High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

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  GABA and Dopamine Dual Therapy: A Potential Treatment for A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

  Ahmed Abdalla and Jemimah Olajide

  Lung cancer is the deadliest and second most prevalent cancer in the United States, with approximately 230,000 new cases and 125,000 deaths reported yearly, according to the American Cancer Society. Annually, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Recent research has shown that GABA and dopamine independently induce apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Parameters such as LD50 and IC50 are essential to determine optimal concentration for human toxicity and CI analysis can be utilized to understand the synergistic interactions between two agents. In this research project, the relative effectiveness of GABA and dopamine dual therapy on lung cancer cells to induce apoptosis is examined using these parameters to evaluate whether a relationship between these two reagents can be established. Using quantitative cell counting and qualitative immunofluorescence microscopy, the optimal concentrations at which each reagent induces apoptosis can be identified. In the future, this knowledge can be used to develop more effective management strategies for lung cancer and ultimately further investigation into innovative therapies for NSCLC treatment.

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  Shaping Future Leaders: Empowering Youth through Experiential Learning

  Beatrix L. Alerte

  During my spring break, I participated in the UCF Alternative Break Program, where I worked with Junior Achievement of Memphis to help educate students on financial literacy and career readiness. Junior Achievement provides hands-on learning experiences, allowing students to take on real-world roles in a simulated city. My role focused on mentoring students in the media radio station, where I guided them in creating advertisements, managing radio segments, and understanding media business operations.

  Through this experience, I learned the power of experiential learning in preparing students for future careers. I also developed my ability to adapt my communication style to engage students of different age groups effectively. One of my biggest takeaways was the importance of early exposure to financial and media literacy, particularly for underserved communities. Many students had limited knowledge of budgeting and banking, highlighting the need for accessible financial education programs.

  This experience reinforced my passion for mentorship and community impact. It also shifted my perspective on education showing me that hands-on experiences are one of the most effective ways to teach critical life skills. Moving forward, I plan to continue advocating for programs that provide youth with real-world learning opportunities that prepare them for personal and professional success.

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  Stay ahead of your health: screen and educate

  Ananda Amritt

  This service-learning project aims to promote the importance of preventative healthcare screenings, focusing on Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) testing for detecting Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Electrocardiograms (EKGs) to monitor heart health. Through this initiative, I have developed and distributed 50 educational brochures to inform patients about the significance of these screenings in identifying cardiovascular risks early and taking preventive measures to avoid more serious health complications.

  The project has involved collaborating with Orlando Health Clinic LLC, to distribute these materials to various communities. The goal is to empower individuals with knowledge about their health, encourage proactive measures, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases through early detection and lifestyle changes.

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  SECOND CHANCES: A Journey with Save a Life Pet Rescue / LEAD Documentary

  Fabian A. Arcila, Bailey Sage, Lauren Fitzsimmons, and Moriah Boring

  For our LEAD class project, we decided to partner up with Save a Life Pet Rescue, a local nonprofit organization located in Orlando, dedicated to rescuing dogs from high-risk shelters and placing them in loving homes in order to give them a second chance at life through adoption.

  The dogs we worked with were fed and cared for by extremely kind volunteers who demonstrated both their passion for service and their love for animals. The entire experience was lively and seamless, as everyone we dealt with was kind and well-informed about the organization. Despite the lack of assigned roles for volunteers, the overall atmosphere conveyed a genuine dedication to animal welfare.

  With actual testimonies, dog footage, and firsthand accounts that emphasize the significance of their mission, this documentary was produced to visually represent the organization's work.

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  HISS, RIBBIT, VROOM: An Examination of Herpetofaunal Abundance in an Area Surrounded by Anthropogenic Noise

  Isabella Berenyi, Genesis Fontanet, Jona Mckinley, and Iso Suarez

  Human population is increasing and will continue to do so, which means more wild habitat is altered. Even areas that are designated for preservation or conservation may still experience indirect alteration, such as anthropogenic noise and road mortality. Anthropogenic noise, or noise from people, becomes noise pollution when it disrupts an ecosystem’s functioning. The objective of this experiment was to determine the influence of road noise pollution on the abundance of reptiles and amphibians on a UCF campus wetland. Between the months of January and April of 2025, we performed basic trapping and dipnetting as well as walked transects to test decibels at specified points. We found that there was no significant change with the number of species nor individuals depending on the weather, nor with changes in decibel readings. There was no significant variation in noise, but it could be due to a variety of reasons not experimentally tested. The recorded species in the wetland primarily included generalists and invasive species which are able to thrive in a variety of habitats. However, there was still plenty of non-herpetofauna activity in the area, meaning it is still productive. We suggest that this topic be further explored in a more intensive way in the future, either during a season where there would be quiet hours, or in comparison with a remote but ecologically similar site.

