Winners of the

Sixth Annual
Graduate Student &
Postdoctoral Scholar
Research Symposium
Marshall Student Center Ballroom
Monday, March 17, 2014
1:00 4:00 pm
Reception to Follow
OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
1
Schedule of Events
Marshall Student Center Ballroom
Monday, March 17, 2014

Check-in and Set-up ...................................................................................... 12:30 pm
Poster Session
Welcome:
Dr. Peter Harries,
Assistant Dean, Office of Graduate Studies ......................................1:00 pm
Reception ...........................................................................................................4:00 pm
2
Presenters by Category
Arts & Humanities
Behavioral Sciences
Education
Name Title #
Briana Phelps Painting the Land 6
Nina Reali Caught Looking Cracking the Shell to Stadiums and the Urban Mix 8
Name Title #
Elizabeth Handing
Midlife Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Dementia over 43 Years of Follow up: A Population-
based Study from the Swedish Twin Registry
18
Mallory Quinn Utilizing TAGteach to Enhance Proficiency in Specified Dance Movements 21
Name Title #
Julie Dell-Jones
Towards a More Student-Centered Approach: Photo-Elicitation in English as a Second Language
Adult Education
29
Erin Margarella Kindles in the Classroom: A Survey of Teachers' Perceptions of a Mandated Technology Initiative 37
Engineering
Name Title #
Abhinav Bhardwaj
Heat Transfer Improvement in IR-Transparent Phase Change Materials using Absorptive Nanoparticle
Additives for Thermal Energy Storage
45
Jose Carballo Self Assembly Kinetics of Microscale Components: An Energy Based Model 47
Health
Name Title #
Jacob Bourgeois
Characterization of the Neuropathological Consequences of Plac1 Ablation in the Developing Mouse
Embryo
63
Yiru Qin Immunotoxicity Evaluation and Mechanistic Studies of Graphene Quantum Dots 82
Social Science
Name Title #
Amber Gregory
Re(defining) Muslim Women: The Adaptation Strategies of Female Muslim International Students at
American Universities
117
Theresa Woods Why We Play: Exploring MMORPG Gamer Experiences
135
Title: Painting the Land
Name: Briana Phelps
Major Professor: Elisabeth Condon
College: FA
Program: MFA Studio Art (Painting)
Abstract: From December 2013- March 2014, I will complete 200+ small watercolor paintings on paper. Most of
these paintings are executed in plein air, depicting the surrounding areas during hiking and camping excursions. As
much as I am interested in and drawn to the land, I am drawn to paint more. In an age overwrought with image,
painting is far from dead. Paint has an ability to meld what the eye sees and the soul feels. This is the magic that I
feel every time the brush touches the page. When asked about my influences, it is often about who, not what. It is
not that my forbearers have not provided me with knowledge and inspiration, but its just as much about the pattern
of bark on a tree or the way the moon peaks out of a blue sky in the winter. The barren pine tree against the skyline
is just as important as a Charles Warren Eaton painting. Although, I can only imaging that Eaton felt much of the
same way. We are all working on a timeless problem: To be relevant, to communicate complex ideas directly while
remaining truthful to our own vision. In addition, this grouping of paintings will be on display at USFs
Contemporary Art Museum from March 28th-May 3rd, 2014 as part of the exhibition requirements for the MFA
Research Project.
Title: Caught Looking- Cracking the Shell to Stadiums and the Urban Mix
Name: Nina Reali
Major Professor: Mark Weston
College: FA
Program: Architecture
Abstract: Baseball is Americas pastime and a community home to many loyal fans. The stadium is the cathedral of
baseball and a symbol for the community and the city it resides in. Over the last two decade almost all Major League
Baseball Stadiums have either been renovated or rebuilt. They have become part of a monopoly system and for the
most part all resemble one another, lacking consideration of the essential principles which make good civic
buildings and public spaces. These stadiums have become interchangeable in each city and mimic the same design;
changing the perception of stadium is essential. This project seeks to understand the challenges in the stadium
typology, to design what has been neglected, and to occupy the stadium-space as an urban endeavor. Stadium
architecture should be grounded to the city and open to the public as a moment of place making. Cities need more
public places for people to socialize in a constructive way. Therefore, baseball and its stadium can once again be a
symbol to the community and a public amenity to the city, to the fans, to the game and the future generations to
come. Unique teams and unique cities merit unique architecture. In this light, stadiums can vitalize a community and
act as a catalyst for regional pride through a love of Baseball and of the places it defines.
