Honors College
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Item Open Access COMMUNITY SCHOOLS: A NORTH CAROLINA COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH P.W. MOORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL(2025-04-24) Buchanan, Brooklyn E; Day, Jamie ACommunity schools foster an environment where teachers, parents, and students work together to strengthen student outcomes through community engagement. With the help of state-level funding, East Carolina University’s Rural Education Institute (REI) has partnered with Elizabeth City Pasquotank Public Schools (ECPPS) in rural Elizabeth City, North Carolina to implement the community school framework at P.W. Moore Elementary School. This study explores how the implementation of the community school framework influences family support for student learning. Findings from this study aim to provide insight into the role that community engagement plays in fostering an environment of academic success within rural educational settings.Item Restricted More than a phase: The impact of sexual orientation, age, and prescriptive stereotype violation on coworker perceptions(2025-04-30) Christman, Gillian KAs LGBTQIA+ (people attracted to same-sex persons or possess diverse sexual orientations and gender identities) employees gain visible workplace representation, more research is needed to explore how workplace relationships change when employees are open about their sexual orientation (Alvarado et al., 2023). Based on expectancy violation theory (Burgoon, 1978), prejudice may be attached to those without traditional sexual orientations at work because of violated expectations from other employees that do not match the view of a “stereotypical worker”. Despite rising acceptance of LGBTQIA+ identities (Early et al., 2020), workers may still face backlash and understanding this backlash is imperative to fostering inclusive workplaces. Prescriptive stereotype theory suggests that workers engaging unexpected behaviors based on their social identities, may receive negative reactions towards their character (seeing them as less competence and less warm), which may subsequently lead their coworkers to ostracize them. Replicating and extending Hanrahan et al. (2023) and evaluating a new outcome of ostracism and avoidance behaviors (Liu, 2019) on 487 full-time employees, this study found that older, gay workers had more violation ratings compared to other groups, along with higher rates of ostracism and avoidance behaviors by participants. Violators of age identity prescriptive stereotypes were also seen as less warm regardless of age, but on its own older age groups were seen to be more violating than younger age groups. These results help address interventions and further understanding of how to address needs of older LGBTQIA+ workers.Item Restricted Incentives for Tax Abuse by Micro-Captive Insurance Companies(2025-05-01) Godwin, Jackson CMicro-captives operating under Section 831(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, were originally designed to provide small and mid-sized businesses with an effective means of self-insurance while offering certain tax advantages. However, these entities have increasingly been exploited for tax avoidance rather than legitimate risk management. In response, the IRS has classified certain micro-captive transactions as abusive tax shelters, leading to heightened regulatory scrutiny and legal action. This thesis examines how micro-captive insurance companies have deviated from their intended function and how management has leveraged tax benefits in ways that undermine regulatory intent. Specifically, the research will explore the mechanics of captive insurance, the structures that enable tax avoidance, and the enforcement measures taken by the IRS and other regulatory bodies. The study will also incorporate insights from industry professionals to provide a balanced perspective on the issue.Item Restricted Influence of Glucose Concentration on Macrophage Polarization in vitro(2025-05-27) DiAugustine, HanaThe innate immune response represents a critical piece of overall immunity, driving the immediate reaction to a variety of conserved antigens which are known to cause a multitude of diseases. Central to the innate response are macrophages, a heterogeneous population of monocyte derived immune cells capable of both killing bacteria directly as well as orchestrating a more complex innate and adaptive immune response. Indeed, macrophages provide both inflammatory responses to rid the body of bacteria while also helping to control inflammatory responses through the production of immune regulators such as interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor beta. Growing evidence indicates that environmental factors may influence this balance of inflammatory, or M1 macrophages, and regulator, or M2 macrophages. Intriguingly, the macronutrient fuel source itself powering the macrophage may influence its polarization dynamics. This study will evaluate the impact of glucose concentration on the in vitro polarization of murine macrophages. Given that hyperglycemia is associated, in humans, with chronic low-grade inflammation, it is