2024 Abstracts
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Anthropology & Sociology
From Clay to Context: The Significance of Bricks in Archaeological Research
Madison Mollere
Undergraduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Ryan Gray
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:00 - 10:15 AM
LIB 407
In Spring of 2023, the UNO archaeology lab led an excavation at Madame John's Legacy. I will focus on analyzing brick samples from this historic site and comparing them with those from St. Louis Cathedral. This analysis includes measuring the length, width, and thickness of each brick, as well as conducting a Munsell color analysis. These measurements and color assessments will help reveal variations within the samples. A key aspect of my research is to highlight the historical and architectural significance of both Madame John’s Legacy and St. Louis Cathedral. Understanding the brick composition of these buildings not only aids in their preservation but also explains past failures in construction and maintenance.
Biological Science
Effects of Acoustic Disturbance on the Auditory System of Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)
Ariel Alonso
Graduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Kelly Boyle
Tuesday, November 19 at 1:00 - 1:15 PM
LIB 407
Anthropogenic noise pollution is a growing threat to sound producing fishes and other marine animals that rely on hearing. For most fishes hearing relies on the presence of saccular hair cells, which can be damaged when fishes experience loud noises. Sensory hair cell proliferation, the addition of hair cells during growth, and regeneration, the addition of hair cells following noise damage, in the ear is documented from relatively few teleosts. In this study, we determined if Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) saccular hair cells proliferate and regenerate after noise exposure. We conducted laboratory experiments to test for hair cell proliferation and regeneration after 36 hours of white noise (150 dB re: 1µPa). We used in vivo injections of Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and immunohistochemistry to assess cell proliferation rates among a control group and four recovery treatments - 0-, 2-, 4-, and 6-days following noise exposure. A 2-factor linear model was used to determine if proliferation differed among treatments after accounting for body size. Hair cell proliferation was highest in spring (non-reproductive season), but proliferation did not increase following noise exposure (i.e., no regeneration). To verify that damage occurred following noise exposure, a second experiment was conducted to determine if hair cell bundle loss and apoptosis (hair cell death) was higher in noise-exposed fish compared to a control group. Atlantic Croaker hair cell addition following noise damage does not exceed normal hair cell proliferation rates and thus epithelial damage following acoustic trauma may persist longer than expected from studies in other fishes.
Does ecological niche impact evolution of accessory hearing structures? Examining Weberian apparatus morphology of cypriniform fishes
Emalee Swisshelm
Undergraduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Kelly Boyle
Tuesday, November 19 at 1:30 - 1:45 PM
LIB 407
The Weberian apparatus (WA) is a morphological synapomorphy of otophysan fishes that consists of modifications of vertebra 1-4, bilateral ossicles, and ligaments associated with v1-v3 that link the swim bladder to the inner ear. The WA is hypothesized to enhance hearing acuity by mechanically transducing sound pressure-driven oscillations of the swim bladder to endolymph within the ear. We hypothesize that ecological factors associated with sound detection, acuity, and hearing bandwidth influence the size and shape of the WA. We predict that fishes from quiet, slow-moving waters differ in WA morphology from fish in noisier streams, riffles, and rapids. We examined predictions of this hypothesis in Cypriniformes, a morphologically and ecologically diverse clade, with a focus on the tripus, the largest WA ossicle. Twenty species from three families were examined (Catastomidae n=3, Cyprinidae n=1, Leuciscidae n=16) from three ecologic niches: high flow environments (e.g., riffles and rapids, 6 species), low flow waters (e.g., ponds and pools, 11 species), and habitat generalists (3 species). The tripus was dissected from museum specimens (UNO) and imaged under a dissection scope. Shape was characterized using geometric morphometrics (6 fixed landmarks, 46 sliding curve semi-landmarks) and linear measurements of the lateral and rostro-caudal extent of the tripus were made. An analysis (in progress) evaluating shape and size of the tripus with respect to habitat and phylogenetic history is expected to determine if ecology of the noise environment is associated with the evolution of WA ossicle morphology in Cypriniformes.
Assessing the Reproductive Ecology of the Federally Threatened Gopher Tortoise in Louisiana
Emily Mailhos
Graduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Rachel Clostio
Tuesday, November 19 at 1:45 - 2:00 PM
LIB 407
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is an important keystone species that thrives within well managed longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystems in the southeastern United States. Gopher tortoise populations are experiencing declines primarily as a result of continued habitat loss and degradation, among other stressors. In Louisiana, the gopher tortoise is listed as federally endangered, and state threated where it is restricted to Washington, Tangipahoa, and St. Tammany parishes. To better understand gopher tortoise ecology in Louisiana, we are conducting surveys at two sites, Bens Creek, a private working forest owned and managed by Weyerhaeuser Company in Washington Parish, and Sandy Hollow, a Wildlife Management Area owned by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in Tangipahoa Parish. Our goal is to provide insight on important life history traits, including mating, nesting and rate of predation for gopher tortoise populations on the western periphery of their range. Monitoring mating and nesting within these populations will allow us to evaluate reproductive activity, temporal patterns, and sex ratios; locate and protect nests; and describe differences in microhabitat structure around burrows within and between study sites. Additionally, monitoring predation will allow us to identify nest predators and determine relationships between predation attempts and habitat conditions. To date, we have deployed 33 trail cameras across two sites in Louisiana. Each site contains two distinct cover types: longleaf pine forests and cleared rights-of-way. Images gathered from these two sites will be analyzed with comparison between two artificial intelligence programs. An overview of study methods, project deliverables, and preliminary data will be discussed.
Social Hyperthermia: The Interplay of Thermoregulation, Oxytocin, and Sociality in Laboratory Mice
Hailie Goldthorpe
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Christopher Harshaw
Poster #132
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Nonapeptide hormones (specifically, neurohypophysial hormones oxytocin and vasopressin) are not only major regulators of social and reproductive behavior, but also participate in fundamental homeostatic processes, especially those related to the intake and expenditure of energy. Our laboratory recently demonstrated that in the laboratory mouse, Mus musculus, the social and thermal actions of oxytocin (OT) are closely interconnected. In this study, we investigated whether the thermoregulatory defects of OTKO mice have negative consequences on their social behaviors early in postnatal life. For instance, huddling behavior is disrupted in part because OTKO pups are less thermally appealing to huddlemates and because of their own disrupted thermotaxis, or ability to seek warmth. Our findings indicate a significant role of the oxytocin receptor in bolstering social hyperthermia (SH), or the increase in core body temperature induced by non-aggressive social interactions in adult C57BL/6J mice. The extent of social hyperthermia and non-antagonistic interactions are positively correlated with the disruptive behavioral profiles of non-agonistic socialization, namely avoidance and caution. The purpose of the present study was to examine how oxytocin receptor (OTR) and vasopressin 1A receptor (V1AR) antagonists influence hyperthermic reactions to social and non-social stressors. Results comparing hyperthermia in response to these two distinct types of stressors as well as the effects of OTR and V1AR antagonists on such responses will be presented.
