Interdisciplinary Research Conference 2025

Graduate Student
M.S. in Health Science with a concentration in Biomedical Science
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Hannah Hutchins graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience and is currently pursuing graduate studies. As an undergraduate, she worked as a Molecular Biology and Microbiology Laboratory Technician, Chemistry Laboratory Technician, Chemistry Teaching Assistant and Genetics Peer Tutor. She served as president of Psi Chi Honor Society and as a student ambassador for the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Program. Her senior literature review on herbicide exposure and neurodegenerative disorders was published in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science. Hannah received the Dr. Jess Moody Award in March 2024 and graduated as the Outstanding Graduate of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. As a master’s student, she is a teaching assistant in Biology and Chemistry and is applying for a QI grant to continue her research. After graduating in May 2026, she plans to pursue clinical neuroscience research and teach as an adjunct professor of biology.

Senior
Biology with a concentration in Zoology and a minor in Psychology
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Rebecca Nacy is a member of the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program and has held various campus roles, including welcoming freshmen in the Admissions Office, working as a General Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory Technician, serving as a First Year Coach for the Honors First Year Experience and assisting in Dr. Angela Witmer’s Benthic Nearshore Ecology Lab. Additionally, she is a Presidential Ambassador. In the summer of 2024, she conducted research in the Philippines through the National Science Fund’s Ph-IRES program, studying the population genetics of blue swimming crabs under the guidance of Filipino and American mentors. As a Fulbright semifinalist, she plans to teach English in Spain as a Fulbright ETA and ultimately aspires to pursue research at the intersection of genetics and environmental sustainability.

Junior
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry and a minor in English
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Gabriela Alves is a member of the Fredrick M. Supper Honors Program and has held various leadership and academic positions on campus, including serving as a First Year Coach for the First Year Experience program and as a Chemistry Teaching Assistant. Gabriela is actively engaged in research at the Gregory School of Pharmacy, where she explores antimicrobial compounds aimed at combating antimicrobial resistant strains of bacteria. Additionally, she has volunteered as a Science Camp Counselor for the PBA Center for Integrative Science Learning Summer Science Camp. Driven by a deep passion for public health and infectious diseases, Gabriela is committed to fostering cross-cultural connections and making science more accessible for all communities.

Sophomore
Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology and a minor in Chemistry
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Joseph Harold has held several on-campus positions, including Molecular Biology and Microbiology Laboratory Technician, Chemistry Teaching Assistant, Preserved Fish Collection Treasurer and Invertebrate Zoology Peer Tutor. He is an active member of Dr. Angela Witmer’s marine field research team, where he conducts studies on local waters, beaches, mangroves and other environmental aspects of Palm Beach County. Additionally, he serves as an officer for the Science Club and leads the Fish Tank Committee. Upon his graduation in December 2026, he intends to enter the workforce, utilizing his expertise in chemistry and invertebrate biology both in laboratory settings and fieldwork.

8:30–8:50 a.m.

What is Causing the Rising Epidemic of Homelessness in America:

A Comparative Analysis of Public Policy in the Five Most Homeless and Five Least Homeless States

Mitchell Clinard

Department of Politics, Philosophy, and Law, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Homelessness has become one of the most pressing social crises in the United States, particularly in urban centers. Not only is it growing nationwide, but it is also becoming increasingly concentrated in certain states. California, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii have some of the highest homelessness rates, while states like Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Vermont experience significantly lower numbers. This disparity raises an important question: What are these low-homelessness states doing differently? By examining the public policies of the most and least affected states, we can gain critical insights into the factors that either exacerbate or alleviate homelessness and explore potential policy solutions.

Many assume homelessness stems primarily from personal issues such as addiction or mental illness. However, state-level policies on affordable housing, healthcare access, mental health services, and economic support systems play a significant role in shaping homelessness rates. States that invest in social safety nets and affordable housing tend to have lower rates, while those with high living costs, insufficient public housing, and limited mental health services struggle to manage the crisis effectively.

Studying these policy differences is crucial to addressing homelessness nationwide. By identifying successful strategies in low-homelessness states and recognizing failures in high-homelessness states, policymakers can develop more effective solutions to this growing issue.

8:50–9:10 a.m.

