About me
Oral Presentation Abstracts Session #9
2:15 to 2:35 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2025
Location: SUB Top Floor Rooms
These abstracts were published unedited to reflect the author’s original submission
Aiello, Angelina - Major: Pre-Health Biomedical Sciences, University of Northern Colorado
Mentor: Dr. Mark Thomas, Professor, Department of Biology
Oral Presentation Session #9, Room: Lobo B
Title: Investigating Dendritic Spine Plasticity and Drebrin Localization Following Chronic Fluoxetine Treatment in Adolescent Mice
Abstract: Chronic fluoxetine treatment during adolescence may alter dendritic spine plasticity and drebrin expression in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region undergoing critical maturation during this period. As more adolescents are being prescribed antidepressants, it is crucial to understand how drugs like fluoxetine affect the developing brain. This study asks: what are the effects of chronic fluoxetine on prefrontal cortex plasticity and drebrin-mediated dendritic changes in adolescent (PND 35–50) mice? Research has shown that fluoxetine alters dendritic plasticity during adolescence, yet drebrin remains understudied, particularly in adolescent female models and within the prefrontal cortex. Influential literature demonstrated fluoxetine-induced changes to dendritic architecture, but their studies focused on adult and perinatal models and did not assess drebrin or sex differences. Drebrin is of importance to this study because it is a developmentally regulated F-actin-binding protein essential for dendritic spine formation and stability, making it a key marker of structural plasticity in the adolescent prefrontal cortex. My research will build on these findings by examining drebrin expression in the adolescent prefrontal cortex following chronic fluoxetine exposure. Including both male and female mice will help address a major gap in the literature on sex-specific effects of SSRIs during adolescence. In order to assess drebrin involvement and dendritic complexity, immunofluorescence will be used which will allow us to visualize where drebrin is located as well as the overall structure of dendrites.
Avila, Alfredo - Major: Nursing & Biology Minor, West Texas A&M University
Mentor: Dr. Erik Crosman & Dr. Jason Yarbrough, Assistant Department Head & Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences (LEES)
Oral Presentation Session #9, Room: Isleta
Title: Investigation of dust storm particulate pollution episodes in the Texas Panhandle during March 2025
Abstract: Particulate matter (PM) from dust storms is a health concern observed in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world. PM poses a threat to many vital organs, including the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as smaller particulates penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing tissue damage, inflammation, and other various systemic effects, including but not limited to reactive airway disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, and ischemic heart disease. To examine the severity of particulate pollution during dust storms in the Texas Panhandle, a handheld, laser-based particle counter equipped with seven detection channels for PM sizes was utilized in March of 2025. Two dust storm case studies will be presented: March 14th, 2025, where widespread local generation of dust resulted from high winds in the Texas Panhandle, and March 18th, 2025, where dust plumes were transported from New Mexico and Mexico into the Texas Panhandle. This study documents the extremely unhealthy air associated with these dust storms, with observed PM2.5 concentrations over 400 µg/m3 (the 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM2.5 is 35 µg/m3). This is the first study, to our knowledge, to research differences in size distributions of particulate pollution in West Texas originating from different source regions. Unlike urban areas with frequent poor air quality, the Texas Panhandle does not have high public awareness of the impacts of poor air quality on health, and we recommend more public awareness campaigns to highlight the health risks observed during these rare but high-impact dust episodes.
Carter, Preston - Major: Mathematics, University of New Mexico
Mentor: Dr. Maxim Zinchenko, Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Oral Presentation Session #9, Room: Lobo A
Title: Weighted General Chebyshev Polynomials
Abstract: Approximating functions with polynomials and other functions is used frequently in engineering and physics to save computational resources. It is also useful at times to consider the weighted approximation of a function. This research covers the union of these two notions; the best weighted general approximation of a function, that is to say, the best weighted approximation of a function using other functions which may or may not be polynomials. To be specific this research looks at the characteristics of the weighted general Chebyshev polynomial and the characterization of the best weighted general approximation of a function. This is accomplished through adaptation of techniques used in the study of general Chebyshev polynomials and the study of weighted Chebyshev polynomials.
Dunakin, Katrina - Major: Social Work, Our Lady of the Lake University
Mentor: Dr. Jessie Andre, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work
Oral Presentation Session #9, Room: Fiesta B
Title: The Importance of Incorporating Self-Care Education in the Social Work Curriculum
Abstract: This research is about whether Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs are preparing Social
Work students to practice self-care and prevent burnout before getting to practicum. The study
will be mixed methods, with the quantitative survey being the existing Student Maslach Burnout
Inventory, with 50 participants analyzed for consistency using Qualtrics. Participation in the
quantitative survey will take 10-15 minutes. The qualitative interview will consist of semi-structured questions. The responses
will be thematically analyzed using Atlasti with 12-15 participants. Participation in the
qualitative interview will take 30-45 minutes. Requirements for participation is that they must be
BSW students within the United States who have completed at least one semester of field
practicum in the past year. If research shows
that students feel burnt out after one semester of practicum, this could indicate why they may not
pursue their Master's of Social Work or end up leaving the profession altogether. This research
could lead to better self-care practices for students and improve the retention rate for the
profession.
