upon these findings, this study examines the importance of recognizing esophageal trauma as a critical welfare concern and explores how reduced stress levels may contribute to safer procedural outcomes. Behavioral stress scores (1–10) were assigned based on observed resistance, movement, and cooperation during repeated handling sessions. Results showed a general decrease in stress levels over time, indicating improved acclimation and cooperation. These findings suggest that as stress decreases, rats become easier to handle and properly position, reducing the likelihood of improper syringe placement and potential esophageal injury. This study highlights the importance of ethical handling practices in minimizing procedural risks and emphasizes the need for increased awareness of esophageal trauma in laboratory settings to improve both animal welfare and the reliability of scientific research.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

AI and Machine Learning Applications for Improved Invasive Breast Cancer Care

e v a e h - A n n N e a l ; Clement G Yedjou; Solange S Tchounwon; Richard A Alo; Rashid Elhag; Bereket Mochona; Lekan Latinwo

FloridaAgriculturalandMechanicalUniversityCollegeofScience&Technology

clement.yedjou@famu.edu

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide and remains a major public health concern. In this study, machine learning algorithms were applied to analyze 334 cases of invasive breast cancer obtained from a publicly available dataset. Patients were evaluated based on age at diagnosis, sex, tumor stage, histological subtype, type of surgery performed, and survival outcomes. The analysis revealed that 70 percent of patients were diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, while 27 percent had infiltrating lobular carcinoma and 3 percent presented with mucinous carcinoma. Stage II was identified as the most common stage at diagnosis, accounting for 56.6 percent of cases, indicating that many patients were diagnosed at an intermediate point of disease progression. Despite this, survival outcomes were relatively favorable, with 76.35 percent of patients remaining alive following surgical treatment. These findings suggest that early to mid-stage detection combined with appropriate surgical intervention can lead to improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, the use of machine learning provided an efficient and effective approach for identifying patterns within complex clinical data. By uncovering relationships between patient characteristics, tumor features, and outcomes, machine learning can support more accurate diagnoses and more personalized treatment strategies. Overall, this study highlights the potential of machine learning as a valuable tool in enhancing clinical decision making and advancing the understanding and management of invasive breast cancer. These insights may also contribute to future research efforts focused on early detection, risk prediction, and optimizing treatment plans to further improve long term survival outcomes.

AI-Guided Optimization of Electrospinning for Targeted Fiber Diameter

Gabrielle. J Black1; Sarah. M Salomon1; Nelly. N Mateeva1; Yohn. J Parra-Bautista2; Erdell. V Maurice3; Richard. A Alo2

1Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

2Department of Computer and Information Sciences, College of Science and Technology Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

3Department of Mathematics, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University E-mail of corresponding author: nelly.mateeva@famu.edu

This undergraduate research project explores the electrospinning of polyethylene oxide (PEO) with a focus on how solvent choice and processing parameters influence fiber formation and morphology. The student systematically investigated the solubility of PEO in a range of solvents with varying polarity and correlated these properties with electrospinning performance. Key experimental parameters, including polymer concentration, solution delivery rate, and solvent characteristics, were varied to evaluate their effects on fiber diameter, uniformity, and bead formation. Electrospun fibers were analyzed using microscopy techniques to quantify morphological features and establish structure–property relationships. In parallel, a curated database combining experimental results with literature-reported data was developed. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools were applied to organize, analyze, and enable further processing of this dataset, providing insights into trends and parameter interdependencies. This data-driven approach allows for the identification of optimal electrospinning conditions and highlights the role of solvent–polymer interactions in fiber fabrication. The project demonstrates the integration of experimental materials science with AI-assisted data analysis and provides a foundation for predictive modeling and future optimization of electrospinning processes.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Aerobic Mycoremediation of Selenium-Contaminated Groundwater via Fungal Strain F11

Sadie Newman, Jada Taylor, Amari Desouza, Noelle Howell, Joy Agummadu, Ebony Stevenson Dr. Rajesh Rathore, Ms. Veera Badisa, Dr. Ben Mwashote, and Dr. Victor Ibeanusi

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Senewman2024@gmail.com

Selenium contamination in groundwater poses significant ecological and human health risks due to its toxicity, mobility, and persistence, particularly at industrial and nuclear‑impacted sites. Conventional remediation approaches are often costly and difficult to sustain, motivating interest in biological strategies capable of operating under less restrictive conditions.To evaluate a more sustainable alternative, we tested the fungus F11 for its ability to remove dissolved selenium under aerobic conditions. Cultures containing fungal growth medium, F11, and varying selenium concentrations were incubated, with optical density (OD600) monitored over several days. Daily samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‑OES) to quantify selenium removal.F11 substantially reduced aqueous selenium levels, indicating effective immobilization or transformation of the contaminant without the strict environmental control required by many bacterial systems. These results highlight fungi as a promising, lower‑cost, and adaptable platform for bioremediation at long‑term selenium‑impacted sites.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Control of Gliding Motility and C. lytica Biofilm Iridescence via Substrate Mechanics