3
Abstracts
Arts & Humanities
Title: Midlife Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Dementia over 43 Years of Follow Up: A Population-
based Study from the Swedish Twin Registry
Name: Elizabeth Handing
Major Professor: Ross Andel
College: BC
Program: School of Aging Studies
Abstract: Background: We examined midlife consumption of beer, wine, and spirits in relation to incidence of
dementia for up to 43 years after baseline. Methods: Participants included 12,326 members of the population-based
Swedish Twin Registry born between 1907-1925 who responded to items about alcohol in 1967/1970. Participants
were classified as non-drinkers (0 grams of ethanol/day), light (1-5 grams/day), moderate (5-12 grams/day), heavy
(12-24 grams/day), and very heavy (>24 grams/day) drinkers. Dementia was identified from National Inpatient and
Death Records. Cox proportion hazard models were used in cohort analyses; conditional logistic regression and
mixed model effects were used for twin pair analyses. Results: Compared to light drinking, alcohol abstinence
(hazard ratio [HR]=1.056, p = .038) and consuming >24 grams of alcohol/day (HR=1.179, p = .030) increased
dementia risk after controlling for age, sex, education, baseline smoking status, body mass index, physical exercise,
diabetes, hypertension, and twin dependence. Further, consuming more grams of spirits was related to an increased
risk of dementia (HR=1.031, p24 grams of alcohol/day (about 2 or more drinks/day) may increase the risk of
dementia. Heavy drinking may shorten time to dementia by almost 5 years in inherently vulnerable individuals.
Title: Utilizing TAGteach to Enhance Proficiency in Specified Dance Movements
Name: Mallory Quinn
Major Professor: Raymond G. Miltenberger
College: BC
Program: Child & Family Studies
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate TAGteach (a behavior analytic training technology) to increase
the fluency of three dance movements in a multiple baseline across behaviors design with 4 students of dance.
Target behaviors included a turn, kick, and a leap, respective of the level of the class. A dance instructor was trained
to implement the TAGteach procedure by the primary researcher. The targeted dance movements remained at a
stable level during baseline and improved for each participant following the introduction of the TAGteach training.
Implications for future research are discussed.
4
Behavioral Sciences
Title: Towards a More Student-Centered Approach: Photo-elicitation in English as a Second Language
Adult Education
Name: Julie Dell-Jones, Andrea Lypka
Major Professor: Wei Zhu
College: ED
Program: Education
Abstract: Images serve as shared experience when spoken language fails to bridge the gap between speakers of
diverse languages in an adult community-based English as a second language (ESL) class. The learner-created
photographs depict scenes of family, kids splashing in the pool, exotic dishes from a far off home, and the star of a
Mexican soccer player, captured in a still image as he ran across the television screen amidst cheering fans. The
diversity of subject matter in the photographs taken and shared by the small group of participants introduced a rich
and personal array of topics for class conversation during a 10-week photo-elicitation project. The value of a visual
arts-based approach in language teaching has a long established history which promotes creativity, diversity, and
visual thinking strategies, but the use of visual methodologies and arts-based educational research (ABER) is
underused. Photo-elicitation interviews, data from observations, and researcher-teacher reflections inform this
descriptive study on the ways in which adult English language learners (ELLs) use photography as a springboard for
communication. Using culturally responsive pedagogy and critical theory approach, based on Freire's (1970) idea of
giving "voice," we introduced a student-centered activity, "ESL through photography" to encourage immigrant
ELLs to bring their own stories into the classroom and to lead discussions based on their own experiences, guided
by flexible weekly themes, supported by their photographs. Findings include detailed descriptions of how the adults
used images to create more student-to-student interactions and how images served as a personal, yet shared, artifact
supporting communication.
Title: Kindles in the Classroom: A Survey of Teachers' Perceptions of a Mandated Technology Initiative
Name: Erin Margarella
Major Professor: Danielle Dennis
College: ED
Program: Childhood Education & Literacy Studies
Abstract: This study presents results from a mixed-methods survey that investigated the effects of a mandated
Kindle initiative on teachers at a large suburban high school in West Central Florida. The focus of this study
targeted teachers perceptions of technology as well as their desire to incorporate additional forms of technology
into their instruction based on the mandated initiative. Substantive findings demonstrate a positive attitude toward
other forms of technology and an increased desire to integrate technology.