hypothesized that macrophages cultured in high glucose conditions will present with increased M1 macrophage marker production (e.g. tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNFa; macrophage chemotactic protein 1, MCP-1; inducible nitric oxide synthase, iNOS) upon activation with inflammatory stimuli (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and suppressed M2 (anti-inflammatory) responses following treatment with interleukin 4 (IL4) including decreased mannose receptor expression, interleukin 10 (IL10),and transforming growth factor beta (TGFb) expression. To this end, murine macrophages were cultured in either normal glucose (100 mg/dL) or high glucose (450 mg/dL) in the presence or absence of M1 or M2 activating stimuli (LPS/IFNg or IL4 respectively). Following 3hr of exposure to stimuli, cells were harvested and RNA isolated for quantitative PCR analysis. High glucose conditions enhanced the expression of TNFa and iNOS in response to M1 stimuli when compared to normal glucose conditions. M2 responses were impaired in the high glucose group when compared to normal-glucose conditions as assessed by gene expression for Arginase I and IL10. High glucose alone appears capable of altering macrophage responses, augmenting standard inflammatory reactions to conserved stimuli like LPS while also impairing regulatory, or M2 macrophage development. Therapeutics aimed at limiting M1 responses may prove useful in treating or preventing chronic health conditions associated with diabetes among other disease states.Item Restricted Structural Analysis of the Prostamide 15d-PMJ2 by Computational Studies(2025-05-06) Thomas, AlexisProstaglandins are biologically active molecules with diverse physiological functions. Derivatives such as 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) have demonstrated potent anticancer activity. Synthesis of 15d-PGJ2 typically results in a mixture of E and Z isomers. However, experiments consistently observe a strong preference for the E isomer, which has been associated with biological activity in some systems (Li et.al.,2018). This study employed Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations using Gaussian and GaussView to investigate the origin of this stereoselectivity. Two basis sets, B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and cc-PVTZ, were used to balance computational efficiency and accuracy. Geometry optimizations, frequency analyses, and coordinate scans were performed to evaluate stability and reaction pathways. Results showed negligible thermodynamic energy differences between the isomers. However, spontaneous conversion of the Z isomer to the E isomer during optimization highlighted kinetic control. Coordinate scans indicated shallow energy barriers and identified multiple local minima, confirming accessible isomerization pathways. The hydroxyl group positioning significantly impacted stability, emphasizing the role of internal steric effects. Future work will refine transition state location and apply experimental techniques like qNMR and Mass Spectrometry to further validate these computational findings.Item Restricted Determining if East Carolina University is Supportive of Working Toward Becoming a Trauma-Informed Campus(2025-05-02) Weglarczyk, PaulinaPursuing higher education is a great milestone, but it can be incredibly challenging for students. Many students encounter periods of heightened stress due to academic, occupational, financial, or social stressors. While different stressors are important to acknowledge, it is especially important to highlight adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), a root cause of poor mental and physical well-being for college life (Davies et al., 2022). ACEs are difficult or traumatic events that occur in childhood and adolescence. Examples include violence, parental alcoholism, divorce, abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, and distress. Between 50% and 70% of university students have experienced an ACE, and between 12% and 20% have experienced four or more ACEs (Underwood et al., 2024). College students who have experienced one or more ACEs or traumatic events are more likely to have poorer retention rates and grades, feel anxious and lonely, and experience a decreased quality of life. Many university administrators and staff disregard past trauma or the negative effects of ACEs. A trauma-informed campus incorporates training for administrators, faculty, staff, and students to minimize traumatization or retraumatization in the college environment (Schroeder et al., 2023). This framework prepares leaders on college campuses to prioritize the well-being of students and employees by recognizing and appropriately responding to trauma by creating a systematic model for combatting the effects.Item Restricted Microplastic Settlement Across a Salinity Gradient in the Tar-Pamlico River(2025-05-01) Chan, ChristineMicroplastics are found in almost all ecosystems on Earth. They pose a threat to organisms through accidental ingestion, bioaccumulation, or by concentrating toxins, such as endocrine disrupters, in the water. While it is understood that rivers transport a great amount of microplastic to the