The Effects of District Partisan Slant on Voter Party Affiliation: Evidence from Repeated Redistricting in North Carolina

Dr. Emanuel Garcia Munoz¹, Dr. Robert Ainsworth², & Dr. Carlos Estrada²

¹Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business

²University of Florida

Does the slant of a legislative district merely reflect the district’s voters, or can it also affect them? To investigate this, we collect rich data on districts and voters from the 2006-2022 elections in North Carolina. We exploit variation in slant due to redistricting, the process in which district boundaries are redrawn. We show that living in a district where one party is powerful causes people to shift their party affiliation toward that party. Effects depend on cumulative slant exposure, both over time and across legislative chambers. They also seem to stem from changes in preferences, not strategic behavior. An implication of the results is that uncompetitive districts contribute to polarization: under uncompetitive districts, people and places who lean Democratic get put into Democratic controlled districts and become more Democratic; vice versa for those who lean Republican. As an illustration, we assess the impacts of the districts that were used in North Carolina during the 2010s. Relative to a counterfactual of competitive districts, the 2010s districts led to a sizable increase in geographic polarization.

9:10–9:30 a.m.

Killing the Living Constitution: Why Originalism is Essential for Preserving Our Constitution and Limiting Government

Alexandra Duda

Department of Politics, Philosophy, and Law, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The interpretation of the U.S. Constitution has been a subject of ongoing debate, primarily between two schools of thought: Originalism and the Living Constitution. The style of constitutional interpretation influences the range of government power and has significantly affected the decisions of the Supreme Court throughout the 21st century. The use of Living Constitution interpretation by the Supreme Court has allowed federal power to grow beyond the bounds of the U.S. Constitution, which impacts broader politics and individual lives. Originalism, by focusing on the writers’ original intent within the historical context, is the most effective interpretation for limiting government overreach which will protect individuals and the integrity of American system of government. This research will analyze the historical origins, philosophical foundations, and key judicial decisions that have shaped both approaches to the Constitution and evaluate why Originalism is the more suitable method for the Supreme Court to adopt for the sake of limiting government which will preserve and protect the constitutional rights and civil liberties of individual Americans.

9:30-9:50 a.m.

Faith Kazim

Department of Cinema Arts, College of the Arts

Cinema is often used to influence what takes place in society, seen mostly obviously in Nazi and Soviet propaganda but still very present in Italian, American, and British wartime films. The past three years have produced a surprising surplus of age gap romance films, including The Idea of You, No Hard Feelings, Miller’s Girl, and Babygirl, which all involve a romantic or even sexual relationship between a middle-aged person, usually a woman, and her newly-adult lover. This paper will argue that Hollywood’s recent interest in age-gap romances involving very young adults is part of the industry’s attempt to eventually desensitize modern culture to pedophilia. When a person is constantly exposed to things like foul language, violence, or sex scenes in film, its behavior loses its shock value and begins to feel normal. As Hollywood has recently come  under fire for its treatment of minors, perhaps it is making slow steps to normalize such predatory behaviors, starting with the seemingly innocuous age-gap romances.

10–10:20 a.m.

Johnna Ryan

English Department, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-glass and what Alice Found There” have often been conflated into the two-headed entity known universally as “Alice in Wonderland.” This popularization is mainly from adaptations, especially those by Walt Disney Studios. Through the spread of these adaptations, the key differences between Carroll’s two novels are lost. The most recognizable victim of this epidemic is Alice herself. Previous research has been done on the differences between adaptations and original work. This proposed research will consider the changes to Alice’s coming-of-age from the original writings seen in Disney’s film adaptations, through analyzing Alice’s character at the beginning and end of both novels and all three films. This research will introduce to the conversation of literature the negative impacts of inconsistencies between children’s literature and the subsequent film adaptations. The aim of this research is to introduce the audience to a new and open perspective of Carroll’s Alice, and convince them to take a closer look at the story of growth and maturity that Carroll originally intended

10:20–10:40 a.m.

Privatization of the VA

Jacob Friess

Department of Politics, Philosophy, and Law

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

In recent years, veteran homelessness and suicide rates have climbed at a rapid pace while unemployment rates have remained stagnant. This paper will establish a connection between the Office of Veteran Affairs’ mismanagement of funds, human resources, and IT systems and the deteriorating conditions of veteran issues. This research will include internal VA reports, data from third-party organizations, and statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This paper will argue that privatizing VA services like healthcare would promote fiscal transparency, efficient responsiveness, and accessibility to quality services through free market competition and innovation. The incentives of a competitive business-for-profit model would eliminate wasteful and obsolete systems, increasing responsiveness to critical veteran issues. As a future Marine Officer and a current Politics major, I believe this issue is relevant to our military and politics. Veteran interests impact our nation’s military readiness yet remain a beachball in congressional committees. Now more than ever, American citizens and patriots should rally behind supporting and advocating for the protection and service of our honorable veterans who first served us.

