DNA is more than a genetic blueprint. In the right configuration, it can function as a catalytic tool for detecting disease-related molecules with high precision. This project focuses on designing and optimizing hemin-binding DNA aptamers to improve the sensitivity and specificity of biosensing platforms. The research was presented at the Graduate Poster Exhibition during the… continue reading
How do students truly understand grammatical concepts in a second language, especially in a remote asynchronous classroom? This project reimagines how Spanish preterite and imperfect tenses are taught by shifting away from rule memorization and toward conceptual understanding. Grounded in sociocultural theory, the study explores how learners develop deeper aspectual awareness when instruction centers on… continue reading
School closures do not only affect classrooms. They reshape neighborhoods, displace families, and alter the social fabric of entire communities. This case study examines the widespread closure of public schools in Puerto Rico and asks what these decisions mean for students, educators, and long-term community resilience. The research was presented at the Graduate Poster Exhibition… continue reading
Not all proteins reveal their function through visible structure alone. Some must be understood directly from their sequence. This project introduces a computational framework for identifying meaningful modular regions within protein sequences using residue-level properties such as hydrophobicity and charge. By detecting local environments without relying on known secondary structures, the work provides new tools… continue reading
Every digital advertisement generates data: impressions, clicks, conversions, and user engagement signals. But which ads actually cause someone to act? This project builds a real-time system that captures advertising interactions as they happen and applies causal analysis to determine true incremental impact, transforming raw marketing data into automated, decision-ready insight. The research was presented at… continue reading
Hospital survival rates for pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients have improved dramatically over the past several decades. Yet survival is only part of the story. During the peri-transplant period, children often experience significant symptom burden, disrupted sleep, and challenges engaging in supportive care. Understanding how these factors interact is critical to improving quality of… continue reading
