Research Days Posters 2025

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From Fear to Fondness: How Empathy for Flawed Foes on Screen Falters in the Real World for Teens and Young Adults

Selina Chen

Damon Salvatore, Chuck Bass, Loki. Across much of today’s favorite teen and young adult television, viewers seem to favor villains or anti-heroes over typical protagonists. Paradoxically, unsavory characters offer a depth, inviting a great human curiosity and thereby empathy. Viewers often identify with villains in their darkness, whether intentionally or not. This research contextualizes this phenomenon within broader discussions of social media due to the encouragement of digital over face-to-face interactions. Over time, society has become desensitized to crises ranging from personal relationships to global matters with the rise of social media usage, which disconnects individuals from tangible consequences. Therefore, empathy has grown increasingly scarce among teens and young adults of this generation. Drawing from historical literature turned to film as well as contemporary shows, this project explores how extending empathy for fictional characters correlates with empirical data, suggesting a decrease in connection with real-world people, relationships, and pressing issues.
Development of Method for Quantitative Assessment of Digital Pathology in Woodchuck HCC Model Using Image Segmentation and Image Processing

Joshua Cheuk, Nicole Varble, Ming Li, Andrew S. Mikhail, William F. Pritchard, Laetitia Saccenti, and Bradford J. Wood

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer, diagnosed via imaging (e.g., CT) and histopathology. While CT is minimally invasive, it lacks cellular accuracy, whereas histopathology requires biopsies. This study aims to bridge this gap by standardizing tumor analysis in H&E slides using machine learning. Histopathology samples from woodchucks with HCC were sectioned, stained, digitized, and processed into 256×256 pixel tiles. Tiles were categorized, normalized, and split into hematoxylin (H) and eosin (E) images to enhance cell structure differentiation. The StarDist segmentation model analyzed nuclei, comparing automated and manual counts. Substantially covered tiles (SCT) were the most accurate, with an 91.7 % accuracy, while fully covered blood vessel tiles (FCT-BV) were the least accurate (52.12% accuracy). StarDist struggled with endothelial cells, possibly due to normalization conflicts. Future work aims to refine segmentation models and correlate histopathology with CT imaging for improved, minimally invasive cancer diagnostics.
From Property to Patriarchy: Thomas Spence and Women’s Economic Rights

Emma Chin

In the 1790s, growing calls for women’s economic independence and social participation intersected with the radical ideas of Thomas Spence, a vocal advocate for common land ownership and rent sharing. As feminist thought gained momentum, debates over women’s roles in public and economic life intensified. Spence’s vision promised a basic income for all, but the depth of his commitment to women’s financial autonomy remains uncertain, especially as his writings evolved over time. This paper examines Spence’s key works alongside contemporary feminist critiques, including those of Mary Wollstonecraft, to assess whether his radical philosophy genuinely included women or merely leveraged their struggles to advance his political agenda. By analyzing Spence’s philosophical development, feminist discourse, and comparative critique, this study traces how Spence’s views on gendered economic rights evolved and considers their relevance to broader proto-feminist movements demanding systemic social and economic change.
Autocracies For the Working-Class

Zoe Chin

The results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election came as a shock to some but on par with world trends of backsliding democracy and the spread of competitive authoritarianism. When considering authoritarianism on a micro level–the way authoritarian tendencies manifest in everyday life–the paradoxical relationship between authoritarian rule and lower-class support becomes more prominent. The interdependent relationship between the two suggests a dangerous future for working-class Americans, where economic and nationalist policies come at the cost of a dismantled democracy. In 1970s Mexico, the PRI secured working-class loyalty by promising living improvements and promoting mobilization through state-sponsored organizations, suppressing any real political empowerment. In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Trump’s campaign utilized similar tactics as observed in 1970s Mexico. This research explores the methodology behind how autocratic regimes market themselves to the working class and contribute to the growing network of studies focusing on the democratic backsliding pandemic.
Watching the Watchers: Redefining Privacy and Human Rights in Correctional Surveillance

Ianna Choi

Incarcerated individuals exist in a space where security and privacy constantly clash. This study examines how surveillance technologies—biometric monitoring, video surveillance, and electronic tracking— in correctional settings impact the privacy rights of those incarcerated. Through a review of peer-reviewed literature, and insights from informal conversations with incarcerated individuals at Broome County Jail, this research examines the ethical, legal, and social implications of surveillance in carceral facilities, focusing on how constant monitoring impacts privacy, relationships, and mental well-being. Expanding beyond jails, the study considers surveillance in state and federal prisons, evaluating its implications under the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This research aims to inform policy, advocating for equitable surveillance practices that balance security with human rights. Ultimately, it raises critical questions about the broader societal impact of surveillance in heavily monitored environments.
Neurocognitive Resilience in Collegiate Rugby Athletes: A Study of Sex Differences in Eye-Tracking and Reaction Time