10:40-11a.m.

The Death Penalty: The Ineffectiveness of Capital Punishment

Khimarie Carpenter

Department of Politics, Philosophy, and Law, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Using national crime statistics and financial data that is directly correspondent to the start of the death penalty as a punishment will prove that the death penalty is not as effective as supporters of the punishment would believe. This as well as highlighting the cases of wrongful convictions that almost led or did lead to the death of an innocent citizen. This discussion of the death penalty will ensure that the people involved in the United States legal system are enlightened to the misuse of this punishment. The death penalty also goes against moral values discussed in the bible and there are other ways to punish those who commit extremely severe crimes that would warrant such a punishment. Disassembling the death penalty would cause the nation to find a more suitable punishment that would protect public safety as that is the goal of capital punishment. Life without parole has been one of the better alternatives. It is apparent that the death penalty is never an effective, equitable, or morally upright system and should be dismantled.

11:50 a.m.–12:10 p.m.

Exploring the Population Genetics of Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) Across the Philippines

Rebecca Nacy, Dr. Nadia Palomar-Abesamis, Persie Sienes, Dr. David Gauthier & Dr. Chris Bird

Biology Department, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Silliman University. Old Dominion University. Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Portunus pelagicus, known as the blue swimming crab (BSC), is an important economic resource in the Philippines. The Philippines is the 4th largest producer of BSC worldwide, so it is pivotal to establish sustainability management plans and understand BSCs population genetics in that region. There are two distinct clades of BSC in the Philippines, Portunus pelagicus sensus stricto and a cryptic Portunus species. This suggests that the populations are more diverse than once thought. The purpose of this research was to examine the population genetics of Portunus pelagicus around the Philippines using microsatellite markers. 177 crab samples were collected from 14 sites in the provinces of Negros, Panay, Masbate, Leyte, and Tawi-Tawi. A Hardy-Weinberg analysis of the results suggests that there is no structure within the BSC populations at any level. This suggests that the population can be managed as a single fishery. By understanding the connectivity of different BSC populations around the country, the stocks can be managed more sustainably and maintained as economic resources for the future.

12:10–12:30 p.m.

The Impacts of Invasive Species on Native Water Birds

Allison Boughton & Dr. Hegna

Department of Psychology – Behavioral Neuroscience; Supper Honors Program

Biology Department, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The introduction of a species from where they do not naturally occur is becoming a more common phenomenon in the modern connected world. Invasive species cause a variety of changes to the ecosystem which can have significant impacts on the biodiversity of the area (Jeschke et al., 2014), such as predation, habitat modification, and introduction of diseases (Linz et al., 2007). In the present study, the devastating impacts of Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata) and Egyptian Geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca), which are listed as invasive species to South Florida, will be analyzed for their effects on native waterbird biodiversity and abundance. Understanding public attitudes toward invasive species is crucial to narrowing reasons for their introduction and to increase the effectiveness of control measures (Rodriguez et al., 2021). Residents of Palm Beach County will be surveyed to provide their knowledge of these invasive species in their neighborhoods and their corresponding attitudes towards them.

12:30–12:50 p.m.

Wildfire Ash Impacts to Photosynthesis and Growth of Cultured Marine Phytoplankton

Dr. Kyle S. Van Houtan, Dr. John Lambert, Dr. Anthony A. Provatas, Dillon J. Van Houtan, & Dr. Celia M. Smith

Biology Department, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Monterey Bay Aquarium. University of Connecticut. The Kings Academy. University of Hawaii

Climate change includes increasing temperatures and extreme events—heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts. In 2020, these factors produced a record 10,000 wildfires that burned 18,000 km2 in California USA. Air pollution (smoke and ash) from these fires was a widespread human health hazard. While the ecological effects of wildfires have been documented in terrestrial aquatic systems, impacts on coastal ecosystems are largely unexplored. Here, we describe the physical and chemical properties of ash from the CZU Lightning Complex fire and experimentally test its effects on the photosynthesis and growth of four unicellular marine phytoplankton. We find air-fall ash was primarily composed of particles 250-500 μm and contained > 1 ‰ of Fe, Mn, and Ba. Additionally, the total concentration of the 16 EPA-priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exceeded 2.7 ppm. We observed declines in the photosynthetic efficiency and the bulk cellular growth of phytoplankton cultures dosed with ash but the resistance and resilience to ash varied between species. Wildfire events therefore may produce significant shifts in the community abundance and diversity of marine phytoplankton.

