The first idea that I am considering for my research STEM capstone project is about the connection between the food that people consume and the levels of serotonin in their blood. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and works as a mechanism for controlling mood. Ninety five percent of the body's serotonin levels are created in the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract. (Puristat.com) This makes what a person puts in their body critical to regulation of serotonin levels, which helps with prevention of depression and other mental illnesses. The food we eat also influences memory, clarity of the mind, and cravings. Three major food types have the highest effect on the human body and the release of serotonin. Foods that are high in sugar and that have high fructose corn syrup, packed full of gluten, and other processed types are not only bad for proper functioning of the stomach and intestinal tracts, they influence the way the brain works as well. It would be interesting to compare and contrast how different diet choices would affect the level of serotonin present in the bloodstream, therefore how diet would affect the way people feel. Diet is an important part of everyone's everyday life, so this experiment could open many people's eyes to the consequences of the food choices they are making.