5
Education
Title: Heat Transfer Improvement in IR-transparent Phase Change Materials Using Absorptive
Nanoparticle Additives for Thermal Energy Storage
Name: Abhinav Bhardwaj
Major Professor: Yogi. D. Goswami
College: EN
Program: Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering
Abstract: This project proposes a novel nanoparticle enhanced phase-change material (PCM) for high-temperature
thermal energy storage (TES). The next generation of solar power plants (e.g., power tower configurations) will
likely require such high temperature storage strategies for improvement of both efficiency and dispatchability, and
therefore this material holds great promise for expanded implementation of sustainable power generation. At high
temperatures (> 500C) radiant heat transfer in infrared-transparent materials can be improved by incorporation of
absorptive additives. As a proof-of-concept, sodium chloride enhanced by metallic oxide nanoparticles was studied.
NaCl itself possesses desirable qualitiesmelting point of 800.7C, high energy storage density, low cost
excepting its thermal conductivity, which at approximately 1 W/m-K is a major hindrance to heat transfer and
therefore can lead to high charging / discharging rates in the heat storage system. Pure NaCl is highly transparent to
infrared radiation in the wavelength region of 0.5 to 10 "m. Transition metal oxide nanoparticles are added to
improve radiative heat transfer in this PCM. At the melting point of NaCl, approximately 93% of ideal radiant
emission falls within this wavelength range; hence, a high proportion of radiant heat energy passes through the
material without being absorbed. In this project, it is demonstrated through spectroscopic methods that the
addition of transition metal oxide nanoparticles at very low concentrations (# 0.5 wt %) greatly improves the
absorptivity of the PCM, thereby improving its desirability and effectiveness as a TES strategy.
Title: Self Assembly Kinetics of Microscale Components: An Energy Based Model
Name: Jose Carballo
Major Professor: Nathan Crane
College: EN
Program: Mechanical Engineering
Abstract: At the microscale, assembly by grasp and release is challenging. Self assembly (SA) is an alternative
approach that harnesses attractive forces (frequently capillary forces) to drive component assembly to significantly
reduce assembly equipment costs. However, successful application of SA requires high assembly rates and high yield
(few process errors). Prior modeling efforts describe SA process performance (yield and rate) for specific system
configurations but they do not use measurable process parameters and provide limited ability to predict the impact
of process changes. In this work, an experimental SA system was designed that controls process parameters
independently while measuring SA outcomes. This system is used to evaluate an energy-based parameterization of
assembly rate. The travel direction of the parts is varied to measure the path dependence of the assembly
probability in the limit of low impact velocity. Moreover, effects from changing part geometry were evaluated, and
accounted for in the scaling model. Experimental results show a strong part-geometry dependence, and minimal
dependence on part arrival angle. This information is a key step towards a parametric kinetic model of capillary SA
and complements previous SA process modeling efforts.
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Engineering
Title: Characterization of the Neuropathological Consequences of Plac1 Ablation in the Developing
Mouse Embryo
Name: Jacob Bourgeois
Major Professor: Michael Fant
College: PH
Program: Toxicology
Abstract: Objectives: Placenta-specific 1 (Plac1) is a paternally-imprinted, X-linked gene that is essential for normal
placental development. Interestingly, Plac1 ablation predisposes KO males and Xm-X Hets to an increased risk of
lethal postnatal hydrocephalus, suggesting a role for Plac1 for fetal development. The objective of this study was to
characterize the effect of Plac1 on brain development. Methods: A mutant Plac1 mouse model, established on the
C57BL/6J background, was studied. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded whole mount embryos and brain sections
were obtained at various stages of development. Plac1 expression was assessed by qRT-PCR, IHC, and ISH. Brain
structure was assessed by histopathological and MRI analysis. Results: Plac1 expression throughout the fetal brain
when assessed by qRT-PCR, IHC, and ISH at E14.5-E18.5. ISH revealed heavier expression in the hindbrain and
periventricular regions. MRI analysis of an adult KO brain revealed microcephaly, a dysmorphic cerebellum, and
increased heterogeneity of the medulla. H&E staining of the KO brain revealed a smaller cortical mantle and
dysmorphia in both cerebellum and hippocampus. IHC analyses using anti-NF-M and anti-NeuN antibodies
showed developmental disruptions and reduced neuronal cell numbers. Similarly, anti-NeuN staining of an Xm-X
Het revealed decreased neuronal cell numbers. Conclusions: Plac1 is an X-linked gene that is essential for normal
brain development. Plac1 ablation is associated with the disruption of axonal development and decreased neuronal
cell number. Plac1 promoters are in part under the control of RxR. Therefore, Plac1-mediated signaling pathways
are likely relevant to neuropathies associated with retinoic acid signaling disruptions.
