About me
Oral Presentation Abstracts Session #7
1:25 to 1:45 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2025
Location: SUB Top Floor Rooms
These abstracts were published unedited to reflect the author’s original submission
Botero, Pacha - Major: Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Mexico State University
Mentor: Dr. Cory Windorff, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Oral Presentation Session #7, Room: Trailblazer/Spirit
Title: Investigating HIDA as a Ligand for Oxo-Bond Disruption in Actinide Complexes
Abstract: Uranium poses an environmental risk as a radioactive heavy metal. In nature, it primarily exists as the uranyl ion (UO₂²⁺), which features two strongly bonded oxo ligands with linear geometry. These U=O bonds are exceptionally stable, limiting the reactivity of uranyl and contributing to its environmental persistence. Studying vanadium–oxo systems can offer insight into uranium chemistry. Amavadin, a naturally occurring vanadium(IV) complex found in Amanita muscaria fungi, disrupts the analogous V=O bond through coordination with hydroxyiminodipropionic acid (HIDPA), forming [V(IV)(HIDPA)₂]²⁻. This project investigates hydroxyiminodiacetic acid (HIDA), a structurally related, achiral analog, as a ligand capable of disrupting the oxo bond in uranyl and other actinyl ions. Successful synthesis of HIDA has been confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy. The formation of [V(IV)(HIDA)₂]²⁻ has been replicated, and efforts to crystallize and characterize the complex using UV-Vis and X-ray diffraction are underway. Additionally, the analogous [Ce(IV)(HIDA)₂]²⁻ complex is being pursued as a model for plutonium to study f-element coordination behavior without an oxo bond. Ultimately, this work aims to advance the understanding of actinide bonding and support the development of ligands for selective actinide chelation, with applications in nuclear waste processing and environmental remediation.
Gomez, Kira - Major: Animal Science, University of Arizona
Mentor: Dr. Liliana C.M. Salvador, Assistant Professor, School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences
Oral Presentation Session #7, Room: Isleta
Title: Tracing Zoonotic Tuberculosis Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Abstract: Zoonotic tuberculosis (zTB), caused mainly by Mycobacterium bovis, presents a public health challenge globally, particularly where humans, livestock, and wildlife closely interact. While whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as a tool for detecting and characterizing M. bovis transmission, parts of the world – particularly Africa – remain underrepresented in genomic surveillance. This limited coverage obscures the true burden of zTB and hinders our ability to detect cross-species transmission. Our study uses Africa as a case study to examine zTB transmission of M. bovis by analyzing publicly available WGS data from human and animal hosts. We hypothesize that genetically clustered isolates will indicate shared strains across species and suggest potential transmission events. We compiled Africa M. bovis isolates from NCBI and performed SNP-based clustering and phylogenetic analyses to evaluate host sharing and geographic overlap. Our results show that the human M. bovis isolate and cattle-derived isolates from Uganda cluster (~37 SNPs), indicating a shared lineage but not recent interspecies transmission. Conversely, WGS revealed plausible recent transmission events (<12 SNPs) between cattle within Nigeria, Ethiopia, and among wildlife in South Africa. Additionally, based on the available data, countries including Morocco, Uganda, and Ethiopia exhibit high genetic diversity of M. bovis strains, while others, like Zambia, show relatively low diversity. These findings demonstrate the use of WGS in identifying potential zTB and bovine TB events, underscoring the need for improved One Health surveillance. Results also suggest that the contribution of M. bovis to human TB in Africa may be underrecognized in public health data.
Guzman, Neftali - Major: Psychology and Social Work, St. Edward's University
Mentor: Dr. Adam McCormick, Professor of Social Work, Department of Social Work
Oral Presentation Session #7, Room: Fiesta A
Title: Breaking the Cycle: The Criminal Justice System and the Barriers to Trauma Informed Care
Abstract: Although the United States criminal justice system requires mental health screenings for all individuals entering the system, they fail to properly address the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma people experience in and out of the system. This study explores how the absence of trauma informed care training in the criminal justice system influences re-traumatization and re-incarceration. This study aims to identify gaps in the provision of trauma-informed care for individuals in the adult criminal justice system, particularly in relation to understanding their experiences of trauma and adversity. We hypothesize that the lack of trauma-informed training among criminal justice professionals contributes to increased rates of re-traumatization and re-incarceration among system-involved individuals. Using qualitative thematic analysis and semi structured interviews we recruited four social workers working in the criminal justice system to interpret and identify ongoing themes that people experience in prison.
