Fall 2025 Undergraduate Research Conference Presentations

Department of Biology

THH 406 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 1. Cellular Frontiers: Molecular Pathways in Cancer and Genetic Intervention

In the nuclei of eukaryotic cells, there is an observed accumulation of tRNA molecules that are cleaved into fragments. The tRNA-derived fragment functions as a regulatory RNA molecule that can modulate transcription of stress related genes in Arabidopsis. The 5’ end sequence of the tRF acts as the target recognition. In this study, the goal was to find appropriate tRNA-derived fragment oligonucleotides that would be able to express the selected genes of transgenic Arabidopsis shown through images taken using Biotek Lionheart FX Automated Microscope. Through the design and testing of tRF oligos, results will show comparative analysis of the most compatible tRF for expression of GFP. Oligos will be chosen based on applied knowledge of molecular chemistry and biological mechanisms. Once designed and chosen, the oligos will be tested involving expression of GFP quantified through the microscope image analysis. A comparative analysis will be conducted and the results will help streamline Dr. Kang’s research in nuclear tRNA-derived fragments’ role in plant immunity.

Mentor: Hong Ku Gang, Department of Biology

School of Music

THH 308 | 10:30 - 12:00

Panel 5. The Sound of Learning: Pedagogy, Performance, and 3D-Printed Symphonies

How can we blend fun elementary music methods in the older student’s orchestra classroom? The audience should be ready to participate in music-making and games with their voice, instruments, and full body movement! Kodály is a popular K-5 curriculum with block aural-oral-tactile learning. The Suzuki Method is a very popular string education model that treats learning ‘music as a native language’. This project seeks to bridge popular pedagogical elementary music practices to strengthen string education. Elementary and secondary instrument classes are often treated as opposing practices. By continuing their musical foundations into the string classrooms, students have the advantage of music in their head and ears, not just the fingers! The careful sequencing/layered steps in the Kodály Method lead to high success with expressive musicianship and intuitive tonal centers. The cumulative presentation will be guided by journal entries taken during training/certification programs, interviews, and testimonials from experienced educators.

Advisor: Amanda Soto, School of Music

School of Theatre, Dance & Film

THH 310 | 3:00 - 4:30

Panel 6. Exploring Intimacy, Absence, and Pain Through the Lens of Film

Negative Space explores photography as a bridge between culture, memory, and morality. Inspired by stories of displacement and separation, the film follows Fiona as she confronts images that challenge societal expectations and ethics. It examines how photographs carry political, spiritual, and personal weight, shaping legacy and testing the boundaries of art. Through global perspectives, Negative Space asks: how far will we go to create meaningful work, and what do we leave unsaid in the spaces between?

Advisor: Huay Law, School of Theatre, Dance & Film

Department of Communication Studies

THH 305 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 10. Navigating Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: Cyberbullying, Media Bias, and Talking Religion With Your Parents

Parents are instrumental in shaping their young children’s religious beliefs and practices, but as they grow up, these children may realize that they have different religious beliefs than their parents. Emerging adults “grow into” their identity over time, and that identity is comprised of many facets or layers (e.g., religion, politics, gender, sexual orientation, profession, and so forth). When emerging adults differ from their parents on important matters, it can create an opportunity for bonding and learning more about one another, or it can create tension due to feeling misunderstood, judged, or invalidated. When children feel supported or accepted by their parents, this typically has a positive impact on relational well-being (and vice versa), but extant research is limited regarding the types of conversations that parents and adult children are having about religious differences. In addition, the limited work on this topic has focused on rather homogenous samples. The current study will utilize a mixed methods approach to examine how parents and their adult children talk about their “spiritual mismatch” -- when adult children have differing religious beliefs from their parents – and in turn, how these conversations or memorable messages impact the nature of the parent-child relationship. By collecting anonymous narrative examples from a variety of young adults (e.g., different races, religions, sexual orientations), this research aims to supply illustrative qualitative exemplars of parent-child conversations about religious differences (both positive and negative), and that impacted parent-child relationships in both constructive and destructive ways. The study will also include quantitative data regarding religious difference, relational satisfaction, and closeness in the parent-child relationship to explore potential differences in satisfying and/or close relationships compared to unsatisfying and/or less close relationships.

Mentor: Lindsay Timmerman, Department of Communication Studies

Department of Anthropology

THH 306 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 7. Excavating Humanity: Cultural, Historical, and Forensic Anthropology in Context

This paper examines the nutritional health of Native American women through a literary review of prehistoric and historic health patterns. By tracing the dietary transformations experienced by Native American women across pre- and post-contact eras, I argue that the colonial disruption of traditional food systems directly contributes to long-term metabolic and health disparities evident in Native women’s contemporary health. The paper explores the historical context of these changes –from the shift toward agriculture to forced assimilation of food environments – using paleopathological stress factors to demonstrate how intergenerational deficiencies persist. Furthermore, I analyze how these disruptions currently impact Native American women’s health outcomes, considering how policies and community-led initiatives both resist and perpetuate the lasting effects. Ultimately, the review argues that recognizing these pre- and post-contact nutritional disruptions is essential for shaping equitable health policies and building the resilience of Native communities today. 

