About me
Oral Presentation Abstracts Session #4
11:00 to 11:20 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2025
Location: SUB Top Floor Rooms
These abstracts were published unedited to reflect the author’s original submission
Butler, Helina - Major: Cybersecurity , Harding University
Mentor: David Kee , Professor, College of Business
Oral Presentation Session #4, Room: Santa Ana B
Title: Exploring the impact of marriage on college students
Abstract: Research suggests that students in strong, supportive marriages may find it easier to meet academic demands. This study examines the impact of marriage on the college experience, focusing on the perspectives of married heterosexual college students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with couples, with each partner interviewed separately to encourage open and honest responses. Thematic analysis revealed that higher levels of marital satisfaction were closely associated with a more positive college experience. Participants reported that marriage helped them manage their time more effectively and provided emotional support that enhanced their academic and personal well-being. These findings suggest that marital satisfaction can be a significant factor in educational success among married college students. Future research could expand on this work by exploring the experiences of non-heterosexual couples, older student populations, and long-term married couples, including those celebrating 50 or more years together.
Cazares, Lourdes - Major: Chemistry and Psychology, University of New Mexico
Mentor: Dr. Fernando Valenzuela, Regents professor , Department of Neuroscience
Oral Presentation Session #4, Room: Acoma A
Title: Effect of third-trimester-equivalent alcohol exposure on neuronal densities in the cerebellar lobule VI and Crus I
Abstract: Deficits in executive function are well-documented in both animal models and individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Cerebellar regions such as lobule VI and Crus I are key mediators of executive function and may be vulnerable to alcohol-induced damage. This study tested the hypothesis that binge-like ethanol exposure during the rodent equivalent of the human third trimester—postnatal day (P)6 in mice—leads to neuronal loss in these regions. We used two transgenic mouse strains: 1) Ai32(RCL-ChR2(H134R)/EYFP mice, which express channel rhodopsin-2/EYFP /EYFP/EYFP upon Cre recombinase activation (for future optogenetic studies), and 2) VGAT-Venus mice, which label GABAergic and glycinergic neurons with fluorescence, aiding cell identification. Mice received a single subcutaneous injection of ethanol(3.5 g/kg) or saline at P6 and were left undisturbed until adulthood. Immunohistochemical analysis of cryosectioned cerebellar tissue was used to assess neuronal density. Ai32 sections were stained with anti-calbindin antibodies (to label Purkinje neurons) and anti-NeuN antibodies (to label postmitotic neurons, particularly in the granule cell layer). Fluorescence imaging was performed using a Zeiss Axioscan Z1 at 20X magnification; analyses were conducted using Fiji (ImageJ). In Ai32 mice, no significant treatment effects were observed in the density of Purkinje or granule cells in lobule VI or Crus I, suggesting that ethanol-related executive function deficits occur without neuron loss in these regions. Ongoing analysis in VGAT-Venus mice aims to assess the selective vulnerability of inhibitory neurons. Future studies will investigate whether early alcohol exposure leads to persistent functional changes in cerebellar circuits critical for executive function.
Cervantes-Contreras, Emiltze - Major: Anthropology, Washington State University
Mentor: Dr. Rachel Horowitz, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology
Oral Presentation Session #4, Room: Luminaria
Title: Migrant Farmworker Culture and Its Effects
Abstract: Migrant farmworkers experience an increased number of workplace hazards and discrimination compared to other demographics. What I aim to find out is to see if the work culture plays a part in this disparity. I will be focusing my work on my hometown of Wapato, Washington and will be conducting interviews to record their stories. There is a notion that as a migrant farmworker you must make yourself indispensable because jobs are not a guarantee. An employer may see this attitude and take full advantage of this and make these workers work in harsher conditions knowing they are not going to leave because they can’t, simply for the prospect of cheaper labor. For this project, I aim to provide more first-hand accounts by recording oral histories and bringing to light these issues within my community to provide solutions.
Draven, Elia - Major: Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico
Mentor: Dr. Peter Fawcett, Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Oral Presentation Session #4, Room: Lobo A
Title: Dust in the Caldera: Glacial-Interglacial Sediment Transport in Northern New Mexico
Abstract: Understanding variations in past atmospheric dust fluxes plays a vital role in the study of paleoclimatology by providing insight into how terrestrial environments respond to global climate systems. In Southwestern North America (SWNA), a study has shown that dust deposition varies with climate, with higher fluxes during an interglacial period and lower fluxes during glacial periods. Such changes can be driven by fluctuations in wind strength, aridity, vegetation cover, and sediment availability. This project utilizes an 81-meter sediment core from the Valles Caldera in northern New Mexico to investigate dust deposition patterns across Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 11 & 12, a mid-Pleistocene interglacial-glacial cycle (480 ka to 400 ka). The primary objective is to evaluate climatic and geomorphic controls on dust flux in Northern New Mexico and assess whether there is a consistent signal across SWNA. This study will use a combination of grain size analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) geochemistry, and geomorphic interpretations to reconstruct sediment transport pathways and depositional processes. This research project will contribute to a broader understanding of dust dynamics in SWNA during the Quaternary Period. The results will allow further discussion on climate variability in semi-arid regions and how for future climate change may impact dust fluxes changes in this region.
