About me
Oral Presentation Abstracts Session #6
11:50 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2025
Location: SUB Top Floor Rooms
These abstracts were published unedited to reflect the author’s original submission
Araujo , Makani - Major: Environmental Science, New Mexico State University
Mentor: Dr. Kenneth Carroll , Professor , Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Oral Presentation Session #6, Room: Acoma A
Title: Investigating the Fate-and-Transport of Ammonium in Treated Produced Water (TPW)
Abstract: During oil and gas extraction, produced water is generated as a byproduct, containing a mixture of organic and inorganic contaminants. This byproduct, like many others, may have the potential to be reused for agricultural activities as irrigation water. This study aims to investigate the fate and transport of one of the more prevalent contaminants within treated produced water, ammonium. A bench-scale soil column is constructed using agricultural soil collected from the NMSU Artesia agricultural center. Collected soil was packed into a stainless steel column (15 cm in height and 2 cm in diameter) and injected with treated produced water containing an ammonium concentration of approximately 120 mg/L. The effluent samples were then collected from the column using a fraction collector and analyzed by an Ion Chromatography system to examine solute transport. The obtained data illustrate the movement of the ammonium present within the treated produced water through the soil. Preliminary results suggest that the ammonium is trapped during transport through the agricultural soil column at a pH of 9. Kinetic sorption delayed solute transport through the soil and likely caused the peak concentration to be reduced by half of the injected water concentration, which is a natural contaminant attenuation behavior. Future experiments will explicate the specific impacts pH variability has on the transport of ammonium, supplying insights into the implications of reused treated produced water.
Bebo, Jasmine - Major: Biology, University of New Mexico
Mentor: Dr. Sara Brant, Senior Collections Manager, Department of Biology
Oral Presentation Session #6, Room: Trailblazer/Spirit
Title: Mapping Parasite Diversity: Uncovering Pinworms in Southwestern Lizards
Abstract: Parasites play an essential role in ecosystems yet are often not integrated in biodiversity studies;
this is the case for amphibians and reptile parasites of the southwestern United States. Pinworms
of the genus Pharyngodon are one of the common parasites that occur in reptiles but studies of
these parasites remain sporadically documented in the region. Museums are an important
resource as they contain specimens from the past that can be reexamined. At the Museum of
Southwestern Biology Division of Parasites, there is a collection of pinworms from whiptail
lizards in New Mexico. These specimens can be utilized to address the gap in the literature,
focusing on pinworm communities in the whiptail lizard population range across New Mexico.
By examining the pinworms specimens in the collection and comparing to what was reported in
the literature, a comparative morphological table can be constructed to compare my pinworms.
Key features, such as the papillae, spicule, and egg morphology, will be measured and
documented using microscopy. The morphological data will then be referenced with the
historical description data in the literature, to decide if these pinworms had been previously
described or if they are an undescribed species. This approach will clarify which Pharyngodon
are present in New Mexico as well as enhance museum records and comparative data for new
and future collections. In the future, also establish a baseline for future field surveys across the
range to uncover how parasite diversity in New Mexico whiptail lizard communities may have
changed over time.
Gomez, Victoria - Major: Cognitive Neuroscience, Harding University
Mentor: Dr. Kanembe Shanachilubwa and Dr. Jeremiah Sullins, Associate Director McNair Scholars Program and Professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences
Oral Presentation Session #6, Room: Santa Ana A
Title: The Role of Adverse Experiences in Emotional Responses
Abstract: Previous research has established that trauma – characterized by both single traumatic events and repeated adverse experiences – can create enduring vulnerabilities in self-concept and coping. However, the impact of trauma on malleable emotional and cognitive factors, such as shame-proneness and self-compassion, remains under-explored. It is hypothesized that adults who report a history of trauma exposure will report significantly higher levels of shame-proneness compared to those without such a history. Additionally, it is expected that trauma-exposed participants will demonstrate significantly lower levels of self-compassion. Lastly, a significant negative association is anticipated between shame-proneness and self-compassion, such that greater shame-proneness would be correlated with low self-compassion. This study further explores the relationships between trauma exposure and these adaptable traits to better understand how trauma may influence emotional processing and psychological well-being. Data was collected from 85 adult participants recruited through social media platforms. Three instruments were used to assess degrees of each construct: Adverse Childhood Experience questionnaire (ACEs), Test of Self-Conscious Affect-3 (TOSCA-3), and Self Compassion Scale (SCS). The participant responses will be analyzed in SPSS.