ocean, microplastic movement and settlement in estuaries are not well understood. Increased salinity can increase the benthic accumulation of microplastics due to flocculation, where the ionic activity in the water causes microplastics and suspended material to form dense clumps that settle to the bottom of the water column. We collected surface and benthic samples across a salinity gradient (2-7) during two research cruises at the juncture of the Tar-Pamlico River and Pamlico Sound in April 2024. Our goal was to determine if increased surface salinity led to increased benthic microplastic concentration due to settlement. Microplastics were isolated and counted through a standard operating protocol that included wet peroxide oxidation, density separation, Nile Red dying, fluorescence microscopy, and ImageJ analysis with the MP-VAT2.0 macro. Sampling date and environmental conditions had a greater impact on microplastic concentration compared to salinity. I hypothesize that other factors, such as rainfall, speed of water flow, and proximity to developed areas, may have a greater impact on microplastic presence in the water column vs. the sediment in the Tar-Pamlico River. I found that there is higher plastic in the sediment of the Tar-Pamlico River compared to at the surface of the water column, aligning with other studies of microplastic in estuarine systems. These findings may guide future efforts to better understand microplastic dynamics in the Tar-Pamlico River and Pamlico Sound.Item Restricted Molecular Surveillance of Babesia sp. Infections in Lemurs of Madagascar(2025-05-01) Adams, Lulea DaiTick-borne diseases, particularly babesiosis, are an increasing health concern that threatens both wildlife conservation and public health. Babesiosis is caused by a tick-borne protozoan parasite from the genus Babesia that affects a wide range of vertebrate hosts. The parasite targets red blood cells, causing symptoms that can range from mild to severe and may lead to mortality. Evidence of Babesia infections in endemic lemur species in Madagascar is emerging. However, little is known about the ecology and epidemiology of Babesia in Madagascar’s endangered primate community. This study investigates the environmental and host factors that may affect the distribution of this parasite in sympatric lemurs, with a focus on location, seasons, and species-specific variation. Blood samples from eight lemur species across four sites were tested for Babesia using quantitative PCR. Overall, there was a 28% prevalence of Babesia infections across the sites. Prevalence was highest in Indri indri, Propithecus diadema, and Avahi spp. Understanding patterns of infection across species and environment supports insights into transmission dynamics and identifying vulnerable populations. These findings highlight the importance of disease surveillance in wildlife, not only to support the persistence of lemur populations but also to evaluate the risk of potential pathogen spillovers across species.Item Restricted Causes and consequences of timing of ornamental plumage molt and courtship in captive ruff sandpipers (Calidris pugnax)(2025-04-30) Moore, AmeliaRuff sandpipers (Calidris pugnax) are medium-sized Eurasian shorebirds extraordinary for their sexual dimorphism and lek breeding system. Ruffs possess a unique genetic polymorphism for male courtship behavior with three stable male morphs: Independents, Satellites, and Faeders. Independent males are identified by their darker ruff plumage, are dominant, and will defend their court on a lek. Satellite males have predominantly white ruff plumage and are tolerated on the courts of Independents and co-display alongside them on the lek. Faeders, the third male morph, are female mimics that do not display but are tolerated on courts and attempt to sneak matings. To document ruff molt progression in male ruff sandpipers, I noted the date that each male’s ruff and head tufts were fully grown and the date that each male’s ruff or head tufts began thinning, as applicable. Observations were made four days per week between April and June to identify the onset and duration (in days) of courtship behavior for each of the nine males. Our results will help us gain a deeper understanding of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that trigger molt and courtship behaviors and lead to improved captive breeding programs for this species.Item Restricted Characterization of Ethanol-Induced Enhancement of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Mediated Cardiotoxic Interactions(2025-05-06) Coates, TrinityTrastuzumab (TZB), a targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer, is associated with cardiotoxicity driven by oxidative stress and disrupted autophagy. Ethanol, widely consumed among cancer patients, also induces cardiomyocyte damage through increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium dysregulation. This study investigates whether ethanol amplifies TZB-induced cardiotoxicity in HER2-overexpressing rat cardiomyocytes. We hypothesized that ethanol exposure exacerbates ROS generation, suppresses antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Catalase, and Glutathione, and inhibits