Advisor: Michelle Hamilton, Department of Anthropology

Department of Political Science

THH 309 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 15. Mapping America: Identity, Politics, and Place

This research examines how theories of election campaign strategies can be applied to benefit a Democratic campaign in Texas. By analyzing the political, social, and demographic landscape that exists in the Lone Star State, I identified Texas as a state of political interest that presents an uphill challenge for any Democratic candidate with aspirations of winning statewide. I then take campaign strategies that have been broadly proven effective and specifically relate them in the context of Texas’s political situation. My research strategies involved a qualitative analysis on prior political campaign literature, quantitative comparisons of election results, and case studies of Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate. Information has been utilized from academic journal articles, relevant book chapters, and official election results. This research offers a path forward for how Texas Democrats can navigate a changing political environment in order to maximize chances of success statewide. The campaign strategies found to be the most effective for Democrats in Texas involve a more populist, grassroots approach in comparison to what is often promoted by national leaders of the Democratic Party. These findings provide implications on how Texas Democrats ought to be running campaigns in the future, as the party looks towards Texas becoming a more hotly contested battleground.

Advisor: Hyun Yun, Department of Political Science

Department of Accounting

THH 408 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 12. Markets of Meaning: Accounting, Finance, and the Psychology of Exchange

AI is a crucial new tool for the future. No industry can seem to get away from its use. Accounting is no exception. This paper is an overview of AI and a review of AI use in Accounting. I will mainly focus on questions that relate to the how and why aspects of AI. I will answer questions like how AI will be used in accounting, how it should be implemented, why accountants should use it, and general questions pertaining to AI. I find answers to these questions with various methods. This includes sources like the book CoIntelligence Living and Working with AI, an AI course designed by the accounting firm EY, and frameworks designed by COSO, along with general research. Additionally, I have used AI to show examples of prompting and responses as part of my paper. Lastly, while I use the term AI all throughout this paper, I will mainly focus on specifically Generative AI, the difference between the two is also briefly addressed in this paper. 

Advisor: Randall Young, Department of Accounting

Department of English

THH 305 | 3:00 - 4:30

Panel 11. Systems and Selves: Mental Health, the Law, and Help-Seeking Behavior

This thesis explores the intersection of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and the insanity plea, assessing whether or not those diagnosed with ASPD qualify for legal exculpation through the insanity plea. Through the analysis of existing literature, legal cases, and theoretical frameworks, this thesis will explore the intersection between law, psychology, and criminal justice while raising critical questions regarding how legal policies account for human behavior, mental health, and public perception. Although ASPD is often linked to criminal behavior, the criteria for both the insanity plea and ASPD rarely align, creating tension between psychiatric diagnosis and legal responsibility. While there are historically negative attitudes and misconceptions regarding the insanity plea, case studies and legal precedents, such as State v. Meiser and high-profile trials involving James Holmes, highlight the complexity of mental health and the separation between volitional incapacity and intentional acts. While being diagnosed with ASPD has a greater risk for violence, research shows that individuals have a general understanding of the wrongfulness of their actions, undermining the criteria for the insanity plea. This paper argues that while individuals diagnosed with ASPD rarely qualify for the insanity plea, it does, however, raise questions regarding the fairness of the legal system surrounding mental health while highlighting the weaknesses of both psychiatric frameworks and legal standards, raising questions about culpability, fairness, and the treatment of mental illness in the criminal justice system.

Advisor: Mark Stafford, School of Criminal Justice and Criminology

Department of Anthropology

THH 306 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 7. Excavating Humanity: Cultural, Historical, and Forensic Anthropology in Context

This research project aims to understand the differences in long bone skeletal remains of Buffalo soldiers from Fort Craig, New Mexico, and similar skeletal remains from the Terry collection. Many of these soldiers' remains were buried in 1862 after the battle of Valverde, then excavated by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2007 after it was discovered that looting was taking place at the site. By using comparative osteological analysis, this study aims to highlight variations in the long bone data that has been gathered from the remains in both collections. It aims to give greater insight into the types of labor these men did, differences between the levels of work done by black and white soldiers, and enhance our understanding of historical soldier populations using osteological practices. The findings of the project should help contribute to the field of bioarcheology and bring more attention to the differences in treatment between black and white soldiers throughout history.

Mentor: Daniel Wescott, Department of Anthropology

Department of Biology

THH 306 | 10:30 - 12:00

Panel 8. Healing Environments: Supporting Wellness through Movement, Nature, and Conservation

Rooted in Costa Rica’s national ethos of Pura Vida, a philosophy of gratitude, balance, and harmony with nature, this study explores how cultural values shape approaches to wildlife care. Conducted a Costa Rican wildlife rescue center, the research investigates how the Pura Vida philosophy influences daily care practices, like animal handling, rehabilitation and enrichment. Using qualitative methods such as staff interviews, volunteer surveys, on-site observations, and autoethnographic reflection, the study examines how caretakers and volunteers translate Pura Vida into compassionate, culturally informed approaches to animal welfare. Preliminary insights suggest that Pura Vida is expressed through patient, stress-free rehabilitation methods, collective decision-making, and sustainability-minded practices that prioritize both animal autonomy and human well-being. By emphasizing calm interaction and respect for natural behaviors, these sanctuaries embody a model of care grounded in empathy and cultural tradition. Ultimately, the project aims to reveal how values and heritage influence human-animal relationships and to encourage cross-cultural dialogue about integrating cultural awareness and empathy into global conservation work. The findings offer practical implications for sanctuary management, wildlife education, and conservation policy, illustrating how honoring local philosophy can foster more holistic, ethical, and sustainable approaches to the care of animals and the environment. 