Samuel Omeke, 1,2 Cianna Willams,1,2 Nellymar Rivera-Santiago,1,2 Annie Scutte,1,2 Jaideep Katuri,,2 Ashley Carr,1,2 Claretta Sullivan,3 Jamel Ali1,2

1. Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, USA

2. National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, USA

samuel1.omeke@famu.edu & cianna1.williams@famu.edu

Cellulophaga lytica (C.Lytica) is a marine bacterium that forms tunable iridescent biofilms. The structural color phenomenon has recently been linked to gliding motility, a surface-associated mode of locomotion critical to biofilm development. Although environmental factors such as nutrient availability and temperature are known to influence biofilm behavior, the role of substrate mechanics in regulating both motility and emergent photonic properties remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates how substrate stiffness and viscoelasticity govern the development of structural color and collective motility in C. lytica biofilms.Agar substrates of varying concentrations ranging from 0.8–1.5% w/v were characterized using bulk rheology to quantify mechanical properties, while time-lapse microscopy and optical imaging were used to monitor gliding dynamics and iridescence evolution over a 24-hour time span. Results indicate that increased substrate stiffness enhances early-stage collective motility and promotes the formation of green-iridescent biofilms. Additionally, salt concentration modulates substrate stress relaxation behavior, influencing both motility patterns and the spatial-temporal development of structural color. By correlating substrate mechanics and biofilm maturation time with dominant iridescent hue, a phase map of photonic behavior was constructed, revealing distinct regimes of optical response. These findings provide new insight into the physical regulation of biofilm organization and highlight the correlation between mechanics and collective biological function. Beyond advancing the understanding of microbial systems, this work establishes a foundation for the design of biologically inspired, tunable living materials and adaptive photonic systems.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

A Study on Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks for Pattern Recognition in Malicious

Nodes Detection using Machine Learning Algorithms

Caleb E. Parker; Samuel Erskine

College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Email of corresponding author samuel.erskine@famu.edu

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) form a foundational component of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), enabling real-time vehicle-to-vehicle(V2V) and vehicle-toinfrastructure(V2I) communication. However, the presence of malicious nodes poses significant risks to network integrity, traffic efficiency, and passenger safety. Reliable detection mechanisms are needed therefore critical to advancing secure ITS deployment. This study investigates the effectiveness of machine learning-based classification techniques for detecting malicious nodes in VANET environments. Using an in-house generated dataset representing vehicular communication behavior, four supervised learning models Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were implemented and evaluated. Data preprocessing included feature scaling and stratified train-test splitting to preserve class distribution. Performance was assessed using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and confusion matrix analysis. Experimental results demonstrate that ensemble boosting models outperform traditional ensemble bagging and kernel-based approaches in malicious node classification. Specifically, XGBoost and LightGBM achieved superior detection accuracy and reduced false positives, highlighting their suitability for real-time ITS security integration. The findings reinforce prior research suggesting that gradient boosting frameworks provide robust decision boundaries in high-dimensional vehicular communication datasets. The research methods identified in the two literature reviews include Binary Logistic Regression and Shallow Neural Networks, as well as Decision Trees and Logistic Regression.This research contributes to the advancement of secure vehicular communication protocols by providing a comparative evaluation of modern machine learning techniques for intrusion detection in VANET systems. The proposed approach supports scalable, data-driven security enhancement strategies for next-generation intelligent transportation infrastructures.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Development of Modified Poly (Xylitol Sebacate) Nanoparticles for Curcumin Drug Delivery

Esther Pierrelouis; Xandria Chandler; and Natalie Y. Arnett

College of Science and Technology, Florida A&M University

Natalie.arnett@famu.edu

Polymeric nanoparticles improve the efficacy of drugs in the body via encapsulation and controlled release. Modifications to the chemical structure of polymers could lead to dramatic changes in drug delivery properties, thereby curbing the need for current invasive and harmful cancer treatment. This research investigates a potential drug delivery carrier system designed from a series of biodegradable xylitol-based polyesters. Initial studies demonstrated the impact of reaction time on successful synthesis of soluble Poly(xylitol sebacate), PXS, via melt polymerization. It was found that synthesis of PXS at 150 °C for 10 HR was optimum for obtaining a soluble polyester that produced strong nanoparticles with reactive -OH groups to add modifiers to the PXS backbone. In this work, the focus is on the modification of PXS with Propargyl Bromide (PB) and dilution of a 5 wt.% solution to 2.5, 1.25, and 0.75 wt.%. FTIR analysis shows a weakened O-H stretch around 3300 cm-1 and weaker C-H bands around 3000 cm-1 on the polymer, which confirms attachment of PB to PXS. Modification serves as a functional handle for future attachment of chitosan derivatives. Nanoparticles were formed through nanoprecipitation and characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Diluted formulations produced particles in the targeted 100-300 nm range.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Enhancing the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Performance of Poly(arylene ether sulfone) Composite Using Amino -Sulfonated Additives

Bliss B Quant; Zariyah A. Springer; Dr. Natalie Y Arnett Ph.D.