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  Persuading Community: Constructing Arguments for Visual Arts Definitive Meaning

  John Paul Bernal

  The purpose of my project was to be able to understand arguments and their structure through certain parameters and view what parameter was used the most to create plausible argument. This mainly included being active in viewing comments on social media, and categorizing them within these parameters. I learned a lot about Research but I learned mostly the importance of it, and how crucial it can be and where else it can play in my life.

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  Critical Reactions: A Look at Youtube's comment section

  Levi T. Buffington

  Like much of the world, I frequently visit the website Youtube for information and entertainment. Youtube has become the standard for video sharing and viewing, occupying a huge market share in the streaming player space. Youtube videos have several features users can interact with, one of those being comments. As I watch videos, I scroll down to see what others are saying. Comments are small pieces of text, often only a few words or sentences, that are written in reaction to a video. You can “like” a comment, and comments that get more likes appear higher on the list. I never comment on videos, and I wondered what caused others to contribute. I also wondered what effect the comment section had on the community of viewers in general. This is my research contribution.

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  How Different Questioning Methods Allow for More Productive Discussions in and out of the Classroom

  Sabrina A. Califano

  This presentation explores the impact of different questioning methods in promoting more productive discussions both inside and outside the classroom. As an undergraduate learning assistant in CHM2046, I reflect on how open-ended and close-ended questions can shape student interactions. Open-ended questions encourage diverse responses and allow for deeper discussions, while close-ended questions direct conversations towards specific answers.

  This approach of varying question types based on the student’s needs helped students feel more confident and engaged. This encouraged one-on-one interactions, improving students' understanding and participation. This experience also helped build my own communication skills, influencing my approach in various situations beyond the classroom.

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  The Impact of Caffeine on Neurotransmitter Production by Lactobacillus Spp.

  Angela Caruso

  Caffeine, a prevalent stimulant, has inconclusive effects on the gut-brain axis. Key probiotics such as Lactobacillus play a chief role in gut health and neurotransmitter production. These bacteria are able to effectively influence brain function and overall health. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of caffeine on Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus reuteri to determine antagonistic or synergistic effects on the bacteria’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production and synthesis of serotonin-related metabolites.

  The methodology for this work begins with treating bacterial cultures with varying concentrations of caffeine and then incubating at 37ºC for 48 hours. Supernatants are then retrieved for analysis of neurotransmitter levels using spectrometry and/or immunosorbant assays. Bacterial growth is assessed by measuring optical density and by calculating colony-forming units (CFUs).

  Higher caffeine concentrations inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing neurotransmitter production is expected. This could lead to alterations of communication within the gut-brain axis. This research is significant in understanding the broader implications of caffeine consumption on gut health. Especially in a society where caffeine consumption is so widely prevalent, understanding physiological implications could guide individuals to consume caffeine in a way that maximizes its benefits on the gut microbiome and overall health. One key thing I hope to learn is the physiological affects caffeine has on the body other than as its known role as a stimulant.

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  A Look into the Creative School for Children!

  Amanda Castro, Sophia Jeans, Rachel Waldman, Jaden Harris, Laura Marine, and Mia Quiñones Angelí

  As students who are part of the LEAD Scholar’s Academy, we had to do a service learning project for our LEAD class. This project consisted of doing a culture audit for a non-profit organization. We chose to do it with the Creative School for Children at UCF. We volunteered over 90 hours as a group, working with the kids during their outside time, creating meaningful interactions with them and making sure they were safe. We played fun games and did fun activities with them like tag and hide-and-seek, drawing with chalk, and reading books. This experience taught us how to create meaningful relationships with the children, while simultaneously making sure we were teaching them boundaries and how to communicate with one another. We also learned how to participate in a collaborative environment with the teachers, helpers, and the children themselves.