Mentor: Jenn Idema, Department of Biology

Department of Biology

THH 408 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 4. Ecologies in Motion: Species, Systems, and Environmental Interdependence

Viruses are the most abundant entities in the world and play a significant role in microbial communities through their transfer of auxiliary metabolic genes (AMG), which can impact host metabolism. While their influence on biogeochemical cycles has been well documented in other environments, their roles within groundwater systems remain understudied, and variations in research methodologies may influence how genomic data is interpreted. Prior to this study, no research has compared both the functional and methodological differences in viral AMGs across aquifers from different sampling locations. Two open-source datasets from studies conducted in China and New Zealand were used to analyze the clusters of orthologous groups (COG) associated with the viral AMGs. To evaluate how methodological differences influence the results, we unified the functional annotation tools that were used in each study to assign functions to the AMGs. Viral genes were categorized based on their role in host metabolism and if they have the potential to directly impact the nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, or methane cycle. This study hypothesises that differences in viral function will be observed both in the datasets collected from distinct geographical locations, as well as between the results produced from the original and hybrid methodology. By analyzing these ecological and methodological differences, we can understand the importance of standardizing viral AMGs analysis and gain insight into how we can improve nutrient cycling predictions in groundwater ecosystems.

Mentor: Morgan Sobol, Department of Biology

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

THH 406 | 3:00 - 4:30

Panel 3. Origins and Assemblies: Chemistry, Life, and the Molecular Imagination

Understanding how chromosomes and telomeres work in Saccharomyces cerevisiae can tell us a lot about genome stability and the processes that influence aging. However, it’s often difficult to purify these DNAs without damaging them or losing important regions. The goal of our project is to develop a new and more reliable method for purifying and analyzing chromosomal and telomeric DNAs using a modified version of the FAST method developed by Kevin Lewis. In this first phase, we are testing different variables, such as how long cells are lysed, the concentrations of reagents used, and how purification is carried out, to find the combination that gives the best DNA yield and quality. We are currently working with the S. cerevisiae Y773 strain and focusing on detecting a specific minichromosome associated with the BY gene to confirm that our method works effectively. Our early results show that small adjustments, especially in the extraction buffer and lysis time, help reduce DNA shearing and improve overall recovery. These findings suggest that our modified FAST method could become a faster, cleaner, and more consistent way to isolate intact chromosomal and telomeric DNA. The next phase of our project will continue refining these steps and testing the method’s reproducibility across different yeast samples.

Mentor: Kevin Lewis, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

School of Art and Design

THH 310 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 14. Seeing Differently: Perspectives from Art, Art History, and Curatorial Practice

Images of disaster at sea have long been a part of seafaring cultures, and in more recent times have become recognizable across all spheres of life. This essay will examine three important epochs of maritime representation – seventeenth century Dutch, nineteenth century British, and contemporary motion pictures – to examine an underlying thread: sublimity. The first section surveys Dutch maritime art with a particular eye towards the Tempest subgenre, exploring how this most influential era of art engaged in the ages-old discourse on the sublime. The second section highlights the work of British painter J.M.W. Turner, analyzing how one of his most famous works, The Slave Ship, adapts those principles of sublimity to a new era of abolition and enlightenment. The third section will face a new medium, the submarine war film, and unravel how this vastly different medium continues and adapts sublimity for a new age.

Advisor: Andrew Hsin Chen, School of Art and Design

Department of Aerospace Studies

THH 408 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 12. Markets of Meaning: Accounting, Finance, and the Psychology of Exchange

This research project provides an overview of Islamic finance, exploring its historical development, theoretical foundations, and ethical approach to economic activity. The core principles of Islamic finance are its compliance with Shari’ah (Islamic law), prohibition of interest (riba), encouragement of risk-sharing, and promotes socially responsible investment. This paper gives a brief history of Islamic finance, tracing it back to early Islamic civilization, where economic activity was guided by moral and spiritual accountability. Key concepts such as zakat (mandatory almsgiving), gharar (prohibition of excessive uncertainty), and mudarabah (profit-sharing partnership) show how Islamic finance integrates social justice and fairness into financial transactions and the broader economy. Islamic finance’s aim is to prevent exploitation, promote equitable wealth distribution, and ensure that financial dealings are tied to real economic value through asset-backed financing. This paper also explores a home financing transaction under Islamic law, comparing and contrasting it with modern conventional finance. Islamic finance is a holistic framework that combines ethical and moral values with economic activity and offers a model for socially conscious financial practices in today’s economy.

Advisor: Emmanuel Alanis, Department of Finance and Economics

School of Music

THH 308 | 10:30 - 12:00

Panel 5. The Sound of Learning: Pedagogy, Performance, and 3D-Printed Symphonies

The first three-dimensional (3D) printer emerged in 1981, utilizing stereolithography (SLA) technology which works by building up individual thin layers of resin at a time that are each cured by an ultra-violet light before another layer is added. Three dimensional printers, as are most known today, employ fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology whereby the plastic filament is extruded from a heated nozzle and laid down layer by layer to create any desired shape (Chapman 2022). With the rise of FDM technology in the past twenty years, 3D printing has shown promise in its use for instrument production. Researchers who have been experimenting with instrument reproduction via 3D printing include Ricardo Simian who makes and sells historic cornetts and Amit Zoran who in his research attempted to recreate a concert flute using both SLA and FDM technologies (Simian 2023; Zoran 2011). With such promising results, what are the limitations of this technology for recreating wind instruments? How do the pitch ranges, tone quality, and overall playing experience compare to that of professional instruments? What implications does 3D printing have on the production process of musical instruments? To explore the answers to these questions, I will 3D print instruments found on open-source websites, sand and paint the printed products, and produce four recordings of original compositions that showcase each different instrument and their unique music-making capabilities. My creations draw upon the work of such makers and researchers as Simian, Zoran, Antonio Bacciaglia, Koji Matsunobu, Mauri Meronen, and Nicolas Bras. Though the work of some such as Simian and Zoran take a more technological approach, I plan to expand on their  2 work by taking inspiration from their methods and research to produce a creative output of personalized instruments and original recordings that highlight the technology’s unique abilities for both musicianship and artistry.

