10–11 Apr 2026
Hampton University, Hampton, VA, United States
America/New_York timezone
🚀 Join us for Hampton University STEM Weekend 2026! 📍 Hampton University Student Center 🗓 April 10 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) & April 11 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) Featuring a career fair, research symposium, workshops, and the Rapid Innovation Challenge Hackathon. 💡 Register now to network, showcase your work, and compete for cash prizes!

Contribution List

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  1. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacterial cells and may live silently in their host or have a productive infection and kill their host. Eastern medicine routinely uses phage for bacterial infections as alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Phages may also be important in reducing bacterial virulence factors such as biofilm formation. Biofilms are formed when the bacteria reach a...

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  2. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Predators serve strong ecological roles in structuring ecosystems by both eating prey (consumptive effects) and scaring prey (non-consumptive effects). In the Hampton River, predatory mud crabs induce defensive morphologies in the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), where oysters exposed to predator cues tend to reallocate energy away from growth and reproduction and towards shell...

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  3. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The genetic bottleneck of cultivated peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) often limits the improvement of traditional breeding programs. To tackle this constraint, chemical mutagenesis via Ethyl Methane Sulfonate (EMS) serves as a valid strategy to induce novel allelic variations. This study primarily focuses on the development and screening of an extensive EMS-mutagenized peanut population by...

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  4. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Vocal pitch is closely related to fundamental frequency (Fo). Often measured in Hertz (Hz), Fo represents the number of times the vocal folds vibrate per second during voiced speech (Titze, et al, 2015). The term normative pitch refers to the average pitch range within a specific group, such as males or females, and provides a baseline for defining a “typical voice” (Holmberg, Hillman, and...

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  5. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    As autonomous vehicles gain mainstream popularity, the safety of these artificial intelligence-based computer vision models against interference becomes a paramount concern. This paper analyzes the vulnerability adversarial patches present to vehicular autonomous systems. Using the Ultralytics YOLO11 architecture, this study evaluates the model’s performance against a diverse set of road...

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  6. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation has been one of the most popular topics of the century. It has been integrated into education, medicine, and transportation to make tasks easier and increase productivity. AI and automation is constantly being discussed for being a double edged sword. On one side, it makes tasks capable of being completed faster and oftentimes more accurate, but the...

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  7. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Early intervention (EI) refers to services available to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities, and their families (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). EI provides select services that children and family may need, including speech-language therapy. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are skilled professionals who work in early intervention settings,...

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  8. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Semiconductor nanocrystals exhibit unique optical properties arising from the quantum confinement of charge carriers. As the nanocrystal size decreases, the spatial confinement of excitons produces a pronounced blue-shift in the optical bandgap and enables wide spectral tunability. In this regime, the electronic energy levels become discretized, leading to well-defined absorption features in...

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  9. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The MUon Scattering Experiment (MUSE) at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is designed to address the long-standing discrepancy in measurements of the proton charge radius. The experiment uses mixed beams of electrons and muons, with either positive and negative charges, allowing the proton charge radius to be extracted from electron–proton and muon–proton scattering under identical...

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  10. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The GEn-RP experiment is among various form factor experiments with the Super-Bigbite Spectrometer (SBS) setup at Hall-A, Jefferson Lab and measures the ratio of electric to magnetic elastic form factors of the neutron, GEn/GMn using recoil polarimetry techniques at Q2=4.3GeVc2 in quasi-elastic electron-neutron scattering from a deuterium target. The ratio of these form factors is measured...

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  11. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Coral reef ecosystems are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic stressors. In particular, plastic pollution can cause entanglement injuries, habitat smothering, and can be consumed when mistaken for food. Although physical impacts of plastic pollution have been studied, the behavioral effects on fish communities remain largely unexplored. We examined the behavioral responses of Stegastes...

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  12. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies and remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Current treatment strategies rely largely on drug-based therapies; however, their effectiveness is often limited due to the rapid development of drug resistance. Consequently, pancreatic cancer continues to have a very poor prognosis, with a five-year survival...

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  13. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    With antibiotic resistance causing over 1.2 million annual deaths, there is a critical need for new therapeutic compounds. This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of soil microorganisms isolated from Hampton University’s waterfront at Marine Point, a bridge between terrestrial and marine conditions. Today, soil remains a primary source for antibiotic discovery due to the...

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  14. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Arylazopyrazoles (AAPs) have emerged as the next generation of photoactive switches with versatile scaffolds and show significant potential for biological applications. For these applications, the properties of AAPs molecular switches need to be improved by altering their structures through the introduction of specific substituents. Herein, the synthesis and characterization of the...

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  15. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The integration of molecular photoswitches with fluorescent materials carves a promising pathway for the development of innovative, reversibly light-controlled fluorescent molecules with an array of possible applications. Due to their efficient bidirectional isomerization, tunability and high cis isomer stability, arylazopyrazoles (AAP) are an ideal selection for the photoswitch component of...

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  16. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea, poses a growing global health threat due to the rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to combat this pathogen. Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) from N. gonorrhoeae (NgNDPK) represents a promising drug target because it catalyzes a key step in the nucleotide salvage...

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  17. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Authors: Dr. Hensel, Dr. Ghebreyesus, Benny Oduro, Kennedy Hampton, Jelani Jackson, Zarah Osman
    Abstract
    Bacterial biofilms, extracellular matrices formed by bacterial communities, contribute to significant medical and environmental challenges, including infections associated with medical devices, dental caries, and industrial infrastructure. Biofilms enable bacteria to evade the host...

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  18. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Pyrocumulonimbus clouds (PyroCbs) are intense fire‑driven storms associated with extreme wildfire behavior that threatens communities and complicates suppression efforts. These events can inject massive smoke plumes into the stratosphere, where they spread globally, persist for more than a year, disrupt stratospheric circulation, influence the Antarctic ozone hole, and alter Earth’s radiative...

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  19. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The degradation of complex marine polysaccharides is a critical component of the global carbon cycle, yet the specific molecular mechanisms employed by many marine Bacteroidetes remain under-characterized. This research focuses on a marine bacteroidete, Cyclobacterium marinum, capable of degrading two algalpolysaccharides found in marine environments: laminarin and fucoidan. Leveraging a...

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  20. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Marine Sponges are one of Earth’s earliest animals and are important to reef ecosystems, playing a role in water filtration, nutrient cycling, and structure creation. Climate change has played a major role in shifting reef ecosystems, with recent research suggesting that, as tropical coral populations decline due to ocean acidification and warming, sponges may become a dominant reef species,...

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  21. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Oyster restoration is increasingly being used in the Chesapeake Bay to re-establish ecological and economic significance to the region; however, there is a gap in monitoring microeukaryotic biodiversity before restoration efforts. Microeukaryotic planktonic communities are responsive to environmental changes by impacting biogeochemical cycles and constructing complex food web dynamics....

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  22. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The Mammalian order Eulipotyphla, comprising the Soricidae (shrews) and Talpidae (moles), are pivotal players in North America's terrestrial food webs. In Virginia, nine shrew and three mole species are recognized. However, a comprehensive, modern synthesis of their distribution, habitat associations, and natural history is lacking. We present a contemporary annotated checklist by...

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  23. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    This study investigates the influence of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light on the structural ordering of N2200 thin films doped with spiropyran, using absorbance analysis. Structural ordering is closely linked to the optoelectronic properties of the material. Thin films annealed for 20 minutes were examined, as literature reports that this annealing duration yields the highest degree of...

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  24. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Bacteria are single-celled organisms that communicate with each other with small signaling molecules. Some bacteria can secrete molecules that build a protective layer outside the cell called a biofilm. Biofilm formation protects bacteria from both the host’s immune defenses and antibiotics, which is why biofilm is labeled as a virulence factor. Since biofilms significantly reduce antibiotic...

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  25. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Soybean (Glycine max) is a widely cultivated crop, valued for its high protein and oil content. There is growing interest in enhancing soybean fatty acid composition for nutritional and commercial purposes. The nutritional and industrial value of soybean oil is dependent on fatty acid biosynthesis; therefore, efforts to refine its oil profiles have focused on key biosynthetic pathways. Fatty...

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  26. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    In this project, seawater samples were collected from the Sargasso Sea at various depths in late October 2025. This specific study uses a sample depth of 1500 meters. This study asks: What microorganisms are present within each sample, and which carbon source is best to mimic the microorganisms' natural living environment? The objective of this study is to identify the unknown microorganisms...

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  27. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Wildfires are increasingly recognized as fully coupled land–atmosphere systems that produce complex meteorological feedbacks, including the generation of deep convective clouds known as pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb). While most wildfires produce shallow boundary-layer smoke plumes, extreme events can generate buoyant, fire-driven updrafts that rise into the troposphere and, in severe cases,...

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  28. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Coastal communities in Virginia face increasing risks from shoreline erosion and flooding driven by accelerating sea-level rise and changing environmental conditions. Living shorelines provide a nature-based approach to stabilize coastlines while maintaining ecological function; however, commonly used plastic mesh oyster shell bags persist in the environment and contribute to microplastic...

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  29. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Turbulence plays a crucial role in hurricane boundary layer (HBL) dynamics as it regulates the transfer of momentum, moisture, and heat that ultimately affects the evolution of winds in the eyewall and intensifies the storm system, causing significant wind damage to infrastructure. Research on the role of organized turbulent structures in the HBL remains insufficient due to the lack of...

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  30. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Glioblastoma, commonly referred to as GBM, is a highly aggressive and malignant brain tumor. GBM is typically seen in adults who are middle-aged or older. Glioblastoma constitutes almost half of all malignant primary tumors in the central nervous system, and is characterized by extensive, malformed vasculature, high levels of infiltration into surrounding nervous tissue, rapid proliferation,...

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  31. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The Fast-J model calculates photolysis rates (J-Values, e.g., for reactions that involve O3, NO2, etc.) in an atmosphere with an arbitrary number of aerosol layers. These aerosol light interactions can change the local photochemistry in the planetary boundary layer. Understanding photochemical changes at the surface is critical for accurate air quality forecasting. Fast-J calculations with...

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  32. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Graphene-based plasmonic metasurfaces operating in the mid-infrared (IR) and terahertz (THz) spectral regime have emerged as promising platforms for ultra-sensitive biosensing. These systems utilize interference between bright and dark resonant modes to produce sharp transparency windows through mechanisms such as Plasmon Induced Transparency (PIT) and Electromagnetically Induced...

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  33. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Antibiotic resistance is an increasing global health concern as many bacterial infections are becoming resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The Tiny Earth research initiative aims to address this issue by discovering novel antibiotic-producing bacteria from soil environments. In this study, soil samples were collected and plated to cultivate diverse bacterial colonies. Colonies of interest...

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  34. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Atmospheric processes and dynamics occurring within the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) play a critical role in shaping wind patterns, which can influence a range of applications from aviation and marine navigation to offshore energy generation and emergency responses.
    The third Wind Forecast Improvement Project (WFIP-3), a field campaign and analysis sponsored by the Department of...

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  35. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Antarctic pinnipeds exhibit specialized thermoregulatory adaptations, with Antarctic fur seals (AFS; otariids) relying on dense fur, while Leopard (LS) and Weddell seals (WS; phocids) having thick blubber. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of Antarctic pinniped adaptation, we analyzed microRNA expression from 18 flipper skin samples (n=6 per species). We extracted microRNAs...

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  36. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The mammalian ovary is a unique organ comprised of many differentiated cell types all working in concert to promote normal function. Within the ovary, isolated follicular units composed of specialized cells surround each oocyte. The follicle aids in the development of a healthy oocyte, which upon appropriate endocrine signaling, will be ovulated and, perhaps, fertilized. The follicle plays a...

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  37. Jericka Guy
    School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The Right To Be Forgotten (RTBF) is a legal requirement that, when implemented, allows individuals to request their information be deleted from digital media. However, with the use of machine learning models in today’s modern age, full data deletion can be technically challenging. In this research paper, the author will evaluate the effectiveness of machine unlearning as a complete...

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  38. Research & Graduate School
    Poster Presentation

    Glioblastoma multiforme constitutes the most aggressive grade IV brain tumor mainly affecting adults with a median age of diagnosis being 68-70 years. Glioblastomas (GBM) typically yield dismal prognosis despite multimodal standard-of-care interventions, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and temozolomide chemotherapy. There is still much to learn and discover about the molecular...

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  39. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis and relies on nucleotide metabolism for survival. Guanylate kinase (GK) catalyzes the reversible conversion of GMP and ATP to GDP and ADP, supporting purine salvage and maintaining GTP levels essential for DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. This study characterizes A. phagocytophilum guanylate kinase (ApGK) to...

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  40. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Arachis hypogaea L. is a globally significant oilseed crop, valued for its nutritional profile —comprising approximately 25% protein, 50% oil, and 20% carbohydrates— and its important role in the U.S. economy. Recent research efforts focus on increasing yield and enhancing seed quality, particularly by increasing oleic acid and protein content to meet rising
    industry and nutritional demands....

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  41. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Gulls (Laridae) are behaviorally flexible coastal birds that thrive in both natural shorelines and human-dominated habitats, making them useful models for understanding how wildlife responds to urbanization. Because behavior often shifts before population change, time-budget data can reveal how anthropogenic landscapes alter tradeoffs among foraging, vigilance, movement, and sociality. We...

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  42. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Similar to Earth, the environment identified on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, demonstrates a unique atmosphere. This is because it is one of the only bodies within our solar system capable of maintaining a stable liquid on its surface. Notably, Titan’s methane cycle includes meteorological phenomena that parallels Earth’s hydrological cycle; however, the presence of cyclones has not been...

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  43. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells display significant metabolic flexibility and can utilize fatty acid metabolism to support tumor growth and survival. While fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is primarily known for its role in energy production, disruption of this pathway may also alter intracellular lipid homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the role of fatty acid β-oxidation in...

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  44. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) is a central mediator of oncogenic signaling, yet its subclass specific relevance in glioblastoma (GBM) has not been fully defined. In a malignancy characterized by marked molecular heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance, resolving the contextual role of IGF1R is critical. We analyzed IGF1R transcriptional profiles across 422 GBM specimens...

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  45. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    As machine learning models become increasingly integral to cybersecurity systems for advanced threat detection, intrusion monitoring, and malware analysis, their inherent “black-box” nature complicates trust, accountability, and post-incident forensic investigation. Although these models often achieve high predictive accuracy, their internal decision-making processes are difficult for human...

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  46. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Species interactions, together with environmental conditions, regulate the structure and function of our natural world; yet these interactions are both temporally and spatially context-dependent. Changes in the strength or direction of species interactions have the capability of fundamentally altering ecological communities and food webs. Within the Chesapeake Bay, Panopeid mud crabs occupy an...

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  47. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The development of rare-earth-doped halide perovskites continues to be of interest for applications in biosensing, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and solar cells as less toxic alternatives to their lead-based counterparts. Rare-earth (RE) dopants are of particular interest because of their well-defined electronic transitions, which are useful in photonic and optoelectronic applications....

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  48. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, has undergone continuous genomic evolution since its emergence in late 2019. Many of these changes occur in the viral spike (S) glycoprotein, which mediates host cell entry through binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Mutations within the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD)...

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  49. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, has undergone continuous genomic evolution since its emergence in late 2019. Many of these changes occur in the viral spike (S) glycoprotein, which mediates host cell entry through binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Mutations within the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD)...

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  50. 81. Microplastics are pollutants that enter aquatic systems and primarily enter aquatic plants. ecosystems through stormwater runoff. Microplastics are harmful after consumption and this study aims to highlight the particles behavior in an urban environment. This study examined whether storm-drain outfalls along the Hampton University waterfront contribute microplastics to the Hampton River and whether particle abundance increases following rainfall events. Water samples were collected from four storm-drain sites along the university waterfront between October 2025 and January 2026, with collections occurring during or within 24 hours of rainfall events. Using size- fractionation microplastics smaller than 500 µm were captured. For Microplastic speciation, hydrogen peroxide digestion and Nile Red fluorescent staining were used for precise microplastic identification. Microplastics were detected at all four outfalls, indicating that storm drains transport plastics consistently from the land surrounding the watershed into the river. Abundance was relatively similar across sites, the average number of observations being 73.5, suggesting diffuse urban sources rather than a single dominant point source. Fibers were the most common microplastic type 241 observations out of a total of 294, consistent with previous studies identifying textile fibers and tire wear particles as dominant contributors in urban environments. Fibers were all the same color on average black was 46.21% out of total microplastics observed, suggesting that their presence originated from a common source. The impermeability of each surface by site is 53.49 for site 1 and site 2, site 3: 26.57, site 4: 40.37, which are shown to have little impact on the total concentration of plastics. The strong correlation between the accumulation of plastics per collection day and the amount of rain shows a strong correlation, suggesting the amount of plastic is affected by the amount of rain. These findings highlight the role of stormwater systems in transporting land-based plastics to aquatic ecosystems and emphasize the importance of managing urban runoff to reduce microplastic pollution in estuarine environments.
    School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Microplastics are pollutants that enter aquatic systems and primarily enter aquatic ecosystems through stormwater runoff. Microplastics are harmful after consumption and this study aims to highlight the particle behavior in an urban environment. By examining whether storm-drain outfalls along the Hampton University waterfront contribute microplastics to the Hampton River and whether particle...