By the end of this project we will have completed four interviews and analyzed the transcripts to create related themes. Using a thematic analysis we used qualitative coding strategies such as open coding, axial coding, and constant comparison to identify emerging patterns across interviews.
Hancock, Erica - Major: Psychology/Criminology, Concord University
Mentor: Dr. Stephen Pridgen, Associate Professor of Sociology, Sociology
Oral Presentation Session #7, Room: Acoma B
Title: The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Quality of Life in College Students from Rural West Virginia
Abstract: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to reduced quality of life for people entering adulthood primarily due to stress, among other contributing factors. Early intervention is vital in supporting ACE survivors. Because of the early exposure to trauma, these individuals are often found to exhibit a heightened stress response, regardless of the stressor's severity, inducing toxic stress. With that in mind, this study will assess traditional college students’ stress response levels through a self-reported scale before and after a neutral or mildly stressful video stimulus is shown. Finally, participants’ adverse childhood experiences will be scored using the ACE questionnaire. It is hypothesized that those with higher ACE scores will exhibit greater changes in stress levels after the stimulus. Traditional college students were chosen as the target population because college represents a pivotal developmental stage as students enter adulthood. This transition introduces responsibility and independence alongside a new world of possible stressors, increasing emotional vulnerability. This study aims to raise awareness about the impact of adverse childhood experiences, which are often overlooked in areas such as rural West Virginia due to a lack of resources and understanding.
Johnson, Alexis - Major: Bioengineering , University of Maryland, College Park
Mentor: Greg Duncan, PhD, Associate Professor , Fischell Department of Bioengineering
Oral Presentation Session #7, Room: Lobo B
Title: Mucin-coated Nanoparticles for Modulating Neutrophilic Inflammation
Abstract: Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) (e.g., cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These conditions are characterized by airway inflammation and mucus overproduction, which impairs drug delivery. Neutrophils contribute to this inflammation by releasing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), composed of DNA and granule proteins, in a process called NETosis. Excessive NET formation worsens lung function and disease severity. Prior work has shown that mucins, large glycoproteins found in mucus, can suppress NETosis, suggesting potential for mucin-based therapies. In this study, we synthesized mucin-coated nanoparticles by complexing porcine gastric mucin (PGM) with poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) using a nano-emulsion method. HL-60 cells, differentiated into neutrophil-like cells with DMSO, were treated with nanoparticles formulated using varying mucin concentrations (0, 1, 2.5, 5 mg/mL). NETosis was induced using phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), and extracellular DNA release was quantified using Sytox Green fluorescence. Nanoparticle size, charge, and mucin content were also characterized. Results showed that mucin-coated nanoparticles suppressed both PMA-induced and spontaneous NETosis in a mucin concentration-dependent manner. Notably, uncoated PLGA nanoparticles exacerbated NETosis, indicating potential pro-inflammatory effects of PLGA. However, mucin coatings significantly reduced this response, with the 2.5 and 5 mg/mL particles showing the most robust inhibition. These findings support the therapeutic potential of mucin nanoparticles in modulating neutrophil-driven inflammation. By leveraging the anti-inflammatory properties of mucins, these particles may offer a promising vehicle to overcome mucus barriers and reduce NET-associated damage in CRDs.
Mancinas, Jeremías - Major: Mathematics, University of Colorado Boulder
Mentor: Dr. Juan Villarreal, Postdoc / Visiting Professor, Department of Mathematics
Oral Presentation Session #7, Room: Lobo A
Title: Lie Conformal Algebras and Celestial Holography
Abstract: Scattering amplitude is a quantity central to quantum field theory that describes the likelihood of particles interacting in a specific way. While these amplitudes are usually difficult to compute, some turn out to be remarkably simple. One famous example is the Parke-Taylor formula, which describes gluon scattering that hints at deeper mathematical structure.
Recent work in celestial holography, which reinterprets scattering processes at the boundary of spacetime, has linked these formulas to objects called Lie conformal algebras, algebraic systems that capture the symmetries of certain quantum theories. In this project, we explore a deformation of the Parke-Taylor Lie conformal algebra proposed by Costello and Paquette in 2022. Their deformation aims to account for higher-order corrections to the scattering process.
