Scholars of Excellence
Outstanding Thesis & Dissertation Award
The Outstanding Thesis and Dissertation (OTD) Award recognizes graduate alumni whose research exemplifies the highest quality. The award recognizes those 新澳门六合彩内幕信息graduates who have demonstrated exceptional performance and whose thesis or dissertation has resulted in a significant impact to the discipline at the national level.
2024 Outstanding Dissertation Award Recipients
Janine DeBlasi Ph.D. (Molecular Biosciences/Cancer Biology)
Dissertation: Distinct Nrf2 Signaling Thresholds Mediate Lung Tumor Initiation and Progression
Major Professor: Gina DeNicola, Ph.D.
Research Summary
This research explores the dual role of NRF2, a key regulator of oxidative stress response, in non-small cell lung cancer. It was observed that Nrf2 activation in a genetically engineered mouse model can promote lung tumor initiation in the presence of oncogenic Kras mutation, but excessive Nrf2 activation can inhibit tumor progression by causing metabolic imbalances such as reductive stress, which can impair cancer cell proliferation.
These insights can guide the development of targeted therapies that modulate NRF2 activity depending on the tumor stage and genetic context. Specifically, increasing NRF2 activity in NRF2-hyperactive tumors could drive them to a state that impairs progression. However, since there seems to be an optimal threshold of NRF2 activity, caution is needed when developing NRF2 inhibitors, as reducing NRF2 activity in certain tumor cells could inadvertently permit tumor progression. The study also suggests that NRF2 activators could be useful for chemoprevention in healthy individuals, as Nrf2 activation alone did not initiate tumors in our mouse models. However, long-term human studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of such interventions.
By unveiling the context-dependent effects of NRF2, this research offers promising avenues for personalized cancer therapies that consider the specific genetic and metabolic characteristics of tumors.
Noah Schulz Ph.D. (Applied Physics)
Dissertation: Interfacial Magnetism and Anisotropy in Dirac and Weyl Semimetals
Major Professor: Hariharan Srikanth, Ph.D.
Research Summary
Over the past twenty years, scientists have been able to identify special types of electrons in materials as a collective phenomenon. These special materials are known as semimetals, and come in a few different types which hold great potential for applications in modern computing, sensing, and renewable energies. Two problems with the realization of these systems in practical applications is the ability to induce magnetism and systematically control their properties. This dissertation research explored two specific types of semimetal systems, Dirac and Weyl semimetals, and investigated how changing the interfacial and bulk magnetic properties can be used to solve the aforementioned problems.
Alexandria Choate Ph.D. (Psychology)
Dissertation: Modeling the Development of Borderline Personality Disorder: A Formal Theory Approach
Major Professor: Marina Bornovalova, Ph.D.
Research Summary
This dissertation advances both the methodological and theoretical understanding of borderline personality disorder (BPD) by leveraging formal computational methods to explore an alternative model of BPD and its development. This approach offers a powerful framework for generating precise, testable predictions that adequately captures the intricate dynamics underlying the development and maintenance of BPD. The use of formal models in this context is particularly groundbreaking, as previous research has largely overlooked these methods for studying BPD and its development.
By utilizing formal models, this dissertation offers novel insights into the development of BPD, while simultaneously addressing key limitations of existing theoretical frameworks. These findings also have several clinical implications, with the potential to advance current prevention and intervention strategies for BPD. For instance, modeling the complex interactions and risk factors contributing to BPD can shed light on how individuals with varying risk factors and symptoms may respond to different treatments. Understanding these differences may guide clinicians in selecting the most suitable intervention for a patient's unique risk profile and symptomatology, potentially leading to more favorable treatment outcomes.
2024 Outstanding Thesis Award Recipient
Raaga Sai Somesula, M.S. (Computer Science & Engineering)
Thesis: Programmable and Scalable Bit-Sliced VLSI Architecture for Decision Tree Based Machine Learning Edge Inference
Major Professor: Srinivas Katkoori, Ph.D.
