Protein Binding on Functionalized Charged Graphene Quantum Dots

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Himish Paul Physics & Astronomy Ugur Topkiran Physics & Astronomy Diya Vashani Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Anton Naumov Physics & Astronomy

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged in nanobiotechnology as useful tools for numerous biomedical applications, including non-invasive cellular imaging, drug delivery, and gene targeting. Several studies have shown the successful uptake of GQDs in healthy and cancerous cells. While some in vitro and in vivo studies highlight mechanisms underlying GQD internalization in cells, there is a gap in our understanding of GQD interactions with complex biological media, such as blood serum. Proteins in biofluid environments adsorb to the surface of nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes, forming the “protein corona.” Graphene quantum dots have an abundance of charged surface functional groups, which are likely to interact with complementary charged regions in proteins. Herein, we investigate the interactions of individual proteins with negatively charged sodium citrate and reduced graphene oxide-derived GQDs, as well as positively charged nitrogen-doped GQDs. This study will advance our understanding of protein-GQD interactions in physiological environments, ultimately guiding the optimization of GQDs for biomedical applications.

Characterizing the effect of CD388 prophylactic treatment

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Avir Sankara Physics & Astronomy Krish Penumarthi Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Dobrovolny Physics & Astronomy

Influenza can cause severe respiratory illness and spreads quickly, making prevention especially important for people at higher risk of complications. Because vaccines are not always fully protective, effective antivirals can provide an added layer of defense before infection begins. CD388 is a new antiviral being tested as a preventive treatment for influenza. In this project, we used a mathematical model to better understand how the drug changes the course of infection inside the body. Viral load data from a human challenge study were fit to a target-cell model with an eclipse phase, allowing us to estimate key infection parameters. Compared to placebo, CD388 lowered peak viral load and reduced overall viral burden by about 22%, largely by suppressing viral production. Bootstrap analysis was used to assess uncertainty in the parameter estimates. These results help explain how CD388 limits viral spread and supports its potential as a prophylactic therapy.

Mathematical modeling of favipiravir treatment of SARS-CoV-2

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Aarush Shetty Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Dobrovonly Physics & Astronomy

Favipiravir, an antiviral that inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, has demonstrated promise as a therapeutic for RNA viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2. Mathematical modeling of viral kinetics provides a tool for analyzing the progression of viral infections and the action of antiviral drugs. In the present investigation, the viral kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cynomolgus macaques treated with the antiviral drug favipiravir were analyzed using a target cell-limited mathematical model of viral infection. Parameters of the model representing the dynamics of viral infection and replication were estimated by fitting the model to the viral kinetics data. Statistical resampling techniques were applied to analyze the uncertainty of the parameter estimates and to compare viral kinetics between the different treatment regimens. The results demonstrate that antiviral treatment induces measurable effects on viral kinetic parameters, reflecting dose-response effects on viral infection dynamics.

The effect of cell-to-cell transmission on viral coinfections

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Sanjith Singaravelan Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Dobrovonly Physics & Astronomy

About one quarter of patients hospitalized with influenza-like illnesses are infected with more than one respiratory virus. Coinfections can lead to more serious outcomes for patients and are more complex to treat than infections with single viruses. Mathematical models can be used to help us understand the dynamics of viral coinfections and optimize treatment. Previous mathematical models of viral coinfections assume a cell-free transmission pathway with virus leaving one cell and traveling to nearby uninfected cells. However, viruses can also tunnel directly from one cell to another, which can affect how coinfecting viruses interact. This project analyzes a system of coupled ordinary differential equations that includes both cell-free and cell-to-cell transmission to better replicate actual viral spread. We measure coinfection duration for combinations of five common respiratory viruses as a function of the amount of cell-to-cell transmission. We find that coinfection duration depends nonlinearly on the cell-to-cell transmission rates, with differing patterns for different coinfecting viruses. This study highlights the importance of considering different transmission modes when modeling viral dynamics.