autophagy marker LC3B. H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were treated with ethanol (1%) for 24 hours and analyzed via immunofluorescence and western blotting. Ethanol significantly increased HER2 expression and decreased HO-1 levels, suggesting a potential mechanism for exacerbated cardiotoxicity. These findings provide novel insight into how ethanol may worsen the cardiac side effects of TZB and highlight the need for monitoring alcohol consumption in cancer patients undergoing HER2-targeted therapy.Item Restricted Managers' Trust in AI Expert Recommendations(2025-05-05) Carlson, JonahManagers today face increasing pressure to integrate AI-generated insights into their decision-making processes. This study examines how managers’ trust in expert recommendations varies depending on whether the advice is from a human or AI expert. This study also examines the extent to which heightened levels of accountability influence the relationship between managers trust in a human or AI recommendations. Using a 2x2 between-subjects experiment, upper-level accounting students acting as CFOs were randomly assigned to receive a recommendation from a human expert or an AI expert, with half of each group also receiving a heightened level of accountability. Results indicate a significant difference in trust between expert source, with human recommendations being trusted more than AI recommendations, supporting Hypothesis 1. Contrary to Hypothesis 2, accountability manipulations did not significantly influence trust in either recommendation source. These findings highlight persistent algorithm aversion among decision makers and suggest that simply increasing accountability does not mitigate lower trust in AI experts.Item Restricted PEP Squad: Achievements and Personal Project(2025-05-11) Gentile, AvaWhen I first was figuring out what to do for my honors project, I had no clue what I wanted to do. I was interested in doing research or a creative endeavor in my field of study which is public health. While looking for a mentor I came across Ms. Richman who had work with topics on maternal health. I was interested in doing something with maternal health especially after being accepted into the ECU doula program. I had an interview Ms. Richman and Ms. Russell about a project they had in mind. The project was a club that needed help with growth and promotion. The premise of the club would be about preconception health.Item Restricted HOUSING CONDITIONS EFFECT ON SPINAL CORD REGENERATION POST SPINAL CORD INJURY IN LARVAL ZEBRAFISH(2025-05-01) Cross, Lawson DavisSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a major public health burden. There is currently no cure for SCI and up to 30% of people with SCI will develop anxiety. Regenerative models, like the zebrafish, may be our best resource for finding new treatments. Our lab previously demonstrated that when given a food source that is alive and moves (rotifers), a larger percentage of larval zebrafish form a complete glial bridge and recover motor skills after SCI than larvae given a pellet diet. However, it was unclear whether increased motor recovery was from a difference in nutrition or the visual stimulation of moving prey. In addition, whether the zebrafish exhibited anxiety-like behavior after SCI and during recovery, particularly in the presence of live food, was never determined. In this study, we tested how housing conditions, larvae individually housed or housed together, affect anxiety and locomotor activity in uninjured larvae. In addition, we were able to test whether spinal cord regeneration via glial bridging post SCI was affected by these different housing conditions. The visual motor response test (VMRT) was used as a metric to measure thigmotaxis and locomotor activity. Live imaging was utilized to measure whether a complete glial bridge was formed or not in injured larvae. Measuring both total swim and thigmotaxis (an anxiety assay for larval zebrafish), we observed no difference in % thigmotaxis between housing conditions for uninjured animals. However, total swim increased with time when placed in a group housed environment. Further, we found that glial bridging was increased when larvae with SCI were placed in a group housed environment suggesting that housing conditions can enhance pro-regenerative outcomes.Item Open Access Characterizing background-dependent effects of zfl1;zfl2 double mutants in maize development(2025-05-02) Pakulniewicz, Emma LouiseReproduction in flowering plants is reliant on the correct function of the genes that regulate meristems, which are stem cell populations that give rise to specific tissues. Maize is a monoecious grass species that develops two inflorescences: the tassel, producing male flowers, and the ear, producing female flowers. In early development, tassel and ear primordia follow similar growth patterns that rely on shared regulators, but their meristems differentiate into their respective floral organs based on transcription factors (Thompson, 2014). Redundant genes zfl1 and zfl2 are upstream regulators of floral organ identity genes, and individuals with transposon insertion mutations in both zfls have defective floral meristems