Hoskins-Warner, Nasya - Major: Psychology/Criminology, Concord University
Mentor: Dr. Rodney Klein, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Psychology
Oral Presentation Session #6, Room: Acoma B
Title: The Emotional Impact of Unsolvable Anagram Tasks: A Study in Learned Helplessness
Abstract: This study will examine the emotional effects of exposure to unsolvable problem-solving tasks in a controlled classroom setting. Undergraduate participants will be assigned either a set of solvable anagram puzzles, a set that includes mostly unsolvable items, or a mixture of both. It is hypothesized that students exposed to primarily unsolvable tasks will report significantly higher levels of frustration, helplessness, and discouragement than those given solvable tasks. A chi-square analysis will be used to determine whether emotional responses differ significantly between the two groups. If supported, the findings will provide further evidence for the theory of learned helplessness and offer valuable insights into how repeated academic failure may affect student motivation and engagement
Lozada Gonalez , Everardo - Major: Electrical Engineering Technology, Michigan Technological University
Mentor: Hayden Henderson, Senior Research Engineer, Great Lakes Research Center
Oral Presentation Session #6, Room: Lobo B
Title: Freshwater Sensor Integration in Lake Superior
Abstract: Monitoring carbon dioxide and pH levels in large freshwater bodies like Lake Superior is crucial to understanding ecological shifts, water quality, and climate-related impacts. This project focuses on integrating two industrial grade environmental sensors a Mini CO₂ Pro (RS232) and a pH sensor (RS485/Modbus) into a Bristlemouth Dev Kit, a low-power embedded system designed for remote environmental monitoring. Using the Bristlemouth open hardware/software framework, I developed embedded C++ firmware to communicate with both sensors, implementing a timed sampling routine to power and collect sensor data at regular intervals.
The collected data is transmitted via the Sofar Spotter buoy's telemetry system to the cloud for long-term analysis. This integration supports efficient power management and robust communication protocols, enabling accurate, scheduled measurements in a remote aquatic environment. The system is currently being prepared for deployment in Lake Superior to gather real-world water chemistry data.
Martinez Jr., Luis Abraham - Major: Finance and International Business, West Texas A&M University
Mentor: Dr. Leslie Ramos Salazar, Ph.D., Abdullat Professor of Business Communication and Decision Management, Department of Computer Information & Decision Management
Oral Presentation Session #6, Room: Fiesta B
Title: How do Cultural Immersion Experiences Effect College Students’ Professional Development Skills?
Abstract: This present study will explore how cultural immersion experiences in foreign countries impact professional career development skills in college students. Conducting a multiple regression analysis to examine the relationship between professional skills gained through cultural immersion experiences (dependent variable) and four independent variables: (1) number of cultural immersion experiences participated in abroad, (2) confidence in career before cultural immersion, (3) belief in cultural immersions’ influence on career trajectory, and (4) incorporation of cultural immersion experiences into job interviews or professional networking interactions. Investigating the relationship between using Qualtrics survey, research was gathered from 233 students, with a 78-participation rate or 2.98%. The data revealed a 24.4% variance, significantly showing a positive correlation of skills gained when implementing cultural immersion experiences into professional settings. This observation suggests that students should implement cultural immersion experiences into professional settings to aid in students’ professional development.
Keywords: cultural immersion, study abroad, college students, professional skills, career
McDemos, Shane - Major: Chemistry, Cal Poly Humboldt
Mentor: Dr. Chris Harmon, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Oral Presentation Session #6, Room: Lobo A
Title: Water Adsorption on Mineral Aerosols
Abstract: Despite both the ubiquity of dust storms in the atmosphere and the projected increase in frequency into the future, there have been few reliable studies on the effects that this dust has on the atmosphere. We attempted infrared spectroscopy to determine the water uptake properties of common mineral aerosols: SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and TiO2. We ran into issues with both temperature control and possible chemisorption in Al2O3, Fe2O3, and TiO2. The SiO2 data showed strong signs of reproducibility, though still contained some instances of large error. More work needs to be done, in simplifying the curve fitting algorithm to reduce error, in better temperature and relative humidity management, and in accounting for or preventing significant instances of chemisorption which was likely our largest source of error. Despite these problems, IR spectroscopy shows great promise as a relatively inexpensive method for monitoring the surface chemistry of aerosols.