The Sleeping Behemoth: Star Formation in the Faintest Disks

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Andrew Tom Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Michelle Berg Physics & Astronomy

A key proponent to galaxy evolution is the multiphase gas that surrounds and permeates the galactic disk. Studying this complex gas network allows us to better understand how it regulates the metallicity, structure, and star formation within a galaxy. Within the disk there are small dust grains called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These grains are effective tracers of cold molecular gas and H II regions, as well as production sites for  which make PAHs excellent probes for studying star formation in galaxies. We use the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to study the infrared emission from PAHs throughout the disk of the giant low surface brightness galaxy Malin 1. Compared to high surface brightness galaxies, Malin 1 exhibits less structure and overall dust content. This is potentially hinting at a deficit of cold molecular gas, which is a necessary ingredient for star formation. By mapping out where the dust exists throughout the disk, we can trace areas of stellar formation and gain insight into the properties of this extreme galaxy.

In Vitro Nanocytotoxicity Assessment by Fluorescence Microscopy Using Neural Network-Based Live/Dead Cell Classification

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Ugur Topkiran Physics & Astronomy Lal Durmaz Biology Ali Gasimli Physics & Astronomy Himish Paul Physics & Astronomy Diya Vashani Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Anton Naumov Physics & Astronomy

Nanomaterial use continues to rise in biomedical applications, and the need for rapid, accurate, and non-invasive cytotoxicity measurements has become increasingly evident. Existing approaches for evaluating nanomaterial cytotoxicity are often indirect and typically depend on well-plate, salt-based fluorescence assays or complicated microscopy methods. To address these limitations, we introduce FluoAI, a two-stage neural network workflow that directly determines live/dead cells from the nanomaterial’s fluorescence, eliminating the need for additional labeling. The workflow uses two consecutive convolutional neural networks: Mask R-CNN first performs instance segmentation of individual cells from grayscale, single-channel fluorescence images, followed by a DenseNet-121 classifier that assigns alive or dead labels to each segmented cell, achieving performance values of up to 92.0%. In addition to viability classification, FluoAI also performs expert-level analyses of corrected total cell fluorescence (CTCF), mean fluorescence, and cell area, with results showing minimal to no significant differences compared with human measurements of Graphene Quantum Dot (GQD)- and fluorescein dye-treated model cells. Because the entire pipeline is automated, these quantitative fluorescence metrics are generated faster than manual analysis while maintaining comparable accuracy. Overall, this AI pipeline enables non-invasive cytotoxicity assessment and automated in vitro analysis using a conventional fluorescence microscopy setup. As its dataset continues to expand, FluoAI provides a strong foundation for reliable, high-throughput nano-cytotoxicity assays and automated data analysis, ultimately supporting the development of novel and safer nanomedicines.

Precursor-Dependent Optical and Structural Properties of Eleven NIR-Emissive Graphene Quantum Dots for Bioimaging Applications

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Diya Vashani Physics & Astronomy Himish Paul Physics & Astronomy Ugur Topkiran Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Anton Naumov Physics & Astronomy

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have gained interest within the bioimaging community due to their biocompatibility and their ability to exhibit near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence suitable for imaging and tracking within biological systems. Creating a simple and reproducible synthesis method for biocompatible NIR-fluorescent GQDs from a variety of precursors remains a critical task. Development of multiple NIR fluorescent GQD structures from a variety of precursors can facilitate their application in multiplex imaging, multianalyte sensing and combination therapy delivery. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of 11 distinct GQD structures capable of NIR fluorescence, achieved through a facile microwave-assisted bottom-up carbonization of 11 different materials: ascorbic acid, chitosan, citric acid - urea, dextran, glucose, glucosamine hydrochloride, hyaluronic acid, l-glutamic acid, polyethylene glycol (PEG), sodium cholate, or sodium citrate. All GQD structures exhibit substantial biocompatibility at concentrations up to 2 mg/mL. Internalization of GQDs is observed through their NIR fluorescence, allowing them to be successfully tracked in vitro in HEK-293 cells. This work provides a comprehensive study demonstrating how precursor selection enables versatile synthetic outcomes and NIR-emissive GQDs with distinct physical, chemical, and optical properties relevant to bioimaging. Expanding the precursor range democratizes the use of GQDs in biological applications by providing broader access to structures with tunable NIR emission and surface characteristics.