Research Summary
As the volume and diversity of Internet-of-Things (IoT) data continues to grow, traditional cloud-based processing methods face significant challenges, including latency, bandwidth constraints, and privacy concerns. Our research focuses on employing decision trees (DTs) as an intelligent filtering mechanism on the edge. Preliminary comparisons across four datasets revealed decision trees (DT) are significantly more efficient than multilayer perceptron (MLP), saving 97-98% in area and power, leading to the selection of DT for our proposed architecture for lightweight IoT devices We propose a novel programmable and scalable custom ASIC architecture designed for Decision Tree based ML inference. It incorporates two 8-bit serial in serial out input registers connected to an 8-bit comparator for data processing, the output of the comparator drives the select line of Mux, which selects the respective true and false paths. It has two modes of operation, which can be controlled by asserting mode signals. When the mode is asserted high, the circuit behaves as a leaf node, and we can store classification label values in it, whereas when the mode is not asserted, it behaves as a normal comparator, which decides true and false paths. Our design processes trained datasets for classification through two operational phases. Initially, in the programming phase, attribute values are assigned to respective bit slices along with leaf classification values. In the real-time phase, the inferencing takes place by loading the feature values for comparison at each bit slice, resulting in classification. We have designed and implemented the architecture in the Cadence Virtuoso Layout Design platform with a 0.5um technology node. A 3-level decision tree occupies an area 9,34,241 碌m虏 with 14mW power consumption with a maximum speed of 12.8 MHz.
Past Outstanding Thesis and Dissertation Award Winners
2023
Name | Area | Type |
---|---|---|
Yi-Jie Zhu, Ph.D. |
Geography, Environmental Science and Policy | Dissertation |
Title: Inland Tropical Cyclone Intensity Decay in the Continental United States |
||
MacLean Hall, Ph.D. |
Molecular Biosciences | Dissertation |
Title: Utilizing neoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells and immune checkpoint modulation to advance
adoptive cell therapy with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for metastatic melanoma
patients |
||
Keval Doshi, Ph.D. |
Electrical Engineering | Dissertation |
Title: Video Anomaly Detection: Practical Challenges for Learning Algorithms |
||
Amanda Connella, M.A. |
Criminology | Thesis |
Title: The Invisible Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation: Boys and Their Barriers to
Access to Services |
2022
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Elizabeth Hintz, Ph.D. |
Communication | Dissertation |
Title: Explicating the Process of Communicative Disenfranchisement for Women with Chronic
Overlapping Pain Conditions (COPCs) |
||
Ausmita Sarker, Ph.D. |
Computer Science and Engineering | Dissertation |
Title: Secure Hardware Constructions for Fault Detection of Lattice-based Post-quantum Cryptosystems Major Professor: Mehran Mozaffari Kermani, Ph.D. |
||
Shangqing Zhao, Ph.D. |
Electrical Engineering | Dissertation |
Title: Data-Oriented Approaches towards Mobile, Network and Secure Systems Major Professor: Zhuo Lu, Ph.D. |
||
Ruchitha Chinthala M.S. |
Computer Science & Engineering |
Thesis |
Title: An Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) Approach for Remote Assessment of Head and Neck
Cancer Patients Major Professor: Srinivas Katkoori, Ph.D. |
2021
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Michelle Guitard | Marine Science | Dissertation |
Title: Ocean Forcing of Quaternary East Antarctic Ice Sheet Evolution: An Ice-Proximal Sedimentary Perspective | ||
Sheikh Ariful Islam | Computer Science | Dissertation |
Title: Behavioral and RT-Level Synthesis of Secure Nano VLSI Digital ASIC Designs | ||
Stephanie Phillips | English | Dissertation |
Title: The Power of Non-Compliant Logos: A New Materialist Approach to Comic Studies | ||
Sarah Schmid | Integrative Biology | Thesis |
Title: Novel CO2 Transporters from Autotrophic Bacteria from Extreme Environments |
2020
