Fall 2021 Virtual Undergraduate Research Exhibition
The Virtual Undergraduate Research Exhibition, presented by the Office of Undergraduate Research, is an online variation of our biannual, in-person event in which students showcase original research, scholarly projects, and creative works. Instead of students coming to campus to display their research posters and give presentations, the EFSC community and the general public are invited to view this term's student research submissions below.
An Analysis of the Effects of Various Essential Oils on the Growth of Staphylococcus Aureus
Student Researcher: Rick Snow
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Spring
Various essential oils, such as that of Melaleuca, Mentha spicata, and Lavendula were applied to S. aureus culture, and the extent of growth was measured at 24 and 48 hours; the application of each of the essential oils, as well as various combinations thereof, resulted in a significant reduction in the growth of S. aureus culture. Therefore, one can conclude that the application of the aforementioned essential oils significantly reduces the growth of S. aureus.
Promotion of Initial Plant Growth with Rhizobacterial Inoculation
Student Researcher: Kristen Browning
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Spring
Abstract: There is a need for fast-growing crops to develop improved crop yield worldwide. The development of new methods for improvement in crop yield has risen using rhizobacteria to promote initial plant growth (Adesemoye et al., 2008). This study tested the hypothesis that using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis can promote initial growth in plants species of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), and pea (P. sativum).
The hypothesis of this study was tomato, okra, and pea seeds inoculated in P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis will grow faster than plants with non-inoculated seeds. The height of the plants was measured every three days for 14 days, and at the conclusion of the study, the wet and dry weights were obtained. The plants with seeds inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis separately and combined grew significantly faster than non-inoculated seeds. Inoculation of seeds with rhizobacteria may be applied to improve yield worldwide in a variety of crops.
The Antibacterial Effect of Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum), Garlic (Allium Sativum), and the Combination of Both
Student Researcher: Sarah Clemons
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Spring
Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are pathogenic to humans, and an increasing number of strains are resistant to more current antibiotics (Magryś, 2021). This research looks at the antibacterial effects of clove (Syzygium aromaticum), garlic (Allium sativum), and the combination of both on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The clove (Syzygium aromaticum), garlic (Allium sativum), the combination of both, and a current antibiotic (penicillin) were tested and showed significant inhibition of the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results of this study support that clove (Syzygium aromaticum), garlic (Allium sativum), and the combination of both may have opportunities for use inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Identifying Observable Changes in Grant-Seeking Habits of Florida Museums Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Closures
Student Researcher: Cassandra Garner
Mentor:Dr. Sarah Stoeckel
Abstract: Previous research on how museum staff believe the COVID-19 pandemic will affect operations has shown a perceived funding shortfall. However, Federal funding specifically for museums has increased, and state- and community-level funding has remained available. In an effort to find out if Florida museums were actively seeking more or less grant funding during and after the pandemic closures compared to prior, surveys were distributed to museum staff in charge of grant or finance management. Some of the questions included revenue bracket, number of grants sought, and amount awarded, as well as whether or not any were specifically COVID-19-related, and if the applicant attended any grant-specific informational presentations or webinars.
The respondents were split into two categories based on revenue brackets in order to see if there were any observable changes from 2019 to 2021. Based on the results of the survey, the smaller museums did actively seek more grants during the height of the pandemic in 2020; however, there were more instances of "zero" grants applied for in 2021 than in 2019 and 2020 combined. The amount awarded did observably increase over the course of the three years. The larger museums appeared to stay consistent in their number of grant applications and amount awarded from 2019 to 2021. Future research may be needed to determine whether or not funding decreased in specific areas (STEM, art, history, etc.) and if length of closure played a role in the number of grants sought.
Comparing High School and College Dress Codes
Student Researcher: Ruth Toland, Mackenzie Miller, and Michelle Garcia
Mentor: Mary Garrett
Abstract: Why are dress codes important in high school, and what strategy can high school students use to learn dress codes at their high schools? Comparing high school to college dress codes interests us because dual-enrolled students experience both school environments with a dress code. There are fewer rules and restrictions on the way students dress in college, so long as they are covered up. While in high school, dress codes are more restricted, and social pressure has a significant effect on students to dress a certain way.
We examined the dress code policies from Brevard County high schools and Eastern Florida State College for their specific rules of what students can and cannot wear to school. We propose our solution to help high school students learn their school's dress code to avoid dress code violations. We created a student guide for high school dress codes and offer it as a strategy for learning how to stay away from dress code violations.
