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Abstract ID: 27 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-5 Abstract Title: Evaluating Net Risk of Current Relationships, Mental Health, Attitudes/Behaviors, and Age of the First Offense of Juvenile Delinquents Student: Claire Albergotti (ALBERGOC@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Carmen Farrell (cf28@uscb.edu) Author List: Claire Albergotti, Dr. Carmen Brown (Faculty Mentor) Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: Prior research demonstrates that multiple domains are associated with juvenile delinquency and may influence the age at first offense. Family environments with high conflict, controlling dynamics, and negative emotional expression increase youth offending risk (Burke et al., 2015; Huang & McKeown, 2022; Kapetanovic et al., 2019). Justice-involved youth also exhibit elevated levels of psychological distress (Zhou et al., 2012; Basto-Pereira & Maia, 2018; Murray et al., 2013). This study is important because the correlation between these variables with a first act of juvenile delinquency is not widely researched and the present study will conduct a secondary data analysis to assess this. Utilizing Wolff’s dataset on Risk and Protective Trajectories (2023), correlation analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between age at first juvenile offense and our variables of interest. For current relationships, there was a significant negative correlation (r(11506)= -.05, p < .001). This means that people who were younger at their time of first offense were more likely to have higher risk in their current relationships. For current mental health, there was also a significant negative correlation (r(11506)=-.06, p=<.001). This means that people who were younger at their first offense are more likely to have higher risk in their current mental health status. These findings are important because they indicate that individuals who offend at a younger age may be at greater risk for ongoing relational and mental health difficulties, underscoring the need for early intervention while informing future research on targeted prevention strategies. |
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Abstract ID: 81 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-1 Abstract Title: It's not weighing on you anymore: Weight loss and self-esteem Student: Jamie Barrett (JSB32@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Richard Osbaldiston (osbaldir@uscb.edu) Author List: Jamie Barrett, Prof. Richard Osbaldiston Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: Much research has been done on the physiological effects of weight loss, but much less has looked at the psychological effects of weight loss. One psychological variable that is related to just about every component of the human experience is self-esteem. We started with the research question “How strongly is weight loss related to increase in self-esteem?” To answer this question, we did a search for studies using two traditional literature search tools (PsycInfo, Google Scholar) and four new AI-based research tools (Semantic Scholar, Consensus, Primo Research Assistant, and Elicit). In addition to answering the research question, we wanted to compare the use of traditional research tools with new AI-based research tools. Our findings are that there is a moderate relationship between weight loss and self-esteem improvement (Cohen’s d = 0.52), although there is a significant amount of heterogeneity in the studies. |
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Abstract ID: 63 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-2 Abstract Title: A Meta-analysis Study: How Strongly is Drug Use Related to Mental Health? Student: Ravyn Bryant (RAVYNB@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Richard Osbaldiston (osbaldir@uscb.edu) Author List: Ravyn Bryant, Eli Wright, Dr. Richard Osbaldiston (Faculty Mentor) Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: This project examines the relationship between drug use and mental health. More specifically, we will be exploring how certain mental health disorders may increase an individual's susceptibility or likelihood to turn to substance use. Our primary research question is: How strong is drug use related to mental health? To investigate this topic, we analyzed scholarly information from several research platforms, including Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, Consensus, etc. Our research process involved comparing findings from traditional research sources compared with those generated or supported by artificial intelligence- assisted research tools. For example, one of the findings suggests that individuals experiencing certain mental health conditions, particularly anxiety-related disorders, may be more vulnerable to engaging in substance use as a coping mechanism. These results highlight the importance of understanding the connection between mental health challenges and substance use in order to better understand and support prevention, awareness, as well as mental health interventions. |
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Abstract ID: 52 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-7 Abstract Title: How Stress and Trauma Relate to Sleep Paralysis: A literature review using new AI-based tools Student: Collan Campagna (COLLAN@email.sc.edu) Faculty Mentor: Richard Osbaldiston (osbaldir@uscb.edu) Author List: Collan Campagna, Richard Osbaldiston Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: Roughly 25% of students experience sleep paralysis. To what extent is stress related to sleep paralysis? To answer this question, we used six different literature search tools, including two traditional tools (PsycInfo and Google Scholar) and four new AI-based tools (Semantic Scholar, Consensus, Primo Research Assistant, and Elicit). We evaluated the tools to determine which were most efficient at finding relevant studies. Our answer to the research question is that stress is correlated with sleep paralysis, and sleep paralysis amplifies stress. We also discovered that certain conditions related to trauma, such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), can be directly tied to sleep paralysis and hallucinations tied to their trauma. The significance of this research implies that individuals who struggle with sleep paralysis on a regular basis could benefit from managing and lowering stress. Limiting sleep paralysis spells can also, in turn, lower their overall stress levels. |
