Public spending on health is often assumed to produce better outcomes, but the effectiveness of that investment can depend on the political systems that govern how resources are used. This research examines how democratic governance influences the relationship between health expenditure and public health outcomes across Europe. This research was presented at the Graduate Poster… continue reading
Understanding how bacterial genes are regulated is essential for advances in biotechnology, medicine, and genetic research. One critical element in this process is the σ54-dependent promoter, a regulatory sequence that influences biological functions such as nitrogen fixation and pathogenicity. Detecting these promoters accurately remains a challenge for computational methods. This research was presented at the… continue reading
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
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
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
Women in Puerto Rico graduate from universities at higher rates than men, yet they continue to earn less, hold fewer executive roles, and face persistent structural barriers, including high rates of domestic violence. What happens when we examine economic development through that contradiction? Mnguashima Valentina Soomiyol’s research centers women not as beneficiaries of policy, but… continue reading