Nevarez, Alexis - Major: 1. Criminal Justice 2. Political Science 3. Psychology, University of Arizona
Mentor: Dr. Frank Gonzalez, Associate Professor , School of Government and Public Policy
Oral Presentation Session #6, Room: Luminaria
Title: The Impact of Empathy-Based Immigration Appeals on Political Efficacy and Support for Undemocratic Actions
Abstract: This study aims to give insight into the influence of empathy appeals on people's attitudes toward how we should handle a polarized issue such as immigration. This paper investigates the relationship between empathy appeals, political efficacy, and willingness to subvert democratic norms to achieve social change. Traditionally, empathy appeals have been shown to encourage helping behavior. However, we test whether such appeals can inadvertently trigger a sense of learned helplessness, which manifests as a low sense of efficacy and support for undemocratic actions because the existing system is believed to be ineffective. In a 4-condition experiment, a nationally representative sample of online respondents was randomly assigned to one of four conditions: the control video, random scenery, a mild video showing refugees sent from Texas to sanctuary cities, and an extreme video depicting family separation during the Trump Zero Tolerance Policy, along with a variation of the extreme condition without imagery. The study revealed that the mild and disturbing text condition resulted in more support towards undemocratic actions, while the disturbing video and text resulted in decreased external efficacy related to perceptions that politicians care about immigration issues. Moderation analysis revealed that this trend was mainly among Democrats. Most importantly, mediation analysis revealed that all three treatment conditions showed evidence of decreasing perceptions that politicians care about immigration, which thereby increased support for helping immigrants through subverting democratic and legal norms. These results highlight the nuanced effects of empathy appeals in politics and the challenges in influencing public attitudes on immigration.
Ortega Guzman, Ruby - Major: Psychology, University of Northern Colorado
Mentor: Dr. Elise Allen, Assistant Professor, Psychological Sciences
Oral Presentation Session #6, Room: Santa Ana B
Title: The Impact of Student Support Services: Sense of Belonging as a Factor in College Persistence
Abstract: My research project aims to examine how the Student Support Services program at the University of Northern Colorado fosters a sense of belonging in their student population and if that then increases the persistence and retention rates. This topic is particularly relevant as federal funding for TRIO programs across the nation is at risk. Evaluating the efficacy of TRIO programs helps determine their impact and guide their continued implementation. Does the TRIO SSS program at UNCO serve as an effective sense of belonging intervention to increase students’ persistence compared to non-TRIO students? The literature establishes a positive correlation between sense of belonging and persistence, especially as it relates to underrepresented students. However, gaps remain in the literature, including limited attention to cultural context and a lack of analysis on TRIO programs as interventions that promote a sense of belonging. This work-in-progress project seeks to address these gaps and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how TRIO impacts student belonging and persistence.
Pompa, Princess - Major: Criminology and Political Science, Our Lady of the Lake University
Mentor: Dr. Leda Barnett, Professor Emerita, Political Science
Oral Presentation Session #6, Room: Fiesta A
Title: Democracy on Trial: U.S. Resilience and Regression
Abstract: My study aims to answer the question: Under what current conditions has the United States experienced an erosion of its democracy? This research will employ a dual stress test approach to examine the resilience of U.S. democracy: one test will focus on national-level dynamics from 2010 to 2024, while the other will concentrate on state-level dynamics during the years 2020, 2022, and 2024. By assessing recent shifts in democratic practices over these periods of time, the research seeks to identify factors that contribute to democratic erosion. The goal is to enhance our understanding of how established democratic nations can gradually deviate from their original values and practices, providing insights into how these trends can be reversed to preserve democratic integrity.
Serna, Jade - Major: Biology, University of New Mexico
Mentor: Dr. Irene Salinas, Professor and Associate Chair, Biology
Oral Presentation Session #6, Room: Isleta
Title: Investigating Axon Degeneration and Inflammation in Zebrafish Models of Olfactory Damage
Abstract: Olfactory information is relayed from the periphery to the brain along the axons of olfactory neurons forming the olfactory nerve. Immunodeficiency in humans may be associated with olfactory dysfunction. The goal of this study is to look at axonal changes in zebrafish using three models: wild-type, zap70 mutants, and RAG -/- mutants. The zap70 fish models lack functional T cells which causes immunodeficiency. The RAG -/- fish do not have a gene that codes for variable–diversity–joining rearrangement which causes a loss of all B and T cells. In some animal models this has been shown to cause a loss of olfaction. To mimic infection-related damage, all models are vaccinated with live-attenuated Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV). The laboratory assesses olfactory function using behavioral tests that give some idea of fish model odor preferences. In short, if the fish models spend more time on the side of the tank with the attracting food odor, then the models must prefer that side due to the scent. In addition, axon degeneration is studied using histological staining of the model head tissues. Finally, inflammation in olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and macrophages is observed using immunofluorescence. These findings will improve our understanding of how the olfactory system reacts to injury.