1:15–1:35 p.m.

Friedrich Nietzsche’s “On the Genealogy of Morality.”

Dr. David Horkott

Department of Philosophy, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Friedrich Nietzsche’s (1844-1900) Zur Genealogie der Moral: eine Streischrift (1887) is a provocative work, not only because it provides a compelling critique of the psychology underlying modern values, but also because it expresses his mature views on how to face the challenge of nihilism.

His polemic against modern morality consists of a preface and three essays.  In each essay he analyzes the origin of some aspect of European morality.  Presumably the essays are united by their common method (genealogy) and their common focus (genesis of moral values).  But Nietzsche never makes explicit any connections between the essays.  This has led some interpreters to argue that Nietzsche’s genealogical method is an exercise in perspectivism.  This presentation will argue that despite what appears to be a collection of disjointed essays that On the Genealogy of Morality: A Polemic provides a unified account of morality.  Specifically, I will argue that Nietzsche’s overarching concern with moral interpretations of suffering  provides a deep and comprehensive unification of the apparently desultory essays.

1:35–1:55 p.m.

Sexual Behaviors Conversations in Session: Are Students Comfortable?

Dr. Ana Jaramillo De Graham, Dr. Lindsey Allen, Isabella Joy, & Paola Ardila-Riley

Graduate Counseling Program, School of Education & Behavioral Studies

Jupiter Community Counseling

The counseling field supports clients in overcoming various challenges, including sexual health, a key aspect of human experience. However, there is limited literature on trainees’ comfort and competence in addressing sexual behaviors. This study contributes to the professional development of CACREP-accredited Master’s programs and their students. The goal of this poster is to review the results of our study that explores the comfort of trainees discussing sexual behaviors in a clinical setting and its implications for counselor training.

1:55–2:15 p.m.

The Interaction Between Moral Ideology and Determinants of Taxpayer Compliance

Dr. Claire Nash

Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business

Prior tax compliance research shows that non-economic and economic factors affect taxpayers’ decisions to comply with Federal income tax laws. This study extends the investigation of non-economic factors that affect taxpayers’ compliance decisions. This study examines whether moral ideology is a predictor of tax compliance behavior for taxpayers who have the opportunity to evade taxes. Prior studies show that tax pre-payment position and detection risk are persistent economic predictors of tax compliance behavior. These economic factors are included as a posteriori explanatory variables in this study. The Ethic Position Questionnaire is used to assess taxpayers’ moral ideology as: situationists, absolutists, subjectivists, or exceptionists. The results suggest that taxpayers’ moral ideology does not predict whether taxpayers with the opportunity to evade taxes will comply with Federal income tax laws. And thus, it could be that any effort to influence this non-economic factor would not affect taxpayers’ compliance decisions. The findings for the a posteriori explanatory variables included in the study are mixed.

2:15-2:35p.m.

Working Habits in Us Without Us: On Theological and Moral Virtue

Dr. Austin Stevenson

Theology Department, School of Ministry

Central to our reception of the blessings and benefits of salvation are the theological virtues—faith, hope, and love—by which we are conformed to the image of Christ. Retrieving the thought of Thomas Aquinas, I respond to criticisms that build on Luther’s claim that “the righteousness of God is not acquired by means of acts frequently repeated, as Aristotle taught,” but rather comes “without work.” I argue that the acknowledgment of our sin and powerlessness to achieve the excellences of the virtues is a necessary condition for our reception of the theological virtues: works that, in Augustine’s words, “God does in us without us.” Alasdair MacIntyre offers the brief suggestion that it is only the knowledge provided by faith, the expectation provided by hope, and the capacity for friendship provided by charity that can “provide the other virtues what they need to become genuine excellences.” I work out the details of this claim, offering a constructive account of virtue ethics as a participation in the divine life.

2:40–3 p.m.

Christian Ethics in Computers, Software, and Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Michael Kolta

Computer Science Department, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

An overview my newly released book “Christian Ethics in Computers, Software and Artificial Intelligence”. Thanks to the pervasiveness of computers and the proliferation of AI, the book is applicable to everyone but is designed to equip students and professionals in computer science, software engineering, and related fields to engage these issues in deep and practical ways that uphold time-honored values as embodied by Judeo-Christian principles. “Dr. Michael Kolta provides an insightful introduction to the complexities of generative AI while minimizing the technical language often utilized in such discussions. His discussion is informative and clear. Implicit in this text lies a potentially useful ethic to guide the ongoing development of these technologies. This ethic acknowledges “objective value,” “practical wisdom,” and the ever-present need to resist the temptation to turn human products into gods who will destroy our humanity in the name of efficiency and power.” – Scott B. Key, PhD

3–3:20 p.m.