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  51. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The common bottlenose dolphin is one of the most widely distributed marine mammals in the world. They reside in coastal estuaries, open ocean and semi-enclosed lagoons. Laguna Madre (LM; Texas), is the only hypersaline lagoon in the United States (> average salinity of 36 ppt). In LM, resident bottlenose dolphins have enhanced skin wound healing compared to hyposaline environments but the...

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  52. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Birds of prey are different species of birds that are apex predators. Also known as raptors, they are migratory birds with distinguishing features such as sharp talons and strong beaks. This study focused on the migratory patterns of different raptor species in Islip, New York in order to determine if certain species had a higher migratory frequency between late August and early December. It...

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  53. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Magnetic fields play a fundamental role in many cosmic phenomena, governing the motion of charged particles in space and influencing the large-scale structure of the universe. A particularly important example occurs when high-speed charged particles emitted by the Sun, known as the solar wind, encounter Earth’s magnetic field. This interaction raises an important question: how effectively does...

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  54. School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The NASA Langley-Hampton Multispectral Polarimeter capstone project, completed by Hampton University engineering students with support from NASA Langley, focuses on creating a portable airborne polarimetric imaging system using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. The goal is to design a lightweight, cost-effective, and modular system capable of collecting and processing calibrated...

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  55. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are a form of nanotechnology that retain size-dependent physical, chemical, and biological characteristics in comparison to their macroscopic source material, with useful applications in medicine, electronics, and environmental management through exploitation of their surface area and present active sites. As traditional methods of AuNP synthesis incur high energy...

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  56. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The main problem with the conflict between online anonymity and accountability is that, although anonymity promotes privacy and free speech, it also makes harmful behaviors like trolling and scams possible. In order to understand how mandatory identification policies, like requiring government IDs or facial scans for site access, affect this balance, this study will review previous research....

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  57. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The size-dependent optical properties of plasmonic Au spherical nanoparticles have been extensively studied using Mie’s scattering theory.1 When the particle diameter is much smaller than the wavelength of incident light (2r << λ), dipole oscillations dominate the extinction process, comprising both absorption and scattering, while higher-order multipoles are negligible. Under the dipole...

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  58. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Approximately 100,000 African American descendants in the United States and millions worldwide suffer with sickle cell disease (SCD) which is a rare genetic single base-pair point mutation at the sixth codon. Despite the current increase of pharmacotherapeutic innovations for sickle cell diseases, there are substantial cost disparities across various treatment choices. By comparing the various...

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  59. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Light-responsive molecular switches are powerful tools for controlling chemical and
    physical processes with high spatial and temporal precision. Among these systems,
    arylazopyrazoles (AAPs) have emerged as an advanced class of photoswitches that
    exhibit superior photochemical performance compared to traditional azobenzene
    derivatives. Arylazopyrazoles consist of an azo (–N=N–) linkage...

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  60. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Understanding the temporal and spatial variability of planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) across heterogeneous surface types is essential for quantifying the dispersion and chemical processing of surface emissions. Because emissions are entrained within the boundary layer, characterizing the PBL’s evolving structure—both in time and across land–water transitions—is critical for assessing...

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  61. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Radiation therapy is widely used in cancer treatment; however, many cancer cells develop resistance by activating adaptive stress and survival pathways. Understanding the early cellular responses to radiation stress remains an important question in cancer biology. In this study, we asked: what metabolic adaptations do cancer cells maintain during the early stages of radiation-induced stress?...