Edwards, Trinity - Major: Rangeland Resource Science and Management , California State Polytechnic University Humboldt
Mentor: Dr. Justin Luong,
Assistant Professor of Rangeland Resources, Department of Forestry, Fire and Rangeland Management
Oral Presentation Session #9, Room: Trailblazer/Spirit
Title: Comparing Responses of California Annual and Perennial Grasses Under Simulated Grazing and Extreme Drought
Abstract: California grasslands are increasingly threatened by rising temperatures, declining precipitation, and increasing drought frequencies, which drive shifts from native to nonnative plant communities (González-Pérez et al. 2023; Luo et al. 2023; Funk 2021). Livestock grazing is one essential form of land stewardship, providing fire fuel reduction, money to rural communities, and food production to California’s vast grassland landscapes (Barry et al. 2015; Teague and Kreuter 2020). Grazing also promotes native plant and animal diversity benefiting ecosystems and humans (Gennet et al. 2017).
Despite the recorded benefits of grazing and the studies on increasing drought frequency, there is limited research on how California grasses respond to grazing under extreme drought conditions (Luong, Press, and Holl 2023). This study examines the resistance and resilience of five native California grass species, including three annual species (Hordeum depressum, Festuca microstachys, and Muhlenbergia microsperma) and two perennial species (Elymus glaucus and Melica californica), under simulated grazing and drought conditions. In a controlled greenhouse environment, species were subjected to clipping and varying drought intensities to assess plant development and regrowth potential. This investigation aims to provide insights into the suitability of these five grass species for restoration projects where grazing occurs in the context of increasing drought frequency and intensity.
Gootee, Angie - Major: Cognitive Neuroscience, Harding University
Mentor: Usenime Akpanudo, Associate Professor, Cannon-Clary College of Education
Oral Presentation Session #9, Room: Luminaria
Title: Effects of Generation Status and Parent Education Level On Imposter Phenomenon in Undergraduate Students
Abstract: Navigating new environments and experiences opens people up to unrelenting self-doubt. The jump from high school to unexplored college territory is a particularly hazardous time for this manifestation. Undergraduate students are notorious for self-doubt and questioning. This self-doubt shows in imposter phenomenon scores. Imposter phenomenon, colloquially known as imposter syndrome, is when an otherwise successful person feels like a fraud. They often attribute their success to luck or a fluke, believing it will end in failure. Exploring how a student's family affects them in university can tell us much about the college experience. A non-probability convenience sampling survey was distributed to students to determine if there is a difference in imposter phenomenon among first-generation, continuing-generation, or legacy students. This study also analyzes any difference in imposter phenomenon scores with parent education levels, among other variables. This study found no relationship between imposter phenomenon and parent education level or generation status. We also found that women have significantly higher imposter phenomenon scores than men. This research can help universities know how best to assist students during the difficult transition period and which students may need more help than others. We can also help students directly with this research by letting them know being unsure is normal.
Hernandez, Julianna - Major: Cultural Anthropology, New Mexico State University
Mentor: Dr. Judith Flores-Carmona, Associate Professor, College of HEST at NMSU
Oral Presentation Session #9, Room: Santa Ana B
Title: Leaving Children Behind
Abstract: The No Child Left Behind act (2001) mandated and generalized Standardized Testing in K-12 schools nationwide. El Paso schools participated with the TAKS Test (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills). The TAKS Test became a tool used against the marginalized border youth of El Paso by discriminating based on language skills. The test was only offered in English, subsequently, ESL (English as a Second Language) students were considered liabilities in test-taking. Overall scores counted toward monetary value awarded to schools and districts. These students were disenfranchised, dropped out, and were treated as undesirable in education, who inevitably internalized the treatment they received as students of EPISD.
Placticas and Testimonio Ethnography will be key to shaping this research with qualitative data. I’ll be interviewing my old classmates and teachers about their experience in education from 2001 to 2013. There is a gap in literature and research on the discrimination El Paso faces in its education that further dehumanizes us and treats us as disposable. This, therein, affects how the community views themselves and what it deems possible for them. Exploring the effects of hegemonic choices on the public education of Mexican-American students in El Paso could reveal the need for and importance of incorporating a border pedagogy. This may be necessary in the light of more recent and upcoming academic discrimination as relating to Vouchers in Texas.