Guadarrama, Gabriela - Major: Education with Bilingual Certification EC-6, Our Lady of the Lake University
Mentor: Dr. Cindy Peña , English as a Second Language Coordinator, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico in San Antonio - English Chair - Department of English
Oral Presentation Session #4, Room: Fiesta B
Title: Voices of Aspiring Bilingual Educators: Lived Experiences within the Bilingual Education Student Organization
Abstract: This qualitative case study explores the lived experiences of future bilingual teachers within the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO), focusing on their academic and professional development. The central research question guiding this study is: "What are the lived experiences of future bilingual educators regarding their academic and professional development within the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO)?" The sub-questions are 'How do Latina/o future bilingual educators specifically describe their experiences within BESO related to their identity development and perceptions of representation in the bilingual education field?' and 'What are the perceptions of future bilingual educators regarding the role of their participation in BESO in their decision to persist in their teacher preparation program?' Grounded in a phenomenological conceptual framework to capture participants' internal perceptions, this research employs a case study methodology. It aims to fill a gap in teacher preparation literature by addressing the influence of the BESO community on its bilingual educators. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with participants from active BESO chapters at four-year universities in Texas and analyzed using phenomenological thematic analysis. This study seeks to provide valuable insights into how BESO fosters academic and professional growth, supporting the development of bilingual educators.
Jimenez, Anabelle - Major: Psychology, Northeastern Illinois University
Mentor: Dr. Amanda Dykema-Engblade, Professor, Department of Psychology
Oral Presentation Session #4, Room: Acoma B
Title: "I Swear I'm Happy for You": The Link Between Malicious and Benign Envy and Prosocial Behavior
Abstract: While prosocial behavior (i.e., helping others) is largely thought to be motivated by empathy, some research highlights the possibility of more selfish motivations, which can occur as competitive altruism or defensive helping. Similarly, envy is often understood as a malicious emotion, but a small body of research suggests that a more positive, “benign envy” also exists. No prior research has investigated how these types of envy (benign vs malicious) may associate with or influence motivations behind prosocial behavior. This study hypothesizes that benign envy will be a stronger predictor of prosocial behavior than malicious envy. Further, benign envy will be associated with personality traits such as conscientiousness and more altruistic motivations for prosocial behavior, while malicious envy will correlate with selfish motivations and traits like neuroticism. 100 undergraduate participants will complete a Qualtrics study assessing their personality traits as well as their levels of benign envy, malicious envy, and prosocial behavior. Participants will also be presented with vignettes depicting social situations where they will decide whether to help the person in the scenario. They will then be asked to report their motivation for helping. Results of this study will advance the currently sparse research on the multiple types of envy and will refine the existing literature on prosocial behavior by acknowledging that motivations behind altruism may be rooted in self-interest.
LaTourrette, Ryan - Major: BME Instrumental Music Education, University of Northern Colorado
Mentor: Dr. Windilyn Flynn, Associate Professor, Meteorology
Oral Presentation Session #4, Room: Trailblazer/Spirit
Title: Piano Tuning- Stability and the Environment: A Scientific Method Case Study at the University of Northern Colorado
Abstract: Previous research suggests there is an ideal range for humidity and that pianos go out of tune faster when not in this ideal range or when sudden changes in humidity occur. Research also states that environmental conditions are challenging to continuously measure and maintain, especially in underfunded public institutions.
At the University of Northern Colorado, we need to find effective ways to maintain all pianos. It is crucial to understand important factors related to piano tuning consistency/longevity in these specific rooms on Campus.
I will be testing two piano studios at UNC, each equipped with three Kestrel 5000 environmental meters in different parts of the studios. The Kestrels will be testing relative humidity, moisture content, and temperature. The averages will be found and logged using Python. There will also be a device that will test decibels during each lesson that occurs over the eight-week study for a detailed understanding of how much the piano is played. The pianos will be set to a control of A440- Equal Temperament before the testing period. Each piano will be tuned back to the set temperament every week after calculating the cent distance out of tune the strings have traveled using a Rayburn CyberTuner
This research will provide insights into the impact of environmental conditions on piano tuning stability and emphasize the need for improved environmental control in university music facilities. Ultimately, it aims to fill a gap in understanding how suboptimal environments affect instrument maintenance and performance quality.