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  AI Companionship Technologies: Technical Architecture and Human Impact in the Digital Age

  Sophia M. Cathey Ms.

  This research investigates the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by AI companionship technologies, an emerging frontier in human-computer interaction. The project's core purpose was to develop a comprehensive framework for responsible AI companionship systems, integrating insights from computer science, psychology, and ethics to address critical concerns related to user dependency, privacy, and the authenticity of AI interactions. Key activities included analyzing AI companionship as a complex adaptive system, revealing emergent properties and the need for interdisciplinary design approaches, and designing practical solutions to enhance digital resources at UCF Career Services. A key learning was the necessity of bridging technical AI development with ethical considerations and user-centered design to maximize positive impact and mitigate potential risks, a principle I apply across my work in AI, cybersecurity, and related fields.

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  Bringing Military History to Life

  Nathan T. Chamberlain

  The purpose of this project was to be able to learn about public history in a military history setting. The two key activities that I did were; creating an exhibit for a fellow Navy Veteran, and helping with an Oral History event at the museum where we heard from two World War II veterans. The exhibit was especially important to me as it helped me to tell the story of a fellow Navy Veteran. It was also a helpful experience for me to be able to create all of the advertising for the oral history event. These projects helped me to refine my public history skills and helped me learn about the accessioning and curation processes that local museums go through.

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  Our Fight Against Hunger

  McKenna J. Clark, Arya Raheja, Ashley La ROsa, Jayden Daniels, Wayne Brady, and Cheryl Nguyen

  This culture audit, conducted as part of the LEAD Scholars Program at the University of Central Florida, focused on volunteering with Second Harvest Food Bank, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating hunger in Central Florida. As a group, we volunteered there on the weekends, doing activities such as sorting and repackaging food donations. These tasks supported the organization's mission of distributing food to over 870 feeding partners in seven counties. Through this hands-on service, we learned the critical role of community involvement and teamwork in addressing food insecurity. We also gained insights into the leadership styles employed at Second Harvest Food Bank. One of the most valuable takeaways from this experience was understanding the power of collective action and how each small effort contributes to a larger goal of creating a hunger-free community. This experience allowed us to not only contribute to the fight against hunger but also deepened our understanding of the vital work nonprofit organizations do and the leadership principles that drive their success.

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  The Weight of Waking: The Relationship Between Postpartum Mental Health and Infant Sleep

  Casey S. Courtright

  This study explored which factors act alongside maternal mental health to predict how often their infants awoke at night. More specifically, this project aimed to determine if education level interacted with postpartum mental health symptoms to predict awakenings. A multiple linear regression model was developed using a dataset on 410 new mothers from Switzerland. The data contained information on the mothers’ recent symptoms of several mental health conditions as well as their infants’ sleep quality. Despite finding a statistically significant model, it did not account for much of the pattern in infant sleep awakenings. Future research should include mothers from countries with more pronounced socioeconomic inequality to gain a more diverse perspective on the effects of socioeconomic status on maternal mental health and infant sleep. Through this project, I learned more about how complex human behavior is and the limitations of using linear models.

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  Vietnam Women's Academy: Social Media Campaign

  Lily Cring, Margarita Lopez, Emily Paone, Hailey Jones, and Jaysica Nacionales

  Social Media Campaign Global Learning Project for Spring 2025 HIIP Virtual Showcase. Created by Lily Cring, Hailey Jones, Jaysica Nacionales, Margarita Lopez, and Emily Paone.

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  Evaluating the Cultural Sensitivity and Effectiveness of Nutrition Education Materials for Spanish-Speaking Mothers in Osceola County

  Kate Cruz and Sharon Carillo

  Our service-learning project aims to address maternal health disparities in Osceola County by evaluating and improving prenatal nutrition education materials for Spanish-speaking mothers. In partnership with the Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County, we identified a need for more culturally relevant educational tools through insights from the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) program.

  To meet this need, we proposed the development of culturally adapted materials that reflect the dietary habits, values, and language of Hispanic mothers. Our key activities include designing a mixed-methods study involving surveys and focus groups with 50 Spanish-speaking mothers enrolled in Healthy Start programs. Through this process, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of existing materials and generate feedback to inform the creation of new, more accessible resources.