Chelsea Christie, Reese Clark, Chao Shi, Isiah Turner, Stanley Hunter, and Vipul Lugade

Concussions and repeated head impacts in sports pose significant risks, with males and females potentially affected differently. Studies show that female athletes experience greater brain changes after repeated impacts despite protective effects from estrogen (Sollmann et al., 2017; Churchill et al., 2021). This study examines differences in reaction time and eye-tracking performance between male and female collegiate rugby players. It is hypothesized that female players will show smaller declines in performance, while males will have slower reaction times. Data were collected before and after the season using eye-tracking tests and reaction time tasks, including drop stick and finger reaction tests. Early data suggest male players generally have slower reaction times than females, consistent with previous findings (Gallagher et al., 2021). This study will analyze pre- and post-season performance to examine gender differences. Future studies will investigate brain matter differences using MRI to strengthen understanding of gender-based resilience to head impacts.
From Peril to Perseverance: Dr. Arthur C. Parker and the Seneca Arts Project

Brennan Ciccolone

Like many Native people, the Haudenosaunee were subjected to culturcide and assimilation using residential schools like the Thomas Indian School in the late 19th and early 20th century. In 1925, the Seneca archaeologist Dr. Arthur C. Parker was hired as the director of the Rochester Museum and Science Center. Parker used his museum position to uplift and preserve Haudenosaunee arts and culture. This paper focuses on his Seneca Arts Project (1935-1941), which gathered art and artifacts from both ancient and contemporary Haudenosaunee members. This project explores how Parker’s work was used to help revitalize and honor Native American identity in New York State. Consulting biographical pieces, historical research, newspaper articles, and state archives, this paper argues that Parker’s work was key in revitalizing Haudenosaunee culture and helped lay the groundwork for the Red Power movement.
Voices from the Frontlines: Resistance, Policy, and the Path to Climate Equity

Ethan Cohen

Climate change policies and solutions frequently disregard the frontline communities most affected by environmental damage, particularly those resisting extractive industries such as fossil fuel industries and large-scale energy projects. This research explores how this resistance shapes more than just policy, focusing on the ways communities challenge harmful practices and search for solutions that prioritize equity. Through case studies, such as the Wayúu people in La Guajira, Colombia fighting against a new form of extractivism, the connection between activism and policymaking is evident. The findings reveal that without a community based system, climate policies risk reinforcing existing inequalities rather than addressing them. By looking at both past and present movements, this research highlights the need for solutions that center local voices and reparative justice. A truly sustainable transition must not only step away from fossil fuels but also get rid of the structures of exploitation that have marginalized these communities for generations.
Can LLMs Understand Multi-Armed Bandit Tasks?

Isaac Cohen, Hiten Malhotra, and William M. Hayes

Large Language Models (LLMs) possess many emergent traits, including in-context learning capabilities that one can utilize for sequential decision-making tasks. This study examined how Llama 3 (8B parameters) performs in multi-armed bandit tasks using Bernoulli reward distributions. The LLM’s performance were compared to traditional reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms, including epsilon greedy and Upper Confidence Bound, to evaluate the model’s understanding of exploration and exploitation. Using a logistic regression classifier on PCA-reduced activation vectors extracted from the LLM’s decoder layers, over 90% accuracy was achieved in distinguishing prompts reflecting greedy versus anti-greedy decisions, highlighting the LLM’s internally consistent representations. However, efforts to steer the LLM’s behavior using steering vectors proved unsuccessful, highlighting the difficulties inherent in attempts to manipulate LLM behavior in complex decision-making tasks. These findings raise important questions about interpretability, control, and the emergent nature of in-context learning.
Blockchain-Powered UBI: Reinventing UBI with Decentralized Solutions