1Florida A&M University, Department of

Chemistry

2FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Department, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering natalie.arnett@famu.edu

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are widely studied for their ability to efficiently generate clean energy, with performance largely determined by the stability and conductivity of the polymer electrolyte membrane. Previous work from our lab demonstrated that incorporating amino sulfonic acid additives into poly(arylene ether sulfone) membranes significantly enhanced proton conductivity, surpassing that of commercial membranes. Building on this foundation, the present study investigated the chemical incorporation of aniline-2-sulfonic acid into alkyne phenolphthalein poly(arylene ether sulfone) to address long-term stability limitations caused by additive leaching. Polymer films were cast from a dimethyl sulfoxide solvent with additive loadings of 1, 5, and 10 percent. Characterization included Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and hydration tests. Results confirmed successful sulfonic acid group incorporation, with solvent, additive concentration, and aging time strongly influencing thermal transitions, surface morphology, and hydration properties. Films with high additive loadings displayed the greatest water uptake, with improved additive retention and enhanced crystallinity. Morphological analysis revealed a progression toward porous surfaces at higher additive concentrations, suggesting greater potential for ion transport. These findings demonstrate that chemical integration of sulfonated additives offers a pathway to balance conductivity, durability, and hydration in polymer membranes. The work contributes to advancing high-performance membranes for long-term fuel cell operation and positions chemically modified PAES systems as viable candidates for nextgeneration energy applications.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Enhancing Recycling Efficiency Through Computer Vision and Edge Computing:

A Campus-Based Approach

Jourdan A. Robinson; Tamar Vincent; Doreen Kobelo; Tejal Mulay

School of Architecture and Engineering Technology Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University E-mail of corresponding author jourdan1.robinson@famu.edu

Effective recycling remains a persistent challenge in many communities because people often struggle to identify what materials are recyclable and how to sort them correctly. Even with established programs, contamination from misplaced items reduces efficiency, drives up processing costs, and limits both environmental and economic benefits. On college campuses, inconsistent recycling habits and limited user awareness intensify these problems and make sustainability goals harder to reach.At Florida A&M University, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety oversees a recycling program that collects paper, cardboard, and printer cartridges for resale. However, improper disposal such as mixing trash with recyclables or discarding recyclable materials as waste continues to hinder performance. To address these issues, this project proposes an intelligent, real-time recycling assistance system that helps users determine whether an item should be recycled. The system uses computer vision and edge computing to identify recyclables such as plastic, metal, and paper. A custom object detection model, trained on 4,890 images using Roboflow and Google Colab, demonstrated strong preliminary results with a mean average precision @50 of 85.8%, precision of 83.3%, and recall of 79.1%.Because real-world conditions can reduce model accuracy, the system incorporates a hybrid approach. When confidence drops below a set threshold, a secondary similarity search compares visual features against a reference database to strengthen classification without heavy computation. This combined method is expected to correctly classify about 88%–92% of recyclables. Designed for Raspberry Pi deployment, the system aims to improve accuracy, reduce contamination, and strengthen FAMU’s recycling efforts.

Copper Resistant Comamonas testosteroni Bacterium Isolated from Oak Ridge

Reservation Site: A potential Candidate for Copper Remediation

Rosemarie

Rosales, Veera LD Badisa, Benjamin Mwashote, Rajesh Rathore, Victor Ibeanusi

School of the Environment, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA

Copper (Cu) metal can be toxic at high concentrations, even though it is an essential micronutrient for all living organisms. Anthropogenic activities such as mining and fungicide usage led to copper contamination in the environment. It mostly enters the food chain from plants and accumulates in the human body which can cause brain and kidney damage, liver cirrhosis and chronic anemia. Due to its harmful effects and non-degradability, there is an urgent need for cheaper, and ecofriendly remediation of Cu from the environment. Bioremediation is the usage of living organisms such as bacteria to degrade pollutants in the environment restoring the environment. In this study, Cu resistant bacterium from Oak Ridge Reservation site soil was isolated and identified using 16S rRNA sequencing. The tolerance level of Cu was determined by growing the bacteria at different Cu concentrations (50, 100, 125 ppm). Bacterial growth was measured using spectrophotometer at 600 nm. The optimum growth temperature of the bacterium was determined by growing at various temperatures (25, 30, and 37 °C) in an incubator with continuous rotation speed of 100 RPM. The Cu remediation potential was measured by exposing the bacterium to different concentrations of Cu for 48 h. After the incubation time, the remaining Cu concentration in the supernatant was measured with the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The mechanism of Cu remediation was also studied through proteins expressions. The total cell lysate, membrane and cytoplasmic protein fractions were run on SDS PAGE gel and analyzed The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis of isolated Cu resistant bacterium was identified as Comamonas testosteroni. This bacterium was able to resist 100 ppm Cu. At 30 °C, this bacterium showed the optimum growth. The bacterium showed 17.2 ± 0.6 and 36.2 ± 0.1% remediation with 2.5 and 5 ppm Cu treatment after 72 h respectively. The gel and heatmap clearly showed the differential expression of proteins in untreated and Cu treated bacterial cells. This study clearly shows that this isolated Cu resistant bacterium can be used to remediate Cu in the polluted environmental samples.

