Paige Hunt -ACS Conference

I had the opportunity to present research at the spring 2024 American Chemical Society (ACS) Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. I presented in two categories: the Division of Analytical Chemistry and Sci-Mix.

I completed research on a handheld Van de Graaff generator for drug pickup and sample ionization. I researched an alternative method to pickup drug evidence while not disturbing underlying forensic evidence, such as touch DNA and fingerprints. I completed a limit of detection study and found that the handheld Van de Graaff generator could ionize as little as 250 picograms of drug residue. I also completed a pickup study where 1 of 6 trials was successful in electrostatically picking up drug residue and ambiently ionizing the residue.

This topic interested me because I loved learning about mass spectrometers in my forensic chemistry course and I was able to investigate a new ionization source for a mass spectrometer. 

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, as I was able to network with many people and learn a lot about new developments in chemistry. I am thankful to the Honors Program for the funding, which allowed to travel to the conference and present.

Fall 2024 Honors courses

HON 220: Plantations and Migrations (Friday 9am-12:30pm, taught by Professors Froeschke, Lauro, O’Brien) Drawing from literature across three centuries, we will read both nonfictional and fictional narratives about Atlantic slavery. Our literary and historical texts will address the forced migration of the transatlantic slave trade, be set on plantation spaces where some African descendants were rooted, and using GIS software, we will trace the routes that others pursued to claim their freedom in the Atlantic world.

HON 253: The Science of Sex (T/H 2-3:50pm, taught by Prof. Wortham) This course’s theme is Science of Sex and will be exploring sex and sexual reproduction though a biological lens. The purpose of this course is to examine sex through studying anatomy, physiology, behavioral biology, sexual selection, and social science topics. Students will engage in a semester long research project. The goal of the course is to allow students to better understand the sexual life of humans and other animals. The course will use lectures, laboratory experiences, reading primary literature, class discussions, and implementation of a research project from start to finish.

HON 255: Imagine the Future (T/H 8-9:50 am, taught by Prof. Echeverry) In this course, we will be imagining problems and challenges as they present themselves through Science Fiction in Film and Literature. Specifically, we will be evaluating and creating theses/original responses to issues concerning artificial intelligence, artificial life, virtuality, telecommunications, and robotics, just to name a few.

HON 257: Urban Oasis: Growing the Perfect City(T/H 2-3:50, taught by Prof. Dieringer) This course will show students how cities are planned and how they grow. Students will explore the challenges of growth by examining competing forces and analyzing the benefits and costs to society. The course will culminate with a debate on how best to accommodate current residents and the influx of new residents in the Tampa Bay Area.

HON 230: The Art, Science, and Culture of Latinx Food(W 6-9:50pm, taught by Professors Ortega, Pompeian, and Wolff) This course explores Latinx culture and identity through the lens of food. By studying visual art, science, and history, we will ask: How does food become more than something that feeds us? How does food shape our sense of self and community? How has the cultivation, preparation, and consumption of food fundamentally constructed our world today? To answer these questions, we will emphasize the science, coloniality, imagery, and pathways of Latinx food in both local and global settings. While this course is not designed as a lab or culinary class, we will occasionally cook and eat the foods studied and engage with contemporary Latinx cooks and artists.

Thesis Student Symposium

Students on March 22 met to share their thesis research in a symposium. All majors and colleges were represented, with students finishing their projects shared their outcomes but also their inspiration for their research. Anyone starting their own theses should check out our thesis page, which has a timeline, links to propose a topic, guidelines, and more.

Here is a little bit about our presenters:

Makenzie Dixon is from Poughkeepsie, NY majoring in Criminology/Criminal Justice. Her thesis was titled “Theories of Victimization and their Increased Presence on College Campuses” and her director is Dr. Carly Hilinski-Rosick.”

Farah Farid Kazani is from Mumbai, India majoring in Communication, Media and Culture. Her thesis is titled “Four More Shots Please!: The Role of Feminism and Sensuality in Indian Women’s Navigation through their Professional and Personal Spaces.” Her thesis director is Dr. Timothy Ridlen

Bryce Beaudoin is from Land O’ Lakes, Florida majoring in History. His thesis is titled Latin Spaces: An exploration of the effects of urban renewal on Latin identity in the Tampa Bay Area and his director is Dr. Charles McGraw-Groh.

Hex is majoring in Writing. Their thesis is titled Whence the Trees and their director is Dr. Ryan McIlvain.

Jillian Richarz is from New Port Richey, Florida majoring in history. Her thesis is titled Portraits of Prostitution: An examination of sex work and working-class women’s experiences in Progressive Era New York City (1890-1920) and her director is Dr. Charles McGraw-Groh.

Joel Lee is from Zephyrhills, Florida, majoring in Writing. His thesis is titled Sympathy For the Devil and his director is Dr. Ryan McIlvain.

Joellen Callahan is from Wake Forest, North Carolina majoring in Environmental Science. Her thesis is titled Predictors of Environmentalism in the Global South and her director is Dr. Kevin Fridy.

Kyra Pennington is from Warner Robins, GA majoring in International Studies. Her thesis is titled How can National Human Rights Institutions prevent democratic backsliding? and her director is Dr. Ryan Welch.

Nichell Glover is from McDonough, Georgia majoring in Forensic Science. Her thesis is titled “Who’s that then?”: Demographic Differences Between New Religious Movements Members and Non-Members” and her director is Dr. Ryan Cragun.