Characterization of oncolytic adenovirus ICVB-1042

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Lakshitha Vengadeswaran Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Dobrovolny Physics & Astronomy

Oncolytic adenoviruses are promising cancer therapies because they can selectively infect and destroy tumor cells, however their replication in cancer cells is sometimes limited leading to incomplete tumor suppression. Recently, researchers have started to modify viruses to enhance their replication in cancer cells. In this study, we use a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to model tumor growth and compare viral treatment dynamics of a modified oncolytic adenovirus ICVB-1042 and a wild-type adenovirus type 5 (Wt Ad5). The model was fit to experimental allowing us to estimate important model parameters for both viruses: infection rate, infected cell death rate, rate of cell protection by the immune response, rate of cell resistance loss, viral production rate, and viral clearance rate. We found differences in the viral production rates and the clearance rates between the two viruses, providing insight into how genetic modifications have altered viral dynamics. These findings highlight how viral properties determine the effectiveness of oncolytic virus therapy.

Lost in Thought: Measuring the Association Between Repetitive Thinking and Inflammatory Activity Under Acute Stress

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Mona Al-Bizri Psychology
Advisor(s): Michelle Chen Psychology

Psychological stress interacts with the immune system to increase inflammation, a physiological response involving the body’s defense against pathogens, which can promote biological and behavioral changes related to depression. However, research is needed to better understand factors that contribute to the inflammation–depression pathway. One such factor is repetitive thinking, defined as recurrent and intrusive thoughts about negative, positive, or neutral content (e.g., rumination, defined by negative thoughts focused on potential loss or failure, or worry, defined by thoughts of future danger). Higher rumination is related to greater inflammatory activity under acute stress conditions; however, the relationship between worry and inflammatory reactivity to stress is less clear. Further, there is limited literature demonstrating how reflection, defined as neutral or positive repetitive thinking, is associated with inflammatory activity under stress. Additionally, while past findings have focused on how trait-based personality characteristics related to repetitive thinking are associated with inflammatory reactivity under stress, the research on state-based repetitive thinking and inflammatory reactivity following an acute stressor is less clear. The purpose of the proposed study is to examine how state-based momentary changes in repetitive thinking under acute stress are related to inflammatory activity. To investigate the proposed study, 150 undergraduate participants will be randomly assigned to complete a laboratory-based stress induction or control task. Participants in the stress induction group will complete the Trier Social Stress Test, and the control task will approximate the physical demands of the stress induction without prompting social-evaluative threat. State-based repetitive thinking will be collected with self-report measures obtained before, during, and after the stress/control task. We will obtain whole blood samples from participants before the stress/control task and 55 minutes after the initiation of the task. Blood will be processed for serum, which will then be assayed for the inflammatory proteins - interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Multiple regression analyses will be conducted to test our hypotheses that (1) higher state-based repetitive negative thinking (i.e., rumination and worry) will increase following exposure to an acute stressor in comparison to those in the control task (2) higher state-based repetitive negative thinking will predict greater inflammatory reactivity under stress, and (3) higher state-based reflection will predict lower inflammatory reactivity under stress. Findings from this study may prompt future research to examine how other types of stressors impact the relationship between repetitive thought and inflammation.

Evaluation of A Learning Intervention to Support Dementia Care over Two Months

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Emily Anderson Psychology Morgan Shumaker Psychology Uma Tauber Psychology
Advisor(s): Uma Tauber Psychology

Title: Evaluation of A Learning Intervention to Support Dementia Care over Two Months
Authors: Emily Q. Anderson, Morgan Shumaker, & Uma Tauber
The Micheal and Sally McCracken Annual Student Research Symposium: April 17, 2026

Abstract:
Research indicates that providing care for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) can be highly demanding. Caregivers, who are often relatives or friends, face elevated stress levels and may lack adequate knowledge or resources to effectively support their loved ones (Jorge et al., 2021). This gap in knowledge often leaves caregivers feeling incompetent and may also lead to a lack of confidence in their caregiving skills. We have previously found that our digital health education intervention improves caregivers’ knowledge of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In this research, we extend on our prior work by establishing the impact of our intervention on caregivers’ long-term retention – 2 weeks and 2 months post-intervention. Caregivers were taught 12 categories of BPSD (e.g., anxiety, agitation) by reading information and then either rereading or taking practice tests with detailed, corrective feedback, which has been shown to enhance learning and retention (Ariel et al., 2023; Carpenter et al., 2022; Dunlosky et al., 2013). The study consisted of 3 sessions. Caregivers first completed a screening process to determine their eligibility to participate. Session 1 consisted of teaching caregivers about the BPSD via reading and then rereading or taking tests with feedback. Session 2 consisted of a second round of the learning intervention, as well as taking survey assessments and knowledge tests. Finally, Session 3 consisted of completing final tasks and knowledge assessments. Our goal was to have caregivers learn what physicians would want them to know for how to care for their loved one living with dementia. This study provides caregivers with the knowledge and in turn, confidence to manage BPSD. Data is being collected concurrently, with nearly half of the target participants enrolled so far; thus,, the current presentation reports preliminary observations from this initial cohort.