Comparing Fouling Community Development in Two Saline Environments Along Louisiana’s Coast
Hillary Hernandez
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Erin Cox
Poster #127
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Fouling communities, include barnacles, bryozoans, and crabs, which colonize submerged human-made structures (e.g., docks, seawalls). These communities are a food source and enhance three-dimensional refuge for higher trophic levels, yet they also potentially harbor and spread nuisance species. Thus, understanding their ecology is crucial with rapid increase in submerged infrastructure in environmentally dynamic systems. We compare the development of fouling communities in two saline environments along Louisiana's coast: Shea Penland (SP), a fresher area, to more saline waters at Grand Isle (GI). We hypothesized community development would differ between sites and through time due to the influence of salinity on species diversity and physiology. At each site, twenty plates (10 x 10 cm) were deployed in January 2023 to allow organisms to colonize and from April to September, five plates were collected at 3, 5, 6, and 8 months. Species presence and abundances were analyzed using point-intercept method. Bray-Curtis Index of Dissimilarity was used to compare community composition. A Permutational Analysis of Variance indicated communities differed between sites and among intervals. Initially, plates at GI were colonized by barnacles and encrusting bryozoans. By month 6, organisms were covered in sediment, and by month 8, coverage declined. At SP, erect bryozoans covered plates at 5-months, but at 6-months, barnacles occupied 100% of plates. By month 8, barnacles were dead and covered in bryozoans. Louisiana’s fouling communities developed differently despite similarity in substrate and time of year. Future research should investigate associations between abundances with variations in salinity and temperature.
Evaluating university freshmen biology students’ perspectives on participatory science
Laila Mullen
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Rachel Clostio
Poster #136
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
The goal of this experiment was to better understand the perceptions of university science majors before and after their involvement in an on-campus conservation project involving Purple Martins, which are a declining migratory bird species that nests in Louisiana and many parts of the United States in the spring. This study surveyed students at the University of New Orleans taking a Spring 2024 BIOS 1073 as they participated in Purple Martin conservation work under the supervision of Dr. Clostio (biology instructor), Laila Mullen (undergraduate research assistant), and Liz Sigler (UNO Office of Research). Over the spring 2024 semester, students were educated on the background of this species, involved in biweekly housing checks, and conducted weekly surveys of bird species diversity on-campus using Merlin (Cornell Labs). The students were assessed via a Qualtrics survey created with a series of questions ranging from one to ten to gauge their thoughts on the project before and after participation. The expected results were an increase in the categories of interest, familiarity, motivation, excitement, agreement, and understanding, with a decrease in the categories of concern and challenge. The experiment's results unexpectedly showed that while students' excitement and motivation slightly decreased, their familiarity, interest, and understanding increased, whereas levels of concern and challenge decreased, the experiment ultimately succeeded in promoting student learning about purple martin conservation.
Nature's blowtorch: The evolution of Cytochrome P450 genes in the fly family Drosophilidae
Terry Lyles
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Joel Atallah
Poster #121
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Modern day insecticide use has led to what has been referred to as an evolutionary arms race, wherein agricultural pest species evolve quickly to adapt to novel insecticides. In this perpetual struggle between humanity and pests, benign species are caught in the crossfire. The Drosophilidae fly family is a prime example of this phenomenon. A majority of the species are harmless, with exceptions such as Drosophila suzukii, a pest that has caused catastrophic agricultural damage worldwide. Drosophilids are ideal for studying the genetic changes involved in adapting to pesticides, as the family includes thousands of diverse fly species, closely related to one of the most thoroughly studied model organisms, Drosophila melanogaster. The cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene family is known to play a role in breaking down xenobiotic substances, both natural and man-made, including insecticides. This family is referred to as “nature’s blowtorch” due to its ability to oxidize a variety of substrates. As with other gene families, CYP genes, which are widespread across the tree of life, have diversified through duplication, divergence via neo- or sub-functionalization, and gene death, sometimes in response to environmental changes, including human activity. The recent genomics revolution has produced an explosion of genome sequences and a massive increase in data availability, allowing more extensive analyses that were previously impossible. In this study, we look across Drosophilidae in an attempt to determine relationships between the evolution of the CYP gene family and ecological variation.
Chemistry
Analysis of Fingerprint Composition and Classification in Multiples by FTIR-ATR Spectroscopy
Abigail Dietz
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Phoebe Zito
Poster #138
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
This study will explore forensic fingerprint analysis in multiples by analyzing the uniqueness of fingerprints and the components left behind in traces of fingerprints. It discusses the role of ridges and pores in forming distinct ridge patterns, categorized as loops, whorls, and arches. The research also uses Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze the chemical composition of fingerprint residues, aiming to distinguish between identical triplets based on their fingerprint (chemical) signatures. The various techniques for sample collection include the use of glass slides, produce bags, and latent fingerprint kits. Results indicated that certain chemical compounds are consistent among the triplets' fingerprints. The ridge patterns, however, differed significantly. This study concludes that fingerprint residue analysis is not sufficient for triplet identification. Further research avenues include refining FTIR techniques and experimenting with other visualization methods, such as graphite powder, which could define the ridges more clearly.
Light Induced Transformation of 6PPD-Quinone from Tire Wear Particles under Simulated Southeastern Louisiana Aquatic Environments
Chadiska Pascal
Graduate Student, Poster
Mentor: David Podgorski
Poster #106
Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM
LIB 410
Tire wear particles (TWPs) are an emerging source of microplastic pollution with significant environmental and ecological implications. One critical contaminant derived from TWPs is N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPD-Q), a toxic transformation product of the tire antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD). This study investigates the light-driven transformation of 6PPD in TWPs across a salinity gradient. Using separation techniques such as Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), along with heavy metal (HM) analysis via Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-QQQ), the research will explore how environmental factors like sunlight exposure, temperature, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) influence the formation and persistence of 6PPD-Q and its correlation to inorganic compounds such as HMs. By addressing these aspects, this research seeks to provide insights into the environmental fate of 6PPD-Q and its broader implications for aquatic ecosystems, particularly in regions like Southeastern Louisiana, where tire-derived pollutants may pose risks to local water bodies.
Sensitivity and Extraction: Finding PAH in Marine Tissue with QuEChERS and GCMS
Ed Osborn
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Phoebe Zito
Poster #123
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Benzo(a)pyrene is a polyaromatic hydrocarbon with well-established toxicity. In support of a project examining the distribution of pollutants in marine environments before and after storms, a means of detecting and quantifying BaP in both tissue and sediment was needed. A method was developed to quantify benzo(a)pyrene using gas-chromatography paired with single quadrupole mass spectrometery with selected ion monitoring and a deuterated internal standard. Linearity, standard stability, and limits of detection and quantification were determined. A modified QuEChERS extraction method was developed and extraction efficiency determined using spiked samples of commercially available tissue. The instrumental limit of detection was below 1ppb with prepared standards and below 4ppb in spiked tissue extracts. Benzo(a)pyrene was not detected in any samples. This poster details the methods used and explores some of the challenges encountered with this analysis.
