Interdisciplinary Research Conference 2025

Welcome to the 14th Annual Palm Beach Atlantic Interdisciplinary Research Conference (IRC)!
We are excited to have you join us for this exciting gathering of our academic community of faculty and students, each dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Open to all our PBA community, the IRC is a celebration of the invaluable role that research and scholarship play in the life of our university and the intellectual growth of our students.

At Palm Beach Atlantic University, we believe that research is not just a minor part of academia; it is the very heartbeat of our institution. Research and scholarship drives our search for understanding, challenges existing boundaries and fosters an environment where creativity and critical thinking flourish. Through rigorous inquiry and exploration, we create a community to foster our students with the tools they need to navigate and contribute to an ever-evolving world.

Over the next two days, we will engage in sharing our findings, stimulate discussions and collaborate on ideas. I encourage everyone to not only absorb the wealth of knowledge present, but also to develop new student and faculty connections, encourage one other and actively seek new avenues of inquiry. The destination is worth the journey. Our hope is that our conference will serve to ignite new passions and encourage our community of scholars to push the limits of what is known.

Thank you for being here and for your commitment to advancing research and scholarship at PBA. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our university and our global community.

Welcome, and let the presentations and discussions begin!

Hannah Hutchins

Graduate Student
M.S. in Health Science with a concentration in Biomedical Science
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Hannah Hutchins graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience and is currently pursuing graduate studies. As an undergraduate, she worked as a Molecular Biology and Microbiology Laboratory Technician, Chemistry Laboratory Technician, Chemistry Teaching Assistant and Genetics Peer Tutor. She served as president of Psi Chi Honor Society and as a student ambassador for the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Program. Her senior literature review on herbicide exposure and neurodegenerative disorders was published in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science. Hannah received the Dr. Jess Moody Award in March 2024 and graduated as the Outstanding Graduate of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. As a master’s student, she is a teaching assistant in Biology and Chemistry and is applying for a QI grant to continue her research. After graduating in May 2026, she plans to pursue clinical neuroscience research and teach as an adjunct professor of biology.

Rebecca Nacy

Senior
Biology with a concentration in Zoology and a minor in Psychology
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Rebecca Nacy is a member of the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program and has held various campus roles, including welcoming freshmen in the Admissions Office, working as a General Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory Technician, serving as a First Year Coach for the Honors First Year Experience and assisting in Dr. Angela Witmer’s Benthic Nearshore Ecology Lab. Additionally, she is a Presidential Ambassador. In the summer of 2024, she conducted research in the Philippines through the National Science Fund’s Ph-IRES program, studying the population genetics of blue swimming crabs under the guidance of Filipino and American mentors. As a Fulbright semifinalist, she plans to teach English in Spain as a Fulbright ETA and ultimately aspires to pursue research at the intersection of genetics and environmental sustainability.

Gabriela Alves

Junior
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry and a minor in English
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Gabriela Alves is a member of the Fredrick M. Supper Honors Program and has held various leadership and academic positions on campus, including serving as a First Year Coach for the First Year Experience program and as a Chemistry Teaching Assistant. Gabriela is actively engaged in research at the Gregory School of Pharmacy, where she explores antimicrobial compounds aimed at combating antimicrobial resistant strains of bacteria. Additionally, she has volunteered as a Science Camp Counselor for the PBA Center for Integrative Science Learning Summer Science Camp. Driven by a deep passion for public health and infectious diseases, Gabriela is committed to fostering cross-cultural connections and making science more accessible for all communities.

Joseph Harold

Sophomore
Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology and a minor in Chemistry
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Joseph Harold has held several on-campus positions, including Molecular Biology and Microbiology Laboratory Technician, Chemistry Teaching Assistant, Preserved Fish Collection Treasurer and Invertebrate Zoology Peer Tutor. He is an active member of Dr. Angela Witmer’s marine field research team, where he conducts studies on local waters, beaches, mangroves and other environmental aspects of Palm Beach County. Additionally, he serves as an officer for the Science Club and leads the Fish Tank Committee. Upon his graduation in December 2026, he intends to enter the workforce, utilizing his expertise in chemistry and invertebrate biology both in laboratory settings and fieldwork.

Schedule 2025