Navigating the Future of AI Regulation

Leah Wilhoit

Department of Politics, Philosophy, and Law

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The purpose of the proposed research is to present policy options regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). The project will explore proposed and in-force policies in other international states, as well as preexisting domestic regulations, and ultimately issue a recommendation for future domestic policy regulations of AI. The study will examine various international AI regulations adopted by the UN, EU, as well as individual states on the forefront of the regulation of AI such as China and the UK. The study will also examine the preexisting domestic legislation on the topic of AI and offer critiques and areas that have been neglected by that legislation.

3:20–3:40 p.m.

Reimagining Adobe Express for the College Students

Delaney Hetzer, Ami Piper, Mackenzie McGarrity, & Dr. Emily Webster

Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business

This study explores Adobe Express’s market positioning among college students (18-24), examining its user experience, features, and brand perception compared to competitors like Canva. A mixed-methods approach, including a focus group (n = 33) and a survey (n = 120), revealed limited awareness of Adobe Express and concerns about its complexity and unique selling points. The research suggests the need for Adobe Express to simplify its interface, expand features, and emphasize its value proposition through targeted marketing to enhance its appeal among college students. The study also analyzes the broader market context, including competitive pricing and the potential for strategic partnerships. The findings inform recommendations for product redesign, rebranding, and marketing strategies to increase awareness, engagement, and retention of Adobe Express among college students.

3:40–4 p.m.

Leveraging GenAI in Small Universities

Dr. Emily Webster & Dr. Ayan Ghosh Dastidar

Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business

School of Management, Clark University

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly changing many aspects of society, and higher education is no exception. This research investigates the potential and growing use of GenAI amongst small universities, defined as institutions with fewer than 5,000 students. With approximately 2,500 small universities in the United States, this sector presents a significant opportunity for AI-driven innovation. Small universities can leverage GenAI to address critical challenges and enhance key performance indicators, such as improving student satisfaction with faculty and curriculum, increasing student enrollment, and boosting academic performance. This research presents studies of small universities that have adopted GenAI providing insights into the practical applications of this technology. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how GenAI can be leveraged in higher education.

4–4:20 p.m.

Anxiety Emotions and Technology Use: A Look at Student Adoption of Learning Management Systems

Dr. Madison N. Ngafeeson

Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business

The COVID-19 pandemic redefined the significance of learning management systems (LMS), making their adoption more crucial than ever. However, users were compelled to navigate these technologies amidst heightened anxiety, limited technical readiness, and a post-pandemic learning environment that can no longer depend on emergency-driven policies and adaptations. This study investigates the impact of behavioral control and anxiety-related emotions on LMS adoption decisions.

8:30–8:50 a.m.

The Beauty of Ugliness: Exploring Suicide Awareness in Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto

Dr. Jackie Yong

Music Department, College of the Arts

Sergei Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto, premiered in 1913, sparked chaos and controversy. Dedicated to Maximilian Schmidth of, a close friend who died by suicide that year, this dissonant and emotionally charged work reflects grief and the turbulence of its time. Beyond entertainment, it captures the “beauty of ugliness” and offers a lens to explore mental health and loss through music.

This research examines the intersection between music analysis and advocacy. The presentation begins with analysis on the cadenza of the first movement, a dramatic solo passage, examining its ambiguous form and tonality through Jan LaRue’s analytical framework. Supported by J. Peter Burkholder’s theories of musical meaning and historical context, I propose three interpretations of the cadenza’s structure, each reshaping its role in the concerto. Additionally, thematic transformations in the work are linked to the psychological stages of suicide, revealing a narrative of struggle and renewal.

Prokofiev’s concerto transcends its era, serving as a powerful artistic response to personal and societal challenges and as a profound call for mental health awareness through the transformative power of music.

8:50–9:10 a.m.

