Science Seminar 2026

An Analysis of the Phytochemical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Aloe barbadensis on Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Emily Bryant, Hollins University
Arwyn Paulk, Hollins University
Sofia Yanez-Velasquez, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Arrow's Impossibility Theorem and American Idol

Free Fries, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Bacterial Diversity on Frequently Touched Campus Surfaces: A Proposed Study

Mia Canales Villatoro, Hollins University
Georgette-Charlene Donkoh, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Biodiversity and Diet Patterns: Environmental Impacts on Ecuadorian Birds

Holly Hylton, Hollins University
Fin Bolt, Hollins University
Gracyn Herbst, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Conch Gone? Examining Cultural Preservation through Bahamian Culinary Menus

Adiah Saunders, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Cuticular Strengthening Across Drosophila Species: A Conserved Mechanism to Protect Against Parasitoid Wasps?

Karli Craighead, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Describing SET Using an Affine Space

Soledad Ruggiero, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Education on Early Menstruation and Self-Esteem

Olivia Olson, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Effectiveness of Target Training Snakes for Easier Snake Enclosure Transfer

Kimberly Zavala, Hollins University
Madalyn Likens, Hollins University
Brianna Oakley, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Evaluative Feedback's Effect on Intellectual Self-Perception in Individuals with Trait Narcissism Following Task Performance

Camden Staton, Hollins University
Elizabeth Van Gieson, Hollins University
Prabina Tamang, Hollins University
Sasha Wyszynski, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Foraging Load Size and Activity in Leaf-cutter Ants in Rural and Urban Ecuador

Natalie Tollison, Hollins University
Anna Starman, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Gender Differences in Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Review

Elizabeth Van Gieson, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Hang-Hop-Hug: Effects of a Brief Sensorimotor Activity in the Classroom on Emotional State and Balance Among 6-8 Year Olds

Hannah Mae Schmidt, Hollins University
Sadie Henshaw, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

How Vegetarians Are Affected by Their Dietary Choices: Cognitive Dissonance and Plant-Based Diets

Victoria Alvarado, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Impact of Human Disturbance on Moth Populations in Ecuador

Gianna Jones, Hollins University
Abbie Miller, Hollins University
Esther Frederickson, Hollins University
Grace Glerum, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Intentional Personality Constructs of the Dead (IPCD): Perceived Benefits and Creepiness of AI Communication with the Deceased

Allie Mitchem, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Marijuana Use, Perceived Social Connection and Bonding Experience in Emerging Adulthood

Aerowyn LaComa, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Music, Love, and a Little Bit of Sweat

Mila Reynolds-Saint, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Neurocircuitry in Flies: Sight of Parasitoid Wasps Triggers Reduced Oviposition Rates

Katie Sheetz, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Optimizing the Spatial Distribution of Fruiting Agave on Bat-Friendly Tequila Plantations

Lois Carpenter, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Patterns & Partners: Ecological Distribution & Space-Use Habits of Adinobates claudiae with Heliconia spp. in Tropical Rainforests

Mia Benjamin, Hollins University
Moa Lilja, Hollins University
Jenna Parker, Hollins University
Larson Selvig, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Patterns of Moth Diversity in Relationship to Human Disturbance and Forest Type

Gianna Jones, Hollins University
Abbie Miller, Hollins University
Esther Frederickson, Hollins University
Grace Glerum, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Portfolio Optimization: An Operations Research Approach

Allie Boudreaux, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Race, SES, and Sense of School Belonging: A Multilevel Analysis of Racial Disparities in Academic Achievement

Bhumika Rai, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Self-Silencing & Psychological Distress in Women's Same-Gender Relationships

Arden Kiely, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Synthesis and Analysis of Precursors to Fullerene-Functionalized Metal Chalcogenide Nanosheets

Olivia Cogswell, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Synthesis and Characterization of Heteroleptic Copper(I) and Silver(I) Complexes with Fluorinated Bipyridine and Phenanthroline Ligands

Emily Bryant, Hollins University
Su Gursoy, Hollins University
Cassidy Henderson, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

The Impacts of Wing-flashing by Northern Mockingbirds on Foraging, Parental Care, and Reproductive Success

Anna Starman, Hollins University
Hayley Ponn, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

The Indoor Mycobiome: Air Quality, Ventilation, and the Potential for Exposure to Fungal Pathogens

Arwyn Paulk, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Understanding Neural Avalanches and Entropy in Simulated Brain Networks

Shania Braithwaite, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Understanding the Golden Ratio by Using the Fibonacci Sequence and Binet's Formula

Kennedy Cooper, Hollins University

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM