Office of Undergraduate Research
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/20157
Emphasizing equitable and inclusive access to research opportunities, the University of Maryland's Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) empowers undergraduates and faculty to engage and succeed in inquiry, creative activity, and scholarship. This collection includes materials shared by undergraduate researchers during OUR events. It also encompasses materials from Undergraduate Research Day 2020, Undergraduate Research Day 2021, and Undergraduate Research Day 2022, which were organized by the Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research.
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Item Exploring the Impact of Prenatal Drug Exposure on Brain Development: Data Collection Framework(2024) Sare, Perfect; Jones, Morgan; Chi, Zehua; Riggins, TracyUnderstanding brain development is a critical area of neuroscience requiring comprehensive research. Numerous factors, including prenatal drug exposure (PDE), significantly influence both pre- and postnatal brain development. The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study is a longitudinal study that aims to explore these impacts and advance our knowledge of early brain and child development. It utilizes multiple, carefully curated methods to obtain physiological data from participants, including diverse patient recruitment, biospecimen collection, and various MRI scans. This poster will address these methods of data collection and how they will contribute to future research. 2Item Students' Use of Retrieval Practice(2024) Aliabadi, Farah; Oscilowski, Joseph; Wieczynski, Aleysa; Hartwig, MarissaRetrieval practice is the highly effective learning strategy of recalling facts and concepts from memory. Examples of retrieval practice include using flashcards, practice quizzes, open-ended recall, and other exercises where information is retrieved from memory. Research is mixed on whether or not students choose to use retrieval practice and whether they fully understand its benefits for their learning. Our research seeks to better understand student attitudes toward retrieval practice. We hypothesized that the type of retrieval under consideration–for example, ready-made quiz questions vs. free-recall summarization–might affect students’ inclination to study with retrieval practice. Two studies examined the popularity of two retrieval practice methods–practice quizzing and summarization–compared to passive studying (i.e., reviewing instructional materials). Study 1 was conducted with undergraduates in a laboratory setting (N = 93). Study 2 was conducted in high school math classes in four different high schools (N = 567). In both studies, participants were taught unfamiliar math lessons via computer tutorials. A study phase followed, where participants could restudy the materials in preparation for a test by selecting any of three study tools: quiz, summarize, or review. Participants could use any combination of tools and could also quit studying at any time. In both studies, the quiz tool was significantly more popular than reviewing or summarization. These results suggest that students’ inclination to use retrieval practice for studying may depend on the form of retrieval practice.Item Mitochondrial Morphology in Orbitofrontal Cortical Neurons During Incubation of Oxycodone Craving(2024) Luo, Xiang; Olaniran, Adedayo; Matheson, Chloe; Lin, Hongyu; Li, XuanMitochondrial morphology in orbitofrontal cortical neurons during incubation of oxycodone craving Relapse is a major challenge in treating opioid addiction, including oxycodone, a commonly abused prescription opioid. In rats, cue-induced oxycodone seeking progressively increases during abstinence. Our previous work demonstrated that orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a critical role in this incubation of oxycodone craving. However, the molecular mechanisms in OFC that contribute to this incubation are unknown. Here, we focus on mitochondrial dynamics in OFC and characterize the mitochondrial morphology in OFC neurons during incubation of oxycodone craving. We used a dual-virus approach to sparsely label mitochondria in OFC neurons by injecting the adeno-associated virus (AAV)-hSyn-GFP together with AAV-CMV-mitoDsRed bilaterally into OFC. Next, we trained male rats to either self-administer saline (as the control group) or oxycodone (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) for 6 h/day over 10 days. On abstinence day 15, we perfused both groups of animals and processed the brain for confocal microscopy. Our image analysis showed that in the somas of OFC neurons, there was a significant increase in the size-frequency of the smallest mitochondria, accompanied by overall increased mitochondria density, in oxycodone rats compared with saline rats. This finding suggests that mitochondria in OFC neuronal cell bodies enhanced fission after 15-day abstinence from oxycodone self-administration. In contrast, we did not observe the differences in primary dendrites of OFC neurons between the two groups. Studies are underway to examine whether enhanced mitochondrial fission in OFC somas is time-dependent after abstinence and whether there are sex differences in mitochondrial morphology during incubation of oxycodone craving.Item Pawsitive Impact: How Pets Enhance Our Psychological Well-Being(2024) Bagni, Sokun; Tomlinson, TracyResearch into psychological well-being (PWB), a multidimensional construct that includes self-actualization and healthy relationships (Adler et al., 2017), is fundamental for improving the positive functioning of individuals and communities. Therefore, this research considers the ability of pets to improve an individual's quality of life and PWB. Interacting with pets can offer emotional support, alleviate stress, and encourage physical activity, which can directly improve PWB (Gaied, 2022). Using a naturalistic observational research design, pet owners in a public park were assessedon their level of engagement and care towards their pets, and their PWB as measured by Duchenne