9 - 9:30 a.m. | Individual Presentation | B110

The Structural Isomorphism of Secularism and Islamism 

This presentation explores the relationship between religion and government, arguing that secular and Islamist political systems may be more structurally similar than commonly assumed. 

Zain Shah, Mathematics
Thesis Director: Noah Gardiner, Ph.D.
Second Reader: Marko Geslani, Ph.D.

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10:15 - 10:45 a.m. | Individual Presentation | B112

A Multigene Phylogenetic Analysis of New-World Chiton (Polyplacophora Chitonidae)

This presentation explores how DNA sequence data can improve our understanding of the evolutionary relationships and classification of New-World Chiton species. 

Christopher Ravan, Marine Science
Thesis Director: Daniel Speiser, Ph.D.
Second Reader: Adriana Halvonik-Sanchez

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10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | Panel: Women's Health Across the Life Course | B110

These presentations examine women's health across the lifespan, addressing adolescent nutrition and eating behaviors, trauma-informed clinical care following intimate partner violence, and emerging approaches to ovarian cancer treatment. 

Clinicians' Treatment Approaches for Treating Individuals with Histories of Trauma Due to Intimate Partner Violence 

Julia Maloney, Psychology 

Thesis Director: Tristan Collier, M.A.

Second Reader: Catherine Good, Ph.D., Baruch College

PDA-PEG and Copper Nanocomplexes Downregulate PD-L1 and Induce Immunogenic Cell Death in SKOV-3 Ovarian Cancer Cells 

Meda Zabielaite, Biological Sceinces

Thesis Director: Peisheng Xu, Ph.D.

Second Reader: Mingming Wang, Ph.D.

Running on Empty: Investigating Energy Availability and Eating Behaviors in High School Distance Runners 

Grace Cosby, History and Philosophy of Science (BARSC)

Research Mentor: Pinelopi Stavrinou. Ph.D., University Nicosia

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11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Panel: Health, Recreation, and Sport Innovation | B110

These presentations explore how research, planning, and innovation can improve health, safety, and participation in recreational and athletic settings, from campus dining environments to youth sports and fitness entrepreneurship. 

Availability v. Appealing: USC Students' Dietary Habits 

Kai Goode, Exercise Science 

Thesis Director: Nicholas Younginer, Ph.D.

Second Reader: Elizabeth Derks, M.S.

Comprehensive Business Plan for Forge Fitness Games 

William Tyndall, Accounting 

Thesis Director: Jeff Savage, Ph.D.

Second Reader: Todd Koesters, J.D.

Evaluation of Player Safety Practices Among Youth Sports in South Carolina 

Laurel Echard, Pharmacy 

Research Mentor: Brandon Bookstaver, Pharm.D.

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12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Panel: Professional Development | B110

These presentations examine different professional development pathways, highlighting how leadership experiences and creative expertise contribute to success in professional life. 

Sorority Membership and Beyond: Developing Leadership and Professional Skills for Post-Graduate Success 

Hannah Hanson, Psychology 

Thesis Director: Courtney Worsham, MBA 

Second Reader: Brittain Goff, M.Ed.

The Clinical Canvas: How Visual Art Principles Shape Dental Practice 

Melanie Park, Biological Sciences 

Thesis Director: Sara Schneckloth, MFA

Second Reader: James Busby, MFA