Unearthing Trauma and Lived Experiences Through the Body: An Interdisciplinary Choreographic Journey

Professor Ericka Squire

Dance Department, College of the Arts

This presentation explores how dance serves as a powerful interdisciplinary medium to unearth trauma, lived experiences, and resilience through the body. Drawing from my choreographic process on my dance company, Ericka Squire//The Dance Company, I examine how gesture, movement, and ‘Body Speak’ become tools for storytelling, allowing dancers and myself to connect deeply with personal and collective narratives. The discussion will center on my new work on ES//DC, inspired by the exhibition Strike Fast, DanceLightly: Artists on Boxing at the Norton Museum of Art, which is billed as the largest and most in-depth exhibition on artistic representations of boxing and the sport’s wider impact on global culture. Specifically, it draws inspiration from Demetri Broxton’s 2023 artwork, How You Gon’ Win When You Ain’t Right Within, which references a lyric from Lauryn Hill’s album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. This piece integrates cultural history, somatic studies, and visual art, delving into themes of identity, struggle, and self-alignment. By connecting Lauryn Hill’s lyric with the symbolism of cowrie shells and the physicality of boxing, the choreography invites dancers and audiences alike to navigate their own stories through movement, exploring universal themes of human experience. This presentation highlights the intersections of artistic practice, psychology, and cultural history, offering insights into how movement can transcend words to reveal universal human stories.

9:15–9:35 a.m.

Biblical Literacy for Digital Natives: How to Teach the Bible to Undergraduates For All Its Worth

Dr. Wanjiru M. Gitau

School of Ministry

How do you make the bible come alive in a gen-ed class? The generation now coming of age, majority of who are joining college as freshmen, has been variously labeled Gen Z, IGeneration or the Digital natives generation. The preferred ways of learning, expectations and capacities, as well as the aspirations that Gen Z differs significantly from previous generations, which means that the pedagogical techniques that worked well with previous cohorts tend to fall flat with the current crop of students.  On the other hand, the bible is a complex book, a library of books that does not lend itself to easy studying. Not only is it shaped by a culture and world that is quite far removed from contemporary experience, but the biblical story also competes with a wide range of internet generated resources competing for a mindshare among the emergent generations. Granted, there is no lack of scholarly resources explaining, translating, and interpreting the world of the bible, the biblical text, and devotional practices of believing students. And yet, a lot of students display only a thin veneer of knowledge of the biblical metanarrative. How do we help students engage the thickness, depth, and fullness of biblical story as one unified story that leads to Jesus within the college classroom?

My presentation emerges out of my experience teaching Exploring the Bible here at Palm Beach Atlantic University, therefore it is a work in progress. Quite apart from knowing, and loving scripture, I have found that there are a series of skills that are necessary to teach an ETB successfully. The very first skill is teaching the students how to learn at the college level. In my experience, many students come to the classroom without the basic skills of learning like how to take meaningful notes, how to ask questions, how to participate in discussion, create analogies, build correlations, mental models and such. These skills are as essential in a science class as they are in a bible class. Secondly, teaching the students how to master the big picture of a subject, bible or otherwise before starting out on the study of individual section or segments is essential to staying engaged throughout the semester. Third, creating a collaborative classroom environment takes intentional classroom design from the get-go, and teaching skills of how to hack group work makes classroom engagement a breeze. Thereafter, finding the right balance between the story arch, essential details, case studies, and other interesting material accounts for limitations of time and other constraints. In this matrix, shifting the focus of tests from memorization and recall to formational discovery removes anxiety from exams and extends grace to the different capacities that students bring to the learning experience. While my method may not be the only way to get students to embrace the bible story, this paper is proposed in the spirit of Gordon Fee and Douglass Stuart’s How to Read the Bible for All its Worth (1981, with many reproductions), only this time, my focus is on how to teach the bible to undergrads for all its worth.

9:35–9:55 a.m.

Dr. Daniel Lawson & Christopher Mueller

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. School of Business

This paper examines the recent trend of household investors directly registering their shares of GameStop Corp. and its positive implications for the company’s financial position. Through a review of SEC filings and an analysis of GameStop’s stockholder list, we determine that over 194,000 household investors have directly registered approximately 25% of the company’s outstanding shares. Our findings illustrate how GameStop leveraged this trend to reduce its debt, execute a stock split in the form of a dividend, and raise over $4.7 billion through multiple equity issuances, despite limited advancements in its core business model. We propose that GameStop’s success is closely linked to the direct registration movement, which has fostered investor confidence through collective ownership and self-custody—an unprecedented occurrence in U.S. financial markets. Finally, we discuss the potential for other companies to replicate this phenomenon under specific conditions.

9:55–10:15 a.m.