smiles and laughter. The results indicate that those who have high-quality interactions with their pets have significantly better PWB than those who showed low-quality interaction. This study emphasizes the importance of meaningful interactions with pets in promoting PWB, suggesting that active engagement beyond the mere presence of the animal is crucial. This underscores the need for future research on pets in PWB, as their interactions could boost both individual and community well-being. The implications of this research support expanding traditional views on pet involvement by encouraging alternative engagements such as fostering pets and participating in pet cafe experiences. Future research should explore the causal pathways of this relationship and consider broader, more diversified samples to increase the generalizability of the results. Quality interactions with pets have the potential to greatly benefit individuals and society as a whole, making it an important area of future research. References Adler, A., Unanue, W., Osin, E., Ricard, M., Alkire, S., & Seligman, M. (2017). Psychological wellbeing. Happiness, 118. https://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Happiness-transform_Final_with-cover .pdf#page=123 Gaied, J. Y. (2022). Relationship between Pets' Possession and Psychological, Physical and general wellbeing of Community dwelling older adults. Alexandria Scientific Nursing Journal, 24(4), 37-47. https://asalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_280353_671675a72acfe748e3881cc9e2cfda83.pdf Link to OSF Project: https://osf.io/q5y72Item Fostering Empathy in Children: The Role of Maternal Supportive Response to Child Distress and Child Attachment Security(2024-04-17) Diphilippo, Emma; Patel, Vacha; Parrott, Jayla; Awao, Sayaka; Cassidy, JudeMaternal response to child distress has been linked with child attachment security (Isabella et al., 1989); child attachment security has been associated with child empathy (Xu et al., 2022). This study examines whether child attachment security is a mechanism for the association between maternal response to child distress and child empathy. Ninety-five mother-child dyads participated (Mchild age=4.5 years). Mothers self-reported their likelihood of responding to child distress in unsupportive and supportive ways (Fabes et al., 1990). Child empathy was measured through (1) mother report (Kochanska, et al., 1994), (2) child self-report (Bryant, 1982), and (3) observation (Schrandt et.al, 2009). Observed child attachment security was measured through the MacArthur Story Stem Battery (Bretherton et al., 1990). Mother’s unsupportive response to child distress did not predict child attachment security or child empathy. Mother’s supportive response to child distress did not predict child attachment security but did predict mother-reported (but not child reported or observed) child empathy (p=0.03). Higher child attachment security predicted higher observed (but not mother or child reported) child empathy (p < 0.01). Child attachment security was not a significant mechanism between maternal response to child distress (unsupportive/supportive) and child empathy. Findings highlight the importance of supportive (but not unsupportive) maternal response and child attachment security for development of child empathy. Findings also underscore the importance of considering reporter bias. Future studies should examine this model, with careful attention to how constructs are measured.Item Observational Study: Good Nutrition and Psychological Well-Being(2024) Chavan, Sidharth; Tomlinson, TracyPsychological well-being appears important to one’s sense of fulfillment and harmony in life as psychological well-being may include positive emotions, life satisfaction, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. Previous research has found a link between adequate nutrition and higher psychological well-being (Veenhoven, 2019). Building on this research, this study aims to explore the relationship between restaurant choice and psychological well-being among University of Maryland students. A naturalistic observational research design was used to assess if students who choose healthier restaurants, such as Saladworks or Qdoba, exhibited greater psychological well-being behaviors such as smiling, laughing, and sitting upright rather than slouched, compared to those who opted for unhealthier establishments, such as Union Pizza or Chick Fil A. As predicted, students who frequent healthier restaurants demonstrated significantly more signs of psychological well-being. These findings could have implications for mental health advocates, highlighting the importance of promoting healthier eating habits among college students. Implementations of these findings can be used to support social media campaigns raising awareness of disproportionately high prices of healthy food and the promotion of making healthy food more affordable. Future research could further explore this relationship experimentally, potentially leading to interventions aimed at improving psychological well-being through dietary choices.Item Parental support and artistic creativity at the beach: an observational approach(2024) Pattanaik, Sragvi; Desai, Rituparna; Tomlinson, TracyArtistic creativity is the production of novel resources that contribute to the arts (Chemi, 2017) and can be integral towards improving the mental health of both artists and consumers of art. When studying factors that may contribute to artistic creativity, parenting may be an important consideration. Supportive parenting contributes to child development by practicing parental sensitivity, cognitive stimulation to learning, and unconditional love (Lin, 2023), and may encourage children to find healthy ways of expressing their emotions artisitically. An observational research design was conducted to assess the relationship between parental support and artistic creativity. We hypothesized that children with parental supervision engage in artistic hobbies more frequently compared to children without supervision. A total of 60 young children were observed