McQueen, Carlin - Major: Dance, Information Systems and Business Analytics, Loyola Marymount University
Mentor: Rosalynde LeBlanc, Dance Faculty Professor. Former Chair of the Dance Department, Department of Dance
Oral Presentation Session #4, Room: Fiesta A
Title: The Tubman Project
Abstract: This research proposes abolitionism as a systemic design principle that can serve as a blueprint for marginalized communities to build liberatory futures. Rather than asking how to make current systems more humane, the project asks: What would the world look like if people from historically oppressed communities were empowered to design systems the way Harriet Tubman did—with strategic care, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to collective freedom? Drawing on Black feminist thought, abolitionist theory, and systemic design, this work offers a reframing of abolitionism—not merely as a political demand to eliminate oppressive institutions, but as a value-based methodology for designing new systems grounded in care, accountability, and adaptability. Instead of treating these values as managerial afterthoughts, this approach centers them as foundational to design itself. As part of this inquiry, movement is used as a method of physical research, embodying the gestures of political figures in the House of Representatives, the conditions of imprisoned individuals, and the endurance of Tubman’s repeated journeys to freedom. These embodied investigations deepen the emotional and political stakes of the work, linking the physical labor of abolition to future-oriented design.
Mendivil Cabral, Michelle - Major: Mechanical Engineering, University of Arizona
Mentor: Dr. Stuart Alex Craig, Associate Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering,
Member of the Graduate Faculty, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Oral Presentation Session #4, Room: Lobo B
Title: Characterization of Temperature Behavior and Distribution in a Mach 5 Ludwieg Tube
Abstract: The challenges in redesigning flight and understanding aerodynamic principles can stem from limitations specific to wind tunnels. Hypersonic Ludwieg tubes, although offering low-cost and high-performance measurements, are no exception. These wind tunnels are unique in their pressure-vacuum system with a 100-millisecond run time, but like other devices, heating elements are included to prevent the liquification of the air after it expands through the nozzle. The University of Arizona’s Mach 5 Ludwieg Tube (LT5) uses blanket resistance heaters to create a convection current for even temperature distribution to maintain the validity of known system parameters. Unfortunately, the assumption that the heating element prevents the presence of thermal gradients has yet to be verified. Concerns regarding the accuracy of the known parameters have consequently motivated an investigation into the temperature distribution of the flow. Thermal gradients can significantly affect heat flux and stagnation temperature measurements by introducing uneven thermal loads, which distort data and can result in inaccurate conclusions on design performance and aerodynamic research. A thermocouple rake has been designed using CAD modeling to measure thermal gradients at the junction of the driver tube and nozzle. Data acquisition will rely on placing several thermocouples along different sections of the driver tube to quantify the temperature distribution and inform best practices to mitigate potential discrepancies between expected and observed parameters. Research practice has been focused on preliminary design, and future work will prioritize data acquisition and mitigation of thermal gradients if found to be severe.
Munstedt, Saturn - Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona
Mentor: Dr. Tally Largent-Milnes, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology
Oral Presentation Session #4, Room: Isleta
Title: Headache: An epitranscriptome disorder? The role of m6A RNA
Abstract: In recent years, n6A-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA – the most common eukaryotic RNA modification – has also become a hot topic of study as it is involved in many diseases, predominantly cancers. Only a handful of studies have investigated the role of m6A RNA and its corresponding demethylases in headache, and mostly in conjunction with opioid use. Separately, nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to inhibit m6A RNA demethylases in vitro1. For decades, researchers studying pain have found that NO causes headache, yet the pathways through which NO triggers headaches are not fully elucidated, nor is the involvement of m6A RNA and its demethylases. This project aims to study the interaction of these molecular players in relation to headache and headache treatments. Here, we use a medication overuse headache (MOH) model that employs sumatriptan for induction and maintenance. In doing so, this project will further our understanding of the mechanism behind headaches, as well as provide a link between epigenetics and pain.
Switzer- Tryon, Harmony - Major: Psychology , California State Polytecnic University, Humboldt
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Huggins , Assistant Professor, Clinical Director, Department of Psychology - University of Arizona
Oral Presentation Session #4, Room: Santa Ana A
Title: Examining the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Executive Functioning
Abstract: Prior research examining childhood trauma and executive functioning, which includes abilities such as self control, problem solving, and adapting to change, has yielded mixed results. Some studies suggest trauma exposure and severity are linked to executive functioning deficits, potentially varying by trauma type, while other studies report no significant associations. This study aimed to further clarify this relationship by investigating whether childhood trauma severity is associated with executive functioning deficits in healthy adults, hypothesizing that greater trauma severity would predict poorer performance. Forty-eight healthy adults were drawn from a larger parent study. Childhood trauma severity was measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), a validated retrospective self-report tool. Executive functioning was assessed using two neuropsychological tests: the Trail Making Test (TMT), measuring cognitive flexibility, and the Color Word Interference Test (CWIT), assessing inhibition and cognitive flexibility. Contrary to our hypothesis, childhood trauma severity did not significantly predict executive functioning performance on either the TMT or CWIT. All regression models yielded non-significant results. In this sample of healthy adults, childhood trauma severity was not associated with executive functioning. These null findings contribute to the mixed literature but should be interpreted cautiously. The small sample size and limited trauma variability may have reduced statistical power to detect subtle effects. Additionally, executive function measures used may lack sensitivity to detect minor executive functioning disruptions in non-clinical populations. Future research should examine more diverse samples, including individuals with greater trauma exposure, and consider alternative or more sensitive cognitive measures.