Matthew Coletta

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is proposed as a solution to financial insecurity and poverty, but most models rely on traditional banking systems plagued with inefficiencies, high costs, and lack of transparency. This research explores how blockchain technology can enhance UBI through decentralized UBI (dUBI), offering automated distribution, security against fraud, and global accessibility. The challenge of dUBI lies in its scalability and sustainability: can blockchain support large-scale income distribution without problematic inefficiencies? Examining transaction data and smart contract mechanisms from the blockchain-based UBI projects Circles and GoodDollar, as well as theoretical works on UBI and decentralization, this project evaluates the feasibility of dUBI. By analyzing blockchain transaction records, smart contract mechanisms, and economic models, this study bridges blockchain technology and social welfare. As a result, this research demonstrates how dUBI can create a more transparent, efficient, and equitable income distribution system while addressing the limitations of traditional UBI programs.
Revitalizing Johnson City: Addressing the Housing Crisis Through Campus-Inspired Urban Design and 3D Modeling

Carter Cosentino

This paper explores the ongoing housing crisis in America and presents a unique approach to addressing it through urban design inspired by college campuses. By focusing on sustainable, pedestrian-friendly environments and mixed-use spaces, this research proposes a new model for revitalizing downtown areas. The study integrates principles from campus design with affordable housing solutions, emphasizing community connection, walkability, and sustainable growth. Using 3D modeling software, the paper will visualize how these design concepts could transform Johnson City, New York, a town currently undergoing revitalization. The research explores the historical, social, and economic factors contributing to the housing crisis, offering a holistic approach to urban planning that promotes both livability and economic stability. The results will highlight the need for urban reform and demonstrate how incorporating campus-based principles can benefit urban development, improving the quality of life and fostering economic growth.
Association Between Illicit Adderall Use, Gambling and Substance Use

Zachary Costanza, Rusudan Kvirikashvili, James Keough, and Lina Begdache

Illicit Adderall use, gambling and substance use are common and growing concerns among college students that have been found to be a precursor for a wide range of mental and physical health problems. An anonymous online survey was administered through a Google Form questionnaire and shared through multiple social media platforms and Binghamton University outreach events. The survey included a basic demographic questionnaire and questions on illicit Adderall use, substance use, gambling, stress, nutrition and coping mechanisms. A Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to analyze the data in SPSS version 25.0. A positive correlation was found between illicit Adderall use and gambling (p < 0.01), illicit Adderall use and substance use (p < 0.01) and gambling and substance use (p < 0.01. The results of this study indicate the potential link between illicit Adderall use, gambling, and substance use, as well as the potential dangers involved with engaging in these addictive behaviors concurrently.
Like a Natural Woman: Why We Still Need Ecofeminism

Emma Dean-Stahl

In the last half-century, ecofeminism has emerged and expanded as a radical theory examining the connection between the oppression of women and the destruction of the environment. This theory denounces the shared patriarchal exploitation of women and nature by promoting holism and interdependence among all living things. Overtime, however, ecofeminist thought splintered into two distinct variants: cultural and radical. Cultural ecofeminism in particular, which embraces the biological and spiritual tie between women and nature as opposed to rejecting it, has faced many critiques about its apolitical, essentialist, and mystical philosophical approach. This project attempts to reinterpret and defend cultural ecofeminism by critically reexamining Mary Daly’s Gyn/Ecology (1978), a foundational ecofeminist text which identifies patriarchy as destructively exploitative and death-obsessed. It contends that the persistent necrophilic culture of patriarchy warrants an ecofeminist philosophy that is necessarily transcendental and spiritual.
Upstate Socialism: a Story of Homegrown Movements

Zachary Dean, Antonio Melian, and Jack Manning

In 1912 a Socialist was elected mayor of Schenectady. George R. Lunn, a local pastor and reformist leader, rallied the city’s growing working class and rose to power by arguing that the city government could be used to help its citizens. Lunn’s success displayed the rising trend of Socialists being elected to municipal and state governments across the country. However, many Socialist movements in New York, including those in Binghamton and Utica, faced internal pressures and criticism from their local communities, resulting in electoral losses. Drawing on local newspapers from the 1910s alongside census records and archives, this project explores the factors that contributed to the success or failure of the Socialist movement in each of these cities. The resulting podcast strives to improve current understandings of how left-wing movements can succeed, and demonstrate how these lessons could apply to the contemporary progressive movement in the United States.
Variation in Antarctic Circumpolar Current Intensification throughout Late Pleistocene Glacial-Interglacial Cycles