Cost Issues of Transitioning into College Life
Student Researcher: Mason Rubendall and Noelle Boyken
Mentor: Mary Garrett
Abstract: Through our research, we have found that many potential college students are deterred away from college due to the financial burden. Furthermore, we have determined that high schools are not properly preparing students for college life by teaching them how to properly manage money and budgets.
We have found that over half the country's high schools are failing to properly teach these students, and honestly, it's not right or fair for young adults going off on their own. With this information, we have written on different aspects that college students need to consider to reduce the financial impact of college and ways to get aid in order to help pay for college.
Portable Insectary Design for Use in Florida's Climate
Student Researcher: Corinne Challgren
Mentor: Amanda Newton
Abstract: An insectary is a group of plants designed to attract beneficial insects. Both pest predators and pollinators are important to ensure healthy flora, whether it’s in the garden or in a greenhouse. The main goal of this study was to incorporate integrated pest management into the Rockledge Garden Greenhouse. Observations within the property revealed the presence of aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, thrips, and grasshoppers. I observed the presence of beneficial insects, but not to the same extent as the areas beyond the greenhouse. Based on research into specific plant structures, a plan was created to incorporate dill, cilantro, red salvia, and corkystem passionflower. The addition of native flowering plants would provide familiar sources of pollen and nectar to native pollinators within the area. Further research includes the implementation of the nectary plan and the observation thereof.
College Students, College Soccer, and Social Media
Student Researcher: Dylon O’Brien and Santino Morel Rieder
Mentor: Mary Garrett
Abstract:
Why do students go to college? They go to college to take classes that lead to earning a degree. A degree is a key to getting a job that pays decent money to live and enjoy life. Why do students go to public state colleges? They go to smaller colleges because tuition is cheaper than big universities, and locations are close to home. What is one thing that most all college students experience while in high school? They went to sporting events like football, basketball, and baseball games to cheer on their school’s team and have a good time with friends.
The memories of going to a game have a lasting effect on your experiences in high school. College students should have a chance to make memories and to go to sporting events to meet new people and be a fan for the home team. We pursued this project because we wanted to find out how enrollment numbers change from year to year when a college adds a sports team and in what ways colleges use social media to encourage students to attend the games.
The Traveling Pencil: Examining International Student Services
Student Researcher: Dannyli Acosta, John Ancarrow, Bobby Earnest, Lucas Gonzalez, Riley McNatt, Honoree
Pound, Edgar Quintana, Kristina Ramirez-Cardona, Kaene Salley, and Austin VanNess
Mentor: Mary Garrett
Abstract:
All students face challenges in their first semester in college. The world of higher education is different, and it takes time to learn the campus and get acquainted with the new learning environment. Imagine that you grew up thousands of miles away from America, and you get an opportunity to attend an American college to advance your education. You pack some of your belongings, move thousands of miles from your family, and enter a new phase of life where you are now immersed in American life that is totally new to you.
How cool would it be for a peer student to give you a tour of the campus in your native tongue? Offer you insight into how to read the campus map or bus schedule to go to the mall. Show you the library and student services offices and explain their purpose in assisting you in being successful in college. These are the little things that could make a big difference in how international students get acclimated and plugged into campus and campus life. One possible solution is to offer iPeer Tours to international students. iPeer Tours are a way for students to give back to the college community and help answer peer-to-peer questions from international students. Students learn from each other, and it offers students a chance to connect in a way that builds interdependence, personal responsibility, and lifelong learning skills to benefit their college and career life.
Unchained: Transitions to Freedom in College
Student Researcher: Philip Laven and David Cardona
Mentor: Mary Garrett
Abstract: College is a time of transition. Students learn there is a big difference between high school culture and the culture of higher education. No longer can students rely on high school teachers and parents to do all the reminders to study, turn in homework, and get to class on time. Now, they must take on more responsibility for their learning and make decisions to help them do well in college (Downing, 2015). Each semester is a new adventure in college, your class schedule is different, and you are learning new things about yourself and your ability to handle challenges in life every day. It is an exciting time to be a college student, whether a traditional student, mature student, or a dual-enrolled student taking college classes while still in high school.
However, excitement isn’t the only emotion you experience in college because students are different, and not every student shares the same view of the college journey. Some students may experience anxiety and depression before finally feeling a sense of freedom to embrace college life. Going through different situations and accepting your life is changing while in college is the inspiration for this creative project. We use music to express our thoughts. We composed an instrumental song using acoustic bass that we call "Unchained." "Unchained" represents being released by the shackles of childhood and reaching adulthood and the feeling of joy and the feeling of melancholy involved in growing up.