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JR-24S-3751: Student Government Honorary Member 2023-2024: Associate Vice President of Student Engagement and International Affairs Ruth Lopez
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Geoff Raiser Holding Fish
No full textPhotograph: Geoff Raiser, Natural Sciences, holding fish. On reverse: S. P. Stanton Geoff Raiser, Nat Sci & false Pirahna . [false piranha] Image from Spinnaker Media. Undated.https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/spinnaker-images/1004/thumbnail.jp
William Roach
No full textPhotograph: Professor William Roach, Communications Department. William Roach initiated University of North Florida\u27s first campus newspaper. Image from Spinnaker Media. Undated.https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/spinnaker-images/1006/thumbnail.jp
Partial Biography of James Weldon Johnson
Get PDFDocument: Partial biography about the life and works of James Weldon Johnson. Undated
Exploring the welfare of a captive population of Cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) through social and resource interactions
No full textZoos and aquariums utilize research-based management to ensure animals remain in a positive welfare standing. While vital, this research is taxa-biased towards mammals, with few studies observing other species that are frequently observed in captivity, such as elasmobranchs, or sharks and rays. Often maintained in exhibits that allow direct guest interaction, or touch pools, elasmobranchs have been shown to respond to these exposures through behavior changes in activity and social interactions. While this may indicate a potential for compromised welfare, the literature is conflicting and sparse, leaving uncertainty in the overall welfare condition of animals maintained in this popular exhibit style. Therefore, this study aimed to use the social interactions of a group of social living elasmobranchs to understand the impacts of social organization and positioning on the interaction and acquisition of resources within touch pool conditions to gain a more holistic view of welfare. To achieve this, an observational behavior study was performed on the Cownose rays at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Stingray Bay habitat. We used social network analysis methods to determine the social organization of the group as well as determine individual positioning, or centrality, to compare to husbandry and resource interaction. Results indicated that the captive Cownose rays studied seem to follow an egalitarian society and that centrality may not play a large role in the involvement of interaction or acquisition of resources as predicted. Individual differences between interaction with husbandry and resources may instead be explained by differences in personality traits. While we are unable to make a definitive claim on the welfare of these rays, the results of this study will allow for more effective and informed management of rays within touch pools, as well as inform future studies in both wild and captive studies of elasmobranch research
Perspectives on Death Race 2000: Post-Vietnam America, Erotic Violence, And The Time-Bomb of Meta-Horror
Get PDFThis paper examines the historical influences on the film Death Race 2000, particularly how the culture of Vietnam War era America influenced certain themes within the film, as well as providing numerous other short interpretations on the film in relation to eroticism, politics, and the cinema of David Cronenberg
Latticed Stinkhorn
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Latticed Stinkhorn is a watercolor piece originally created for the special gallery of the 2023 Scientific Illustration course at the University of North Florida. It was inspired by my enduring fascination with the world of fungi, particularly specimens of the family Phallaceae. This watercolor piece offers a simple perspective of Clathrus ruber, a species commonly referred to as Latticed Stinkhorn. Like many members of the family, the reproductive fruiting body first surfaces encased in a cream-colored soft shell with a texture comparable to a leathery reptile egg. As the body ages, the initial shell disintegrates to reveal a delicate spongy cage with a dark spore-filled slime lining the interior. This slime, also known as “gleba”, is a gelatinous tissue with a viscosity that decreases as the above-ground body deteriorates. Unlike the spores of other fungi that may be dispersed via wind, the sticky mass of C. ruber spores requires close physical contact with other species for successful distribution. Interestingly, the gleba carries a rancid scent that deters the approach of most humans and other large animals. Instead, the odor encourages the attraction of interested insects, such as flies, who readily partake in the consumption of the fungus. Through this interaction, insects aid in the dispersal of spores, thus solidifying both additional generations of C. ruber and contributing to the geographical range of the species.
My reason for selecting watercolor as the medium for this piece was to emphasize the fragile morphology of these organisms along with their superficially modest habitat. Moreover, watercolor requires precision and adaptability on behalf of the artist, conditions similarly experienced by a fungus that seeks maximum fecundity. My objective with this art piece is to bring to light the delightfully odd existence of C. ruber as well as their importance to the environment as a decomposer. Despite the objectively offensive scent of this species, I believe they are a wonderfully unique addition to the fungi kingdom. The smelly structure we see on the surface is just a small feature of the amazing organism carefully amending the components of the planet’s soil.
I recently graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in Biology in December of 2023. It is my greatest hope that I can utilize my academic and artistic experience to help conserve and illustrate the natural wonders of the world. Through my art, my goal is to effectively represent the appearance, behavior and habitat of species to educate myself and viewers. It is my sincere wish that through this method of outreach, others will feel encouraged to develop a passion for the environment and strive to protect it
The Ladybug
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The Ladybug is a piece inspired by my wide-eyed youth. As a child, I was in awe of the ladybug\u27s (Coccinellidae) iconic red elytra adorned with their contrasting black spots. I was also told that encountering a ladybug meant good luck and to make a wish, which fueled my fascination. As I began studying biology, I discovered that they play a crucial ecological role as voracious predators of aphids and other plant pests. Their contribution to natural pest control underscores their importance in agriculture and ecosystem balance. Ladybugs are valued allies, not only in the eyes of sustainable pest management practices worldwide, but in mine too. The moment I was told that ladybugs are good luck, I knew that not only my wishes were the ones being granted.
My illustration serves not only to visually document the ladybug’s anatomy but also to inspire a deeper appreciation for its ecological significance. By intertwining my childhood wonder with scientific rigor, this illustration is an invitation to marvel at the beauty and functionality of one of nature’s most beloved insects. The next time you see a fellow ladybug, I encourage you to tap into your inner child and make a wish