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Kadriye Merve Dogan | Mechanical Engineering | Dissertation |
Title: Stable Adaptive Control Systems in the Presence of Unmodeled and Actuator | ||
Fiona Kearns | Chemistry | Dissertation |
Title: Development and Application of Computational Models for Biochemical Systems | ||
Zeinab Motawe | Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology | Dissertation |
Title: Functional Significance of Endothelial Sigma-1 Receptors in Vascular Reactivity and Barrier Function | ||
Kristen Grafton | English | Thesis |
Title: 9/11 Then and Now: How the Performance of Memorial Rhetoric by Presidents Changes to Construct Hero |
2019
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Mengqiu Wang | Marine Science | Dissertation |
Title: Spatial and Temporal Distributions of Pelagic Sargassum in the Intra-Americas Sea and Atlantic Ocean | ||
Brent Kuenzi | Cancer Chemical Biology | Dissertation |
Title: Off-Target Based Drug Repurposing Using Systems Pharmacology | ||
Kim Miender | Music Education | Dissertation |
Title: The Effects of a Self-Regulated Learning Music Practice Strategy Curriculum on Music Performance, Self-Regulation, Self-Efficacy, and Cognition | ||
Dean Hobbis | Physics | Thesis |
Title: A Fundamental Investigation into Low Thermal Conductivity P-Type Chalcogenides and Skutterudites with Potential Thermoelectric Applications |
2018
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Brad Steele | Physics | Dissertation |
Title: Computational Discovery of Energetic Polynitrogen Compounds at High Pressure | ||
Renee Fleeman | Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology | Dissertation |
Title: Discovering Antibacterial and Anti-Resistance Agents Targeting Multi-Drug Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens | ||
Kimberly French | Psychology (Industrial-Organizational) | Dissertation |
Title: Episodic Work-Family Conflict and Strain: A Dynamic Perspective | ||
Amanda Palmer | Psychology (Clinical) | Thesis |
Title: Parsing the Influences of Nicotine and Expectancies on the Acute Effects of E-cigarettes: A Balanced Placebo Experiment |
2017
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Ashley Basiorka | Cancer Biology | Dissertation |
Title: Changing the Pathobiological Paradigm in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: The NLRP3 Inflammasome Drives the MDS Phenotype | ||
Jeremy Cohen | Integrative Biology | Dissertation |
Title: Climate Change Drives Outbreaks of Emerging Infectious Disease and Phenological Shifts | ||
Prerna Malaney | Pathology | Dissertation |
Title: Significance of PTEN Phosphorylation and its Nuclear Function in Lung Cancer |
2016
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Jacqueline L. Fries | Chemistry | Dissertation |
Title: Chemical Investigation of Antarctic Marine Organisms & Their Role in Modern Drug Discovery | ||
Nikita La Cruz | Geosciences | Thesis |
Title: Schreibersite: Synthesis, Characterization and Corrosion and Possible Implications for Origin of Life | ||
Kaya Wei | Physics | Dissertation |
Title: Investigation of Low Thermal Conductivity Materials with Potential for Thermoelectric Applications | ||
JungA (Alexa) Woo | Molecular Medicine | Dissertation |
Title: Role of the Slingshot-Cofilin and RanBP9 Pathways in Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis |
2015
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Aaron Craig | Curriculum & Instruction | Dissertation |
Title: National Investigation of Pre-Activity Health Screening Procedures in Fitness Facilities: Perspectives from American College of Sports Medicine Certified Health Fitness Specialists | ||
Jayita Das | Electrical Engineering | Dissertation |
Title: Auxiliary Roles in STT-MRAM Memory | ||
Jianing Fu | Cancer Biology | Dissertation |
Title: Targeting T-bet for Prevention of Graft-Versus-Host Disease and Leukemia Relapse after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation | ||
Robert Hardy | Marine Science | Thesis |
Title: Assessments of Surface-Pelagic Drift Communities and Behavior of Early Juvenile Sea Turtles in the Northern Gulf of Mexico |
2014
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Brian Barnes | Marine Science | Dissertation |