Advisor: Kevin Mooney, School of Music

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

THH 406 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 2. Mechanisms of Life: Structural and Functional Insights in Biochemistry

The structural maintenance of chromosomes 5/6 complex (Smc5/6) is a protein made of 8 subunits and is found in budding yeast and humans. Smc5/6 plays an important role in the repair of double strand breaks and R loop resolution. One mechanism SMC5/6 uses to maintain genome stability is covalently attaching a small ubiquitin-like modifier protein (SUMO) to protein substrates. Sumoylation activates or inhibits other proteins’ activity, affects other proteins cellular localization, or regulates protein-protein or protein-nucleic acids interactions. This process has been shown to regulate the expression of oncogenes and the development of immune cells, underscoring the importance of sumoylation pathways in fighting disease. NonSMC element 1, non-SMC element 3, and non-SMC element 4 (Nse1, Nse3, Nse4) form a heterotrimer that is located near the head domains of Smc5 and Smc6, which interact with DNA and functions in DNA replication and DNA damage repair. A pET-Smc5/6 plasmid that contains the coding sequence of wild type Smc5, Smc6, Nse1, Nse2, Nse3, Nse4 to co-express the coreSmc5/6 (hexamer) constructed during a previous project. In this project, the key residues involved in DNA binding on Smc5, Smc6, Nse3 and Nse4 were mutated to generate a compound mutant of core-Smc5/6 defective for its DNA binding activity. After purification with StrepTap and Heparin columns, the hexamer was then tested alongside the wild type SMC5/6 complex for its ability to sumoylate the Smc5, Smc6, and Sgs1 through an in vitro sumoylation assay. Determining whether DNA binding is necessary for sumoylation will provide sight into whether a mutation on the DNA binding motif of the Smc5/6 complex results in a loss of sumoylation activity. Understanding the mechanisms behind sumoylation allows for the development of novel treatments that target human diseases like cancer caused by dysfunction of sumoylation.

Advisor: Xiaoyu Xue, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Department of English

THH 310 | 3:00 - 4:30

Panel 6. Exploring Intimacy, Absence, and Pain Through the Lens of Film

With the swift evolution of artificial intelligence, a sudden and terrifying shift has emerged in the arts, entertainment, and human relationships. This capstone intends to explore this topic through two different lenses—first, in the relationship humans have with technology as seen in three films posed at the turn of the century: David Cronenberg’s Crash, Larry Clark’s Impaled, and Daniel Goldhaber’s Cam. These films, respectively, explore the degradation and destruction of the human body due to technology, the effects of the commodification of online pornography, and how online algorithms demonize women on the internet. This culminates with my own short film exploring the ideas expressed above, and additionally, how the emergence of AI plays a role in the ideas expressed in these three films. The short film is titled Everything Hurts, and it follows Marty, an aimless college student who finds solace in a digital recreation of his deceased girlfriend, Angela. With Marty immersed in this artificial intelligence, his friends attempt to redirect him to a real-life relationship with Lexi, only for everyone to find themselves sent down a rabbit hole of conspiracy and murder. This project aims to dissect the negative effects of artificial intelligence both in the entertainment industry and in human relationships, and furthermore, how filmmaking has continuously been able to depict human emotion in an organic way without the assistance of generative artificial intelligence.

Advisor: Annie Miller, School of Art and Design

Department of Psychology

THH 305 | 3:00 - 4:30

Panel 11. Systems and Selves: Mental Health, the Law, and Help-Seeking Behavior

Mental health has become a significant global issue, with an increasing number of people experiencing mental disorders of varying severities. As a result, there is an urgent need for diverse treatment options. One controversial approach is involuntary psychiatric hospitalization, which is typically reserved for mental health emergencies, crises, or for individuals who are considered incapacitated or incompetent and thus unable to provide voluntary consent. While many studies have examined public attitudes toward involuntary or compulsory admission during hospitalization, as well as the perspectives of staff and family members, few have specifically investigated attitudes after hospitalization. The current study aims to explore these attitudes among former patients. Specifically, the researchers used a qualitative approach to identify emerging themes using a public forum database. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of involuntary psychiatric care, raise awareness of potential consequences, and suggest future directions for interventions and research. 

Mentor: Ariel McField, Department of Psychology

Department of Anthropology

THH 306 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 7. Excavating Humanity: Cultural, Historical, and Forensic Anthropology in Context

This report discusses findings from my preliminary surveying and charting at Packsaddle Mountain in Llano County, Texas, for any future archaeological studies. The large landmark is significant in the Texas historical record and popular in Texan folklore. It has a dynamic past with many visitors from separate time periods and differing cultures. It was most notably visited by various prospectors in search of silver and gold, with many leaving behind mineshafts. I, along with the guidance of my father and the landowner James Stotts, will conduct a surface survey of a large portion of the landmark within the Stotts family private ranch. Locations of significance will be marked as coordinates using GPS devices. The gathered data will be integrated into ArcGIS software for map creation. During our surface surveys we will use a metal-detector to enhance our perception during all our surface exploration and charting. I will be cataloguing all the artifacts discovered thus far. My father’s and James’s primary prerogative are to find evidence of the Spanish. They suspect the landmark is the site for the popular legend of lost Spanish silver mines known as the Los Almagres (Red Ochre) Mines. However, my main prerogative at the time of conducting this report is to prepare the location for future archaeological research by marking locations of significance, providing a map for reference, and cataloguing discovered artifacts.