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Abstract ID: 54 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-12 Abstract Title: Stigma, Silence, and Strength: Narratives of Military Mental Health Student: Macie Ellis (MRELLIS@uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Richard Osbaldiston (osbaldir@uscb.edu) Author List: Macie Ellis, Dr. Richard Osbaldiston Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: This research project was aimed to examine the factors influencing mental health disclosure among military members. Mental health challenges affect approximately 14–16% of service members, yet nearly 60% do not seek professional help. Data was drawn from studies totaling over 90,000 participants, including active-duty personal, reserves, specialized roles like pilots and veterans, using qualitative data from focus groups, surveys, and conducting a systematic literature review. The findings indicate that anticipated stigma from leadership, concerns about career consequences (loss of security clearance, benefits, or medical status), and a preference for self-management are primary barriers to mental health disclosure. In contrast, a factor positively associated with an increased willingness to disclose was a relationship with a supervisor who has a desire for authenticity and transparency in the workplace. These results suggest that organizational response plays a critical role in disclosure decisions and subsequent outcomes. Interventions targeting leadership training, workplace environment & inclusion, proper education on utilizing behavioral health services, and open communication practices may help reduce stigma, improve overall well-being, and increase force readiness. |
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Abstract ID: 90 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-14 Abstract Title: How AI-assisted research tools compare to traditional databases in identifying and synthesizing evidence on the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Student: Grace Fredrickson (MCLEMORG@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Richard Osbaldiston (osbaldir@uscb.edu) Author List: Grace Fredrickson Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved psychotherapy that involves applying mild magnetic radiation to the pre-frontal cortex of the human brain. It is most commonly used to treat major depression, but is also used for anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and smoking cessation. The goal of this project is to assess the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of TMS for treating posttraumatic stress disorder. To collect the scientific evidence, we used two traditional tools for locating scientific studies (PsycInfo, and Google Scholar) and four new AI-based tools (Semantic Scholar, Consensus, Primo Research Assistant, and Elicit). The data indicates that TMS is a highly effective treatment for PTSD, with most effect sizes (Cohen’s d) greater than 1.00. |
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Abstract ID: 53 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-3 Abstract Title: Mental Health on the Transcript: How Anxiety and Depression Shape GPA. Student: Kennedy Harris (KSH3@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Richard Osbaldiston (osbaldir@uscb.edu) Author List: Kennedy Harris, Litzy Santiago, Melanie Villa, Dr. Richard Osbaldiston (Faculty Mentor) Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: Mental health is a growing concern among college students, especially as anxiety and depression rates continue to increase and impact daily functioning and academic success. This project explores the question: how do anxiety and depression affect GPA in college students? To answer this, studies were gathered using traditional databases like PsycInfo and Google Scholar, along with AI-based tools including Primo Research Assistant, Consensus, and Elicit to compare and synthesize findings. Across these sources, results consistently showed that higher levels of anxiety and depression are associated with lower GPA, with depression showing a more consistent and slightly stronger effect, generally in the small to moderate range. Although the relationship is mostly influenced by factors like prior academic performance and support systems, the overall pattern remains clear. These findings are important because they highlight how mental health directly connects to academic outcomes, suggesting that improving access to mental health support could help improve student performance and overall success in college. |