Title: The Combined Effects of Light and Temperature on Coral Bleaching: A Case Study of the Florida Reef Tract Using Satellite Data | ||
Taegan McMahon | Integrative Biology | Dissertation |
Title: Effects of Pesticides and the Pathogenic Chytrid Fungus on Aquatic Organisms with an Emphasis on their Role in Amphibian Declines | ||
Darrell Nicholson | Creative Writing | Thesis |
Title: Waterborne | ||
Hillary Seifert | Molecular Pharmacology | Dissertation |
Title: The Inflammatory Response Initiated by the Spleen to Ischemic Stroke |
2013
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Lyudmyla Adamska | Physics |
Dissertation |
Title: Theory and Modeling of Graphene and Single Molecule Devices | ||
Brian Dunst | Philosophy | Dissertation |
Title: Embodying Social Practice: Dynamically Co-constituting Social Agency | ||
Stefce Stefanoski | Physics | Dissertation |
TItle: Synthesis and Physical Properties of Group 14 Intermetallic Clathrates | ||
Claire Stephens | English | Thesis |
Title: Split City Blues |
2012
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Julia Galkiewicz | Marine Science | Dissertation |
Title: Microbial Ecology and Functional Genomics of Deep-Water Coral-Associated Microbes | ||
Cristina Mazza | Geography, Environment, & Planning | Thesis |
Title: The Influence of Meteorological Parameters on Rainfall and Severe Weather in Pinellas County, FL | ||
Cecelia Padros | Applied Anthropology | Dissertation |
Title: The Participation of NGOs in Healthcare: The Case of Pediatric Cancer Treatment in Argentina | ||
Adrian Popescu | Applied Physics | Dissertation |
Title: Carbon Nanotubes Interactions: Theory and Applications |
2011
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Huijuan Chen | Chemical Engineering | Dissertation |
Title: The Conversion of Low-Grade Heat into Power Using Supercritical Rankine Cycles | ||
Jason Lewis | Applied Physics | Dissertation |
Title: Device Physics of Solution Processable Solar Cells | ||
Javier Pulecio | Electrical Engineering | Dissertation |
Title: Field-Coupled Nano-Magnetic Logic Systems | ||
Matthew Tucker | Public Health | Dissertation |
Title: Phenotypic and Genotypic Analysis of In Vitro Selected Artemisinin Resistant Plasmodium falciparum |
2010
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Koutstav Bhattacharya | Computer Science & Engineering | Dissertation |
Title: Architectures and Algorithms for Mitigation of Soft Errors in Nanoscale VLSI Circuits | ||
Michael Conroy | Applied Physics | Dissertation |
Title: Density Functional Theory Studies of Energetic Materials | ||
Sabrina Hughes | Art History | Thesis |
Title: Empty Streets in the Capital of Modernity: Formation of Lieux de M茅moire in Parisian Street Photography From Daguerre to Atget | ||
Scott Segro | Chemistry | Dissertation |
Title: Surface-Bonded Sol-Gel Sorbents for On-Line Hyphenation of Capillary Microextraction with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography |
2009
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Matt Beekman | Applied Physics | Dissertation |
Title: Fundamental Investigations on Open-Framework Intermetallic Materials of Group 14 | ||
Angela Gilbert | Geography | Thesis |
Title: Air Toxics and Equity: A Geographic Analysis of Environmental Health Risks in Florida | ||
Vishnu Nanduri | Industrial Engineering | Dissertation |
Title: Generation Capacity Expansion in Restructured Energy Markets | ||
Praveen Sekhar | Electrical Engineering | Dissertation |
Title: Nanomanufacturing of Silica Nanowires: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications |
2008
Name | Major | Type |
---|---|---|
Shayam Aravamudhan | Electrical Engineering | Thesis |
Title: Development of Micro/Nanosensor Elements and Packaging Techniques for Oceanography | ||
Upavan Gupta | Computer Science & Engineering | Dissertation |
Title: Utilitarian Approaches for Multi-Metric Optimization in VLSI Circuit Design and Spatial Cluster | ||
Rebecca Kinkade Davis | Cancer Biology | Dissertation |
Title: Rb-Raf-1 Interaction as a Therapeutic Target for Proliferative | ||
Luca Lai | Applied Anthropology | Dissertation |
Title: The Interplay of Economics, Climatic and Cultural Change Investigated Through Isotopic Analyses of Bone Tissue: The Case of Sardinia 4000-1900 BC |