Data-Driven Electrospinning of Polycaprolactone: Solvent Effects and Database Development for Fiber Optimization

Sarah. M Salomon1; Gabrielle. J Black1; Nelly N Mateeva1; Yohn. J Parra-Bautista2; Erdell V Maurice3; Richard. A Alo2

1Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

2Department of Computer and Information Sciences, College of Science and Technology Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

3Department of Mathematics, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University E-mail of corresponding author: nelly.mateeva@famu.edu

This undergraduate research project investigates the electrospinning of polycaprolactone (PCL) with an emphasis on understanding how solvent selection influences fiber formation and material properties. The student explored a range of solvents with different physicochemical characteristics, including polarity and volatility, to assess their impact on PCL solubility and spinnability. Key electrospinning parameters, such as polymer concentration and solution preparation conditions, were systematically varied to produce nanofibers with controlled morphology. The resulting fibers were characterized using microscopy to evaluate diameter distribution, uniformity, and the presence of defects such as beads. In parallel, the student developed a comprehensive database that integrates experimental results with curated literature data on PCL electrospinning. This structured dataset enables comparison across different solvent systems and processing conditions, providing a broader understanding of trends governing fiber formation. The database serves as a foundation for future data-driven analysis, including the application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for predictive modeling and process optimization. This project highlights the importance of solvent–polymer interactions in electrospinning and demonstrates how combining experimental work with data curation can accelerate materials design and optimization.

YOLO-Based Crowd Anomaly and Threat Detection Computer Vision Model

Tyler J.S. Skinner; Carlos Theran-Suarez, Ph.D

College of Computer and Information Sciences/Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tyler1.skinner@famu.edu

Gun-related attacks and mass shootings remain a serious problem in many countries. Early identification of abnormal behavior that may signal a life-threatening event is essential for preventing harm and reducing casualties. In crowd environments, one of the first signs of danger can be abnormal crowd movement. Although security cameras are used everywhere, operators must simultaneously monitor multiple camera angles, which can cause mental fatigue and lead to missed threats. Moreover, many CCTV cameras are not actively monitored at all. To address these challenges, we proposed a YOLO-based image classification and object detection framework to accurately and efficiently identify patterns that lead to a potential threat and automatically trigger alerts to secure the area. The framework functions as an expert system composed of two custom models: one for detecting abnormal crowd behavior and another for identifying weapons. Together, these models aim to support security personnel in recognizing anomalies and emerging threats more effectively. Initial experiments demonstrate that this approach can detect abnormal crowd patterns and weapons with an average accuracy of 85.5% across both models, highlighting its promise for real-world surveillance applications. Future work includes improving accuracy by expanding the training dataset to encompass diverse lighting conditions, camera perspectives, and weapon types; reducing false alarms; and integrating both models into a unified system suitable for deployment in operational CCTV infrastructures.

The Psychological and Behavioral Effects of Minimalist Architecture: Analyzing Monochrome Design Trends in Contemporary Built Environments

Kobe J. Spain

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Kobe1.spain@famu.edu

In recent years, architecture has shifted toward minimalist design, often using black, white, and neutral color schemes with simple forms and less visual detail. While this style is often seen as modern and clean, it raises questions about how it affects the way people feel and behave in these spaces. This research explores how these design trends influence emotional experience, sense of identity, and everyday interaction in both commercial and residential environments. Using ideas from psychology, color theory, and consumer behavior, this study looks at examples such as McDonald’s and Walmart, along with popular modern housing styles, to understand how design impacts comfort, mood, and engagement. It also uses psychological concepts like the need for individuality and personal connection to place to examine whether highly uniform environments limit self-expression and emotional attachment. By combining research and real-world examples, this project aims to understand whether current design trends focus too much on appearance and not enough on how people actually experience space.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Synthesis and Characterization of Alkyne Phenolphthalin Based Poly (Arylene ether sulfone) (a-PPLn PAES) Homopolymer and Copolymers.

Zariyah A. Springer; Dr. Natalie Y. Arnett Department of Chemistry, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Natalie.Arnett@famu.edu

3D printing products are created through a layer-by-layer deposition process, where layers are built upon one another to form a complete structure. One of method 3D printing, Vat photopolymerization, fabricates three-dimensional objects through controlled light exposure. This process utilizes light-curing technologies to selectively solidify liquid resin, enabling precise and detailed structural formation. Polymer properties required for successful vat photopolymerization include high molecular weight, thermal stability, and robust mechanical performance. Poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (PAES) are a class of polymers that exhibit these characteristics; however, further enhancement is limited due to the absence of reactive sites for post-polymerization modification along the polymer backbone. This research explores the incorporation of a post-modifiable monomer, alkyne-functionalized phenolphthalin (a-PPLn), to develop a new class of PAES materials suitable for vat photopolymerization. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed successful synthesis of both homopolymers and copolymers, as evidenced by the presence of characteristic carbonyl (~1670cm⁻¹), alkyne (~3300 cm⁻¹), and ether (~1200cm⁻¹) absorption bands. Although the a-PPLn PAES homopolymer contains post-modifiable functionality, films prepared from this material exhibited poor film-forming properties. To address this limitation, varying ratios of biphenol (BP) monomer were incorporated into the polymer structure to improve mechanical stability and flexibility. Comparative studies between the a-PPLn homopolymer and a-PPLn50–BP50 copolymer demonstrated that the copolymer produced clearer, more ductile films. Thermal analysis revealed enhanced thermal stability in the copolymer, with increased decomposition temperatures observed via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Additionally, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated reduced crystallinity upon incorporation of 50% BP into the polymer matrix. Preliminary UV-curing experiments were conducted by varying the concentrations of copper sulfate (CuSO₄) catalyst and diphenyl(2,4,6trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (TPO) photoinitiator to simulate conditions relevant to 3D printing. Solutions of a-PPLn PAES containing CuSO₄ and TPO exhibited gelation after approximately 20 minutes of UV exposure. Future work will focus on UV-curing studies of the aPPLn50–BP50 copolymer to better control curing behavior, as well as the development of 3D printing processes using these materials.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Optimization of Bacterial Strains for Zinc Bioremediation in Contaminated Ecosystems