Utilizing Sponges as Bioindicators: Assessing Water Quality in Louisiana
Fahime Abbasinohoji
Graduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Mary Miller, Phoebe Zito
Poster #114
Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM
LIB 410
Heavy metal pollution, resulting from natural and anthropogenic activities, poses a significant threat to aquatic environments and human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more efficient tools to assess heavy metal contamination in these ecosystems. Here, freshwater sponges were collected from Southeast Louisiana and measured for heavy metals (HMs) to assess water quality in urban watersheds. The goals of this study are 1) Quantify HMs (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in freshwater sponges, sediment, and water collected from Southeast Louisiana, to 2) assess if freshwater sponges are bioindicators of water quality in urban watersheds. A method was developed and validated to measure HMs in each sample type using inductively coupled plasma triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Three of the water sample sites exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recommended values for arsenic and aluminum. Heavy metals in the sediment showed moderate pollution, three sites were above the EPAs limit for arsenic, lead, and zinc. All freshwater sponge samples exhibited higher HM concentrations than water. Non-Purgeable Dissolved Organic Carbon (NPDOC) concentrations for water collected from all sites varied from 0.45 to 31.12 mg/L, potentially increasing metal bioavailability. Combining ICP-MS and NPDOC data can provide valuable insights into the relationships between metal concentrations, organic substance transformation, and uptake of HMs by aquatic life, highlighting the potential of this approach for rapid assessment and biomonitoring using freshwater sponges to assess water quality in urban watersheds in Southeast Louisiana.
Fighting Invasion Through Aquafeed: Exploring the Quality and Performance of Invasive Carp Products in Farmed Catfish Diets
Yahminiy Ganesh
Graduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Phoebe Zito
Poster #118
Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM
LIB 410
Invasive carp are a family of Xenicyprididae and consist of 4 species: grass carp, bighead, black carp, and silver carp. They are native to Eastern Asia and were introduced to US waters in 1960. Due to migration and Louisiana water suitability for survival, invasive carp have been present since 1976. Invasive species negatively impact local marine life and habitat space through feeding and seasonal breeding. When startled, these fishes can harm humans by jumping into boaters. The study aims to prevent invasive carp from invading local water streams through aquafeed. Invasive carp-based fish meals are nutritionally suitable in aquafeeds. Carp fish meal is an effective source of protein for some fishes, such as the hybrid striped bass, rainbow trout, and cobia. One existing US-based plant processes invasive carp into fish meal and oil, and one trout farm us
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Hydro Economic Study of Lower Mississippi River Basin using Water Use and Agricultural Productivity Model (daWUAP)
Aayush Khadka
Graduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Satish Bastola
Poster #102
Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM
LIB 410
One of the highly productive river basins, the Lower Mississippi River Basin (LMRB), is facing challenges related to climate change and increasing water demand. Water management policies and resource conservation will significantly affect the region's economic and environmental future. The daWUAP, a hydro-economic model, is applied to study the relationship between water use and agriculture in the LMRB region. The model integrates the simplified and distributed conceptual hydrological model with the farmer's decision processes represented using empirical relations. This model uses county-level data from various sources for model calibrations and their execution. Different plausible extreme scenarios and constraints were run to examine the linkage between resource allocation and hydrology. The simulation results underscore the sensitivity of the LMRB agricultural system to water availability. The findings can further be analyzed using different hydrological models.
Computer Science
ASD Facial Expression Analysis in Children
Jared Wise with Kumar Pathak
Graduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Shreya Banerjee,Tamjidul Hoque, Tracey Knaus
Tuesday, November 19 at 2:00 - 2:15 PM
LIB 407
The attribution of facial expressions and behavior to emotions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been unseen in medical and psychological research. Understanding the wants and needs of humans with low functioning ASD, typically demonstrating a lack of emotional expression, can be a challenge. When factoring in the personality traits and uniqueness of each individual with these characteristics, the problem of clear feedback and communication can take on different forms. As technology advances, we’re given new opportunities to better analyze and understand the behaviors and emotions of humans with ASD. Machine learning and computer vision progressions allow for the application of these tools to problems such as analyzing emotions in ASD children. In our research, we introduce novel facial expression analysis of ASD children using image-based computer vision processing. This includes ranges of emotions detected in images of ASD children with confidence scores. This work marks the initial entry-point to a full-scope research study of children with ASD to analyze audio, video, and environmental factors to produce novel applications of machine learning and computer vision technology to predict emotions, needs, and desires in order to better care for and interact with children with ASD.
Camo Chameleon: An Interactive Game to Build Emotional Intelligence in Children with a Multi-Agent AI System
Jennifer Spicer with Nhi Pham, Henry Ansah
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Shreya Banerjee, Elliott Beaton, Ben Samuel
Poster #135
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
The earliest years of life, from birth to elementary school, are the most critical time for children’s social and emotional development, which is only recently becoming integrated into youth programs and formal education institutions. In Louisiana, there is a lack of a structured curriculum to develop children’s social skills and emotional intelligence. Camo Chameleon is a game in development that aims to fill this gap and teach children of age 3-6 to identify, understand, and regulate their emotions. It employs artificial intelligence-based interactive gaming to tailor the experience towards each unique classroom and their children’s needs. We discuss the various modes of this game and its target frameworks, along with ways to evaluate its effectiveness on the participating children.
YoloTag: Vision-based Robust UAV Navigation with Fiducial Markers
Simant Singh
Undergraduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Abdullah Al Redwan Newaz
Tuesday, November 19 at 2:45 - 3:00 PM
LIB 407
In this work, we present YoloTag, a real-time localization system for UAVs that uses fiducial markers as visual landmarks to help them navigate accurately and efficiently. Traditional fiducial marker detection methods rely on manual feature extraction, which compromises accuracy, while deep learning-based methods struggle to meet real-time requirements. YoloTag addresses this by leveraging a lightweight YOLO v8 object detector for precise, real-time marker detection. The system then uses a perspective-n-point algorithm to estimate the UAV's position, but it faces challenges with noise affecting trajectory stability. To mitigate this, we introduce a higher-order Butterworth filter to reduce noise and improve tracking accuracy. We validate our approach through indoor robot experiments, showing that YoloTag outperforms other methods in trajectory tracking based on various distance metrics.
Improving Children’s Emotional Intelligence Through Gamification with Artificial Intelligence
Soheil Saneei with Jenny Spicer, Nhi Pham, Henry Ansah
Graduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Shreya Banerjee, Elliott Beaton, Ben Samuel
Tuesday, November 19 at 3:00 - 3:15 pm
LIB 407
The earliest years of life, from birth to elementary school, are the most critical time for children’s social and emotional development, which is only recently becoming integrated into youth programs and formal education institutions. In Louisiana, there is a lack of a structured curriculum to develop children’s social skills and emotional intelligence. Camo Chameleon is a game in development that aims to fill this gap and teach children of age 3-6 to identify, understand, and regulate their emotions. It employs artificial intelligence-based interactive gaming to tailor the experience towards each unique classroom and their children’s needs. We discuss the various modes of this game and its target frameworks, along with ways to evaluate its effectiveness on the participating children.
