ChatGPT in the Courtroom: Weighing the Ethics of AI in Criminal Defense

This presentation explores the ethical debate surrounding the use of AI tools like ChatGPT in criminal defense. It examines the potential benefits—such as increased accessibility to legal assistance and reduced costs—alongside serious concerns regarding misinformation, bias, and a lack of accountability. Drawing on Rebooting AI by Marcus and Davis, as well as peer-reviewed research and current legal developments, the project evaluates whether generative AI can be considered trustworthy in high-stakes legal contexts and what safeguards are necessary for its responsible use

A Psalm of Love for our Goddesses

“A Psalm for Love of our Goddesses” draws us through the power of social justice consciousness in the metric of a psalm

Audacity to Lead: Examining the Experiences of Elementary School Leaders and the Effects of Implementing Collective Efficacy

This qualitative study examined how elementary school leaders develop collective efficacy through leadership practices. Through semi-structured interviews with 16 elementary school leaders, the researcher investigated leadership practices that effectively build and sustain collective efficacy while identifying key challenges and supports. Drawing on Bandura\u27s collective efficacy theory, the study employed a phenomenological approach to understanding leaders\u27 lived experiences in developing collective belief systems within their schools. Key findings indicate that successful collective efficacy development requires intentional leadership practices aligned with school improvement\u27s structural and cultural elements. The study found that 87% of participants reported improved collaborative practices through systematic implementation of professional learning communities, while 91% identified specific strategies for addressing challenges in this work. This research contributes to the field by identifying specific leadership practices that support collective efficacy development while highlighting areas requiring further investigation. Recommendations include developing systematic vision-building approaches, implementing structured professional learning systems, and creating comprehensive data systems to measure achievement and cultural indicators. The findings suggest that developing collective efficacy requires sustained, systematic effort supported by aligned leadership practices at both school and district levels

Hands of Hope

Hands of Hope is a donation initiative dedicated to giving back to those in need by providing essential toiletries and hygiene products. Inspired by an annual donation drive first launched by myself in high school, this project continues the mission of spreading kindness and dignity to underserved communities. Through collective generosity, I aim to make a meaningful impact—one item at a time

Appreciation Ally

Appreciation Ally is an innovative gratitude-focused app developed from evidence-based mental health research. It uniquely blends visual positivity and reflective journaling, guiding users toward enhanced self-discovery, mood and appreciation

Black Women in STEM Fields: The Impact of Culturally Responsive Mentoring Programs in STEM Academic and Career Success

This qualitative phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of Black women who attained academic and career success in STEM pathways and their perceptions of culturally responsive mentoring (CRM) programs. Despite comprising 7% of the U.S. population, Black women remain disproportionately underrepresented in STEM fields. This study aimed to increase knowledge of the perceived value of CRM programs in increasing Black women\u27s representation, recruitment, and retention in STEM leadership positions. Nine Black women at the director level or higher in STEM organizations participated in semi-structured interviews. The study utilized a conceptual framework for CRM with nine benchmarks to guide the analysis. Three research questions explored the types of mentoring experiences, significant aspects of CRM, and perceived relationships between CRM and STEM career success. Data analysis revealed themes including the importance of representation and role models, navigating predominantly White spaces, building confidence and self-efficacy, overcoming stereotypes and biases, and developing support systems and community. Findings highlighted CRM\u27s role in creating psychologically safe environments, providing emotional support, taking holistic approaches, and positioning participants for positive change. The study offers recommendations for developing culturally competent leadership programs, implementing CRM in academic and workplace settings, and conducting further research on intersectionality in mentorship. This research aimed to address barriers and increase diversity in the STEM talent pipeline by illuminating effective CRM strategies benefiting organizations and the broader economy through enhanced innovation and representation

PARE Project - Antibiotic Resistance in the Community

Students in our Microbiology Lab (BIOL333L) participated in the Prevalence for Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment (PARE) Project initiative developed by Tufts University to test antibiotic resistance to tetracycline of bacteria in environmental soil samples across the country. PARE is conducting this research to address the global health crises antibiotic resistance causes using a “crowdsourcing approach” to track environmental antibiotic-resistance in a way that can not be accomplished by a single research group.Students in the lab collected soil samples from around the Rochester community to test for the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Sample sites were chosen based on predictions of potentially high resistance to antibiotics. Soil and water samples were serial diluted and plated on selective media in the presence of various concentrations of tetracycline. Colony forming units (CFU/1g of soil) were calculated for the various samples to determine the total number of bacteria and percent that were tetracycline resistant. Data will be uploaded into the PARE database in order to coordinate efforts with students around the country to understand more about the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. This project is part of a multi-week exploratory assignment for BIOL333L

Bridging Educational Disparities through Health Education

I am creating a pamphlet handout and a lecture (or notes for a lecture) that could be given to students in grades 7-9 in order to improve their health literacy and education. This would be given in schools where there is a lack of funding for health teachers or health seminars. The pamphlet will include hygiene, things to stay away from (dangers of drugs), and general health advice for a student who doesn\u27t receive this knowledge in school

Adaptive Skiing: Benefits for the IDD Population

My presentation will be primarily based on the volunteer work I have done this semester. This was done through Holiday Valley Ski Resort at the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program where I worked with children with developmental and physical disabilities to teach them to ski and/or use assistive devices to make the sport accessible. I will also discuss both the physical and mental health benefits for the IDD population, as well as information a coach would need to keep in mind from a medical standpoint when participating in these lessons

Discovering the World: dialects, accents and more

Endangered languages and the role of language and culture