Improving Donor Engagement and Retention in Healthcare Philanthropy

Dr. Beth Janser

Department of Ethics and Organizational Behavior, Catherine T. MacArthur School

The United States is the world’s most charitable nation. Due to many factors, however, the landscape of American philanthropy is changing. Older donors are slowly transferring their wealth to younger generations as the U.S. population concomitantly continues to become more racially and ethnically diverse. Evaluating the relationships between age, race, and ethnicity in charitable giving may help nonprofit organizations better understand the motivations of their donors, leading to improved organizational efficiencies and effectiveness in fundraising appeals of all types. This quality improvement project sought to understand how the foundation of a Florida Children’s Hospital can enhance its Annual Giving program and sustain its long-term viability. Two theoretical frameworks helped shape the study: charitable giving theory and Burnett’s (1993) theory on relationship fundraising. By collecting the perspectives of foundation donors through surveys and interviews, this sequential explanatory mixed methods study aimed to understand the factors influencing donor motivation. Research findings showed donors have a wide range of motivations for their giving and exhibit distinct communication and solicitation preferences by generation.

10:15–10:35 a.m.

Strategic Growth and Financial Resilience: Analyzing HEICO Corporation’s Investment Potential

Frida Alsterhem, Leandro Santoro, Agustin Iusem , Fabio Podmelle, & Tin Vastic

Dr. Ariel Viale (faculty sponsor)

Master of Business Administration. Pre-Finance

Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business

HEICO Corporation, a leading aerospace, defense, and electronics company, has demonstrated consistent financial growth through strategic acquisitions, innovation, and strong market positioning. This research evaluates HEICO’s investment potential using financial modeling techniques, including a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis and various sensitivity analyses. Our findings indicate that HEICO is a strong investment candidate, with an optimal debt level of approximately 10%, aligning with its historical financial trends and post-pandemic recovery strategy. Despite lower R&D expenditures compared to industry competitors, HEICO has maintained a competitive advantage through acquisitions and cost-efficient product offerings. Additionally, sensitivity analysis further supports HEICO’s financial stability, revealing a high probability of returns exceeding its Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) of 11.86%. This study provides valuable insights for investors, highlighting HEICO’s growth trajectory, risk factors, and potential for sustained profitability in the aerospace and defense industry.

11 a.m.– 12:05 p.m.

Academic Research Experiences and Opportunities at Palm Beach Atlantic – The Student Perspective

Joseph Harold is a sophomore majoring in Biology: Concentration in Marine Biology with a minor in Chemistry

Gabriela Alves is a junior majoring in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with a minor in English and is a member of the Fredrick M. Supper Honors program.

Rebecca Nacy is a senior majoring in Biology: Concentration in Zoology with a minor in Psychology and is a member of the Fredrick M. Supper Honors program

Hannah Hutchins graduated with an undergraduate major in Behavioral Neuroscience and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Health Science: Concentration in Biomedical Science.

1–1:20 p.m.
Sing Me Some Melodious Sonnet: Weighing the Value of Mass-Produced Worship Music
Summer Kazim

1:20–1:40 p.m.
The Practical Turn in Trinitarian Theology: Considering Thomistic Ressourcement for
Divine and Human Action
Professor Elvir Ciceklic
(Remote Presentation)

1:40–2 p.m.
Christian Participation in Resistance and Theology in Twentieth Century Palestine
Lesley Flahardy

2:05–2:25 p.m.

In vitro Analysis of Interactions Between Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa During Biofilm Formation

Cameron Dobrotka & Dr. Fabio Aguiar-Alves

Laboratory Technician

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy

Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are classified as ESKAPE pathogens that present a significant challenge to treatment due to their increased resistance to a considerable number of antimicrobial agents. Biofilms further exacerbate treatment challenges as they provide enhanced antimicrobial and environmental protection. Mixed-species biofilms further complicate treatment options through numerous complex interspecies interactions, leading to potentially negative clinical outcomes. This study assesses the interaction between Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa during biofilm formation using traditional biofilm formation assays, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Confocal microscopy. We identified a competitive relationship between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, wherein both pathogens exhibited a reduction in biofilm formation during mixed-species biofilms in comparison to monocultures. Furthermore, we found the cell-free conditioned media (CFCM) of P. aeruginosa significantly reduce S. aureus biofilms. Using fractioned CFCM, we identified that anti-staphylococcal activity of > 10 kDa fraction was almost identical to non-fractioned CFCM. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interactions between these pathogens, suggesting there is an antagonistic relationship between S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.

2:25–2:45 p.m.