Ebony N. Stevenson; Noelle E. Howell; Amari R. DeSouza; Jada Taylor; Cameron M. Stroud; Joy Agummadu; Rajesh S. Rathore; Veera L. Badisa; Ben Mwashote; Victor Ibeanusi

Core Laboratory, School of Environment, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University ebony1.stevenson@famu.edu

Zinc (Zn) is a heavy metal that plays a significant role in the function of major enzymes and proteins. This element can enter the environment through many anthropogenic sources such as mining, coal combustion, and nuclear energy production. It enters ecosystems through waste discharge, dust particles from industrial activities, being absorbed form the soil by plants, and other methods. As Zn reaches high concentrations in the environment, it can badly affect organisms. Long term exposure to Zn can cause anemia, nervous system disorders, and damage to the pancreas. It may also cause gastrointestinal distress, severe organ damage, and hematological issues. Therefore, it is crucial to find sustainable, cost-effective solutions to the contamination of this substance. The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) focuses on nuclear deterrence, energy security, multidomain deterrence, and threat preparedness. Action toward this cause, including the production of nuclear weapons, led to toxic metals, radionuclides, and high explosive compounds polluting the environment. The lab now works to monitor concentrations of Zn in hopes to bring Zn concentrations below harmful statistical limits. Bioremediation of Zn will identify the optimal environmental conditions for certain bacteria strands to detoxify contaminated environments. In this project, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of bacteria was determined using a Zn stock solution. Over the following days, the optical density (OD600) of the solution was measured with a spectrometer to monitor bacterial growth by assessing how much light passed through. With these results, we can understand the most effective conditions for the bacteria to reduce certain concentrations of Zn in contaminated environments. Implementing microbial bioremediation strategies could provide an effective, environmentally friendly approach to managing Zn contamination caused by nuclear waste activities at LLNL. Microorganisms offer a promising solution to address heavy metal contamination through bioremediation. Certain bacteria can immobilize or transform Zn, reducing its mobility and toxicity in soil and groundwater. By leveraging microbial processes, these microbes can help contain and clean up excess Zn in ecosystems.

Sustainable Land Management and Public Health: Detecting Trace Metal Hotspots at Florida A&M University Campus

Cameron M. Stroud; Amari R. Desouza; Jada Taylor; Noelle I. Howell; Ebony N. Stevenson; Joy Agummadu; Benjamin Mwashote; Veera Badisa; Victor Ibeanusi; Rajesh Singh Rathore

School of the Environment, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University E-mail of corresponding author cameron1.stroud@famu.edu

Trace metal exposure in institutional environments can pose risks to public health through soil contact, contaminated drinking water, and long-term buildup in the body, potentially leading to neurological issues, developmental delays, kidney problems, and increased risk of chronic disease. This study provides a baseline for environmental monitoring by examining how contaminants move through the environment and how soil systems respond. At Florida A&M University (FAMU), soil samples were systematically collected and mapped using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to identify potential contamination hotspots. Samples were processed using microwave-assisted acid digestion following EPA Method 3015A, and levels of metals such as lead, cadmium, nickel, and zinc were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results identified localized areas where higher metal concentrations. By combining chemical data, spatial mapping, and soil analysis, this study highlights the value of a comprehensive approach for supporting sustainable land management, infrastructure planning, and public health protection on campus.

Affordable Aquaponics

Samuel Syntils

Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University College of Agriculture and Food Science samuel1.syntils@famu.edu