Our main goal is to check whether this deformation still satisfies the axioms required of a Lie conformal algebra. This involves testing several algebraic properties (including sesquilinearity, skew-symmetry, and especially the Jacobi identity) on increasingly complex combinations of generators. The most difficult case assumes a trace identity given by the authors and requires long computations involving dihedral symmetry, trace manipulations, and several nontrivial algebraic techniques. We have just successfully proved this identity during the week of submission.
This project lies at the intersection of physics and pure math. By translating questions about particle interactions into rigorous algebraic language, we aim to better understand the mathematical structure underlying modern quantum theories and to make this emerging area more accessible to both mathematicians and physicists.
Novella, Areika - Major: Psychological Science , Loyola Marymount University
Mentor: Dr. Timothy J. Williamson , Assistant Professor of Psychology , Department of Psychological Science
Oral Presentation Session #7, Room: Fiesta B
Title: The Association between Health Literacy and Receiving Coordinated Medical Care among Hispanic and Latino/a U.S Adults with Chronic Disease
Abstract: In the U.S., Hispanic and Latino/a (H/L) adults are disproportionately affected by chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension). They also face disparities in health literacy and care quality, often due to language barriers and limited access to culturally competent care. Managing chronic disease frequently requires care from multiple providers, making coordination essential for high-quality care and effective disease management. Individuals with lower health literacy may face greater challenges navigating the healthcare system and communicating across providers, which could impact medical care coordination.
Among H/L adults with one or more chronic diseases (n=474), we tested whether higher health literacy was associated with greater coordination of medical care.
We analyzed data from the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTs 7) by conducting a multivariable linear regression, with health literacy predicting medical care coordination (“how often did you get the help you needed from your primary care provider's office to manage your care among different providers and services?”), controlling for age, sex, and insurance coverage.
Health literacy was not associated significantly with medical care coordination (b=0.09 p=.400 95% CI [-0.13, 0.31]). Of the covariates, female (vs. male) sex and age groups 35-49 and 65-74 (vs. 18-24) were associated with greater medical care coordination (all p<.05).
Contrary to our hypothesis, health literacy as not associated with medical care coordination. Future research should explore how structural factors (e.g., language barriers) may strongly influence care experiences among H/L adults with chronic disease.
Perfecto, Ashton Lucas Leonardo - Major: Oceanography, California Polytechnic University, Humboldt
Mentor: Dr. Walter Torres, Postdoctoral Researcher, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington
Oral Presentation Session #7, Room: Acoma A
Title: Progress on the Kumar Texts: Visual communication of oceanographic concepts for coastal science education
Abstract: This presentation summarizes the ongoing efforts towards making course materials for CEWA 473/573 Coastal Engineering, CEWA 570 Hydrodynamics, and CEWA 572 Numerical Modeling of Hydrodynamics – affectionately dubbed the “Kumar Texts” in honor of the professor who personally developed the manuscripts, Nirnimesh Kumar – suitable for online dissemination. Summer work was focused on reworking figures using vector graphic design software to improve on visual communication of key concepts, following preset aesthetics (e.g. color palette, typeface, font) to standardize modifications and satisfy copyright reuse rules. The goal was to further prime the manuscripts – attending, on this timeline, to the Coastal Engineering material – to license as an open education resource (OER) and make accessible and affordable for educators, students, coastal oceanographers, and the public. The Kumar Texts serve as contributions to the Open Education movement, striving to counteract the economic constraint and historical exclusivity around education and scientific knowledge while affording learners greater autonomy in choosing educational materials to fit their means of academic success. The use of open textbooks in science education has significantly predicted favorable student success without decreasing the quality of education. Making the wealth of oceanographic learning material available to the general and formal student populations through open access licensing will promote ocean literacy and enhance opportunities for the collaborative production of scientific knowledge.