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Sediment Provenance with Implications for Dust Production as Related to Climate Change in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, USA
Ann Trudell
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Michelle Gevedon (Colorado College), Sarah Schanz (Colorado College)
Poster #109
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
A disproportionate amount of the aeolian dust influx in the San Luis Valley can be traced back to the nearby Sangre de Cristo range. This increase in dust can coat the local snowpack, possibly lowering albedo values. This may increase the melting rate, decreasing Colorado’s water supply for later summer months. In an effort to try and understand why this is happening, the sediments being eroded were traced back to their originating strata. Provenance analysis of sand samples collected from field locations in the San Luis Valley provided opportunity to determine the sources and transport distance of sands based on mineralogy and clast characteristics. Petrographic analysis of thin sections combined with field observations of the main lithologic units of the Sangre de Cristo range provided basis for the physical and chemical durability of source lithologies, including mineralogy and degree of cementation/compaction to determine the extent to which sands were derived from local sources. Sand analysis and petrologic comparison included: close observation of minerals in hand samples and outcrop, optical mineralogy and modal abundance characterization assisted by the Image J software package; geochemical comparison of sediment and potential source rocks using backscattered electron images, and energy dispersive spectroscopy.
Assessing Tree Species Composition and Ecosystem Services on UNO’s Campus
Emily Miller with Jacob Lefort
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Martin OConnell, Tara Toldford
Poster #119
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Trees are a vital part of our landscape providing a vast amount of environmental and social benefits to urban regions. Tree surveys themselves have a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy urban environment and exist as the best means to quantify a risk-benefit analysis of the role trees play on UNO’s campus. The pivotal goal of the project was to create a GIS based digital map that end users may interact with on UNO’s Sustainability Circle web site. From this resource we were able to extract quantitative data, make inferences and gain a better understanding of our tree species assemblages on campus, tree species diversity, campus ecosystem health, and identify potential hazards or ecosystem services provided by woody species. Using GIS based visualizations of campus we assessed likely areas of habitat connectivity, comfort level of pedestrian routes, and identified spaces on campus where additional plantings could be a meaningful contribution to the landscape. GPS was used to collect location data points through GoogleEarth or ARCFieldmaps with a potential range of error up to 9 meters in some areas of campus. Data points were only captured for individuals of 3 feet or more in height. Our preliminary data suggests that habitat connectivity and campus walkability could be improved by additional tree plantings at multiple strategic locations on campus.
Comparative Survey of Student and Employee Interest in Sustainability at UNO
Emma Bourgeois
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: N/A
Poster #124
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
This research project compares results from a survey given in 2023 and 2024 to UNO students and employees about sustainability. The purpose of this project is to learn of student and employee interest and general attitude towards establishing greener practices on campus and to compare results collected from the same survey given in 2023 and 2024 to examine any changes in overall campus community behavior. The data collected will be used to determine what sustainable practices are desired by our community with the hope of being implemented on campus.
Evaluating mud settling velocity in the Mississippi River
Kaliyah Watson
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Madeline Foster-Martinez
Poster #128
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Coastal communities are in danger of losing land due to sea level rise. A key part in land retention and mitigating sea level rise impacts is understanding how sediment settles in deltaic regions. The size of the particle and the rate that it settles are essential predictors on if a particle will deposit. Lamb et al. (2020) studied eight rivers and calculated a range of settling velocities. During this study it was found that mud can clump into heavier aggregates that settle faster called flocs, in a process called flocculation. To understand how flocculation can control deposition we must understand the settling velocity. We compiled grain size and suspended sediment concentrations at multiple locations along the Mississippi River delta region. To determine flocculation and the rate at which mud flocs settle, we will look at a theoretical Rouse profile fit to the concentration curve. We hope by focusing on the Mississippi River we will get a reliable settling velocity value.
Effects of Native Plant Introduction on Invertebrate Diversity and Species Richness
Lauren M Fuller
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Carol Lunn, Martin O'Connell
Poster #101
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
This project introduced Louisianan native plants to a garden on UNO’s campus, with the purpose of surveying invertebrate distribution over a 10-month period. Collection was done through monthly Fall Trapping and Beat-Netting while comparing results to similar non-native control gardens. Data was compiled in Excel and ran through PRIMER software to analyze the results. Both native plant gardens were found to be statistically significant in comparison to their control sites, as well as Collembola presence indicated an increased soil quality and productivity.
Frequency and patterns of plastic nurdles in Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) stomach contents across the Louisiana coast
Walker Reisman
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Martin O'Connell
Poster #105
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Pre-consumer plastic nurdles are the second largest source of microplastics in the world’s oceans. They enter the environment due to industrial transportation spills as well as loss from manufacturing plant drainage systems. I measured the occurrence and distribution of 1-5 mm plastics nurdles found in the gut contents of Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) in coastal Louisiana. The research is ongoing but to date we have dissected 439 specimens ranging from 193 mm to 510 mm. Nurdles were present in specimens collected in 8 different locations and in the gut contents of 8.06% of the fish from when we first noticed them and 2.28% of all the Spotted Seatrout in the study. My research suggested that enough primary plastic was entering Louisiana’s coastal water that it was showing up in the food web at multiple locations. To determine the source of the nurdles, I compared locations of nurdle containing Spotted Seatrout to watersheds with manufacturing facilities on them. These data can help determine if the source of nurdles is local manufacturing facilities or other offshore sources from sea transport. The majority of plastic production in Louisiana happens on two major watersheds: The Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to New Orleans and The Calcasieu River in and around Lake Charles. There is also production of nurdles in Texas that may contribute to occurrences in Louisiana through spills during transportation. For this project, I mapped the occurrence of the nurdles in relation to the watersheds on which manufactures operate and have determined the primary inshore and offshore transportation routes used to move nurdles on the gulf coast.
Electrical Engineering
No Title Provided
Arnab Bhatta
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Dimitrios Charalampidis
Poster #117
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
None Provided
History & Philosophy
Learn, Grow, Resist: Uncovering Patterns of Resistance Among Enslaved Children
Ella Mayfield
Undergraduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Mary Niall Mitchell
Tuesday, November 19 at 9:15 - 9:30 AM
LIB 407
Enslaved children entered a world of work and punishment early in life, meaning they had to learn how to adapt and find autonomy within a system that exploited their labor and attempted to control and minimize their identities. They were not excluded from resistance on plantations, and in fact, they found unique methods of defiance that connected to their place within their communities and the resources they had access to. Their first exposure to resistance and determination came from the folktales, which featured clever characters that struck out against authority figures, and other inspiration came from tales of heroic African leaders and stories from the bible that encouraged strength through tribulation. As children took on these ideas of independence and courage from their families and they put them into practice by learning to read and write when it was forbidden, maintaining their autonomy through creative play, avoiding punishment, and at times breaking free from slavery.