House, Kiara - Major: Psychology, Washington State University
Mentor: Dr. Melanie Neuilly , Chair of Criminal Justice , Criminal Justice
Oral Presentation Session #9, Room: Santa Ana A
Title: Gendered Constructions of Responses to Sexual Abuse
Abstract: Sexual assault is predominately perpetrated by male offenders with female victims, this is a social invariant that has not been questioned much by research, contributing to the limited access of resources and support for victims who do not fall under the “norm”. The dominant explanation for this invariant is based on the pervasive nature of traditional gender roles, in which women are expected to inhabit a passive, weak role, leaving men to be either protectors or predators. The existing research on female sex offenders and/or male victims of sex offenses has focused on establishing typologies of victims and their experiences. In this research project, I use legal cases to find patterns of differences between the ways in which female and male sex offenders get treated in the justice system as well as well as how male victims are constructed using newspapers to identify relevant cases. I expect to find that female sex offenders are treated more leniently than male sex offenders, but also that male victims of sex offenses are constructed as having more agency than female victims.
Lambert, Sarah - Major: Computer Science, Concord University
Mentor: Mr. Lonnie Bowe, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Computer Science
Oral Presentation Session #9, Room: Acoma B
Title: Digital Resilience Within Library Institutions
Abstract: This project explores the state of cybersecurity within library institutions, with a focus on the human factors that contribute to both vulnerabilities and protection. Using the HAIS-Q (Human Aspects of Information Security Questionnaire) as a framework, the study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of library staff and IT personnel. It similarly examines how emerging technologies like Linked Open Data (LOD) can introduce new risks when not properly managed. While data collection is ongoing, literature review and preexisting research suggests a strong link between low cybersecurity awareness and increased exposure to cyber threats. The project highlights the need for employee training, improved policy enforcement, and greater awareness of the cascading effects of cyber incidents. Final results will validate connections between LOD and cyber threats, continuing to offer practical recommendations to help libraries enhance their digital resilience.
Navarrete, Paige - Major: Natural Resources - Wildlife Conservation & Management, University of Arizona
Mentor: Bret Pasch, Associate Professor, School of Natural Resources & the Environment; Mount Graham Biology Programs
Oral Presentation Session #9, Room: Acoma A
Title: Influences of Climate on an Endangered Squirrel Population and Food Availability in the Southwest United States
Abstract: Authors: Paige Navarrete, Sean Mahoney, Nikki Reck, Vicki Greer, and Bret Pasch
Adoption of adaptive conservation management practices requires consistent reassessment of the relationships species share with their environment. The endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus fremonti grahamensis; MGRS) population resides in an isolated ecosystem atop the Pinaleño Mountains in Graham County, AZ. This habitat is located within a range of the southwestern United States influenced by a unique bimodal precipitation system that supplies the majority of precipitation in an otherwise arid landscape. Currently, there is limited research on the effects of local precipitation and drought on the MGRS population. This study aims to take advantage of a long-term data set to investigate the effects of bimodal precipitation and temperature on seed and mushroom abundance within MGRS habitat using a set of time series analyses. Resulting trends reveal MGRS sensitivity to seed abundance and rising annual temperatures. While local precipitation influences mushroom abundance, a lack of influence on seed abundance may emphasize the importance of conserving forest and midden structures for seed resource maintenance. Updated assessments of the findings within this study will be necessary as climate extremes increase in frequency and severity throughout the American southwest. Through the analyses of such relationships within the Mt. Graham ecosystem, life history models for MGRS may be updated to better inform management decisions for the species and increase adaptive management capabilities.
Rodriguez, Briana - Major: Psychology , Our lady of the Lake University
Mentor: Dr. Melissa Shiplett-Jupe, Assistant Professor, Clinical Mental Health, Department of AA Education
Oral Presentation Session #9, Room: Fiesta A
Title: Examining the Relationship between Parent Martial Status and Factors of Self-Efficacy and Resiliency
Abstract: This MANOVA quantitative research study aims to understand the impact parental divorce has on first generation Latinx female college students by examining self-efficacy and resiliency. Self-efficacy and resilience are characteristics critical to re-enrollment and matriculation (Cassidy, 2015). According to divorce.com and Hispanic Association of College and University, members of Latinx communities have the second highest divorce rate when compared with other racial and ethnic groups. Additionally, Latinx student enrollment in higher education is expected to increase to more than 4.3 million by 2026 exceeding other racial and ethnic groups by a growth rate of 10 percent. Based on existing research exploring Latinx enrollment in higher education, Nora’s Model of Student Engagement (2006) highlights the factors impacting Latinx students’ persistence in higher education. This study utilizes Nora’s Model of Student Engagement to explore divorce as a moderator of precollege and pull factors. Research done by UNIDOSUS (2024) highlights how parental divorce can impact Latinx students’ decisions regarding re-enrollment and matriculation at exceedingly higher rates than their peers.
Existing literature provides the foundation of understanding many pre-college and pull factors. The goal of this current study is to expand on these factors detailing impacts on self-efficacy and resilience in first generation Latinx female college students potentially resulting in higher rates of reenrollment and matriculation. Results may provide implications in higher education regarding university policies, support systems, and methods to achieve greater student engagement.