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Abstract ID: 59 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-4 Abstract Title: Less Than You Would Think: The Relationship Between Childhood Media Use and ADHD Student: Amelia Mason (AIMASON@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Richard Osbaldiston (osbaldir@uscb.edu) Author List: Amelia Mason, Tammy Johnson, Dr. Richard Osbaldiston Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: This project has two goals. The first goal is to answer the research question “Is childhood media exposure related to ADHD?” The second goal was to compare new AI research tools to more traditional measures. We entered keywords into traditional research tools (PsycInfo database, Google Scholar) and natural language research questions into AI research tools (Semantic Scholar, Consensus, Primo Research Assistant, and Elicit). We compared the studies lists generated by these 6 services to determine which was locating the most relevant and useful studies. Then we did an assessment of the studies found to answer the research question. Although the relationship between childhood media use and ADHD is quite complex, our study indicates that the effect sizes are small, in the range of r = .10. |
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Abstract ID: 94 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-13 Abstract Title: The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being Student: Tessa Mazoway (TMAZOWAY@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Richard Osbaldiston (osbaldir@uscb.edu) Author List: Dr.Osbaldiston (faculty mentor) Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: One in five Americans suffer from some sort of mental health issue, which is approximately 61.5 million adults in the United States alone. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining mental health and emotional well-being. This study explores how sleep affects mental health by examining research from research study based articles and psychologists. Studies consistently show that poor sleep quality and lack of sleep are linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression, and difficulty regulating emotions. In contrast, getting enough high-quality sleep is associated with improved mood, cognitive function, and overall psychological stability. The findings suggest a strong relationship between sleep and mental health, highlighting the importance of consistent sleep habits. Overall, improving sleep patterns may be a key factor in promoting better mental health and preventing mental health disorders. |
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Abstract ID: 17 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-6 Abstract Title: Excessive Screen Time and Its Impact on Adolescent's Anxiety Student: Chloe Neal (CHLOELN@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Carmen Farrell (cf28@uscb.edu) Author List: Chloe Neal, Dr. Carmen Brown (Faculty Mentor) Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: Technology has become more advanced over the years, and with that, mobile devices and electronics have become a part of our everyday usage. Adolescents specifically are introduced to technology early in their childhood, leading to an increase of screen time which may produce outcomes of increased anxiety symptoms. Age and gender differences were found in previous studies, specifically that girls experienced more anxiety than boys and younger adolescents experienced more than older adolescents (Chen et al., 2022; Rodriguez-Rojo et al., 2025; West et al., 2021; Alsaigh et al., 2022). Using data from Monitoring the Future: A Continuing Study of American Youth (8th- and 10th-Grade Surveys) by Miech and colleagues (2022), the present secondary data analysis examined the behaviors, lifestyle and attitudes of adolescents that were in grades 8th through 10th. Results indicated that the more time adolescents watched videos during the week, the more anxiety they had (r(8609)=.07, p< .001). The same was found for videos watched during the weekend (r(8567)=.11, p<.001). The current researchers also found a positive correlation between time spent on social network sites and anxiety (r(8563)=0.11, p<.001). These results indicate that misuse and prevalent usage of mobile technology and screen-based behaviors impact adolescents in various ways, including anxiety. To better understand the effects of adolescent’s anxiety, future studies should examine different types of anxiety adolescents may experience and other screen-based behaviors that may contribute to heightened anxiety. |
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Abstract ID: 79 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-8 Abstract Title: Effects of snake fungal disease on the spatial ecology of Agkistrodon piscivorus Student: Mason Reid (MAR47@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Ryan Hanscom (rhanscom@uscb.edu) Author List: Mason Reid, Gino Caccese, Matthew Grisnik, Daniel T. Pettay, Ryan J. Hanscom Program: Natural Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: Agkistrodon piscivorus (Northern Cottonmouth) are a species of medium sized pit vipers found throughout the southeastern United States. We used radio telemetry to quantify movement ecology and space use for eleven snakes across the Nemours property. Individuals were frequently caught and swabbed for Snake Fungal Disease (SFD), and were later classified as infected, uninfected, or cleared (having caught and cleared the disease). Home range size was then determined and compared to infection status to determine if the disease has affected the movement of the snakes. Notable differences between individuals were found, but not statistically quantified. The is could be contributed to some individuals driving trends in the data. More data will need to be collected in the future to draw proper conclusions, but the current data shown suggests that snakes with infection have much smaller home ranges than snakes that have cleared infection or never got infected. |
