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
What people value shapes how they live, connect, and cope. This research explored how educational background and perceived social status influence whether individuals prioritize self-focused values such as power and achievement or other-focused values such as family and compassion. The project was presented during the 2025 SPARK! Graduate Poster Exhibition. Conducted by Xuanzhou Du while… continue reading
Forensic DNA analysis depends on reliable amplification, but degraded or trace samples often limit the effectiveness of traditional methods. This poster examined whether Catalytic Hairpin Assembly, an enzyme-free and isothermal DNA amplification technique, could provide a viable alternative to polymerase chain reaction for forensic applications, particularly when working with compromised DNA. Presented at the 2025… continue reading
Why do some neural signals increase our willingness to engage socially while others reinforce fear and avoidance? This project explores how a specific receptor, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3), may regulate the balance between social engagement and emotional inhibition by modulating communication between key brain regions involved in stress and behavior. The research was presented at… continue reading
Impairments in social behavior are a hallmark of many psychiatric disorders, yet the neural mechanisms that regulate sociability remain incompletely understood. What if activating a specific receptor in the brain could enhance social interaction by quieting fear-related circuits? This research was presented at the Graduate Poster Exhibition during the 2025 SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art,… continue reading
First-generation college students now make up more than half of undergraduate enrollees nationwide, yet they continue to graduate at lower rates than their continuing-generation peers. Financial strain, limited access to academic guidance, and reduced institutional familiarity all contribute to this gap. What happens when universities intervene early, even briefly? This research was presented at the… continue reading