Title: Immunotoxicity Evaluation and Mechanistic Studies of Graphene Quantum Dots
Name: Yiru Qin
Major Professor: Shufeng Zhou
College: MD
Program: Molecular Medicine
Abstract: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), a form of graphene-based carbon nano-material with all dimensions
less than 10 nm, have exhibited great potential in biomedical applications, such as bioimaging, drug delivery, and
therapeutics. With the growing attention and development of GQDs in biomedical applications, the potential health
concerns about GQDs have increased. Human immune systems is the first and foremost safeguard of the body
from infection, malignancy, and xenobiotics exposure, it is critically important to evaluate the health impact of
GQDs on immune systems. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were
used to characterize the newly synthesized GQDs. The THP-1 derived macrophages were used to determine the
immunotoxicity. The MTT assay was conducted to determine the cell viability after exposure to GQDs. Lactate
dehydrogenase (LDH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured. The
expression levels of proteins involving apoptosis and autophagy pathways were determined by Western blotting
assay. Low concentration (less than 10 !g/ml) exposure of GQDs causes little immunotoxicity to THP-1 derived
macrophages. While medium concentration (10-50 !g/ml) of GQDs mainly causes inflammatory response of
macrophages. Extremely large concentration (>100 !g/ml) will activate autophagy and apoptosis of macrophages,
leading to the decreasing of viable cells.
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Health
Title: 5-Fluoro-2-deoxyuridine Induces Molecular Chaperones and Protects Against Protein Aggregation
in an HSF-1-Dependent Manner in Caenorhabditis Elegans
Name: Jessica Brunquell
Major Professor: Sandy Westerheide
College: AS
Program: Cell Biology, Microbiology & Molecular Biology
Abstract: The heat shock response (HSR) is the cells molecular response to disruption of protein homeostasis.
During stress conditions, such as heat, the heat shock transcription factor HSF1 is activated by trimerization and
subsequent translocation to the nucleus. Once inside of the nucleus, HSF1 binds to heat shock protein (hsp) genes
and transcribes protein chaperones that can help to protect against cellular stress. It has been shown in
Caenorhabditis elegans that proteostasis decreases with age, making the cell more vulnerable to a build-up of
misfolded proteins. Neurodegenerative diseases caused by protein aggregate accumulation, such as Huntingtons
and Alzheimers disease, are typically age-related which may, at least in part, be due to this reason. If small molecule
activators of the HSR are given prior to a lethal build-up of toxic protein aggregates, delayed onset of such diseases
can occur. We show here in C. elegans that a compound commonly used to prevent larval development, 5-
Fluoro-2-deoxyuridine (FUdR), can increase hsp70 levels in an HSF-1 dependent manner. Treatment with FUdR
can also decrease age-dependent polyglutamine aggregation. This data suggests that FUdR treatment may be
beneficial for neurodegenerative diseases by increasing protein chaperone expression.
Title: Bistable Nonlinear Metamaterials
Name: Sinhara Silva
Major Professor: Jiangfeng Zhou
College: AS
Program: Physics
Abstract: In this work, we demonstrate a nonlinear metamaterial with remotely tunable spectrum response at
microwave frequency regime. Using a double split-ring resonator (DSRR) design, the resonance frequency of the
outer ring can be tuned by an external pump signal. We experimentally demonstrate that the DSRR exhibits power
and frequency dependent broadband tunability of the resonance frequency. More importantly, the DSRR shows bi-
stability with distinct transmission levels, where the transition between bi-states can be controlled by the impulses of
pump signal.