The effects of I-sharing with same and opposite sex partners on sexist beliefs in men

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Ollie Ansley Psychology Bao Han Tran Psychology
Advisor(s): Cathy Cox Psychology

I-sharing is the belief in an identical shared subjective experience between two individuals. Shared subjective experiences play an important role in interpersonal contact and it can lead to increased liking between subjects. Interestingly, the liking that I-sharing builds can override in-group bias, leading individuals to prefer I-sharing dissimilar partners over non I-sharing similar partners. While increased liking from I-sharing has been explored, intergroup perceptions, such as sexist beliefs, after I-sharing have not been explored. Unlike I-sharing, quality and quantity of time spent with women have both been linked to a reduction in sexist beliefs in men, which may suggest that I-sharing could induce a similar effect (Vasquez, 2020). Since sexist beliefs are connected to violent behavior and acceptance of violent behavior towards women in men, any reduction in sexist beliefs is significant (Gutierrez, 2023). This study seeks to explore the relationship between men I-sharing with women and sexist beliefs.

Mental Health in Motion: Examining Daily Social Media Use and Stress in College Students

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Iman Aurangzeb Psychology Iman Aurangzeb Psychology
Advisor(s): Qinxin Shi Psychology

Psychosocial Factors and ADHD Risk

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Kennedy Beaumont Psychology
Advisor(s): Michelle Chen Psychology

Research indicates that parental factors influence children’s neurodevelopmental outcomes. For example, parental diagnoses of related conditions or parental trauma history may increase the likelihood that a child develops attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additionally, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with greater probability of an ADHD diagnosis and may intensify the impact of parental ADHD or trauma history on ADHD risk. This project examines whether parental ADHD diagnosis predicts higher ADHD risk in children, whether parental trauma history is similarly associated with elevated ADHD symptoms or diagnoses, and whether a child’s ACE exposure amplifies the combined effects of parental ADHD and trauma history. Participants (expected N = 100) will be recruited through Texas Christian University’s SONA system and will complete self-report questionnaires assessing parental ADHD history, parental trauma exposure, personal ACE exposure, and the participant’s current ADHD symptoms and diagnoses. We hypothesize that both parental ADHD and parental trauma histories will correspond with increased ADHD symptoms and diagnosis, and that participant exposure to ACEs will strengthen these relationships. Clarifying how vulnerabilities interact with environmental adversity may improve understanding of pathways shaping ADHD risk. The findings carry clinical relevance as identifying individuals at elevated risk can guide prevention, early identification, and intervention strategies that support resilience and adaptive functioning among people with ADHD.

The Medium is the Message: Examining How News Format Shapes Audience Perceptions of Local Crime and Public Safety

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Brittney Bell Psychology Jayvian Chapman Psychology Kevin Knight Psychology Brooke Preston Psychology Dariana Verduzco Sepulveda Psychology Lillian Williams Psychology
Advisor(s): Amanda Sease Psychology

With media consumption constantly evolving, it is crucial to understand how information is perceived based on the medium used to deliver it. The current study surveyed Dallas-Fort Worth community members (N = 40) to determine how textual versus audiovisual news may influence an audience’s perception of crime dangerousness and community safety concerns within their area. Using a randomized, between-subjects design, participants were assigned to one of two conditions - either an audiovisual broadcast about a recent local news clip or a textual transcript of the same news story. Subsequently, participants completed standardized measures assessing perceptions of crime severity, community safety, social media use frequency, and demographic characteristics. We hypothesize that the audiovisual news media format will predict stronger emotions and heightened judgments of crime severity and community safety. Such findings carry important implications for journalism, politics, and criminal justice, as the format through which news is delivered may shape public perception of crime beyond what the facts alone convey. Both media producers and consumers should be aware of these effects to avoid forming distorted or amplified reactions to crime reports, and ensure more accurate evaluations of potential danger. 