National Mythmaking in the Valley of Vapors: The Development of Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs National Park, 1880-1921
Kathryn Torrago
Graduate Student, Poster
Mentor: N/A
Poster #110
Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM
LIB 410
Bathhouse Row is the main attraction of Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, a street of historic bathhouses and hotels that were popular for hydrotherapy and leisure around the turn of the 20th century. The owners of these bathhouses exaggerated- and in some cases entirely fabricated- the Native American history of the area as part of a marketing technique, claiming that the tribes who once lived near the springs regarded them as magical and had used the site as a place of peace and diplomacy. This curated mythology reflects a broader trend of the commodification and romanticization of Native American culture that took place during this period. Amidst the ongoing assimilation policies of the late 19th century, white Americans reimagined and disorted Native history, culture, and tradition for their own aesthetic purposes, which rendered actual Native American communities as static characters of the past. This poster will analyze how the architecture of Hot Springs National Park codified and fortified US Imperialist narratives about Indigeniety, colonialism, and conquest, and why they served as an effective marketing strategy.
Histography of the Habsburg Monarchy
Megan Paille
Undergraduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Marc Landry
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:15 - 10:30 AM
LIB 407
My presentation is a review of a collection of works written by historians about the Habsburg Monarchy. In my review I write a conclusion of how I believe the Habsburg Monarchy became so powerful, how they collapsed, and most importantly why they have become so forgotten to history.
Management & Marketing
Pursuing Methods to Increase Alcohol Sales at Company Burger
Jordyn Hester with Laran Padua, Carli Malveaux, and Iniya Rene
Undergraduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Kyeong Sam Min
Wednesday, November 20 at 2:45 - 3:00 pm
LIB 407
The restaurant industry, including establishments like Company Burger, often sees a significant portion of the revenue generated through alcoholic beverage sales, especially during designated "happy hour" periods when drink prices are reduced. Despite the price reduction, Company Burger has not seen the desired increase in alcohol sales during these times. This raises the question of whether the restaurant's current engagement strategies, including limited advertising and customer outreach, are effective. Our research explores how promotional methods, such as enhanced Instagram flyer advertising and special offers during happy hour, can boost customer engagement and alcohol sales. By targeting customers on social media platforms and providing compelling incentives, we aim to identify the most effective strategies to drive alcohol purchases during happy hour.
Vieux on Krewe Eyewear: Which advertisement will incentivize Consumers to purchase Krewe Sunglasses
Abigail Sire with Catherine Adeola, Noah Bartel, Jalen Rainey, Stephen Toth
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Kyeong Sam Min
Poster #103
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
A local New Orleans company called Krewe Eyewear has sales twice a year for their luxury brand sunglasses. We wanted to conduct an experimental study to see which advertisement would promote sales that would appeal to the consumer. In the past, Krewe Eyewear’s advertisements had the new sale price. The experiment involves two promotional approaches for a pair of sunglasses: one ad displays a discounted sale price, while the other solely shows the percentage discount off the original price. By presenting these advertisements to participants, the study aims to analyze how each promotional format affects consumer attitudes toward Krewe Eyewear, intention to purchase, and perceived value of the offer. The results offer insights into consumer behavior in response to varied pricing presentations, with implications for optimizing advertising strategies in the luxury retail sector. We conducted an experimental study with eighty people. Two questionnaires were created and half of the people completed one of the questionnaires with Ad A, which shows the new sales price. The other half completed the questionnaire with Ad B, which shows the percentage off the original price. P
Exploring the Role of a Sustainable Mardi Gras: Better Than Beads?
Iniya René
Undergraduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Bridget Bordelon
Wednesday, November 20 at 2:30 - 2:45 PM
LIB 407
The objective of this research is to explore sustainable alternatives to the waste generated by Mardi Gras celebrations within the city of New Orleans, particularly focusing on eco-friendly options for throws and decorations. Mardi Gras, while a vibrant cultural tradition, is associated with excessive waste, especially in the form of beads, plastic trinkets, and other non-recyclable materials that litter the streets and waterways. This research aims to analyze the environmental impact of these materials and propose viable solutions that local communities, krewes, and policymakers can implement to mitigate this issue.
Designing Loyalty: Menus That Retain
Yudelca Medina with Mitchell Ledet, Nathan Kinchen, Ryan Brown
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Kyeong Sam Min
Poster #126
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Our research plan is to design and test different drink menu options and how this impacts customer retention. The goal is to determine whether menus with more unique items can enhance long-term customer retention. With the feature of unique items exclusive to our specific company, we hope to create a strong association between these offerings and our distinctive customer experience. Effective menu designs play a crucial role in a customer’s experience of a bar and can significantly impact the overall business.
Mathematics
Interactive Learning in Sciences Powered by AR/VR and Generative AI
Ayush Dahal with Lenaoria Guerin
Undergraduate Student, Oral
Mentor: N/A
Tuesday, November 19 at 1:15 - 1:30 PM
LIB 407
None Provided
Application of Deep Learning in Trajectory Prediction of Drop Test
Dr. Hui Zhou
Graduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Linxiong Li, Vincent Xiaochuan Yu
Poster #108
Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM
LIB 410
Use deep learning to solve the motion equations of drop objects and compare them with experimental data to promote the application of deep learning in the field of marine engineering.
Lightning protectiob
Tianjiu Zhou
Graduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Linxiong Li, Vincent Xiaochuan Yu
Poster #116
Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM
LIB 410
None Provided
Physics
A frequency analysis of the wave response by the UNO towing tank wavebreak
Mark Kostjuhin
Undergraduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Kendal Leftwich, Ryan Thiel
Tuesday, November 19 at 2:15 - 2:30 PM
LIB 407
Research is being done to analyze the response spectra of the wave break in the UNO towing tank.
Developing an Accessible Approach to Drone Design
Samuel Roy
Undergraduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Kendal Leftwich
Tuesday, November 19 at 2:30 - 2:45 PM
LIB 407
Drone design is a complex yet rapidly evolving field, with growing interest in creating accessible, high-efficiency models tailored for specific purposes such as payload carrying, photography, surveillance, or FPV racing. However, the design process can be challenging without a framework to understand how individual components are linked with each other; the selection of components also determines drones’ desired performance. This study compiles basic aerodynamic principles of rotary winged aircraft and gathered experimental data to create an accessible “design tree” that helps users maximize flight efficiency with various drone purposes. By testing drones and comparing flight results with theoretical calculations, a streamlined approach to drone design can be created, bringing accessibility for both hobbyists and professionals.
Mathematical Modeling for Chaotic Wave Scattering
Sujit Mainali
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Ashok Puri
Poster #134
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
None Provided
Applying Mathematical Models to Understand Complex Physical Phenomena
Sujit Mainali
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Ashok Puri
Poster #113
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Mathematical modeling is a powerful tool to study complex physical phenomena. It helps in testing hypotheses in a virtual environment by changing different parameters according to our needs. It provides a visualization of possible outcomes possible for the given parameters. In this project, we developed models to simulate chaotic wave scattering and propagation of sound through inhomogeneous atmospheres of Earth, Mars and Titan. By analyzing these models, we gained valuable insights into practical behavior of the functions. These results helped us better understand how such processes operate under different physical conditions.