Advisor: David Kilby, Department of Anthropology

Department of Biology

THH 406 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 2. Mechanisms of Life: Structural and Functional Insights in Biochemistry

Calmodulin is a secondary messenger in a wide range of developmental plant processes. In this research project, a gene (Cam1) coding for said protein has been overexpressed under a 35s promoter region. Plant assays, Western Blot analyses, and PCRs were performed to connect a higher presence of Calmodulin to the phenotypes it produces. We expect to see an increase in the size of Arabidopsis root systems when Cam1 is overexpressed. We also expect the larger root systems to cause an overall increase in the plant size, with thicker leaves and hypocotyls. This project began in hopes of not only characterizing the phenotype, but also to identify a homozygous line for the transgenic Cam1. Gene silencing has become an issue with the line currently being used, which has prevented a homozygous line being identified thus far.

Mentor: Nihal Dharmasiri, Department of Biology

School of Music

THH 308 | 10:30 - 12:00

Panel 5. The Sound of Learning: Pedagogy, Performance, and 3D-Printed Symphonies

Anyone who has marched DCI may say that it changed their life, but exactly how? My research study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the biological, psychological, and social aspects and environment of DCI through the analysis and evaluation of anonymous survey questions. DCI stands for “Drum Corps International,” and it is an international organization for young performers of the marching arts to tour and compete nationally and finally at an annual world championships. The term “biopsychosocial” encompasses biological, psychological, and social experiences, and typically represents human behavior and health in a given environment. To advertise my research, I will post an initial Instagram post advertising my survey. Then I will post a follow-up one week after the initial post to further advertise my survey. Participants of the survey and viewers of the Instagram posts will be encouraged to repost, creating a snowball sampling effect. The questions for my survey will be split into social, psychological, and biological blocks, each asking for answers that might give me insight into others’ DCI experiences, along with relating those experiences to their non-DCI marching band experiences for context. I will analyze the data from the survey and report descriptive statistics on it for my study (means, medians, modes, etc.) displayed with numbers and visualizers. With my research, I hope to explore the biopsychosocial demands of DCI, relate to non-DCI marching band, and report the differences. If others were to read my descriptive study reports after they are complete, they could conduct further outside analysis and comparison of my findings.

Advisor: John Denis, School of Music

Department of Biology

THH 306 | 10:30 - 12:00

Panel 8. Healing Environments: Supporting Wellness through Movement, Nature, and Conservation

Mental health has been a rising topic of concern over the past decade, and its prominence within college campuses has prompted the development of systematic approaches to manage and mitigate the adverse effects of symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Various factors influence these trends, including social isolation and a deficiency in nature exposure. Inverse relationships have been established between nature exposure or time spent in green spaces and the occurrence of mental health symptoms. The development of nature-based therapies, such as nature-based social prescribing, has begun to be introduced as an alternative method to approaching the mental health crisis. As many college campuses have access to green spaces and natural areas, such programs may be beneficial additions to current initiatives to encourage students to spend greater time outdoors, practice self-care, and reduce negative feelings associated with anxiety, depression, and other common mental health issues. This review examines the current literature on the mental health crisis in high stress populations, namely college students, and utilizing nature and green spaces as a means of therapy to alleviate the harmful consequences of prevalent mental health problems.

Advisor: Anthony Deringer, Department of Health and Human Performance

Department of Psychology

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

THH 406 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 1. Cellular Frontiers: Molecular Pathways in Cancer and Genetic Intervention

Sphaeropsidin A (SphA) is a bioactive diterpenoid originally isolated from the plant-pathogenic fungus, Diplodia cupressi, with notable anticancer activity linked to the disruption of cellular volume regulation within cancer cells. We have developed synthetic chemistry that allows preparation of analogues with significantly enhanced potency against cancer cell lines compared to that of the natural product. The structure of SphA and its semi-synthetic analogues incorporates an α,β-unsaturated ketone that may contribute to covalent interactions with biological nucleophiles including their target(s) responsible for the anticancer activity. To better understand and harness this covalent reactivity, we are investigating the addition of thiols to SphA as a model for this potential biologically relevant chemistry. Reactions with 2-mercaptoethanol and related thiols are being evaluated to assess product formation, diastereoselectivity, and relative reactivity under various conditions. This work aims to clarify the thiol-reactive behavior at the α,β-unsaturated ketone of SphA to guide future efforts to design analogues with controlled electrophilicity and optimized bioactivity. 

Mentor: Alex Kornienko, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

School of Art and Design

THH 310 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 14. Seeing Differently: Perspectives from Art, Art History, and Curatorial Practice

This capstone project presents a complete professional package designed to help me enter the communication design field. The main component is a finished web portfolio that clearly shows my growth and skills in various disciplines like Branding, Publication design, Packaging, and Art Direction. This collection features the best work from my program, demonstrating my ability to think critically and create strong visuals. The overall project, which includes a professional resume and social media strategy, establishes a designer who is fully prepared and versatile enough to contribute to any creative environment immediately.