Jeanette M. deCuba, Adriane R. Lam, and Molly O. Patterson

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is an integral part of the global climate and oceanic circulatory system. Previous works have documented evidence that the ACC’s intensity has enhanced and diminished on glacial-interglacial time scales. However, there are conflicting findings between ocean basins. These results suggest regional or localized effects on the intensity of this important global oceanic circulatory front. In this work, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data from a sediment core collected in the Southeastern Indian Ocean near the ACC is used to reconstruct the intensity of the ACC across glacial-interglacial cycles. Preliminary results reveal asynchronous behavior in heavy elemental values at the study site throughout glacial-interglacial time scales and a clear pattern was unable to be determined. As such, additional analysis will be conducted on the current XRF data set and compared with published South Indian Ocean data to attempt to disentangle the initial observations.
Optical Tomography of Laser-Fabricated Waveguides

Shalmalee Deshpande, Nicole Batista, Devi Sapkota, Jack Agnes, Cameron Lapadula, Yuxuan Zhang, and Bonggu Shim

This study employs optical tomography to investigate the 3-D index profiles of femtosecond laser-fabricated waveguides. By immersing the waveguides in an index-matching fluid, this research reconstructs their internal structure and analyzes their 3-D index profiles using interferometer-based optical tomography. To establish a benchmark, this method is first applied to a commercial fiber optic cable, providing a reference for evaluating the laser-written waveguides. In particular, the machine-learning technique is utilized for limited-angle tomography to visualize the 3-D index profiles inside glass. This method has the potential of 3-D visualization of waveguides and structures for system-on-chip applications, where precise control in fabrication and component visualization is critical for efficient optical communication and processing.
“Why Are We Boxing Me In?”: Nuances in Family Acceptance and Rejection for Queer Young Adults

Natalie Destro, Alexandra Itty, Mari McLaughlin, and Harper Weiss

Family acceptance and rejection of queer people has a significant impact on health outcomes, with queer individuals who experience rejection demonstrating higher rates of difficulties such as dysphoria and low self-esteem. However, dominant narratives of family acceptance and rejection often fail to recognize the many different social factors which influence how acceptance or rejection is understood within families, such as culture and religious affiliation. This qualitative study investigates how queer young adults conceptualize family acceptance and rejection as shaped by different contextual considerations. 21 participants aged 18-30 were interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. Researchers analyzed data through an extensive coding process to develop consensus for emerging themes. Analysis revealed experiences of acceptance rooted in consistency and normalization while rejection was characterized by shame and fragmentation. Expectations of acceptance and rejection were contextualized by culture and religion. Findings can help clinicians engage with queer people and their families to promote wellness.
Power to the People: Cutting Red Tape in the Fight for Publicly Owned Electric Utilities

Mitchell Deutsch

In 2023, New York passed the Build Public Renewables Act (BPRA), in which the state committed to sourcing 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Although investor-owned electric utilities make up the majority of New York’s energy landscape, publicly owned utilities are generally better suited for advancing renewable energy because they prioritize public interest over profit. Using a variety of scholarly articles and case summaries, as well as two self-conducted interviews, I will compare two New York municipalities to demonstrate how outdated condemnation laws, prohibitively expensive feasibility studies, and drawn-out legal battles make it extremely difficult for public utilities to form. Furthermore, I will suggest that New York State streamline the municipalization process and provide state-backed financial and legal support to municipalities pursuing public power to meet the goals laid out in the BPRA.
Nixon’s Family Assistance Plan: Its Shortcomings and Impact on Social Policy

Simon Doff

Richard Nixon’s Family Assistance Plan (FAP) was a welfare reform proposal that aimed to completely replace the New Deal-era Aid to Families with Dependent Children with a guaranteed income for low-income families. While pre-existing research primarily focuses on legislative battles and economic implications, less attention has been given to race, sex, and media framing in influencing opposition to the plan. This research is primarily drawn from congressional records, newspaper archives, and policy analyses to explore how each of these factors contributed to the FAP’s downfall, as well as how the FAP’s failure influenced further dialogue on social policy. This research will argue that resistance to the plan was not just policy-based but deeply rooted in societal fears about government assistance, particularly regarding race relations and dependency. Researching this history will help explain enduring opposition to welfare programs and potentially offer insight into modern debates on universal basic income and direct cash assistance.
Printing