Planning & Urban Studies
Does e-Commerce Lead to More Sustainable Travel? Evidence from the 2017 and 2022 National Household Travel Surveys
Andrew Tritch
Graduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Guang Tian
Poster #104
Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM
LIB 410
The use of ride-hailing services, online shopping, and telecommuting are behaviors which have recently increased dramatically in popularity and in theory, may have the potential to shift people towards more sustainable modes of transportation. This study aims to explore the influences of ride-hailing, online shopping, and telecommuting on household VMT and household walking trip generation using data from the 2017 and 2022 National Household Travel Surveys (NHTS). The results from this study suggest that ride-hailing services and telecommuting may play an important role in shifts towards more sustainable travel behavior, with the majority of our models indicating these behaviors lead to lower VMT and more household walking trips. The results for online shopping are mixed, with our models showing that online shopping leads to more walking trips, but also higher VMT.
The Art of Being Present
Anika Ofori
Graduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: David Gladstone
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
None Provided
Studying Understudied Populations’ Travel Behaviors with a Machine Learning Approach – A Focus on Hispanic and Latinx Households
Bob Danton
Staff, Poster
Mentor: N/A
Poster #112
Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM
LIB 410
To address a gap in the literature regarding differential effects of built environments (BE) on minority populations, this study uses boosted regression tree modeling to explore travel behaviors of Hispanic and Latinx (H/L) households, finding significant differences in the variables that influenced these households compared to others. Overall, BE variables had greater impacts on H/L households than others. Nonlinear effects (effective ranges, thresholds) were identified for top-ranking BE contributors: transit stop density, activity density, land use mix, and destination accessibility. Compact development is shown to have increased impacts on reducing VMT for these populations.
Psychology
Emotion Recognition and Processing in Actors versus Non-Actors
Aibel Evans
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Elliott Beaton
Poster #140
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Talented and convincing actors have an exceptional ability to recognize emotions and a keen understanding of what behaviors those emotions can elicit. Actors use Theory of Mind (ToM) to decode the intentions and feelings of others, then interpret and present the decoded information from the perspective of the character they are playing. ToM is used to understand others' mental states, beliefs, and intentions. This allows individuals to infer and predict others’ behavior and empathize with it. To do this, actors need to perceive others’ emotions rapidly and accurately. Though, actors use their talents not to predict the subject's behavior, but rather to emulate the subject. By investing in the emotions of the subject, becoming the mind of the subject, an actor can “lose” their sense of self in a dissociative manner. The aim of the proposed study is to examine a hypothesized association amongst emotional recognition, expression, and dissociative symptoms in actors compared to non-actors. We hypothesize that trained actors will perform more rapidly and accurately on an emotional face recognition task, report lower levels of alexithymia, and report higher levels of dissociation compared to a non-actor control group. If present and identified, this dynamic of heightened empathy, expression, and identity dissociation could lay a new groundwork for understanding complex social interactions and new cognitive behavioral therapy methods sourced from trained actors’ skill sets.
Is Maternal Tobacco Use Before or During Pregnancy Associated with Gestational Age at Birth in a Michigan Prposective Pregnancy Cohort?
Ami Brooks
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Jean Kerver
Poster #107
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Preterm birth (< 37 weeks of gestation) is a significant adverse birth outcome associated with maternal smoking. While past studies have examined the effects of second-hand smoke (SHS) on preterm birth, this study focuses on the direct impact of maternal tobacco use before and during pregnancy on gestational age at birth (GAB).** **Materials and Methods:** Participants (n=848) were drawn from the Michigan Archive for Research on Child Health (MARCH), a prospective pregnancy cohort. Data were collected through surveys and birth certificates, focusing on maternal smoking behavior before and during pregnancy. Descriptive statistics and simple linear regression were employed to analyze the association between maternal smoking and GAB.
Linking Lyrics to Language: Using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy to Evaluate Overlap Between Language and Rhythm Processing in Broca’s Area in Young Children
Lei’leh Itayem
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Tracey Knaus
Poster #111
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
There are a number of behavioral studies suggesting a connection between musical rhythm and language grammar. A few studies have also demonstrated overlapping brain regions being involved in processing music and language. However, there have not been studies that have directly looked at this neural overlap within the same individual. This study aimed to investigate neuronal overlap and differences in processing musical rhythm and linguistic grammar within Broca's area. This study used functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to observe activation of the left and right inferior frontal gyri (IFG) while participants watched a video containing: 1) music with regular rhythm 2) sentences and 3) silence. Participants included 4 typically developing 3-4 year olds. Assessments of language, word/sentence comprehension from the fNIRS task, cognitive development, and home music exposure were administered. We hypothesized finding certain regions where processing of language grammar and mus
Higher self-reliance predicts elevated internalizing symptoms and poorer interpersonal relationships in a sample of New Orleanian at-risk youth: Key roles for community-based intervention programs
Mary Smith with Nicole De Camps Ferrero, Aibel Evans
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Elliott Beaton
Poster #120
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Community-based after-school and weekend programs can create safe third spaces for at-risk youth to interact with peers and supportive adults while engaging in recreational, educational, and professional skill-building activities. Participants in this ongoing study cope with a range of significant stressors including socioeconomic challenges, limited institutional and social support, and elevated exposure to violence. These factors collectively contribute to chronically elevated stress levels. We used subscales from a standardized self-report battery to examine the behavioral and emotional impacts of such stress in a group of predominantly African American at-risk youth (n=41; ages 12-19 years, mean=15.6; 59% male) living in New Orleans and participating in a supportive after-school community program. Multiple regression revealed that higher levels of self-reliance predicted elevated internalizing symptoms (p<0.00001) and internalizing symptoms predicted poorer interpersonal relationships (p<0.002). While self-reliance is typically seen as a positive trait, we suggest that this is a stress-coping response in this sample. In communities with reduced social support networks, open or unrestrained emotional and behavioral expression can lead to serious consequences, including disruptions in housing, education, or employment, and negative interactions with law enforcement or other community members. Such environments can create pressures to restrict emotional expression and prioritize adaptive behavioral responses as reflected in high levels of self-reliance at the cost of interpersonal relationships. Community-based programs that facilitate friendships while teaching teamwork, communication, adaptability, and leadership skills could serve as important interventions to reduce stress and associated internalizing symptoms in at-risk youth.
Exploring Lateralized Social Interactions in Rodents: Links to Turning Behavior and Social Dynamics
Renee Boudreaux
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Christopher Harshaw
Poster #125
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Lateralized social behavior has been observed in various species but is still not well studied in rodents. This research re-analyzed two data sets with 249 social interaction tests (SITs) conducted on C57BL/6J mice. Mice were first acclimated to get used to a testing setup for 10 minutes a day for two days before the SIT test, which helped us to measure their general turning bias. During each test, a color-marked 'target' mouse interacted with an unfamiliar stimulus mouse for 10 minutes, and we noted whether the target mouse approached with a left or right turn, we also noted each general approach, social vigilance, and investigative following. Our results showed some evidence of lateralization of social approach (LSA) across the population. We also found a significant link at the individual level between turning behavior in non-social situations and LSA in social contexts.