  One key lesson we learned is the importance of cultural relevance in health education. This is to say, simply translating information is not enough. Materials must resonate with the community’s lived experiences to truly be effective. We also learned the value of community collaboration in public health initiatives; our work would not be possible without the insight and support of our partners. This project allowed us to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting, with the goal of creating lasting, positive change in maternal and infant health outcomes.

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  Crafting Cards for Illness Warriors

  Sophia De La Cruz, Robert Spina, Amanda Nunez-Ferreira, Nikhita Sridhar, Emily Silva, and Avalyn Blakley

  This semester, we focused our project on the non-profit organization Cards2Warriors, who aim to deliver countless cards in the form of “Happy mail” to illness warriors, their families, caregivers, and medical professionals in order to spread kindness and love in times of darkness. Through hosting our own community service events in UCF's LEAD Scholars Lounge, we've been able to add over 100 cards to the 44,152 cards that have already been sent out to this day by the amazing organization! Throughout our time working together as a group, we have learned the true meaning of making a good impact on not only our community but the rest of the world. With hard work, time management, collaboration, and communication, we have been able to make our project as successful as we've hoped!

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  My LA Experience in Undergraduate Chemistry

  Caroline del Barrio

  The purpose of being a ULA is to help undergraduate students with understanding course material, which in this instance was General Chemistry concepts. Part of a ULA's duties are to form connections with students and to improve their own knowledge of the subject material as well as pedagogical techniques. In the CHM 4942 course, these pedagogical techniques were discussed and practiced as to improve our abilities at teaching others. Part of the class was dedicated to discussing difficulties with certain aspects of pedagogy, and working with each other to improve on them, which we would then apply in our ULA roles.

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  The Effect of Cuban Tree Frogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) on Native Anuran Populations. ​

  Ava Dennison, Hannah Hettenbach, Kelsey Peterson, Patrick Baker, Tarajade Ebanks, Matthew Atkinson, Jenna Palmisano, and Hannah DeGraw

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  Impact of Digital Marketing Budgets and Influencer Size on Sales Across Media Channels

  Emily R. Densmore and Aarush Singh

  Digital marketing plays a crucial role in modern business, with strategies such as online promotions and influencer partnerships influencing sales performance. This study explores the correlation between marketing expenditures, influencer size, and product sales to determine whether these factors can reliably predict sales outcomes. Using the Marketing Promotion TV vs Radio vs Social Media dataset from Kaggle, we analyzed how different types of digital promotions impact sales. Our regression analysis examined the relationship between marketing budget allocation and influencer promotion size, incorporating first-order interaction terms between digital strategies. Residual plots indicated a strong linear relationship between radio advertisement spending and sales, with some outliers present. To improve model assumptions, we applied various transformations to the response variable, ultimately selecting the square root transformation as the best fit. These findings provide insights into optimizing digital marketing expenditures for better sales performance.

  You can view the video presentation at https://www.canva.com/design/DAGjZ3GJGMs/lfm3kBMl5lxeGPe0B9NM8A/view?utm_content=DAGjZ3GJGMs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h80acdccfcc

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  Correlation Between Physical Inactivity and Mortality due to Alzheimer's Disease.

  Steven Dimitrakakis

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  Between a Rock and a Wet Place: Analyzing Mangrove Expansion on Intertidal Oyster Reefs

  Lindsay Dolan, Andre Wicks, Lina Souza, Jenna Hodgson, Gabriella Zigler, Ethan Gau, Meagan Pack, Antonia Ferguson, Gwyn Kirby, Mako Rosario, Lee Nguyen, Dwartney Wortham, Jack Budd, Michelle Ganuza, Abby Greene, Cori McWilliams, Dyllon Thompson, Emma Quade, Dani Andrews, Jessie Shaffer, Abigail Bond, and Julia Murray

  As global temperatures rise due to climate change, tropical mangroves have spread poleward and now impact many other ecosystems, including salt marshes and oyster reefs in central Florida. A recent study documented a 198% increase in mangrove numbers on intertidal reefs of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) since 1984 in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Our field research project had two goals. First, to collect 2025 data as part of a long-term study to understand the current dimensions, densities, and spatial distributions of red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) on intertidal oyster reefs in Mosquito Lagoon (north IRL), and second, to compare our results to earlier surveys to determine the rate of change. Data was collected across 10 reefs in Mosquito Lagoon in the spring of 2025 and compared to the same reefs surveyed in spring 2023 and spring 2024. Previous results indicate a 6% annual increase in the number of mangroves per reef per square meter. As climate change continues to cause ecosystem shifts within the IRL, it is important to understand the relationships among foundational species so resource managers can better predict and protect the future of these vital ecosystems.