for a minute each on a web camera featuring the coast of Maho Beach in Sint Marten. Parental supervision was coded as present if a child was present alongside a guardian and artistic creativity was measured, based on if participants engaged in artistic hobbies. Contrary to predictions, results indicate that children with parental supervision do not engage in artistic hobbies more frequently than children without supervision. Lack of statistical support for the relationship between parenting and creativity may be due to limited time in observing participants and using parental supervision as an indicator for parental support. Future research should be conducted with longer observation periods and coding for different kinds of parental support towards children.Item Attention! Data Helps Diagnoses: A machine learning approach to predicting ADHD(2024) Navaleza, Irene; Coutts, JacobAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often dismissed as a “childhood condition”, since easy-to-identify features (e.g., hyperactivity) are more prevalent in children. Yet, for almost half of diagnosed individuals, the effects of ADHD persist through adulthood, impacting important areas such as jobs/academic performance and relationships. These implications make early diagnoses and effective treatments salient issues for medical professionals. However, as ADHD affects brain development, symptoms often greatly vary person to person. Further, research suggests that the high comorbidity of ADHD with other disorders compounds this issue, explaining why many diagnoses do not come until adulthood. One solution to more accurate diagnoses is machine learning, a class of models that have become increasingly prevalent in research. However, few researchers have developed models to predict ADHD diagnoses. In this study, we performed a secondary data analysis from a study on 103 anonymous participants (51 diagnosed with ADHD, 52 clinical controls). We employed a K-nearest neighbors algorithm to identify key features of ADHD (e.g., prevalence of comorbid disorders) that can accurately predict one’s diagnosis. The results of our analysis suggest: 1.) Objective metrics like this may improve ADHD diagnoses, since current methods are subjective and vary by physician, 2.) Some comorbidities are more predictive than others, and 3.) Research should continue in this area to include more predictive features. Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed.Item An observational study on the impact of caffeine and anxiety in college students.(2024) Williams, Stephanie; Tomlinson, Tracy; Johnson, SamanthaObserving students on a college campus, it is not hard to see signs of anxiety in students. College students’ have the compounded stress of numerous classes, assignments, jobs, and maintaining relationships, which may lead to losing sleep and turning to caffeine to help. Caffeine is a substance commonly used in an attempt to alleviate anxiety and exhaustion, particularly in young adults (Hughes, 1996). However, some side effects of caffeine can mimic or amplify the symptoms of anxiety (Sawyer et al., 1982). The goal of this research was to assess if there is a positive correlation between observed caffeine intake and anxious behaviors. This study was conducted through a naturalistic observational design where participants (N = 60) were observed in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union and McKeldin Library. Participants were coded on the seconds spent drinking from their caffeinated beverage and seconds spent exhibiting an anxious behavior such as leg bouncing, playing with hair, and zoning out. We found that students exhibited significantly greater amounts of anxious behavior when their time spent drinking caffeine increased. These findings indicate that students may benefit from being made aware of this negative effect of caffeine consumption and educated on caffeine alternatives, such as adequate sleep, hydration, or meditation instead. However, keeping in mind this was an observational study, we can not assess causation and this was an observational design that had a limited definition of caffeine consumption and anxious behaviors. To better assess these effects, future research should assess participants in an experimental environment.Item Weights and Wellness: Observing the impacts of physical exercise on psychological well-being(2024) Tejada, Mikaela Aprille S.; Tomlinson, TracySocial isolation due to COVID-19 has led to an increase of symptoms of anxiety and depression among young adults (Fernandez-Rio et al., 2021). Situations causing restricted access to mental health resources can make it difficult to find effective treatments, decreasing psychological well-being. Previous research provided evidence with a correlation between increased physical exercise and fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety (Battaglia et al., 2015). A naturalistic observational study was conducted to investigate the relationship between physical exercise and psychological well-being, hypothesizing that those who engage in physical exercise will have a higher frequency of smiles with teeth compared to those who do not. Participants (N = 60) at the University of Maryland were observed in two locations: Half of the participants were observed at the Eppley Recreation Center while the rest were observed at Adele H. Stamp Student Union. Contrary to predictions, those who did not engage in physical exercise showed no significant difference in frequency of smiles than those who did, showing no support between the hypothesized relationship of physical exercise and psychological well-being. However, it was noted that during observation, the group that did not engage in physical exercise also engaged in more social behaviors and tended to have a higher frequency of smiles compared to those who were alone, implying a potential relationship social interaction and psychological well-being. Further exploration in moderating confounding variables can allow researchers to understand the influence of physical exercise when implementing treatments for those with mental illness.