Examining Changes in Well-Being Among Vulnerable Populations: The Moderating Role of Interventionist Visits in the ACTION Study

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Brittney Bell Psychology
Advisor(s): Kevin Knight Psychology Stephanie Villaire Psychology

Vulnerable populations face elevated risks for diminished well-being, prompting growing interest in interventions as a form of social support. Evaluating the effectiveness of such interventions is critical for understanding their impact on well-being outcomes. The current study utilizes data collected as part of ACTION, a NIDA-funded R01 study examining the feasibility of two interventions: a mobile health unit and a patient navigator. Specifically, the current study investigates changes in well-being scores from baseline to a 6-month follow-up. A moderated regression analysis was conducted to assess whether the number of interventionist visits moderated changes in well-being scores over this period. Results revealed significant main effects for three well-being domains (anxiety, depression, and sociality) while the interaction effect was nonsignificant. These findings indicate that well-being scores changed significantly over the 6-month period. However, the number of interventionist visits did not significantly moderate this change. Future research should explore additional factors that may moderate improvements in well-being among vulnerable populations.

Hormonal birth control, nutrient deficiencies, and women’s well-being

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Emily Rose Benefield Psychology Melissa Brillhart Psychology
Advisor(s): Sarah Hill Psychology

Widespread use of hormonal birth control (HBC) calls for a deeper understanding of its systemic side effects. Emerging research suggests HBC may deplete essential micronutrients (Palmery et al., 2013), including B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, which serve as critical cofactors for neurotransmitter synthesis and energy regulation (Muscaritoli, 2021). These deficiencies are hypothesized to interfere with physiological systems, leading to mood instability, chronic fatigue, and functional somatic symptoms that can significantly impair daily functioning (Kennedy, 2016). This study addresses a virtual literature gap regarding the efficacy of targeted, non-pharmacological interventions for these issues. Utilizing a longitudinal, double-blind design, we investigated whether taking a daily supplement for 28 days, designed to combat nutritional deficiencies in HBC users, increases happiness levels, decreases mood instability, increases energy, and improves digestive health. By identifying safe interventions to mitigate these symptoms, this research contributes to personalized health strategies and improved well-being for women. Data are forthcoming.

Professional Roles in Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner Training: A Five-Year Trend Analysis

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Presley Bergen Psychology
Advisor(s): Carla Ayala Psychology Danica Knight Psychology

As trauma-informed care continues to flourish, professionals across diverse roles interact with children in different ways that may shape how intervention principles are applied. Trust-Based Relational Intervention is an attachment-based, trauma-informed approach that equips professionals working with children and youth with evidence-based relational strategies through Practitioner Training. Although TBRI is implemented across a range of child-serving contexts, limited research has examined the specific roles individuals report playing in their work with youth and how these roles have evolved over time among TBRI practitioners. This exploratory study examines the expansion of the roles TBRI Practitioners play in working with youths. Data from across 5 years of training sessions (2020-2025) was analyzed to assess trends in role representation across 6 professional categories: Leadership, Direct Service Providers, Supervisors/Managers, Trainers/Educators, Support and Direct Care Staff, and Other (specify). This study contributes to the understanding of trends in professional roles within TBRI training and elucidates the importance in understanding relational contexts when applying and implementing this training.

Daily War-Related Stress, Caregiver Mental Health, and Parenting Behaviors among Ukrainian Caregivers

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Amritleen Brar Psychology
Advisor(s): Raya Shelashska Psychology

Caregiver mental health is closely linked to parenting practices, making it crucial to understand how adversity affects parenting. This study examined how daily war-related stress and caregiver mental health relates to parenting quality, among Ukrainian caregivers of children under 18 years of age. Participants (N = 319) were recruited through social media platforms and directed to an online survey hosted on Qualtrics. Measures included the Ukrainian Scale of Daily War Stressors, PHQ-8 (depression), the GAD-7 (anxiety), and the MAPS scale for parental practices. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships among daily war-related stress, caregiver mental health, and parenting practices. Results indicated that higher levels of daily war-related stress were positively correlated with greater depressive (r = .579) and anxiety (r = .600) symptoms among caregivers. Depression and anxiety were not significantly associated with positive parenting behaviors. However, both depression (r = -.342) and anxiety (r = -.394) were significantly associated with greater harsh parenting behaviors. These results highlight the importance of supporting caregiver mental health, especially in war-affected areas, as caregivers' well-being may influence parenting behaviors and potentially affect child and family outcomes. Future research should consider a longitudinal design and a more diverse caregiver sample to better understand how war-related stress affects parenting and mental health over time.