Colvin Dole

Most discussions of comic books focus on their value as works of literature or art. For a book like “Sinister Tales” #115, the stories within this anthology comic are not the most interesting part. That is because those stories were removed from their original contexts and repurposed. Instead of reproducing entire comics from American companies, Alan Class took individual stories from many different companies and repackaged them under his own titles. Class also used unconventional methods to print his comics, notably printing them with spines. The Binghamton copy of this book is accompanied by the printing plates used for the cover which help reveal the printing process. This project examines the choices and interesting circumstances of Alan Class Comics. By placing the focus of this project on Alan Class Comics, the contributions of the printers and publishers who are rarely given attention in comics spaces are brought to light.
Evaluating Risk Preferences in GPT Models

Allen Domingo, Joyce Chen, and William M. Hayes

The increasing adoption of large language models is significantly impacting decision-making processes, shaping how individuals make informed choices. This study aimed to examine how Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT) models make decisions under risk compared to the preferences typically observed in humans. This study ran OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 and 4o models through 380 binary choice problems involving a sure option (guaranteed gain or loss) and a gamble with a certain probability of a larger gain or loss. GPT models consistently demonstrated greater risk-seeking behavior in choice problems involving losses, particularly in scenarios where the probability of risk was higher. Differences in model architecture and prior training data may account for the model’s behavior trends. Future research is needed to explore these risk behaviors in a wider range of models to better understand the underlying mechanisms driving decision-making behaviors in large language models.
Campus Community Partnerships to Reduce Asthma Burden in a Local Community

Grace Donnelly, Arinola Ajagbe, Margaret Furman, Doris Gan, Hayden Marin, Jessica Ngo, Allison Pham, Jennie Po, and Stephanie Ray-Offor

Avoidable ER visits due to asthma stress an overburdened healthcare system. Shortened primary care visits, appointment delays, and lack of access related to insurance leave minimal opportunity for asthma education. Community partnerships between Nursing Schools, community organizations, and local schools can address this need to improve health outcomes for a community. Undergraduate students are certified by ALA as program facilitators to provide asthma education in schools. Through this training, students acquire community and population health skills, and develop a broader asthma education framework to achieve a greater reach for children and youth with asthma. 368 undergraduate students have been trained since Spring 2015. >700 children received asthma education throughout 15 school districts and two Head Start Centers. Previous research demonstrates improved asthma knowledge from these interventions.Campus-Community partnerships can address gaps in care related to social determinants to improve asthma outcomes.
Effects of Caffeine and Marijuana Consumption on Academic Performance

Sean Dowd, Domenick Romano, Eva Liu, Gianna Gallo, and Lisa Paulli

College students often rely on stimulants to stay focused, while others use marijuana for stress relief. This study explores commonly used substances that influence academic performance, exposing potential drawbacks. A total of 238 young adults (18-29) and 11 mature adults (30+) completed an anonymous online survey administered through Google Forms and distributed via multiple social media platforms. The survey included basic questions about demographics, academic standing, and caffeine and marijuana consumption. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 28.0 and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient. Results showed a negative correlation between individuals who consumed caffeine frequently and GPA (p<0.05) and individuals who consumed cannabis more frequently and GPA (p<0.05). Substance use impacts academic performance potentially through the modulation of neurochemistry.
Politics vs Climate Change

Chase Dumais

This study examines the evolution of the partisan divide on climate change in the U.S. since the 1990s, exploring its emergence as a polarizing issue between Democrats and Republicans. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combines quantitative analysis of congressional voting records (1990s–2024) with qualitative reviews of key debates and policy discussions. Building on existing literature, the research addresses gaps by analyzing long-term polarization trends and factors influencing political positions. Data from congressional votes (via congress.gov and govtrack.us) will quantify party polarization, while qualitative analysis adds context to these findings. The study acknowledges limitations like vote selection bias and simplified political stances and mitigates them through qualitative context. It aims to illustrate how climate change shifted from a bipartisan concern to a divisive issue, shedding light on drivers of this shift and implications for future policy development.
Rehabilitation Over Punishment: United States Federal Prisons

John Edom

This project will analyze how United States federal prisons are places where punishment is prioritized over rehabilitation and the distinction between abuse and discipline are blurred. This issue can be traced back to the 1980s, with the passage of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act (CCCA) which prioritized punitive measures over rehabilitation and contributed to a sharp rise in incarceration rates. The discretionary power of prisons is far too entrenched. The Supreme Court’s rulings in Turner v. Safley (1987), Overton v. Bazzetta (2003), and Wilkins v. Gaddy (2010) reinforce this discretion by justifying abuse under the guise of discipline. This project will argue that these systemic flaws need to be addressed through clearer legal reforms and stronger judiciary oversight to protect the rights of incarcerated individuals and prevent further injustices from occurring.