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STEM Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025: Interdisciplinary

Interdisciplinary

Interdisciplinary
Nicotine and the Adolescent Brain: Unveiling the Mental Health Costs of Vaping During Critical Developmental Window Investigating Plant Tolerance to Increasing Salinity Level Using Generative Ai to Develop Math and Physics Study Plans Based on Students’ Learning Styles
Andrez Alvarez Erin Rodriguez Evan Agustin Vargas
I am a dedicated student transferring to Florida State University as a biochemistry major with a minor in psychology. My future goal is to become a doctor, with interests in psychiatry, orthopedic medicine, or pediatric surgery. One of my proudest accomplishments is receiving this undergraduate research opportunity, which I view as the beginning of many more. I am also proud to have earned my Associate of Arts degree alongside my high school diploma, graduating in the top 15% of my class. As the first in my family to receive a scholarship, I am passionate about exploring how chemicals affect the human body and pursuing research in psychological and neurological sciences. Erin Rodriguez is a current junior at the School for Advanced Studies at Homestead Campus, where she is pursuing her associate’s degree alongside her high school diploma through the dual enrollment program. She has a strong interest in medicine and various scientific fields including biology and chemistry, aspiring to become a forensic pathologist. She participated in a competitive HIV research program using computational biology, deepening her passion for biomedical science and research. She hopes to continue building on her experiences by transferring to a four-year institution, where she plans to major in a field related to medicine or forensic science before attending medical school. Evan Agustin Vargas is a first-year college student at the Miami Dade Honors College pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in electrical engineering. Evan is a part of the junior board of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), where he served as Assistant Secretary during his first year and will serve as President in his second year. He is also the Treasurer of the Math4U tutoring club, where he helps create educational packets for incarcerated individuals, and is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). Evan has participated in the Global IRX conversations program, collaborating with international peers to discuss global issues and develop solutions. He also took part in the Global Citizenship Alliance Seminar in Austria, where he worked with fellow MDC Honors students on a project addressing labor migration. His academic and research interests include mathematics, physics, and electrical engineering. Once Evan obtains his Associate of Arts degree, he plans on transferring to obtain his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering to eventually become an electrical engineer at a major electrical company.
     
The Effects of Classical vs. Jazz Music on Self-Efficacy and Cognitive Performance: Implications for Academic Success and Cognitive Functioning in Aging Populations Bridging Cognitive Bias and Cybersecurity Decision-Making: A Systematic Literature Review Using the Weinstein Comparative Optimism Scale and the Security Behavior Intentions Scale (SeBIS) Effects of Classical vs. Jazz Music on Self-Efficacy and Cognitive Performance: Implications for Academic Success and Cognitive Functioning in Aging Populations
Flor Perez Gabriela Muriel Jayred Velasquez

Flor Perez is a second-year undergraduate student. She is pursuing her associate degree in psychology at Miami Dade Wolfson College. Flor has become involved in undergraduate research throughout her two years at Miami-Dade. She has presented three research posters at Miami Dade North College, Florida International University, and Florida Atlantic University. Flor continues to show her stellar behavior anywhere she goes. She’s passionate about sports psychology, which plays a vital role in helping athletes enhance their mental health throughout their game, leading to better athletic outcomes and overall well-being. Flor aspires to be a psychologist who positively impacts athletes. Lastly, Flor recently got accepted to the University of Miami and will be transferring there to obtain her bachelor's degree in psychology.

 

 

My name is Gabriela Muriel, and I’m deeply interested in the intersection of cybersecurity and human psychology, particularly how social engineering exploits cognitive biases and trust. I had the opportunity to represent Miami Dade College in the 2nd Annual FCS Cybersecurity Competition, hosted by the Florida Department of Education, where our team proudly placed 4th statewide. My long-term goal is to become a university professor, focusing on academic research in cybersecurity awareness and behavioral threats. I hope to empower students to become critical thinkers and proactive defenders in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape. Jayred Velasquez, born and raised in Nicaragua, is a freshman at the Honors College at Miami Dade College in the Dual Language Program, majoring in Psychology at the Padron Campus. Due to personal experiences with the struggle of bullying and cultural and family expectations, he is focusing on both clinical and neuropsychology to understand the human mind and provide advice and counseling to youth who feel excluded, unworthy, and alone. Jayred's motivational phrase is one he created and envisions: “Give the help I wasn’t able to have.” Jayred is an extroverted, outgoing person with the core intrinsic motivation of helping and serving. These attributes have not only been shown by the multiple jobs he has worked in, but also in the extracurriculars he has participated in at Padron Campus. He is Vice-President of Psych Force/Psi Beta, an ambassador of the Honors College, a member of Phi Theta Kappa as well as other honor societies and clubs, and Events Coordinator of Urbana, the literary and arts magazine at Miami Dade Padron Campus. Jayred has shown his devotion to helping and creating by organizing multiple events, such as Art for the Soul, whose focus was to share art that had been created from negative emotions (“Art Healing”), as well as a letter-writing space in a Miami Dade public library to write letters to loved ones. He has participated in the Suicide Prevention Walk and is currently working on an RBT certification. He firmly believes in the importance of assertive communication for the understanding of others and the creation of mental health, as well as the stability of relationships among family members and classmates. Outside of his academic pursuits, Jayred enjoys reading, singing, dancing, writing poetry, and creating meaningful events for Urbana magazine. His enthusiasm for research and commitment to psychological well-being make him a valuable contributor to the field. Ultimately, Jayred’s goal is to transfer to a four-year institution to complete his undergraduate degree and deepen his knowledge in the psychological field. Jayred’s enthusiasm for ongoing learning and his desire to support mental health, break stigma, and make a positive impact underscore his dedication to both the science field and his community.
     