Advisor: Mark Brinkman, School of Art and Design

Department of Biology

THH 408 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 4. Ecologies in Motion: Species, Systems, and Environmental Interdependence

Supercolonial animals are species that form immense colonies holding up to millions of individuals that are connected over large plots of land. Most of these supercolonies are found in ant species, such as the Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile), Tawny Crazy Ants (Nylanderia fulva), and Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta). One of the most important characteristics of supercolonies is that the individuals do not show aggression to each other, to allow the colony to grow to momentous size, which may have allowed ant supercolonies to become invasive. This work aims to compare the behavioral differences between the invasive Red Imported Fire Ant in Texas to the native Smith’s Pyramid Ant (Dorymyrmex smithi) in Georgia from previously published literature, to determine if there is any contrast from the way they interact within their nest. We would also compare other species of invasive and native supercolonial ants, to determine the evolutionary causes to supercolony formation, and how supercolonial ants affect the ecosystems they live in. We would expect to see a difference in behavior between the invasive and native species, and hope to continue this research to determine any possible genetic differences that could be modified to allow the Red Imported Fire Ant, and other invasive supercolonial ants, to show aggression towards their own nestmates, decreasing their populations.

Advisor: Joel Bergh, Department of Biology

Department of Psychology

THH 305 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 10. Navigating Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: Cyberbullying, Media Bias, and Talking Religion With Your Parents

Cyberbullying is a severe issue in today’s day and age for adolescents. Cyberbullying is the act of bullying online and alters everyone throughout new and advanced technology. Though affecting everyone it could be examined that it affects females separately from males. This research identifies emotional intelligence (EI) as the means to perceive self emotions, and social emotions of others. Additionally, it examines whether having higher emotional intelligence protects adolescents from being victims of cyberbullying. This paper aims to explore if gender plays a role in emotional intelligence, specifically if females with high emotional intelligence encounter cyber bullying separate from males. This study will source recent literature review studies from education and psychology. The paper focuses on how EI relates to managing cyberbullying, building resistance, and handling social interactions online. This project uses a qualitative literature review approach. It highlights that females and males express and mitigate emotions separately, this could explain why gender is essential for this context. This paper proposes that Emotional Intelligence could reduce the psychological distress caused from cyberbullying, specifically females. This study recognizes adolescents with low EI are more likely to be victims of bullying and exhibit aggression. This research aims to enhance comprehension of how emotional skills affect susceptibility to online bullying and why gender has influence when creating prevention strategies.

Advisor: Roque Mendez, Department of Psychology

Department of Biology

THH 310 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 13. The Creative Spark: Writing for Stage, Story, and Performance

“The Butterfly Effect” is a creative work in which perception of the individual as a result of societal bigotry is analyzed in depth. In recent years the world has seen a growing focus on the effects of direct ostracization, so this project will explore where that route of thinking can take everyone involved. The modern day also continues to exhibit a multitude of internalized literary expectations around gender archetypes. I want to help challenge this by writing a story in which traditional gender roles are not present, or are even subverted. This work, titled The Butterfly Effect, is inspired in part by Howl’s Moving Castle and features a heartfelt story about several characters navigating their relationships with themselves, each other, and their world. I want to assess multiple angles of bigotry in this work; how bias can become internalized and impact not just the masses, but the people that it centers around. The story is told through multiple perspectives in order to get a varied grasp of the impact of bigotry as a whole. These characters include Arlen, a social outcast who is being hunted down because of the magic she can do, and Esthae, a child who, unlike all before her, meets Arlen with kindness. Arlen, Esthae, and others they meet along the way come face to face with Monarchy, an oppressive extremist group that is attempting to rid the land of magic. Set in a fictional world in which some people find themselves with magic they never asked for, this story presents as a commentary on the lenses through which we view others, serving as a way to digest a wider topic through the ease of comparison.

Advisor: Jordan Morille, Honors College

Department of Health and Human Performance

THH 406 | 3:00 - 4:30

Panel 3. Origins and Assemblies: Chemistry, Life, and the Molecular Imagination

NASA defines life as “a self-sustaining chemical system capable of Darwinian evolution”. Our project will explore and analyze the role of self-assembly of organic molecules in the origin of life and the requirements necessary to facilitate molecular assembly. Relatively weak intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions and dispersion forces drive self-assembly. These relatively weak forces work together to produce a more thermodynamically stable aggregate. Our investigation will explore potential mechanisms of self-assembly, not only on Earth, but throughout our solar system in environments favorable to sustain life. We will begin by identifying various ways in which simple molecular components are transformed into organic molecules relevant for life processes. Important experiments, such as the Miller-Urey experiment, demonstrated the ability to produce amino acids from smaller molecules of water (H2O), methane (CH4), and ammonia (NH3) using available energy sources, such as lightning and radiation, in the early Earth atmosphere. The Miller-Urey experiment is considered foundational evidence for the plausibility of spontaneous self-assembly of less complex molecules into organization into higher order structures, thereby supporting the possibility of self-assembly occurring beyond Earth. Building on this foundation, we will evaluate several debated theories postulating the possible origin of life in the context of self-assembly. Currently, the most promising theories include the RNA world hypothesis, primordial “soup” idea, panspermia, and hydrothermal vents. As we explore each theory, we will examine methods utilized for the detection and analysis of the molecular signatures of life generated by self-assembled organic molecules and the self-assembly process itself, as well as discuss what these data allow us to infer about potential life beyond Earth. Finally, we will examine other environments in the solar system, such as Mars and moons near Saturn and Jupiter, that may have allowed or have allowed for self-assembly to occur.