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  Pawsitively Making a Difference: A Culture Audit on Save a Life Pet Rescue

  Angelina M. Fasolo, Bryanna Sparks, Kayla Buchholz, Mitchel Woodrow, Magdalina Goranova, and Mariangie Sangiovanni

  The purpose of our culture audit of Save a Life Pet Rescue was to evaluate the organization’s values, mission, and practices to understand how effectively they align with their stated goals. Our group applied the Social Change Model of Leadership, focusing on the 7 Cs—Collaboration, Common Purpose, and Commitment were particularly evident throughout our observations.

  To conduct this audit, each group member volunteered 15 hours at weekend adoption events, where we assisted with animal care, adopter guidance, and event setup and breakdown. Additionally, we interviewed the organization's director and volunteers to gain insight into their experiences and perspectives.

  One key takeaway from this experience was recognizing how espoused values versus enacted values shape an organization's culture. Save a Life Pet Rescue’s mission, as stated online, emphasizes saving and enriching the lives of dogs in high-kill shelters. Our observations confirmed that this mission is actively lived out through volunteer-driven efforts, adoption services, and pet welfare initiatives. Another key insight was the critical role of volunteer commitment—without dedicated individuals, the organization would struggle to carry out its life saving mission.

  Overall, this audit highlighted the importance of community engagement and leadership in nonprofit work. By fostering a strong culture of service, Save a Life Pet Rescue successfully creates a lasting impact on both animals and adopters.

  You can view the group's video report at https://www.canva.com/design/DAGjaIFdxKc/2vqkjHVGlRUXXXCbqsd-rg/watch?utm_content=DAGjaIFdxKc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h07372e2b4f

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  Night Code: Decoding Nighttime Health Through Data

  Alexie Fischer and Rishitavani Donapati

  Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, yet many adults struggle to achieve adequate rest due to lifestyle and health factors. In our project, we explore how variables such as stress levels, BMI, physical activity, blood pressure, and occupation impact sleep patterns using the Sleep Health and Lifestyle Dataset from Kaggle. Through statistical analysis, we examine these relationships, identify trends, and address challenges such as collinearity and interaction effects.

  Our project reveals that stress levels negatively affect both sleep duration and quality, while physical activity shows a positive correlation with improved sleep outcomes. Additionally, BMI and blood pressure demonstrate moderate associations with sleep, emphasizing the role of cardiovascular health in sleep patterns. We also explore how different occupations contribute to variations in sleep habits. By applying transformations and interaction terms, we refine our model to enhance predictive accuracy.

  This research is relevant to young adults as they transition into professional life, offering insights into the long-term impact of lifestyle choices on sleep health. Understanding these factors can help inform personal wellness strategies, workplace policies, and public health initiatives. By highlighting the significance of sleep, we hope to contribute to ongoing discussions on health and well-being, ultimately encouraging individuals to adopt habits that promote restful and restorative sleep.

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  Hope in Action: Serving Orlando's Hungry and Homeless through Straight Street

  Tyler Goncalves, Kenzie Robinson, Marcella Pardo, James Mason Huhne, and Rohan Rana

  This project focuses on working with Straight Street Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the homeless and those facing hunger in Orlando. Since 2009, Straight Street has provided over 200,000 meals to those in need, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Friday. Through this project, my team and I participated in distributing meals, and conversing with workers who gave us valuable insight into the work they do. This hands-on experience showed the impact that consistent community support can have on vulnerable populations. We learned how important it is to meet physical and emotional needs, and how meaningful connections with those being served can foster resilience and faith. Working with Straight Street has been an eye-opening experience that highlights the power of compassion and dedication in creating positive change.