Health Benefits of Menstrual Cycle Phase-Based Approaches to Fitness

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Melissa Brillhart Psychology
Advisor(s): Sarah Hill Psychology

In recent years, there has been growing interest among women regarding menstrual cycle-based approaches to women’s health and fitness. While previous research has found that hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle influence various parts of women’s physiology (e.g., Eiling et al., 2007; Lim et al., 2024; Rizor et al., 2024), no prior research has examined outcomes associated with “syncing” one’s lifestyle, specifically their exercise routine, to their hormonal state. Therefore, the present research examined the effects of using a cycle-based approach to exercise on women’s levels of happiness, quality of life, body image, and health satisfaction. 1091 naturally cycling women who were current users of the cycle-based wellness application, 28, filled out a survey asking about usage of menstrual cycle-based approaches to exercise. Participants then reported their levels of happiness, quality of life, health satisfaction, and body image. Results revealed that individuals who worked out in sync with their cycle over the last three months reported higher levels of happiness, positive body image, and health and fitness than those who did not workout in sync with their cycle. The results of the present research provide evidence to suggest that working out in sync with one’s menstrual cycle may improve one’s mental and physical health. These results expand upon past research on women’s physiological changes across the menstrual cycle and suggest that women may benefit from tailoring their exercise routine to their menstrual cycle phases.

Parenting Behaviors and Depressive Symptoms in Autistic Adolescents: The Moderating Role of RSA Reactivity

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Mary Bubb Psychology Brooke Blakeney Psychology Naomi Ekas Psychology Abbie Heidenreich Psychology
Advisor(s): Naomi Ekas Psychology

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities and differences in reciprocal social communication abilities (APA, 2013). Children with ASD are more prone to depressive symptoms when compared to TD children (Muscatello et al., 2021). Studies have found that a high RSA reactivity (RSA-R) predicted an increase in externalizing behaviors when moderated by high negative parenting and predicted a decrease in externalizing behaviors when moderated by lower negative parenting (Baker et al., 2019). However, there is a lack of research examining this relationship with internalizing behaviors. McRae et al. (2018) found that warm parenting behaviors were negatively associated with internalizing behaviors in children with ASD, however, there has been no investigation into if RSA reactivity moderates this relationship and if this association remains as autistic children mature into adolescents. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine how RSA reactivity moderates the relationship between parenting behaviors for both mothers and fathers and depressive symptoms in autistic adolescents.

Method: Participants included 117 autistic adolescents aged 10 to 17 years old. Adolescents and both of their parents participated in an in-person lab study at TCU. Questionnaires were completed by adolescents which assessed parenting behaviors (Parental Bonding Instrument–Revised), RSA reactivity (Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia), and child depression (Child Depression Inventory). RSA is a specific measure of heart rate variability that reflects natural fluctuations in heart rate during breathing (Cacioppo et al., 2007) and was measured while adolescents watched a video of their parents engaging in a conflict discussion.

Results: Several moderation analyses were conducted to examine the effect of parenting behaviors on adolescent depressive symptoms as a function of adolescent RSA reactivity, while controlling for RSA baseline. A two-way moderated regression examined the effect of mother parenting behaviors (centered) on adolescent depressive symptoms as a function of adolescent RSA reactivity (centered). The results indicated that there was a significant main effect for mother warmth on adolescent depressive symptoms, b = -.63 (SE = .29), t = -2.22, p = .029. All other moderations for mother parenting behaviors were non-significant (ps > .05).

A two-way moderated regression examined the effect of father parenting behaviors (centered) on adolescent depressive symptoms as a function of adolescent RSA reactivity (centered). The results indicated non-significant main effects for father firm control, b = .07 (SE = .26), t = .28, p = .78, and adolescent RSA reactivity, b = -.12 (SE = 1.34), t = -.09, p = .93. However, these main effects were qualified by a significant interaction between father firm control and adolescent RSA reactivity, b = 1.01 (SE = .42), t = 2.40, p = .018.