Advisor: Michael Blanda, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Department of Psychology

THH 305 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 9. Minds in Motion: Anxiety, Autism, and Emotional Regulation

Autistic individuals frequently camouflage their autistic traits in order to adhere to neurotypical social norms (e.g., Hull et al., 2017; Lai et al., 2017). One social norm governed by complex, culturally-dependent rules is when to tell a prosocial lie versus a blunt truth (e.g., Giles et al., 2019). Understanding when and how autistic adults tell prosocial lies is an important research question with implications for interpersonal relations. To address this question, we collected data from three different samples. In Study 1, participants (N=261, 148 males, aged 21-71, mean=36.5y) completed an online survey in which they evaluated their likelihood of telling prosocial lies in a variety of different contexts and then completed a measure of autistic traits. We found that higher levels of autistic traits were associated with an increased endorsement of masking the truth. Given evidence that autistic traits may differentially impact hypothetical versus real-world behavior, we next collected data in a real-world scenario. In Study 2, participants (N = 161, 37 males, aged 18-25y, mean age=19.07), completed a measure of autistic traits and then interacted with a real social partner and chose whether to tell a prosocial lie or blunt truth about that social partner’s poorly written essay. Study 2 data analyses are on-going and will focus on whether autistic traits are related to prosocial lying. Finally, as the first two samples just looked at autistic traits, we are currently collecting data from a third sample of nonautistic and self-identified autistic adults. In Study 3, participants are completing an online survey which contains the same measures as Study 1 and a hypothetical version of Study 2 in which we ask what feedback they would give to an essay writer. We will examine whether the autistic and non-autistic samples differ on their endorsement of prosocial lying. Thus, across a variety of social contexts, the current study examines how autistic traits and autism influence prosocial lying versus blunt truth-telling, with implications for communicative success and interpersonal relationship.

Mentor: Katherine Warnell, Department of Psychology

Department of Psychology

THH 305 | 3:00 - 4:30

Panel 11. Systems and Selves: Mental Health, the Law, and Help-Seeking Behavior

In the U.S., research has repeatedly shown that mental illness prevalence is rising among all populations. While mental health awareness has increased along with this rise, both the acceptance and severity of symptoms are not uniform among demographics. For example, previous studies have illuminated that black populations tend to have more severe and disabling symptoms, yet lower treatment utilization compared to other demographics. In the current research, when Black Americans are studied, they are frequently lumped together as ""African American"" despite various black ethnic groups having different cultures that impact behavior and experience with mental health. The main objective of this qualitative study is to understand the attitudes, social norms, and perceived control beliefs that impede or facilitate mental health help-seeking in black ethnic groups. A supplemental goal is understanding the nuances between different ethnic groups and genders when it comes to help-seeking. Data was collected through SONA systems and a Qualtrics-powered survey. Results were interpreted through the lens of Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior. 

Advisor: Roque Mendez, Department of Psychology

Department of Anthropology

THH 309 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 15. Mapping America: Identity, Politics, and Place

This research paper explores the evolving construction of Latino Identity within the United States and analyzes its impact on the Latino Community. It approaches the cultural, historical, and political factors that have influenced the development of Latino Identity, which have shaped and continually transformed it. The text examines how ethnicity, nationality, and race interact to create the unique experiences for Latinos. It looks into important topics like the Chicano Movement, the evolution of linguistic identity, the patterns of immigration, and the impact of geographical influences on these experiences. By exploring these elements, we can better understand the rich and diverse narratives that define the Latino community. Using a range of peer-reviewed scholarly sources, this research traces how Latinos are both a marginalized population and a central cultural and political force in American society by looking at how activism, cultural resistance, and adaptation have strengthened the sense of belonging among Latinos, showing how identity has been continuously rebuilt in response to social change. The study also examines the impact of American culture, which has led to a redefined identity that combines traditional roots with modern experiences. In addition, the research explores internal differences within the Latino community, such as class, nationality, and generational gaps, as well as the challenges of exclusion and self discrimination. It also considers the influence of policies, the role of language, and racial classification in the U.S. Census. This research paper explores the evolving construction of Latino Identity within the United States and analyzes its impact on the Latino Community. It approaches the cultural, historical, and political factors that have influenced the development of Latino Identity, which have shaped and continually transformed it.

Advisor: Lise Byars George, Department of Anthropology

Department of Psychology

THH 306 | 10:30 - 12:00

Panel 8. Healing Environments: Supporting Wellness through Movement, Nature, and Conservation

Dance has been shown by many research studies to be the best treatment for depression and yet few therapists or psychologists include somatic work effectively into their treatment plans. It isn’t because they don’t want to. Many therapists I spoke with who were certified in DMT, Somatic Experiencing and other somatic therapy modalities still rarely include it into into their work due to a lack of clarity around what a somatic therapy session would even look like or how to explain it to people who expect to come to a therapist’s office, sit on a couch and talk. Created in collaboration with Amada McCorkle of the Theater and Dance Department at Texas State “The Somatic Curriculum for Therapists” aims to create an accessible series of activities for therapists to use to begin to introduce somatics to their clients as well as practical advice about how to break down somatic concepts for a client with any level of somatic understanding. The project includes a regular monthly meetup for somatic therapists where they can offer feedback into the creation of the course itself, in person workshop sessions designed to function like a CEU module for the practice and application of somatic principles, as well as live opportunity to practice and gain comfort with leading somatic sessions. The workshops will combine information with a hands-on learning approach and a built-in network of somatic therapists who can rely upon each other for continued peer support in their work going forward. Our hope is that a curriculum like this can not only help break the awkwardness and stigma of one of the fastest growing therapeutic fields, but equip practitioners, who are already more than qualified, with the practical skills to put their expertise into effect.