Aquaponics is the application of soilless cultivation through replication of natural nutrients from fish. There has been a growing concern about the environmental impacts of conventional agriculture and resources for food production. With added pressure from the growing human population, and the interest of consumers in growing their own food, alternative methods of food production systems need to be used more to meet demand. This project addresses that need by developing an affordable, tabletop aquaponics system designed for small-scale food production and research. This project aims to solve this in an affordable way, constructed on a tabletop, its configuration is a closed-loop aquaponics system using readily available materials, suitable for food safety and production research. Anyone can also replicate this experiment as it is optimal for small-scale household production. A total of 10 aquaponic systems, each featuring 10-gallon aquarium tanks and 12-gallon plant grow beds, were constructed. It works like this; Fish produce waste which turns into plant nutrients - plants clean the water - water goes back to fish. The biofilters consisted of three layers designed to facilitate the natural nitrification process, which converts ammonia from fish waste into nitrates through microbial activity. These microbes convert ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates through nitrification. The resulting nitrates serve as a nutrient source for plants. Spinach Plants take in converted nitrates from the water through their roots, then use it to grow their leaves, stems, and fruit, effectively removing nitrogen waste from the water. The cleaned water is then recirculated back into the fish tank, maintaining system balance without significant water loss. This work will contribute to the development of a laboratory-scale aquaponics system for investigating sustainable food production and assessing food safety risks. For this project, Ammonia and nitrite levels will decrease to little to no concentrations after system cycling, while nitrate levels will increase and stabilize over time, indicating effective nitrification. Spinach plants should show measurable growth in roof and leaf production, due to consistent nutrient availability from converted fish waste. Water will remain within safe parameters for fish (stable pH, low toxicity), confirming successful nutrient cycling and filtration.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Formosan Alate Moving Undetected on an HBCU Campus: A Case Study

Evaluating Precipitation and Isolated Colonies and Identification of Termites in Leon County

Charlize J. Taffe; Brianna S. Josue; Maya R. Darville; Elizabeth S. Earhart BS; D’Elia D. Bonilla MPH; Thomas C. White MS; Johanna Welch DPM

College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, FL 32307, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650

Charlize1.Taffe@famu.edu

Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, is a species native to Asia but has been documented in tropical areas across the United States. and causes billions of dollars’ worth of property damage annually. This study was conducted to evaluate rain and weather conditions in various locations throughout Leon County and termite activity. This study measured the chemical components of rain from ten locations in Tallahassee and its effect on the Formosan subterranean termite.Windspeeds and rainfall data were collected using the National Weather Station data from the Weather Underground website. Soil and Water samples were collected and analyzed using the HACH surface water, soil, and pH testing kit. A factorial experiment with a split-plot design was replicated three times. Wind speeds, rainfall Dissolved oxygen, pH levels, and soil samples were evaluated and compared using a 95% conf. interval. The dissolved oxygen content and pH levels were expected to be different in wooded areas close to ponds, waterways, or canals. Foliage-dense areas were predicted to have the highest probability of insect infestation and oxygen content than those areas of less nutrients. The correlation between chemical components and termite activity, as well as damage and identification, are discussed. Florida A&M University is home to several historic buildings including the Black Archives, which are constructed partially of wood and would be very hard to reconstruct if infested with termites. The current study is used to spread awareness of the potential threat to the university and its history.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Metagenomic and Experimental Evaluation of Lead Bioremediation by a Metal-Resistant Pseudomonas sp.

Strain

Jada Taylor, Amari R. Desouza, Noelle I. Howell, Cameron M. Stroud, Sadie E. Newman, Sulyman Walters, Joy Agummadu, Ebony N. Stevenson Veera Badisa, Benjamin Mwashote, Victor Ibeanusi, Rajesh Singh Rathore

Core Laboratory, School of the Environment, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA

Jada5.taylor@famu.edu

The concentrations of heavy metals in coastal environments have been on a steady rise due to an increase in human activities; A combination of industrial effluents, agricultural activities, offshore and onshore petroleum operations, and mining and smelting has created deposits of heavy metals in marine ecosystems, posing risks to both the environment and human health. Toxic metals such as lead persist in the environment even at extremely low concentrations, often entering water systems through soil runoff and industrial discharge. Lead is non-biodegradable and poses severe health risks to living organisms. It contaminates aquatic environments, then enters the food chain and ultimately reaches humans. In wildlife and microorganisms, lead disrupts population health, enzymatic functions, and ecosystem diversity. Exposure to lead is linked to neurological impairment, kidney failure, reproductive issues, high blood pressure, behavioral changes, and developmental disorders in humans especially children, for whom lead can cause irreversible deficits in intelligence and learning ability. The objective of the research is to measure the bioremediation capabilities of a subculture of metal-resistant Pseudomonas sp. Strain by evaluating its response to several different concentrations of Pb exposure over a six-day experimental period. The study uses bioinformatics tools to analyze metagenomic data, including protein sequencing and mechanisms responsible for metal resistance in bacteria. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) confirmed that the strain demonstrated a high tolerance for each concentration of Pb. These results highlight the potential of Pseudomonas sp. strain to mitigate lead toxicity and manage the threat posed by heavy metal contamination.