Richey, Kaydyn - Major: Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Northern Colorado
Mentor: Dr. Catlin Raaz, Associate Professor, Communication Sciences & Disorders
Oral Presentation Session #7, Room: Santa Ana B
Title: Preservice Teachers Exposure to Developmental Language Disorder During College
Abstract: Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a lifelong language impairment that affects two students in every classroom, impacting an individual's academic achievements and long-term socioeconomic status. Despite its prevalence, general education teachers often report conflicting awareness and insufficient preparation to identify or support students with DLD. Current research suggests inconsistencies in teacher training, identification methods, and referral rates for developmental language disorder. While previous studies revealed the overall inadequate preparation of educators, none looked at how preservice teachers are prepared for language disorders throughout college. Therefore, I propose a mixed-methodology study to address this gap in the current literature to answer the question, “How does college curriculum prepare preservice educators to support developmental language disorder in the classroom?” I intend to examine teacher preparation curriculum guidelines, in addition to preservice teachers' current awareness of developmental language disorder. To explore curriculum guidelines, I am going to conduct interviews with collegiate curriculum coordinators in Colorado and perform a thematic analysis. I will analyze preservice teachers' awareness through surveys. I hope for this study to provide insight into why preparation and support for developmental language disorder are low, as well as spark a conversation on developing curriculum for general educators and language disorders.
Sylla, Hadja Mariam - Major: Finance , Washington State University
Mentor: Dr. David Whidbee & Dr. Leah Sheppard, David Whidbee is the Interim dean of the Carson College of Business
Leah Sheppard is the Associate Professor of Management and an Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion. , David Whidbee: Department of Finance and Management Science, Carson College of Business, WSU
Leah Sheppard: Department of Management, Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship, Carson College of Business, WSU
Oral Presentation Session #7, Room: Luminaria
Title: Navigating Financial distress in immigrant households: Identifying systemic barriers and policy solutions
Abstract: This research proposal seeks to explore the financial struggles immigrant households face as they navigate unfamiliar economic systems in the United States. By applying Cultural Capital Theory, Social Capital Theory, and Life Course Theory, this study will examine how cultural background, financial literacy, and social networks influence the financial wellbeing of immigrant families. This project will use a mixed methods approach combining interviews and surveys to investigate common financial barriers and how communities respond to them through informal support systems.
Key areas of focus include limited access to banking and credit, reliance on high-cost financial services, and employment instability. These challenges not only impact day to day financial security but also shape long term outcomes such as homeownership, education, and generational wealth.
Although data collection has not yet begun, the goal of this research is to identify recurring patterns in immigrant financial experiences and propose practical, policy-based solutions. Potential recommendations may include expanding access to credit through alternative identification methods, regulating predatory lending practices, and improving job mobility through workforce development programs.
By centering the lived experiences of immigrant families, this research aims to inform more inclusive economic policies and contribute to broader conversations about financial equity. Ultimately, this project aspires to offer insights that can help reduce systemic barriers and create meaningful, long-lasting change.
Zurasky, Melyssa - Major: Psychology , University of New Mexico
Mentor: Dr. Katie Witkiewitz & Ikela Moniz-Lewis M.S., Distinguished Professor & Pre-doc Fellow, Department of Psychology
Oral Presentation Session #7, Room: Santa Ana A
Title: Understanding Mechanisms of Behavior Change for Substance Use Treatment
Abstract: Substance use disorder (SUD) affects millions worldwide, with 40-60% of individuals returning to use within a year post-treatment (Bowen et al., 2014). Despite research on effective treatments, the Mechanisms of Behavior Change (MOBC) remain unclear. This gap in knowledge limits the ability to optimize treatments and match individuals to interventions that will work best for them. Locus of control (LOC) represents a fundamental psychological construct with significant predictive value for treatment success (Caliendo & Hennecke, 2022). This construct is distinguished by internal control (personal influence over events) and external control (attributing outcomes to luck or external forces; Rotter, 1966; Koski-Jannes, 1994). Studies show that an internal drinking-related LOC is linked to improved psychological outcomes (Bowen et al., 2006; Dahal et al., 2021). A potentially effective way to increase an individual’s internal LOC is mindfulness-based interventions. One study found that Vipassana meditation participants showed decreases in psychiatric symptoms and increases in psychosocial outcomes, which included a greater internal drinking-related LOC (Bowen et al., 2006). Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) has demonstrated positive long-term treatment outcomes compared to standard relapse prevention and treatment as usual, with MBRP participants reporting significantly fewer drug use days and a reduction in heavy drinking at 12-month follow-up (Bowen et al., 2014). This secondary analysis of Bowen et al. (2014) assesses LOC using the Drinking-Related Locus of Control Scale (DRIE) at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up time points. A mediation model will clarify whether changes in internal LOC act as a MOBC in MBRP, Relapse Prevention (RP), and Treatment as Usual for substance use.