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  62. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Histamine and catecholamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid are critical neurotransmitters
    involved in physiological stress responses and neural signaling. These biosynthesized neurotransmitters are derived from amino acids, oxidations, and lack alpha-carboxylates. These compounds are produced by both mast cells in tissues, nerve tissues, or the adrenal glands...

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  63. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Metamaterials are designed electromagnetic structures capable of reproducing interference phenomena analogous to the quantum optical effect known as electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT). The analogous phenomenon, plasmon-induced transparency (PIT), produces a narrow spectral window where light propagates with absorption minimized, due to the destructive interference between...

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  64. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Baseline biodiversity inventories are essential for tracking faunal change, identifying conservation priorities, and supporting management decisions. We present an annotated checklist of Virginia Lagomorpha (Leporidae), synthesizing occurrence evidence from published literature, community-science observations (iNaturalist), and aggregated historical museum/occurrence data from the Global...

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  65. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Raman Spectroscopy was identified as a valuable tool in material identification, biology, and medicine. Raman Spectroscopy was used to identify molecular vibrational “fingerprints” and the evidence of protein samples. In this experiment Raman Spectroscopy was initially investigated as a method for detecting protein samples through their characteristic vibrational spectrum. However, because...

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  66. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Raman Spectroscopy was identified as a valuable tool in material identification, biology, and medicine. Raman Spectroscopy was used to identify molecular vibrational “fingerprints” and the evidence of protein samples. In this experiment Raman Spectroscopy was initially investigated as a method for detecting protein samples through their characteristic vibrational spectrum. However, because...

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  67. Research & Graduate School
    Poster Presentation

    This work examines the structure of turbulence in a large eddy simulation (LES) of the hurricane rapid intensification (RI) process, which is driven by convective bursts occurring within the inner core of the system. The simulation was conducted at 60-meter grid spacing with a high-order continuous Galerkin (spectral element) dynamic core coupled to observational latent heating estimates from...

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  68. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR) is a coastal plain estuary in southern Puerto Rico that experiences a gradient of human influence, ranging from relatively undisturbed areas to sites affected by urbanization and runoff. The varying levels of anthropogenic pressure can alter benthic community structure and habitat conditions. Reserve managers need sensitive, low-cost...

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  69. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Ceilometer networks are expanding rapidly worldwide and are increasingly used for aerosol studies because they provide continuous (24/7) autonomous measurements at substantially lower cost than conventional elastic lidars. However, retrieval of aerosol optical properties from ceilometers remains challenging because of their low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the need for instrument-specific...

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  70. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    SQL injections are one of the most common and dangerous vulnerabilities found in web applications, even though they have been well documented for decades. This paper explores the effectiveness of common prevention techniques against SQL injection attacks, including input validation, parameterized queries, and prepared statements. To demonstrate, a vulnerable web environment was created using...

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  71. School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    In my senior year of high school, I was able to experience what it was like to be an aviation technician and an air marshaller. I completed a simulation using a VR headset provided by my Career Internship Program teacher. This training allowed me to experience potential career options related to the aviation field. During my spring break (3/9/2026), I toured an air medical transport facility...

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  72. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Trypanosoma cruzi, the disease-causing agent of Chagas disease, depends on glycolysis for ATP production. As such, the glycolytic enzymes of this parasite are attractive targets for the development of new therapies. Despite their essential role in parasite survival, the structural features of T. cruzi glycolytic enzymes remain poorly understood. In our study, we present high-resolution...

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  73. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Plasmodium vivax remains a major cause of malaria worldwide and poses unique challenges for disease control due to its ability to form dormant liver-stage parasites (hypnozoites) that can reactivate months after initial infection. This capacity for relapse contributes significantly to the persistence and transmission of vivax malaria. As Plasmodium parasites depend heavily on pyrimidine...

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  74. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Sequential Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction(SILAR) is utilized to produce a high quality- controlled cobalt-
    nickel oxide (CoNiO) thin films to be studied as a p-type semicon-
    ductor. The films were deposited using adsorption-reaction cycles,making the growth reliable and controllable. The structural
    integrity was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), which
    confirmed a successful...

