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This project investigates how Black women who taught K-12 science describe and navigate Racial Battle Fatigue (RBF) and the biological, psychological, and physiological stressors that precede “breaking points.” Using a Black feminist epistemology and narrative inquiry, the undergraduate research will analyze de-identified interview transcripts and available narratives to identify patterns in stress exposure, coping, and recovery. Typical work involves qualitative coding (episodic and thematic), building annotated timelines of stressor cascades, and producing digital expressions (voice over imagery, ��animations, ai generated movies) that translate findings for community audiences. The objective is to illuminate how layered stressors accumulate and to craft accessible representations that can inform healing-centered practices for STEM learning.

Prerequisites: No experience necessary
Academic Level: ��Rising Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors
Students Major: STEM education, media technology, information science, psychology
Computer Coding: ��No coding
Hosting Department: School of Education

This project investigates the cellular heterogeneity of neurons within the brain's "reward center", the ventral tegmental area. Though well known for its dopamine neurons, several genetically-distinct dopamine and nondopamine cell-types exist within the ventral tegmental area. The intrinsic electrical properties of these neurons are largely unknown. The student will record and analyze electrical signaling properties of genetically-distinct ventral tegmental area neurons to examine whether they exhibit different levels of excitability, plasticity, ion channels, and receptors. The objective is to better understand the cellular heterogeneity of neurons within the "reward center" in order to better develop cell-type specific treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Prerequisites: No experience necessary
Academic Level: ��Rising Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors
Students Major: Psychology, neuroscience, physiology, engineering, computer science, or other related field
Computer Coding: ��Coding will be performed, no prior experience required ��
Hosting Department: Neuroscience