and severely altered phenotypes (Bomblies et al., 2003). However, these genes have only been studied in one inbred line (W22). Due to the highly diverse genetic background of maize, there is an abundance of family lines, each possessing a variable genetic makeup that manifests in a distinct presentation of mutations. The Thompson Lab has introgressed zfl1 and zfl2 mutations into the A619 background and has observed some enhanced phenotypic effects. We are characterizing the double mutant zfl1;zfl2 phenotype of maize with an A619 background by rearing individuals with varying numbers of mutated zfl alleles in a greenhouse, extracting DNA from their leaf tissues, identifying presence of zfl mutations through PCR and gel electrophoresis, and imaging early tassels and ears with scanning electron microscopy. In our investigation we have observed that zfl gene mutations have a dosage effect of severity, causing non-double mutants to exhibit mild floral defects. Evidence shows that zfl1;zfl2 double mutants demonstrate derepressed bracts, indeterminate floral meristems, and reduced tassel branching. These SEM micrographs have provided modern imagery of maize with zfl mutant defects and may aid in establishing the functions of zfl1 and zfl2, increasing understanding of maize development, and exploring the function of zfl homologs in other cereal crops.Item Restricted Social Medias Affect on Emotional Intelligence(2025-05-01) Casey, Caitlyn SavannahExamining the relationship between social media use and emotional intelligence (EQ), this study investigates the warning signs of addiction and the psychological consequences it may produce. Specifically, it explores how varying patterns of social media use, from moderate to excessive, impact well-being, self-control, and in-person sociability. Drawing on previous research surrounding behavioral addiction and emotional intelligence, the study introduces four hypotheses: (1) excessive social media use may lead to a decrease in in-person sociability; (2) excessive use will be negatively associated with self-control; (3) excessive social media use will have a negative relationship with emotionality; and (4) there will be an inverted U relationship between social media use and well-being. Prior studies suggest that while moderate engagement with social platforms may yield neutral or even beneficial mood effects, excessive usage often results in emotional dysregulation. To test these hypotheses, participants from a diverse online sample recruited via Prolific will complete the Bergan Social Media Scale, the Social Media Addiction Scale, and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue). Previous findings link compulsive social media behavior to reduced emotional self-awareness, diminished self-control, heightened stress, and lower levels of face-to-face interaction. By analyzing these patterns, the present study aims to deepen understanding of how digital behaviors influence emotional functioning in everyday life. This study compares previous research, and showcases our plan to continue the research through survey comparison to contribute to the field.Item Restricted A Comparative Case Study on the United States Government and Military Response: 2010 Haitian Earthquake and Hurricane Maria in 2017(2025-05-01) D'Rozario, MelinaThis study examines the responses of the United States government and military to natural disasters, with a focus on comparing their approaches to disasters occurring in foreign nations versus those in U.S. territories. The central research question explores how these responses differ based on geographic context, while sub-questions look into the influence of recent disasters on current U.S. disaster response policies. By analyzing past responses, the research aims to highlight lessons that can enhance future disaster management strategies, particularly regarding the speed and efficiency of aid delivery in domestic versus international contexts. The research utilizes a comparative case study methodology, focusing on two significant events: the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and Hurricane Maria’s impact on Puerto Rico in 2017. These cases provide insights into U.S. disaster management practices and the role of military aid in both domestic and international settings. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding effective and ineffective responses to improve future strategies, especially in light of climate change's increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. The expected outcomes include identifying how territorial status influences military disaster response strategies and assessing the implications of aid delivery speed and efficiency. By comparing these cases, the research seeks to highlight effective practices that can inform policymakers and enhance disaster management approaches for both U.S. territories and foreign nations.Item Restricted AI AND THE DETECTION OF DECEPTIVE SPEECH AND FACIAL EXPRESSIONS IN FRAUDULENT BEHAVIOR(2025-05-08) Carte, HannahDeception is a critical element in fraudulent activities, which often leads to psychological stress known as cognitive dissonance. This research explores the connection between deception