To probe at this interaction further, we conducted simple slope analyses to examine the relationship between father firm control and adolescent depressive symptoms at low (- 1 SD), mean, and high (+1 SD) levels of adolescent RSA reactivity. The results revealed that at low, b = -.51 (SE = .38), t = -1.34, p = .18, and mean, b = .07 (SE = .26), t = .28, p = .78, levels of adolescent RSA reactivity, there was no association between father firm control and adolescent depressive symptoms. The results also revealed that at high adolescent RSA reactivity, b = .65 (SE = .34), t = 1.94, p = .055, such that higher father firm control resulted in higher adolescent depressive symptoms. Overall, adolescent RSA reactivity moderated the association between father firm control and adolescent depressive symptoms, but only at high levels of RSA reactivity. All other moderations for father parenting behaviors were non-significant (ps > .05).

Discussion: The results of the analyses revealed that as mother warmth increased, adolescent depressive symptoms decreased. These results imply that mother’s warm parenting behaviors could be used as an intervention for both autistic adolescents and mothers. Mothers can implement warm parenting behaviors in their parenting style in order to decrease internalizing behaviors in their adolescent with ASD. The analyses also revealed an association between father firm control and adolescent depressive symptoms at high levels of adolescent RSA reactivity. This indicates that if an adolescent has high levels of RSA reactivity, then higher levels of father firm control are associated with higher levels of adolescent depressive symptoms. High levels of RSA reactivity reflect increased PNS activity and have been shown to predict increased observed dysregulation in children with ASD (Baker et al., 2022). These results could suggest that autistic individuals with high levels of RSA reactivity are more easily dysregulated in the presence of high dad firm control, leading to an increase in internalizing behaviors such as depressive symptoms. Future interventions should focus on promoting positive father parenting behaviors, especially in fathers of autistic adolescents with physiological dysregulation.

There is a gap in the literature examining the role of fathers on internalizing behaviors of autistic adolescents. Therefore, it is crucial for research to evaluate how father parenting behavior impacts behavior in children and adolescents with ASD. Given that autistic individuals are at a higher risk for increased internalizing behaviors (Hudson et al., 2019), future research should further examine the moderating role of physiological data in relation to internalizing symptoms in autistic individuals. A better understanding of physiological data in children and adolescents with ASD will allow for more effective interventions.

Existential Isolation as a Predictor of Parasocial Relationships

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Tiffany Bui Psychology
Advisor(s): Cathy Cox Psychology

51% of Americans report having a parasocial relationship, but research on how parasocial relationships form still remain ambivalent, with theories of loneliness and social isolation centering the conversation. With the rise of AI and increased social media use, parasocial relationships are all the more ubiquitous. In this study, feelings of state existential isolation were primed using a short video paradigm to elucidate how feeling as though no one understands your subjective experience influences your parasocial relationship engagement and strength with carryover effects on well-being outcomes such as self-esteem and depression.

The Mediating Role of Personal Culpability Between Stigmatizing Language and Perceived Treatment Need for Individuals with Substance Use Disorder

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Ava Burton Psychology Presley Bergen Psychology Novalie Flores Psychology Brianna Pitz Psychology Hazel Sanders Psychology Buse Uras Psychology
Advisor(s): Amanda Sease Psychology Kevin Knight Psychology

Stigma toward individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) plays a significant role in treatment engagement, policy creation, and research priorities. Attribution theory posits that stigma results from attempts to understand the causes of behavior, and attributions toward individuals with SUD typically fall along a continuum from personal attributions (e.g., bad character) to biological attributions (e.g., genetic or neurochemical; Henderson & Dressler, 2017). Past research has demonstrated that poor character attributions are strongly associated with SUD stigma, which can lead to reduced pity, support, and tolerance for this population (Röhm et al., 2022). The present study examined whether personal culpability mediates the relationship between stigmatizing language and perceived need of treatment towards individuals with SUD. Community members in Tarrant County were randomly assigned to read a vignette describing an individual with SUD in either person-first or stigmatizing language followed by a brief survey (modeled after Kelly & Westerhoff, 2010). We hypothesize that participants exposed to stigmatized language will report greater personal culpability attributions for the vignette character leading to reduced perceived need for treatment. These findings would suggest that addressing language in media and clinical settings is essential, as reducing stigmatizing language may lower personal culpability attributions and ultimately promote greater support for treatment engagement among individuals with SUD.