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  75. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Atmospheric aerosols are small atmospheric particles originating from both natural processes and human activities. One type of organic aerosol that has attracted major attention is a light absorbing component called brown carbon (BrC), which is the component of organic aerosol that absorbs light in the UV and visible spectral regions. Atmospheric aerosols have major impacts, from our health to...

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  76. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Water molecules play a central role in many physical, chemical, and biological processes. In particular, the behavior of water near solid surfaces strongly influences phenomena such as surface chemistry, catalysis, and interfacial phase transitions. When a water molecule approaches a surface, interactions with the surrounding environment can modify its structure and dynamics compared with its...

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  77. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    The DarkLight experiment will search for a dark photon in the 10-20 MeV/c2 mass region and examine the reported evidence for the X17 boson using electroproduction of electron-positron pairs from a tantalum target. The first stage of the experiment has been approved and a commissioning run has been completed at the ARIEL electron accelerator at TRIUMF. The experimental setup consists of two...

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  78. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Racial bias and stereotypes are part of daily life for many African Americans, affecting their opportunities and how they see themselves. Comments like, “You’re so well-mannered, not like the rest,” or dismissive remarks such as, “Minorities are just too sensitive about racism,” are examples of how these biases show up in subtle yet harmful ways. Though often brushed off, these statements can...

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  79. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Over the past century, the Earth has experienced a rise in global temperatures as a result of climate change. If this trend continues, it becomes increasingly relevant to understand how this would affect large-scale atmospheric circulation. The effects of this trend are highlighted in locations like the Arctic, where the warming in this region is increasing at a faster rate than the global...

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  80. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Glioblastomas are one of the most aggressive and malignant types of brain cancers. Due to its severity, many modern therapies do not help its poor prognosis (Hanif et al.,2017). After the diagnosis of glioblastomas, the average prognosis is between 12 to 18 months for middle aged adults with varying differences by other age groups. The progression of glioblastoma, and many other cancers depend...

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  81. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, have long-term health consequences extending into adulthood. In the United States (US), lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) adults report significantly higher rates of ACEs than their heterosexual counterparts. These early life adversities affect cancer vulnerability by increasing the...

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  82. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Reproductive barriers are anything that exists in nature and can reduce gene flow between species. It can be physical, such as a geographical constraint, or it can be due to genetic differences that prohibit species from producing viable offspring. These can be either a pre-zygotic or post-zygotic barrier. By studying the impacts of reproductive isolation on gene flow, scientists can grasp a...

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  83. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    THEORETICAL THERMOCHEMICAL ESTIMATIONS OF SEROTONIN FORMATION IN NEUROBIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS. Angelina Thotam, Aniyah Barnett, McKenzie Mcneill, Emmani Shaw,Ivana Thigpen, Michelle Waddell & Insu F. Hahn, Dept. of Biology and Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Hampton University. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in mood regulation and the pathophysiology of...

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  84. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto represent a broad range of icy satellite interior evolution, ranging from active tidal dissipation and rapid resurfacing on Europa to intrinsic magnetism and a layered interior on Ganymede, and comparatively limited resurfacing and internal differentiation on Callisto. We present three-dimensional thermo-mechanical convection simulations designed to investigate...

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  85. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Fluid behavior in nanoscale confinement plays an important role in many natural and technological processes. For example, water transport through biological membrane channels such as Aquaporin, chemical reactions occurring inside nanoporous catalysts, and fluid transport in energy storage or filtration membranes all involve liquids confined within extremely small spaces. At these scales,...

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  86. Dr Michael Kohl (Hampton University)
    Poster Presentation

    This is a test abstract

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  87. School of Science – Graduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    Estuarine ecosystems are foundational to coastal resilience, supporting fisheries productivity, biodiversity, and the livelihoods and cultural heritage of coastal communities. While estuarine fauna are well adapted to these dynamic ecosystems, climate change has increased the variability and intensity of environmental parameters, necessitating a better understanding of how variable abiotic...

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  88. School of Science – Undergraduate Abstract
    Poster Presentation

    West Falmouth Harbor, Massachusetts, has undergone decades of nutrient enrichment, primarily from a wastewater treatment facility, leading to eutrophication and loss of seagrass meadows. Although nutrient inputs have declined in recent years, seagrass recovery remains incomplete. The inner basin, Snug Harbor, has experienced complete loss of eelgrass (Zostera marina), but meadows exist in the...

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