Flavorings Matter: Popcorn Lung, Physiological Stress in Daphnia magna, and Vaping Risk Perception in Students Methodology Acknowledgements Nicotine Exposure on Adolescents: The Neurological Impacts and Wellbeing Consequences. Sustainable Cultivation Methods: Comparison Between Hydroponics and Traditional Agriculture
Ligia Salazar Lucia Carcache Maria Fernanda
My name is Ligia Salazar, and I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. I currently attend MDC West Campus, where I am working toward my Associate’s degree in Biology. After that, I plan to transfer to FIU to earn my Bachelor’s degree. In the future, I hope to attend the University of Florida for veterinary school. I have a strong passion for biology and chemistry, and I enjoy learning anything related to those subjects. I would also love to learn a new language, such as Korean, Japanese, or Italian. One day, I hope to open my own veterinary clinic. Lucia Carcache is currently pursuing an Associates in Arts degree in pre-med at Miami Dade College North Campus. She is an ambitious and determined student taking biology and chemistry courses in preparation to enter medical school after gaining her Bachelor Degree in Biology. Her rigorous schedule balances daytime college classes with community service projects and part-time work as a nanny. In her free time, Lucia loves to enjoy reading, baking, photography, conducting research, and learning new information in various topics, ranging from new languages to new recipes. Lucia aspires to become an Obstetrician and hopes to gain valuable research experience and create an impact. Maria Fernanda is a first-year college student as a recipient of the Honors Program Award at Miami Dade College, pursuing a major in Biology, driven by a strong desire for getting into the medical field to become a physician. The idea of God using her hands to offer people a second chance to live, fills her with joy and gives her a purpose. She is the vice-president of the INIT Club and an active member of HOSA, Tri-beta, and PTK, and values the role of research in STEM. Outside of academics, she finds joy in playing the guitar and singing. 
     
How Ageism in AI Affects Older Adults in the Workplace Using Generative Artificial Intelligence to Develop Math and Physics Study Plans Based on Students' Learning Styles Acute Flavored Nicotine E-Liquid Toxicity in Daphnia magna as a Model for Prenatal Developmental Disruption
Marian Cuba Marilennis Naranjo Michelle Grados 
Cuba is a Psychology major at Miami Dade College with research interests in social connection, neurodiversity, and identity development. She is QPR certified and has completed training with Crisis Text Line, reflecting her passion for mental health advocacy. Cuba aspires to become a behavioral scientist and help end the stigma surrounding mental disorders while bettering the overall well-being of marginalized communities through research, education, and compassionate outreach. Fueled by lived experience, and a love for understanding the complexities of the human mind, she hopes to turn compassion into change and broaden society’s understanding of those who need it most.

Marilennis Naranjo arrived from Cuba three years ago and is a Mathematics major at The Honors College at Padron Campus. She developed an early interest in mathematical systems, enamored not only by solving problems but also by understanding how abstraction could be defined through numbers. Her passion for math is concentrated within the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, with a focus on quantum neural networks. 

 

Michelle Grados is often described as a tenacious and driven individual with a strong passion for medicine. She aspires to become a pediatrician, and she is currently focused on expanding her student-led nonprofit organization, which aims to support children’s education in underdeveloped countries. Through both her current work and future career, she hopes to inspire and pave the way for other young women pursuing careers in STEM.
     
Would the Popular Vote of States Prediction the US Popular Vote and Eventually Create the Basis for Modern Electoral Procedures? Developing AI tools to Quantify Plant Defenses from Microscope Images  
 
Sarah Jean Baptiste Sumaiya Sadik  
My name is Sarah Jean Baptiste. I’m currently majoring in Natural Science to later major in Biomedical Engineering. My goal is to be able to make prosthetic organs as well as body parts. I want to overall try to go to college to get a doctoral in my major. My interests in research are more science and math based. I'm excited to do my current internship to incorporate statistics and strengthen my skills in it. Sumaiya Sadik is an Associate of Arts student in Biology, soon transferring to Florida International University to major in Biochemistry. She has a deep interest in skin science and skincare and plans to pursue a Ph.D. to conduct research focused on skin health and treatment. She is currently participating in a summer research internship, where she is gaining experience in scientific analysis and lab techniques. Her goal is to contribute to innovations in dermatological science and help improve lives through research-driven skincare solutions.  

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