Comparison of Light and Temperature as Zeitgebers of the Circadian Rhythm of Activity in Antelope Ground Squirrels
Samantha Deignan
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Roberto Refinetti
Poster #137
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
Circadian rhythm is affected by external factors (zeitgebers), such as light, through two mechanisms of synchronization: entrainment and masking. Entrainment appears as a gradual change until consistent while masking is a sudden shift. Light is the most studied factor in circadian rhythm research and is thought to be the strongest, but studies have also shown successful synchronization by ambient temperature. This study aims to compare the synchronization strengths of light and temperature on the circadian rhythms of antelope ground squirrels. This will be tested through exposure of varying intensities of either one-hour light or temperature pulses among two groups of 12 squirrels. Each group will undergo three pulse conditions after completing full 12:12-h light or temperature conditioning. Data is being collected through magnets attached to running wheels to record timing and duration of locomotor activity in a 24-h period. The light condition group is currently in their second pulse condition and the temperature group is in their first pulse condition. Preliminary results suggest successful synchronization within the light pulse groups showing gradual shifts in activity around the timing of the light pulse. The temperature group is exhibiting masked synchronization, showing sudden shifts in activity when undergoing a full temperature cycle and are either beginning to entrain or experience freerun (no synchronization) into the pulse condition. This suggests that light is a strong factor in synchronization and, while it is unclear which direction the temperature group is going, results indicate masking capability around temperature pulses.
School of Education
New Teacher Needs in metro New Orleans Public Schools
Dr. Brian Beabout
Faculty, Oral
Mentor: N/A
Tuesday, November 19 at 9:45 - 10:00 AM
LIB 407
A number of contributing factors have led to a national teacher shortage in recent school years. These include retirements among the baby boomer generation, fewer students entering education programs at the undergraduate level, poor retention of new teachers beyond the first few years of service, and COVID-related changes that increased burnout among existing teachers. This shortage of qualified teachers is especially acute in “high needs” schools. Knowing the needs of beginning teachers and supporting them to remain in the profession is a crucial step is schools are to stabilize their faculty effectively commit to improvement activities. 102 educators in Orleans and Jefferson Parish Public Schools were surveyed between April 2023 and August 2023. We report on the teacher competencies deemed most important for the job, and which are essential to learning before becoming teachers, and those that can be taught by employers after a teacher begins their career.
Pathological Demand Avoidance: How Classroom Teachers Can Provide Support to Students with PDA Profiles
Juliana Falanga
Undergraduate Student, Oral
Mentor: Paul Bole, Ashleigh Pelafigue
Tuesday, November 19 at 9:30 - 9:45 AM
LIB 407
Many educators have encountered children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) whose presentation includes perplexing behaviors centered on marked demand avoidance. Marked demand avoidance in conjunction with other traits is indicative of an atypical autistic presentation commonly known as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). This review will share information regarding the traits and presentations of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), as well as strategies and accommodations to be implemented in a classroom environment to support the needs of those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).
School of Hotel, Restaurant, & Tourism
Transportation Equity in the New Orleans Gig Economy
Lauren Pigott
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Tara Tolford
Poster #130
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
This research investigates the transportation challenges faced by gig workers within the vibrant entertainment industry of New Orleans. The study aims to analyze the economic impact of the entertainment industry, explore the limitations of the current public transportation system, and identify potential solutions to promote transportation equity. Through a combination of economic data analysis, literature review, and surveys with gig workers, the research seeks to inform policy recommendations for improving the accessibility and affordability of transportation options for this vulnerable population.
School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
Additive Manufacturing uses in offshore structure design and construction
Daniel Nagel
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Vincent Yu
Poster #129
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
None Provided
Innovating Offshore Wind: The Future of Floating Structures in Renewable Energy
Issac Varghese
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Vincent Yu
Poster #131
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
The European wind energy sector is transforming with the rise of floating offshore wind turbines, designed for deeper waters where winds are stronger and more reliable. This project unites naval architects and engineers to create advanced floating platforms capable of withstanding harsh marine conditions while optimizing energy output. Innovations in materials, mooring, and dynamic load management are driving scalable, cost-effective solutions. These floating turbines are pivotal to Europe’s net-zero goals, offering both sustainable energy production and economic benefits. The presentation will explore key engineering breakthroughs and Europe's leadership in this renewable energy frontier.
Buckling within Marine Applications
Kylie Sink with Michael Schmidt
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: N/A
Poster #133
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
The objective of this study is to investigate the buckling behavior and ultimate strength of stiffened columns commonly used in marine structures. Such columns, crucial in offshore applications, face challenges due to axial and bending stresses. This research analyzes the theoretical and experimental response of stiffened columns under axial compression. The study setup involved subjecting various column specimens, with distinct lengths and breadths, to axial loading until buckling failure occurred. Strain gauges and displacement sensors were installed to monitor deformation, and the data was compared with theoretical predictions based on Euler’s critical stress equation. The physical tests included samples with varying dimensions to examine the effects of size on buckling behavior. Results reveal that experimental data generally support theoretical models, though some variations were observed depending on column geometry and material properties. These findings underscore the importance of considering specific design parameters to improve buckling resistance, offering valuable guidance for safer and more efficient marine structure designs. The study concludes that theoretical models are effective in predicting the ultimate strength and buckling stress of stiffened columns, validating their application in marine engineering design.
Resilience of Offshore Structures
Trenton Crow with Ferris Sabatier
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Vincent Xiaochuan Yu
Poster #139
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
We will deliver a poster presentation based on the methods and findings we have learned and researched on our topic; the resilience of offshore structures. We will focus on the effects of dynamic environmental conditions and how they impact material degradation. We will look into factors such as wave action, seismic activity, and corrosion to understand how the structural integrity of offshore structures is affected overtime with respect to the incessant motion of their saltwater surroundings. Our study contributes to the development of more resilient design practices and maintenance strategies, aiming to improve the longevity and safety of offshore infrastructure in increasingly challenging conditions.
School of the Arts: Film
Hey It's Me Again
Avery Arnold
Undergraduate Student, Film
Mentor: Katie Garagiola
Wednesday, November 20 at 11:00 - 11:15 AM
LIB 407
Hey It's Me Again' is a drama that follows Jessie, a young college student who is struggling to open up about her mental health. Jess battles with her inner self, convincing herself that she might be better off alone. In order to keep herself from pushing her best friend away, Jessie must realize that her worst enemy is her own mind This film was influenced by my own struggle with social anxiety and its impact on my life. The conversations Jessie has with her inner self mirror my own battle with mental health. 'Hey It's Me Again' is a letter to myself. There is no happy ending, but there’s a hope for change.