Succession of Forensically Important Coleoptera and the rate of Mites in North Florida

Keniya J. Thompson and Qiara T. King

College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

E-mail of corresponding author:Lee.bushong@famu.edu

Succession is a natural process through which waves of insects colonize and decompose animal remains in a predictable sequence. This process is a critical tool in forensic entomology, aiding in the estimation of the time of death (Ko, 2021). Coleoptera, commonly known as beetles, are the largest insect order and are characterized by the presence of hardened forewings called elytra (Byrd & Tomberlin, 2020). In forensic entomology, the study of Coleoptera succession provides valuable data for determining the post-mortem interval. Research in this area examines the appearance of specific beetle species at various stages of decomposition, offering potential applications in criminal investigations. For instance, a study on the succession of forensically significant Coleoptera tracked beetle populations over a 15-day period as goat carcasses decomposed, highlighting species distribution patterns (Singh & Bala, 2019). Mites are also an essential part of this process, they play as forensic markers to determine different stages of decomposition throughout the succession process (Alyasiri,2026). During succession there can be different environmental factors that can influence the time that these beetles are present. For example, factors like soil structure, moisture, temperature, and vegetation are important for where Hister beetles are found (Correa et al, 2018). Because of this, clown beetle diversity and species richness are much higher in tropical areas than in temperate zones (Pearson & Cassola, 1992; Cassola & Pearson, 2000). This research builds upon these findings by comparing the succession rates of Coleoptera observed in previous studies on deer carcasses across different seasons, with the goal of refining forensic methods for estimating the time of death through succession. This research also looks at the rates at which mites are present throughout the rates of succession. The observed presence of mites at different stages aligns with their role as forensic markers in the succession process. These findings further support the use of succession as a reliable method for estimating post-mortem interval and consistent patterns in insect colonization across the stages of decomposition.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Machine Learning Analysis of Breast Tumor Classification Using Symmetry and Fractal Dimension Features

An'Najia O. Tucker: Webyana Pierre-Chery: Tyasia Gibbs: Clement G. Yedjou

Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Annajia1.tucker@famu.edu

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women in the United States, although recent declines in mortality rates have been achieved through improved early detection and advances in therapeutic strategies. Accurate classification of breast lesions into benign and malignant categories is essential for guiding clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes. Conventional diagnostic approaches, including physical examination, mammography, cytological examination of fine needle aspirates, and core needle biopsy, are often used together to improve diagnostic accuracy; however, each method has limitations when used independently. Recent advances in computational analysis have demonstrated strong potential for improving breast cancer diagnosis by analyzing quantitative features derived from medical images. This study explores the use of computational learning approaches to classify breast tumors using morphological characteristics extracted from digitized cytology images. A publicly available dataset of patient cases was analyzed, focusing on features describing the symmetry and structural complexity of tumor cell boundaries, which are known to be associated with malignant transformation. The analysis revealed that the majority of cases were classified as benign, while a smaller portion were classified as malignant, reflecting patterns commonly observed in clinical datasets. Benign tumors are generally characterized by slow growth and non-invasive behavior, whereas malignant tumors show rapid proliferation and the potential to spread to surrounding tissues. These findings demonstrate the value of symmetry and structural complexity in distinguishing tumor types and highlight the potential of computational methods to support more accurate and data-driven approaches to breast cancer diagnosis.

Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD): Identification of Potential VEGFR-2 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for Angiogenesis-dependent Types of Cancers.

Tiliyah Veal; Hanna Burton; Steven Ewell; Bereket Mochona

Department of Chemistry, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307 USA

Bereket.mochona@famu.edu

Angiogenesis inhibition (reducing blood supply to tumors) by blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) signaling is one of the most promising approaches to hindering the growth of cancer cells. The currently approved small-molecule drugs targeting VEGFR-2 are developing drug resistance over the course of chemotherapy, and cardiac-related side effects are consistently being reported; hence, there is an urgent need for safer and more effective agents. As part of the research project to counteract drug resistance, we have adopted a Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) approach to identify dual-acting compounds that simultaneously inhibit VEGFR-2 and other receptors (cMet and EGFR). A sequence of AI-guided virtual screening of chemical databases, pharmacokinetic (ADME) filtering, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation analysis was conducted to identify new compounds that enhance activity against VEGFR-2 by targeting specific structural motifs, such as the ASP-PheGly (DFG) region of the VEGFR-2. ZINCPharmer is a web-based, interactive tool for fast pharmacophore-based virtual screening of the ZINC database. Virtual screening of the ZINC20 database, using the Pharmer algorithm to search ~176 million conformers, identified 48 potential lead compounds that match the 3D spatial arrangements of the VEGFR-2-Tivozanib complex (PDB id: 4ASE), including hydrophobic, hydrogen-bond donor/acceptor, and charged interactions. Molecular docking studies of the 48 hits to analyze binding interactions with the VEGFR-2 receptor using AutoDock Vina virtual screening in UC-San Francisco Chimera and PyRx were performed. The binding interactions were inspected using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualization software, with emphasis on poses exhibiting the maximum number of binding clusters at the receptor’s binding site, representing the most favorable binding orientations. This filter retained six compounds (ZINC 02868733, 33254440, 40762013, 59344713, 93369015, and 93371286) with favorable binding affinities ranging from -11.4 kcal/mol to -8.5 kcal/mol, comparable to Tivozanib (-11.6 kcal/mol). We subjected the six compounds to drug-likeness and ADMET studies evaluations. Subsequently, three compounds, ZINC02868733 (-9.0kcal/mol), ZINC33254440 (-8.5 kcal/mol), and ZINC40762013 (-10.3 kcal/mol), with suitable drug-likeness and ADMET properties, were subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The root-meansquare deviation (RMSD) and the root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) were analyzed for the 100 ns simulation trajectory. The in-silico results of the two techniques supported each other. Nevertheless, in vivo and in vitro experimental corroboration are needed to establish solid evidence of the potential activities of the identified inhibitors.

