2025 RCIF: Research, Creativity, and Innovation Forum

Optimizing NIT-1 Cell Culture ConditionsLocation: 1Mentor: Dr. Alice TomeiNIT-1 insulinoma cell clusters, derived from non-obese diabetic mice, are promising candidates for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research due to their low production cost, availability (immortalized line), and consistent... Read More →

WHY COLLABORATE IN SCIENCE? A Social Survey of Participatory Scientists in the Ocean Travelers II Location: 6Mentor: Dr. Karlisa CallwoodMarine litter floating in the world’s oceans has increased drastically, so more rafts are available for marine organisms to colonize and disperse... Read More →

Retrospective analysis of breast cancer in subethnic Hispanic women from South Florida: focus on reclassification of HER2-negative to HER2-LowLocation: 21Mentor: Dr. Suzy BiancoBACKGROUND: Patients with Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-negative(aka HER2-) breast cancer have... Read More →

Reliability of the FITLIGHT® System and acute effects of cognitive training on dual-task performance in cutting assessmentsLocation: 81Mentor: Dr. Zachary RipicThe FITLIGHT® system is comprised of individual lights that were programmed for cognitive dual-task testing and training... Read More →

Histomorphometric Analyses of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Tissue Identify the Need for Ultrasound DiagnosticsLocation: 28Mentor: Dr. Irena PastarHidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and advanced stage dermal... Read More →

Recapitulating Immune-driven Stromal Remodeling in Pancreatic Cancer within a Microfluidic PlatformLocation: 90Mentor: Dr. Ashutosh AgarwalPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of only 10%. Chemotherapy is the primary... Read More →

Reliability of the FITLIGHT® System and acute effects of cognitive training on dual-task performance in cutting assessmentsLocation: 81Mentor: Dr. Zachary RipicThe FITLIGHT® system is comprised of individual lights that were programmed for cognitive dual-task testing and training... Read More →

Peptide/Nanoparticle Generation for Effective Ester Hydrolysis ReactionsLocation: 38Mentor: Dr. Marc KnechtNanoparticle research is at the forefront of science, as generation of nanoparticles with catalytic properties can be used to increase the efficiency of a variety of biochemical... Read More →

Effects of the Caregiving Experience on the Neuroendocrine Functioning of Family Caregivers of Adult Patients with CancerLocation: 52Mentor: Dr. Youngmee KimFamily caregivers of patients with cancer experience significant stress, which has substantial impact on their quality of life... Read More →

Identification of Biomarkers of Aging in Human Scalp Hair FollicleLocation: 50Mentor: Dr. Ralf PausHair follicle (HF) aging is a complex biological process that contributes to the thinning, graying, and loss of scalp HFs in humans. While hair aging itself does not necessarily indicate... Read More →

A Methodological Approach to Evaluating the Relationship Between Breathing and Balance in Adults Living with Chronic Spinal Cord InjuryLocation: 71Mentor: Dr. David McMillanTitle: A Methodological Approach to Evaluating the Relationship Between Breathing andBalance in Adults Living... Read More →

The Impact of Interpersonal Violence on Sexual AgencyLocation: 42Mentor: Dr. Andrew PorterInterpersonal violence (IPV) is one of the most prevalent forms of violence against women, with severe consequences on overall well-being, including sexual agency. IPV Victimization has been... Read More →

Automated Wound Closure QuantificationLocation: 32Mentor: Dr. Courtney DumontIn the development of a new animal model for wound healing, manual quantification of wound closure is the rate limiting step. I will develop an automated computer-based program to quantify wound closure in... Read More →

The Ability to Relax Attenuates the Relationship Between Pain and Depression in Older Breast Cancer PatientsLocation: 56Mentor: Dr. Michael AntoniBackground: Pain and depression are among the challenges faced by breast cancer (BC) patients. While many utilize stress management (e.g... Read More →

Hatha Yoga And YogaCue Improve Peak Power And Functional Outcomes In Older Adults.Location: 60Mentor: Dr. Joseph SignorileThis study assesses the impact of Hatha Yoga (HY) and YogaCue (YC), a high-speed, cued yoga form, on physical function in older adults. Twenty-one older adults... Read More →

Secondhand Exposure to Police Violence and its Relationship with Mental HealthLocation: 62Mentor: Dr. Simon HowardPrevious research has examined the relationship between vicarious racism and mental health (e.g. anxiety, depression, PTSD). Although existing research has examined this... Read More →

Accelerating HIV Care: Lessons from Implementing the Rapid Start Initiative into an HIV Prevention Focused Clinic Program in South Florida Location: 64Mentor: Dr. Suzanne Doblecki-LewisR. Syed1, G. Foz1, A. Johnson2, S. Butts1, S. Doblecki-Lewis11University of Miami, Medicine... Read More →

The Moderating Role of Comorbidity Burden in the Relationship Between Depression and Pain Among Older Women with Breast CancerLocation: 70Mentor: Dr. Michael AntoniThe Moderating Role of Comorbidity Burden in the Relationship Between Depression and Pain Among Older Women with Breast... Read More →