Evaluation of the Effects of Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Combinations on Infections Caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an Experimental Rodent Mode

Dr. Fabio Aguiar Alves, Cameron Dobrotka, Gabriela Alves, Isabel Gaya, Adrian Almeida, & Megan Novins

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy

Department of Chemistry, Forensic Sciences, Oceanography & Physics, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Laboratory Technician

Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are opportunistic pathogens frequently isolated in the hospital environments. They can be associated with infections in these environments. The empirical and indiscriminate use of antimicrobials, without consideration of resistance patterns, has led the emergence of new resistant clones, making the treatment of these infections, which are usually fatal, a major challenge for researchers. Thus, combining an antimicrobial peptide with potential to disrupt membranes of the microorganisms with other molecules, seems to be a promising strategy to fight hospital infections. A total of twenty-two peptides were subjected to MICs and MBCs against the standard strains S. aureus ATCC 25923 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and the clinical strains S. aureus USA300 and P. aeruginosa CBAC 337. A total of 18 out of 22 AMPs showed inhibitory activity against the strains evaluated. The AMPs HHX-2-28 and AJP-1-102 were shown to significantly inhibit USA300 biofilm formation. AMP HHX-2-28 significantly reduced the Colony Forming Units (CFUs) of the biofilm and consequently, the biofilm visualized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The selected AMPs showed low cytotoxicity in the cell cultures evaluated, in addition, the identified AMPs do not have a hemolytic effect. An in vivo prophylaxis trial was conducted with three groups: (1) a group treated 30 minutes before infection with AMP HHX-2-28 against USA300, (2) a group treated with vancomycin against USA300, and (3) a control group treated with sterile saline solution. All animals in all groups exhibited clinical signs of infection and inflammation. However, HHX-2-28 increased survival compared to both the saline and vancomycin-treated groups, achieving 100% survival when the dose was increased fourfold (4×). Therefore, AMP HHX-2-28 is a strong candidate for future trials aimed at assessing its efficacy and safety in treating bacterial infections.

2:45–3:05 p.m.

Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis Antibiotic Resistance to Ampicillin, Penicillin, Chloramphenicol, Streptomycin, and Tetracycline

Crystal Lopes & Dr. Brittany Stinson

Department of Biology, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The human gastro-intestinal tract and cutaneous microbiomes are diverse and correlated to various illnesses and diseases. Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacteria found in the GI-tract and Staphylococcus epidermidis is a gram-positive bacteria found on the skin. The overuse of antibiotics has led to increased formation of multi drug-resistant organisms (MDROs); therefore, studies have characterized the effectiveness of probiotics as an alternative treatment. Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-proliferative effect of probiotics against colon and melanoma cancer (Salemi et al. 2023). This study observed the effect of L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus on E. coli and S. epidermidis antibiotic resistance. Zones of inhibition were measured to assess changes in susceptibility to penicillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, and tetracycline. In the presence of the probiotic, tetracycline demonstrated the highest increase of susceptibility in E. coli by 2.3 mm (p < 0.05), whereas streptomycin demonstrated the lowest decrease of susceptibility in S. epidermidis by 1.3 mm (p < 0.05). Future studies should consider probiotic mechanisms to increase microbial susceptibility to antibiotics or newly developed treatments.

3:05–3:25 p.m.

Evaluating the Biofilm-Inhibiting Effect of Two Pyrazole-Tetrazole Derivatives

Gabriela Alves, Dr. Fabio Aguiar Alves, & Cameron Dobrotka

Department of Chemistry, Forensic Sciences, Oceanography & Physics, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. ²Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy. ^aLaboratory Technician.

The synthetic compounds JVS-02 and JVS-05 are pyrazole-tetrazole derivatives shown to have antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, inhibiting especially its biofilm formation process. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of these compounds against biofilm in clinically significant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. In the event of proving its effectiveness against biofilm, it will be possible to evaluate these compounds’ potential for combination therapy with commercially available antibiotics, such as vancomycin.

3:25–3:45 p.m.

Research On Diabetes and the Different Factors Affecting the Puerto Rican Vs. Floridian Population

Gretchen Vazquez

Department of Pharmacy Practice, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. This disease can affect anyone regardless of age, race, or sex.

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate type 2 diabetes among residents of Puerto Rico and Florida, to determine the ages at which this disease is most prevalent, and to identify the eating and physical activity habits that influence the high incidence of diabetes in both populations.

Method

Participants were asked to complete a 14-question survey through a link provided to obtain data. One of the requirements to complete the survey was that participants had to be over 18 years old and have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Results

Among both populations, the age group with the highest percentage of responses was 61 years or older. However, in the information obtained from people living in Puerto Rico, 28% of the responses were from individuals aged 46-55 years.

These results are preliminary, and the information will be updated as the research progresses.