Microbial Interaction with Rare Earth Elements: Lanthanum Depletion by a Pseudomonas sp. Strain 2-L

Sulayman Walters; Amari DeSouza; Rajesh Singh Rathore; Jada Taylor; Veera Badisa; Benjamin Mwashote; Victor Ibeanusi; Joy Agummadu; Sadie Nueman

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Sulayman1.walters@famu.edu

Rare earth elements, such as lanthanum, are increasingly present in environmental systems due to industrial and technological applications, raising concerns about their ecological impact. This study investigates how a 2-L strain of Pseudomonas interacts with and influences lanthanum availability under controlled laboratory conditions. The bacteria were cultured in media containing varying concentrations of lanthanum to assess their tolerance and response to the metal. Over the course of the experiment, samples were collected at multiple time intervals to monitor changes in lanthanum concentration within the growth medium. By analyzing these time series samples, we evaluated the extent to which the bacterial strain contributes to lanthanum depletion over time. The results provide insight into whether this strain actively interacts with, accumulates, or removes lanthanum from its environment. Understanding these microbial-metal interactions is important for advancing knowledge of exploring potential applications in bioremediation for rare metals like lanthanum. This research highlights the role of microbial systems in influencing metal dynamics and contributes to the broader effort of developing sustainable strategies for managing rare metalcontaminated environments.

This research was made possible by the FAMU Title III Undergraduate Research Program Project 008042 and the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research.

Optimizing Waste Diversion within Existing Campus Systems: A Case Study at Florida A&M University

Jasmine A. Winston; Dr. Hubert Hirwa

School of the Environment Florida Agricultural and Mechanical &M University jasmine2.winston@famu.edu

Florida A&M University has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability through strategic policies, infrastructure investment, and student-led initiatives. This research focuses on the university’s waste system, building on previous efforts disrupted by the 2020 pandemic. Most of the established infrastructure is now underutilized or in storage, including four types of recycling bins, inactive sustainability policies, and a student green fee. Using 2024 invoice data from FAMU’s most recent recycling partner and the City of Tallahassee FAMU landfill disposal records, this study establishes a waste baseline of approximately 1,097.92 tons annually, with 22.77 tons being diverted to recycling, representing a 2.12% diversion rate. While the current 2.12% landfill diversion rate is below the ~35% achieved in 2018 and the nine-million-pound commitment (~80.4% landfill diversion rate), it shows a strong foundation already in place to build back up. Opportunities such as optimizing landfill collection, where disposal costs remain at three fixed prices, $57.36, $63.05, or $42.74, regardless of volume ranging from 0.13 to 21.28 tons, operational efficiency, data collection, expanding acceptable recycling material, and utilizing unused recycling equipment are explored. By connecting investments to current waste system performance, this research identifies clear pathways to build forward. Building on this baseline, the study applied targeted scenarios to assess the feasibility and impact of different waste management strategies within FAMU’s existing infrastructure, evaluating operational efficiency, material recovery potential, and program expansions to provide a data-driven comparison of approaches. This framework supports scalable, high-impact solutions that align with the university’s capabilities while advancing long-term diversion goals.

Design and Fabrication of Integrated Circuits

Arianna Young; Ariana Tyson; Dr. Simon Foo

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University arianna2.young@famu.edu

Modern integrated circuit (IC) design involves complex iterative steps requiring careful optimization of speed, power, and reliability. We hypothesize that undergraduate students, using industry-standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools and accessible fabrication workflows, can design and fabricate functional ICs meeting specific performance targets. The process included specification, architectural and logic design using Verilog, transistor-level circuit simulation, and physical layout creation. Verification steps such as Layout vs Schematic (LVS), Design Rule Check (DRC), and Static Timing Analysis (STA) ensured manufacturability. Fabrication was modeled through wafer preparation, photolithography, doping, deposition, and metallization. As controls, earlier IC designs without optimization techniques (e.g., without power gating or layout optimization) were used for comparison. Results demonstrated that iterative design improved speed through optimized layout, power efficiency through gating techniques, and reliability through ESD protection and robust packaging. This project confirms the feasibility of involving undergraduates in end-to-end IC design. Future research will include exploration of advanced process nodes, integration of novel materials (e.g., widebandgap semiconductors), and investigating variation-aware design methods.

Acknowledgements

The URS Committee would like to thank all who helped to make this symposium a success with a special thanks to the following:

Dr. Arthur Cavano DirectorofVenueManagement,AlLawsonMultipurposeCenter

Mr. Michael Williams Coordinator,Moving&Setup,AlLawsonMultipurposeCenter

Mrs. Alicia Hudson Director , Office of Freshman Studies

Terence Hightower

StoreReceiving/BuildingManager CoPPS,IPH

Mrs. Angela Hodge-Sparrow AdministrativeAssistantforBSPSDegreeProgram,CoPPS,IPH