Suffering in Plain Sight: Racial Disparities in Maternal Emergency Care

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Brooklyn Bynum Psychology Bao Han Tran Psychology
Advisor(s): Cathy Cox Psychology

Black women have notoriously been mistreated within the medical system, a reality that is heavily documented in the literature and can be traced back to times of slavery. Today, Black women continue to face disproportionately high rates of mistreatment and adverse outcomes during childbirth. Racial bias plays a key role in these inequities, influencing how medical providers perceive and respond to patients’ pain. The current study examined differences in perceptions of Black and White mothers experiencing pain during childbirth. We recruited an equal number of Black (n = 250) and White (n = 250) participants and randomly assigned them to examine real-life photographs of either Black or White mothers’ facial expressions. After viewing the images, participants reported their perceived seriousness of the mother's condition and level of humanity. It is predicted that 1) participants in the White mother condition will report higher perceived pain than those in the Black mother condition, 2) participants will dehumanize Black mothers to a greater extent than White mothers, and 3) these associations will be consistent regardless of the participant’s race. Findings will shed light on racial bias during maternal emergencies and reveal how ingroup bias affects these outcomes.

Associations Among Childhood Adversity, Family Proximity, Hope, and Psychological Well-being in Helping Professionals

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Grace Callahan Psychology
Advisor(s): Raya Shelashska Psychology Danica Knight Psychology

Associations Among Childhood Adversity, Family Proximity, Hope, and Psychological Well-being in Helping Professionals

Helping professionals frequently support individuals experiencing trauma and psychological distress, yet less is known about how their own childhood adversity may relate to their well-being and psychological resources. This study was conducted to better understand how helping professionals are influenced by childhood adversity. Participants were 397 helping professionals (87.4% female, 80.1% White), ranging in age from 22 to 70 years (M = 43.08, SD = 10.28). Approximately two-thirds of participants (66.2%) reported growing up with extended family living within a 30-minute drive. Measures included the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire, the Dispositional Hope Scale, and the Psychological Well-being Scale, which were administered through a Qualtrics survey. Bivariate Pearson correlations were conducted as the analysis. Results showed a weak but statistically significant negative correlation between childhood adversity and psychological well-being (r = -.153, p = .003), suggesting that higher levels of ACEs were associated with lower well-being among helping professionals. The correlation between hope and childhood adversity was not statistically significant (r = -.093, p = .071). Additionally, ACEs scores did not significantly differ between participants who reported growing up near extended family and those who did not (r = -.050, p = .335). These findings contribute to the understanding of how childhood adversity relates to psychological well-being among helping professionals and highlight the need for further research examining factors that may promote resilience in this population.

Perceived Culpability: The Role of Sex in Community Sentencing Recommendations for Low-Level Drug Crimes

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Reese Carpenter Psychology Emma Augustyn Psychology Renee Castillo Psychology Julianna Cepeda Psychology Paisley Hayes Psychology Kevin Knight Psychology Samantha Leija Psychology Jose Orlando Psychology Anne Shubert Psychology Grace Sikiyan Psychology
Advisor(s): Amanda Sease Psychology

Sex disparities in criminal sentencing have been well documented (Embry & Lyons, 2012; Jeffries et al., 2003; Frances & Taylor 1991). For instance, federal sentencing data reports that female offenders receive sentences averaging 29% shorter than those imposed on male offenders (United States Sentencing Commission, 2023). These disparities are often attributed to paternalistic biases in judicial decision-making (Albonetti, 1997; Freiburger, 2010). The present study explores whether these biases extend to public perception by investigating whether community members sentence males or females longer for the same low-level crime. Community members of Tarrant County were randomly assigned to one of three vignette conditions — female, male, or gender-neutral — each depicting the same low-level drug offenses committed by a parent and were then asked to recommend a sentence length for the offender. It is hypothesized that participants will recommend longer sentences for male offenders than for female offenders. The findings of the present study are expected to demonstrate that sex bias in sentencing is not limited to the judiciary but is also present in lay community members' sentencing recommendations. Such findings would suggest that paternalistic attitudes toward female offenders are culturally embedded rather than specific to judicial decision-making, reinforcing the need for targeted bias-awareness interventions across both legal and public contexts.