and cognitive dissonance, examining how the mental discomfort associated with deceit presents itself in vocal irregularities. By reviewing psychological studies on cognitive dissonance and its impact on facial expressions and speech patterns, such as pitch variations, speech hesitations, and changes in vocal tone, this study aims to establish a link between deception and measurable vocal cues and expressions. It also examines the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to detect these irregularities and identify deception. By reviewing AI-driven speech analysis tools and their ability to recognize deceptive speech patterns, this research aims to assess their effectiveness in fraud detection. The findings will contribute to the development of more advanced AI-driven fraud prevention systems by demonstrating how vocal changes linked to deception can serve as reliable indicators of fraudulent behavior.Item Embargo Snapping Hip Syndrome and Muscle Stiffness(2025-05-07) Job, TaylorMuscle stiffness may contribute to tendon stiffness and increase injury risk, specifically in the case of external snapping hip syndrome (ESHS). The objectives of this research are to determine if there is a correlation between iliotibial band (ITB) stiffness and tensor fascia latae (TFL) or gluteus maximus (GM) stiffness, to compare the ITB stiffness between dancers and controls, to compare the stiffness of the ITB in the dominant and non-dominant legs, and to compare the interaction between dance participation and symmetry of ITB stiffness from limb-to-limb. It is hypothesized that a stiffer TFL/GM will be correlated with a stiffer ITB, dancers will have a stiffer ITB than the control group, the dominant legs will have stiffer ITBs, and dancers will have greater differences in ITB stiffness between limbs. Shear wave elastography (SWE) will be used to determine how muscle stiffness correlates with ESHS. Participants were recruited through flyers and a university's science and dance club. There were 13 participants total, 8 dancers and 5 controls, none of them dropped out and no data had to be excluded. Images were taken of participants TFL, GM, and ITB. The data was analyzed by taking the average of the three images at each location and performing linear regressions to determine correlations between ITB and muscle stiffness. A series of independent samples and dependent samples paired t-tests were run to determine if there were any differences between the dancer and control group’s ITB, or between limbs within the dancer and control groups. TFL was found to have no correlation to the ITB while GM had a correlation. ITB stiffness between dancers and controls was not found to be statistically significant but there was a moderate effect size found. Control ITB from dominant to nondominant was found to be statistically significant while dancers were not, suggesting dancers have more limb-to-limb symmetry than controls.Item Embargo Dopamine Receptor Control of Collagen Transcription and Secretion: Relevance to Fibrosis, Health and Disease(2025-05-09) Vishwakarma, NandiniDopamine receptors (DRs) play critical roles beyond the central nervous system, influencing cardiovascular function and fibrosis. However, the impact of DR signaling on collagen regulation in cardiac fibroblasts remains poorly understood, specifically the direct and indirect effects on collagen transcription factors. SP1, SMAD3, and TCF21 are all important transcription factors, previously determined in Endothelin-1 (ET1), Angiotensin II (Ang II), and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFb-1) pathways for collagen synthesis and accumulation. This study aims to investigate the effects of dopamine receptor 1 (D1R) and dopamine receptor 3 (D3R) signaling on transcription factors mediated by these established collagen synthesis pathways in regulation of human fibroblasts, that are heavily involved in health and disease across the human body, especially the cardiovascular system. By elucidating the role of dopamine receptor signaling in regulating collagen transcription and secretion, this study will provide insights into novel cellular and nuclear mechanisms underlying fibrosis in cardiovascular disease. Moreover, since collagen regulation is critical for tissue remodeling, wound healing, and fibrotic disorders beyond the cardiovascular system, these findings may have broader implications for human health and disease.Item Restricted "Our Marks are Our Stories"(2025-05-05) McWilliams, Tracy AnnIn an evocative new contemporary work, “Our Marks are Our Stories”, choreographer Tracy McWilliams presents a dance piece that explores the powerful tension between nature and nurture – the innate purity we are born with and the life experiences that shape, challenge, and often distort that essence. Featuring a cast of 9 dancers, this piece uses stark contrasts in movement, lighting, and costume to investigate identity, influence, and the journey toward self-acceptance. With dynamic choreography, symbolic visuals, and an emotional narrative, this work invites viewers to reflect on how we navigate the forces that mold us – and how, through acceptance, we can emerge as truer versions of ourselves.