Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #191

serial: '191'
sid: '9039'
uuid: c7f5e0c2-d77c-4974-880e-7471bec39af5
uri: /student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal
created: '1769707216'
completed: '1769709356'
changed: '1772137045'
in_draft: '0'
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remote_addr: 146.201.10.28
uid: '0'
langcode: en
webform_id: research_portal
entity_type: node
entity_id: '14501'
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sticky: '0'
notes: ''
metatag: meta
data:
  abstract: |-
    This project explores how dietary macronutrient balance and exercise influence lifespan and metabolic health using Drosophila melanogaster as a model for human nutrition and aging. The primary goal is to examine how variations in the protein to carbohydrate ratio, combined with physical activity, affect longevity-related outcomes. Understanding optimal macronutrient composition is important because dietary balance plays a central role in metabolic regulation, muscle function, and age-related decline in humans. 

    Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful model organism due to strong genetic and physiological similarities to humans. Approximately 60 percent of human genes have functional equivalents in flies, and nearly 75 percent of genes associated with human disease are conserved. Flies also exhibit age-related declines in locomotor activity and mitochondrial function similar to humans, making them especially valuable for studying exercise, aging, and metabolic disease. 

    By analyzing how dietary composition and exercise interact to influence lifespan, this project aims to contribute to the broader understanding of nutritional strategies that may promote healthy aging. Insights gained from Drosophila models may help inform future research on optimizing diet and physical activity interventions to reduce age-related disease risk in humans. 

     
  additional_research_mentor: ''
  annual_description: '5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025'
  co_presenters: ''
  first_name: 'Valeria '
  i_will_be_printing_my_poster: '0'
  keywords: 'Drosophila melanogaster,dietary standardization'
  last_name: Marulanda
  major: 'Biochemistry (Valeria Marulanda), Pre-pharmacy (Habiba Zeidan)'
  poster_pdf: ''
  poster_session_number: ''
  poster_thumbnail: ''
  presentation_modality: 'Face to Face Poster session'
  pronouns: ''
  research_mentor: 'Dr.Bre Minniefield'
  research_mentor_s_college: 'Florida State University PC'
  research_mentor_s_department: Biology
  research_mentor_s_email: bminniefield@pc.fsu.edu
  student_bio: |
    Valeria- I'm originally from Miami, and science has always piqued my interest. In this research, I hope to expand my skills and implement them into my future career. 

    Habiba- My name is Habiba Zeidan. I always grew up with an interest in natural sciences and the relation to the human body. I hope this research opportunity gives me more insight & prepares me for my future career!
  student_email: VMM25@fsu.edu
  student_photo: '72871'
  title: 'The Interaction of P:C Ratios and Exercise on Metabolic Plasticity and Longevity in Drosophila.'
  update_url: 'https://pc.fsu.edu/student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal?element_parents=elements/student_photo&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=G-HHlULfSX0PJUJMLQbaCmefINjsZr_y4yiN7v8eA_8'
  work: Exploratory
  year: '2026'