Title: Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Miltefosine Resistance in Leishmania Donovani
Name: Brian Vesely
Major Professor: Dennis Kyle
College: PH
Program: Global Health
Abstract: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a devastating neglected parasitic disease caused by infection with Leishmania
donovani. Miltefosine is the only commercially available oral drug available to treat VL and recent evidence suggests
clinical resistance has emerged. Due to the importance of this drug and the scarcity of new drugs in development,
we aimed to determine the mechanism(s) of resistance to miltefosine. In previous studies investigators generated
miltefosine resistance in the insect vector stage (promastigotes), yet there is an important gap in understanding
miltefosine resistance in the human infectious stage (amastigotes) of the disease. We first developed a new axenic
line of L. donovani that could be cultured continuously as amastigotes. The axenic line of L. donovani (MHOM/
SD/75/1246/130) retains characteristics of amastigotes infecting macrophages and proliferated better than
metacyclic promastigotes in macrophages in vitro and in vivo (hamsters). Next the axenic amastigote line was used
to induce miltefosine resistance in vitro; to accomplish this goal we used discontinuous stepwise increasing drug
pressure. High-grade resistance was established (62-fold) after 11 weeks of drug pressure and has remained stable
without drug pressure (>1 yr). High-grade resistance was observed in vitro in axenic culture and amastigote-infected
macrophages, as well as in vivo in hamsters. We sequenced the resistant and parental drug susceptible clones and
found numerous novel mutations in Ld miltefosine transporter, "-adaptin, and pyridoxal kinase that confer amino
acid substitutions between Milt-S and Milt-R. Lastly, we assessed fitness of miltefosine-resistant versus -susceptible
parasites; resistant parasites had a fitness defect, yet with limited drug pressure the resistant lines readily
outcompeted the susceptible parent.
8
Natural & Physical Sciences
Title: Re(defining) Muslim Women: The Adaptation Strategies of Female Muslim International Students
at American Universities
Name: Amber Gregory
Major Professor: Elizabeth Aranda
College: AS
Program: Sociology
Abstract: From a Western perspective, North Americans and Western Europeans perceive Muslim women as being
oppressed (Ozyurt 2013; Andrea 2009; Lutz, 1997, 96). Led by this assumption, some view studying abroad as an
international student as an experience that allows Muslim women the opportunity to escape this supposed
oppression and to know freedom in the United States. However, Muslim womens experiences are more dynamic
and complex than this dualism suggests. This research aims to explore the range of experiences that Muslim women
have in the US, including their opportunities and their struggles, which debunk the stereotype, that temporarily
immigrating to another country guarantees freedom for those that are viewed to be oppressed. By analyzing 10
interviews with female Muslim international students from Nigeria, Morocco, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the
Gambia, this research shows that these women are redefining what it means to be a Muslim woman international
student through their adaptation strategies relating to gender, race, and religion. The women in this study
reformulate what it means to be a female Muslim international student by redefining gender expectations,
confronting religious stereotypes, and negotiating racial and emotion work strategies.
Title: Why We Play: Exploring MMORPG Gamer Experiences
Name: Theresa Woods
Major Professor: Scott Liu
College: AS
Program: Mass Communication
Abstract: Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are growing in popularity and use
worldwide. This study seeks to explore the motivations and experiences of MMORPG players through a series of
in-depth interviews and an extensive online survey. Interviews with MMORPG players from the University of
South Florida were conducted to establish and solidify themes across actions in MMORPGs, motivations, and
immersive experiences and inform a larger, ongoing study. The interview findings show an astounding emphasis on
social play, as well as a desire for the sensation of immersion rather than the components of immersion outlined by
Yee (2007). In addition, components of flow, including transformation of time, and concentration through a
balance of challenge and skill were present across MMORPG gameplay. Several themes were established in this
study, including the emergent theme of representations of self in-game. This data were employed to design a more
extensive online survey of an international sample of more than one thousand respondents. By combining the
feedback from the existing interviews and the data collected through the online survey, a more complete and
descriptive picture of the motivations and experiences of MMORPG players can be created, showing the
correlations between various motivations to play, aspects of immersion in-game, and player behavior, to better
inform game development and design, marketing, and the overall relationship of businesses and society towards
gamers. This research is also notable due to its separation from the emphasis on addiction and negative impact of
virtual worlds on todays youth and society.
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Social Science