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Abstract ID: 61 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-9 Abstract Title: Inhale, Exhale... Feel Worse? Vaping and Depression Explained Student: Gabrielle Reis (GFREIS@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Richard Osbaldiston (osbaldir@uscb.edu) Author List: Authors: Sarah Bond, Gabrielle Reis. Richard Osbaldiston (Faculty member) Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: Imagine feeling anxious or sad, and reaching for a vape to cope — but could that coping mechanism make things worse? The surge in e-cigarette use among young people has become a pressing public health issue. This project asks: how strongly is vaping related to depression? To answer this question, we used research tools including PsycInfo, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and Consensus to locate relevant studies. Frequency of vaping, nicotine exposure, and social or environmental factors may influence this relationship. The connection may be bidirectional, as depression can increase the likelihood of vaping. Overall, these findings highlight the need for increased awareness of vaping’s mental health risks and further research to clarify causation and mechanisms. |
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Abstract ID: 29 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-11 Abstract Title: Describing the seasonal biomass dynamics and within species diversity of the Sea Wasp (Chiropsalmus quadrumanus) (Müller, 1859) and the Cannonball Jellyfish (Stomopholus Meleagris) (Agassiz, 1860) within the Calibogue Sound. Student: Jude Roman (JCROMAN@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Daniel Pettay (dpettay@uscb.edu) Author List: Jude Roman, David Wise, Tye Pettay Program: Natural Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: The Calibougue sound is a highly productive water basin lying between Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island, and the Savannah River. This area is characterized by its deep geography and high tidal influence from the Atlantic Ocean. During the summer in the calibougue sound there are two commonly observed sea jellies; the cannonball jellyfish (Stomopholus meleagris) and the sea wasp (Chiropsalmus quadrumanus). Although these species are highly prevalent, there is nearly no existing biomass data or genetic research for our region. Throughout the summer and fall of 2025 biomass was estimated using data from the Tammy Jane shrimp trawl on 63 separate trips. Nearly 500 samples were collected of both sea wasp, and cannonball jellyfish, for DNA analysis. To date, DNA is being extracted using CTAB protocol. Next, genetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear gene regions, along with microsatellite loci for the cannonball jellyfish, will be used to examine the in-cohort population genetics for each species. This data will benefit local offshore fisheries and improve the understanding of seasonal population dynamics for these marine invertebrates. |
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Abstract ID: 75 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-15 Abstract Title: Coping or Pouring? Student: Taylor Spears (TMSPEARS@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Richard Osbaldiston (osbaldir@uscb.edu) Author List: Taylor Spears, Selena Cobbs, Dr. Richard Osbaldiston (Faculty Mentor) Program: Social Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: One common reliever is alcohol use, but the strength of the relationship between perceived stress and drinking patterns remains an important question. This study examines how strongly perceived stress influences alcohol use among college students, asking whether higher stress levels are associated with increased frequency or quantity of drinking. Research demonstrates a potential correlation between perceived stress and alcohol consumption, with students who reported higher stress levels also reported greater alcohol use. This suggests that stress may play a meaningful role in influencing alcohol use in college students, particularly because of the social environments where alcohol is easily accessible and socially reinforced. These results highlight the importance of addressing stress management in college populations, as reducing perceived stress may also help decrease risky drinking behaviors. |
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Abstract ID: 33 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Hypothesis Driven-10 Abstract Title: Bitter Crab Disease in Atlantic Blue Crabs: Disease Impacts, Previous Research, and a Local Study in Port Royal Sound Student: David Wise (DSW9@email.sc.edu) Faculty Mentor: Daniel Pettay (dpettay@uscb.edu) Author List: David Wise, Dr Daniel ("Tye") Pettay (Faculty Mentor) Program: Natural Sciences Abstract Category: Hypothesis Driven Abstract: Bitter crab disease is caused by a parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium perezi. This is a serious infection to the Atlantic blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) that can weaken immunity, alter behavior, and increase mortality. Because blue crabs are both ecologically and economically important in South Carolina estuaries, understanding the threat of this disease to their populations is important. Previous research in estuarine systems such as the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia's coastal bays, and the Saint Helena Sound has shown that H. perezi infections are often associated with warmer seasons, higher salinity habitats, and differences in crab ecology. However, nothing is known concerning this parasite in the Port Royal Sound, South Carolina. The current research investigates bitter crab disease in blue crabs from multiple sites within the Port Royal Sound to relate parasite presence to environmental conditions such as salinity and water temperature. At each site, environmental conditions are measured and hemolymph samples are collected for molecular analysis using qPCR targeting the ITS2 region of rRNA. This study will provide the first baseline information on H. perezi occurrence in the Port Royal Sound and help improve our understanding of disease risk in local blue crab populations. |