Eastern Florida State College’s biannual Undergraduate Research Exhibition celebrates students’ creativity and academic growth. For sophomore Tynesha Taylor-Hyman, the event marked a turning point in her college experience, transforming a classroom assignment into a long-term research pursuit.
Taylor’s journey to the exhibition began when a required Composition 1 course unexpectedly opened the door to research. Initially apprehensive about the writing-intensive class, she quickly discovered that research could be a creative outlet.
“I learned that I am the prompt,” she said. “It’s not just about responding to a topic. It’s about connecting my own ideas and using other voices to support what I want to say.”
Research Rooted in Pop Culture
Taylor’s research explores dark fantasy narratives and the psychological patterns embedded in popular media. Drawing from her own experiences watching television, reading books, and engaging with storytelling from a young age, she began to notice recurring tropes and themes. Using examples from Coraline and The Promised Neverland, her work investigates how audiences internalize these patterns and how that familiarity fosters empathy with characters and storylines.
“What I thought was predictability was actually recognition,” she explained. “These narratives recycle, and we relate to them because they mirror our own experiences.”
With guidance from her professor, Dr. Warren Jones, Taylor developed her own theory and continued her research beyond the classroom. She began the project as a graded assignment, but it evolved into a personal passion — one she has pursued independently for nearly a year.
Presenting at the Exhibition
The Spring 2025 Undergraduate Research Exhibition gave Taylor her first opportunity to share her work publicly. Her poster presentation focused on how dark fantasy narratives serve as mirrors for personal and cultural experiences, and how academic research can deepen our understanding of these connections.
“I was thinking not just about the content, but about how people would engage with it,” she said. “How attendees moved, where their eyes landed, whether they leaned in or stepped back. I wanted to make my ideas accessible — not just academically, but visually and socially.”
Taylor found the event deeply rewarding. She noted that visitors were genuinely curious and eager to engage.
The most impactful moments came during spontaneous conversations. Visitors didn’t just ask questions, but also offered their own insights, challenged her ideas, and sparked new ones. These interactions affirmed the value of her research and encouraged her to continue exploring the topic.
“I was meeting minds,” she said. “We were hitting it off intellectually, and that was incredibly validating.”
Expanding Her Academic Horizons
Taylor’s experience at the exhibition has already led to broader opportunities. She was accepted to present at the Popular Culture Association’s annual conference and applied to the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC), where she plans to present in 2026.
“These conferences aren’t just academic milestones,” she said. “They’re spaces where I can connect with other researchers, share ideas, and expand my understanding of genres like horror and sci-fi.”
Her research has also reshaped how she views her future in marketing. By studying the ethical implications of media and consumer behavior, she’s become a vocal advocate for responsible marketing practices.
“I want to be the person in the room who challenges the status quo,” she said. “Someone who says, ‘This is great, but here’s how we can make it better and more ethical.’”
Advice for Fellow Students
For students considering research for the first time, Taylor encourages them to take the leap. She believes the Undergraduate Research Exhibition is an ideal starting point — a space where curiosity meets opportunity.
“It’s a great place to find your idea and talk to other people,” she said. “You’ll be surprised by the connections you can make with individuals you never thought you had anything in common with.”
She emphasizes that research is about sparking lightbulb moments in others and discovering new ones for yourself.
“People leave your poster saying, ‘Wow, I never thought about that!’ It’s a pretty cool feeling when you’re able to give someone a better understanding or a different perspective.”
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