A Regular New Orleanian
Michael Brown
Undergraduate Student, Film
Mentor: N/A
Wednesday, November 20 at 11:15 - 11:30 AM
LIB 407
Displaying the exceptionalism of New Orleans through its unique characters and quirky happenings.
Orientation
Rudolph Melchiorre III
Graduate Student, Film
Mentor: N/A
Wednesday, November 20 at 11:30 -11:45 AM
LIB 407
Welcome to the office, these are the cubicles, and those are your coworkers. Welcome to your new life as an office worker for our corporation, all questions will be answered on the tour.
Ethereal Universe
Sage Harris
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: N/A
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
None Provided
School of the Arts: Fine Arts
No Title Provided
Allyn Evans
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Jeff Rinehart
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
None Provided
Bright Ideas
Audrey Punches
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: N/A
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
This oil painting was originally started to practice light. However, as the painting progressed, I played with the idea of the glowing light behind the glasses representing a person. The collection of objects are things I enjoy, they make up the idea of me as anyone's interests form an idea of them. The rose-tinted glasses are a clear idiom, but I believe seeing the world in a positive light is a choice as shown by the glasses holding themselves upright, lifting slightly off the other objects. The small toy is representing rest as I often need due to medical issues. The lemon is due to me liking lemons!
Spark
Audrey Punches
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: N/A
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
The subject for this work was the comparison and contrast of someone's inner thoughts and the actions they take. This piece was done entirely with colored pencil and layered paper, as I wanted complete control over the color and to clearly display the "inside" and "outside" of the person. Both figures are aiming for the "spark," as I believe everyone is in their own life. Whether the "spark" be an object you want to obtain, an idea you want to see through, or a person you wish to become the "spark" is the want inside us.
Beacon
Brandon Clark
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: N/A
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
None Provided
Tenebris
Brandon Clark
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: N/A
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
None Provided
Red Growth
Cameron Boni
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Dan Rule
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
This is an experimental and abstracted version of textures found in various organic forms that I found to be beautiful.
Interconnected
Cameron Boni
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Paige Devries, Madeline Kelly
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
I wanted to create a piece that shows the loss of humanity as the digital world and internet continually develop. Old technology becomes a relic as we become more connected and almost idolize the virtual space. This artwork invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships with technology. As we embrace innovation, what do we risk leaving behind? How do we preserve the essence of humanity and maintain meaningful connections in a world where screens often replace faces?
A Bath Without You
Colby Adriano
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Paige Devries, Madeline Kelly
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
This piece captures the moment of a man laying in a bathtub oblivious to the viewer’s presence. There is a strong influence of 1970s interior design and a color palette reflective of that time period which evokes a nostalgic feel and highlights the timeless act of bathing. The top down perspective invites the viewer to explore the beauty of such a simple act of an everyday routine.
No Title Provided
Frankie Dell
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Ariya Martin
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
Exploring memory and childhood nostalgia as well as passage of time and decay through documentation of my childhood home and objects.
Conversations About Death
Nicholas Hutson
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Tony Campbell
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
During the period of losing my grandmother, I traveled to and from Lafayette to conduct a number of "last visits". In the time that followed I travelled to her home town of Eldorado, Tx and visited her childhood home. The collection of images attempt to inspire the type of interior contemplation undergone in their making. The vibrancy of seasonal flowers, the barren texan desert, the washed bricks of safe places, all idioms of our fleeting mortality.
Beneathe the Magnolia Veil
Olive Trosclair
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Tyler Rosebush
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
What is modesty? Modesty can be defined as "behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency." Living in Southern Louisiana, religion is a big part of our society. They say modesty is the best policy, but what about acceptance? They have instilled the idea that women’s bodies are a weapon made to deceive and seduce. That this seductress is a path away from God but towards temptation. Women and girls are relegated to a dishonorable desire. They are then groomed to conceal their bodies to protect their “Brother in Christ” from themselves. My personal experiences with Christian communities have heavily inspired this piece. These communities caused me to believe that my body needed to be regulated to be one of them. The echoes of religious family members asking me not to wear tank tops when my uncle was over or to not show my midriff out in public so I wouldn’t “give them the wrong idea”. The narrative that when we show skin, we invite them in is not a story with a happy ending. Beneath the Magnolia Veil is a challenge to Christian modesty ideals for women. It celebrates the liberation of self-identity and body through the ethereal beauty of nature. Blaring audio snippets from a pastor ranting about the dangers of the female form, combined with compelling visuals, creates an immersive viewing experience. Choosing to explore this subject using video as the creative channel aids its ability to communicate a journey of suppression to self-expression.
Făt-Frumos
Stella West
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Paige Devries
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
"Fat-Frumos" is a Romanian folkloric archetype, symbolizing a heroic male figure known for his courage, purity, justice, strength—both physical and spiritual—intelligence, passion, and unwavering love. In this portrait of my partner, Travis, I capture him in a quiet, everyday moment, highlighting the simplicity and beauty of ordinary life. Though the scene itself is mundane, it is infused with the strength of his character and the values he lives by—values that, through him, have become real and tangible. This work draws from my Romanian heritage to honor how these timeless virtues continue to resonate, not only in folklore but in the people we love and the lives we lead.
Portrait of a guy
Vlad Jones
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Paige Devries
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
This is a portrait of a guy. Painted in oil. The soul is in the forehead.
Flowers
Vlad Jones
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Paige Devries
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
This painting was constructed with watercolor gold leaf and oil. The flowers created bloom in the patterns of the burned gold designs, flowing into one another, fading from deep reds to soft purples. The flowers themselves are free flow imagination. Patterns flow through the leaves into different directions break the composition up into segments with gold feathered over the top and middle while the bottom is fighting to push your eyes to the top while the top leads they viewer back into the paint. Paint abstraction filters it’s way through the piece. The balance of sides creates a concord through the artwork.
Birth of Charon
Vlad Jones
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Paige Devries
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
This work depicts the ferry man Charon being born from a collective of orangutans, bridging the gap between the evolution of a man riding through the river of souls and the great apes watching him bring them across all space and time. The contingency of acclimation in the unity of this piece brings the viewer into a world where an angered Charon is seen attacking the orangutans. Nodes of red hair can be seen atop Charons head from the remnants of his past self as an orangutan.
Chaotically Whole
William Graves II
Undergraduate Student, Visual Arts
Mentor: Jeff Rinehart
Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Fine Arts Gallery
The Visual representation that’ll be presented is a wired sculpture. It’s dimensions, by an approximation to nearest whole number, is about 25” x 13” x 11”. When I started on this project, I’ve approached it as an assignment to complete. However, as I progressed through the project, it was no more an assignment, but became a creative exploration. Through this project, I explored intriguing techniques, created and tried different processes of forming wire, and became more consciously aware of myself in the decision-making process of the work. This visual medium helped me to understand myself not only as an Artist, but as an individual. I believe it would be this piece could be of help to someone.
School of the Arts: Music
Saenger Theatre Performance Preservation
Anthony Beavers
Undergraduate Student, Poster
Mentor: Robin Williams
Poster #115
Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
LIB 410
None Provided