Advisor: Amanda McCorkle, School of Theatre, Dance & Film

School of Art and Design

THH 310 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 13. The Creative Spark: Writing for Stage, Story, and Performance

Girlhood and womanhood are not divided by a line but braided together, each strand strengthening the other in quiet, powerful ways. To imagine them as separate worlds, one left behind and the other stepped into, is to oversimplify what it means to become. The truth is softer, more intricate. A girl does not disappear the moment a woman emerges; rather, she threads herself into the woman’s being, shaping her with memory, tenderness, and wonder. This delicate interweaving is especially vivid in the years between 18 and 25; a fragile, liminal space that feels less like a destination and more like a bridge. Here, girlhood clings softly to the edges, while womanhood waits just over the horizon. A girl in this phase carries echoes of her younger self: the one who filled journals with secrets, wore glitter and cheap makeup from her kitten caboodle, and laughed with abandon among friends. Now, she stands at the threshold of adulthood, beginning to navigate life without the structure of school, clubs, or extracurriculars to anchor her. In this in-between phase, she must begin to discover who she is beyond the innocence of girlhood. This is the age when she must choose what to carry forward and what to release, knowing all the while that her girlhood, far from being left behind, will always live within her, weaved into the woman she is becoming. That is the framework for this project in which it explores the connection between a woman on the cusp of adulthood and her girlhood that she still clings to. To portray this connection, there will be a series of collages, poems, letters, and photos combined into a handcrafted book that resembles the likeness of a young girl’s diary or a Y2K junk journal.

Advisor: Barry Stone, School of Art and Design

School of Health Administration

THH 408 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 12. Markets of Meaning: Accounting, Finance, and the Psychology of Exchange

This research will explore and analyze the intersection of psychology and sales, specifically medical device sales. And focus on the shift in strategies depending on the educational background or level of doctors and level of expertise. In medical device sales it often requires more than product knowledge to close deals; A deep understanding of psychological archetypes and routes to persuasion is needed. This research aims to reveal how medical device sales professionals use these strategies and adapt approaches to build trust, foster relationships, and effectively present value to doctors. All sales careers demand an understanding of behavioral economics, emotional intelligence, and persuasion frameworks that influence decision-making, but these ideas have yet to be explored properly in the context of medical device sales. The methodology for research is a literature review along with a qualitative interview of a professional in the medical device sales field; which will allow for both theoretical and practical perspectives. I aim to connect perspectives on the influence of psychology in medical device sales, its power in shaping physician behavior, and how sales professionals use it to close deals and build lasting relationships. The anticipated findings will demonstrate how psychological insight serves as a foundation for successful sales outcomes and long-term partnerships. The broader implications of this research seek to contribute to the power of psychology in medical device sales and the unique challenges of navigating relationships in the healthcare marketplace as opposed to other markets.

Advisor: Derek Schartz, Department of Marketing

School of Theatre, Dance & Film

THH 310 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 13. The Creative Spark: Writing for Stage, Story, and Performance

Many people today, especially younger generations, feel like their vote doesn’t matter, like the system is too big or too broken to be changed by just one person. Because of that, they often choose not to vote at all. But the choice to be inactive is just as powerful, it keeps things exactly the same. Every vote really does count, especially when so many people are sitting it out. The play is heavily influenced by early 2000s reality television. Throughout the performance, the actors compete against each other for what they believe to be a $200,000 prize. One of the most exciting aspects of this show is that the majority of the dialogue is completely improvised. It’s an interactive experience where the audience’s choices, or lack of, directly affect the outcome of the play. With multiple possible endings, this production has the potential to bring out either the best or the worst in its performers and audience. This fun, quirky play about a murder mystery talent show is meant to get the audience thinking: ""What active role do I play in society?"" It will hopefully have people reflect on their own choices, or lack of choices. It reminds us that being a bystander is also a choice. The main takeaway is to be bold, speak up, and stand for what you believe in. Because change only happens when people stop waiting and start acting.

Advisor: Ana Martinez, School of Theatre, Dance & Film

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

THH 406 | 3:00 - 4:30

Panel 3. Origins and Assemblies: Chemistry, Life, and the Molecular Imagination

Methane (CH4) is the major component of natural gas, as well as one of the most prevalent and harmful greenhouse gases. While there isn’t a simple man-made way to turn methane into more useful materials, nor to remove it from the atmosphere, there is another option; bacteria are capable of making and breaking methane molecules using a specific enzyme, methyl co-enzyme M reductase (MCR). Attempts to study and work with the catalytic portion of that enzyme (Cofactor F430) haven’t been successful due to difficulties experimenting with that molecule. Our lab aims to experiment with an analogous molecule Ni(AT)X (X = BArF4-,PF6-) to discover how methane can be recycled and synthesized. We will be modifying the macrocycle to include different functional groups to test their structure and behavior under different conditions, as well as their reaction with other molecules. We will use several different methods to characterize our compounds: nuclear magnetic resonance will be used for classifying the proton environments, and time of flight high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry will be used to weigh any ions. We hope to find structures and behavior that will give us insight into the purpose of the original F430 cofactor’s functional groups as well as the mechanism behind methanogenesis. This will be useful for fuel production, conservation efforts, and understanding of common biological processes.

Mentor: David Schilter, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

School of Journalism and Mass Communication

THH 310 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 14. Seeing Differently: Perspectives from Art, Art History, and Curatorial Practice

“Queer Hispanicism in South Texas: The Gallery” is an online art venue that will offer insight and an exploration into queer Hispanicism experiences by curating art work celebrating the joys of this culture. Despite my personal disheartening gender experiences and current political climate, bringing a new light to my loving culture is an important gateway to providing the community the recognition they deserve. The communities that have brought me and so many others joy does not thrive in fear. This collection exists to tie one's experiences together across county lines and to get past the prejudices that often lie within Hispanic culture. The collection also will act as a link for outsiders, to show how we celebrate living as a coalition of queer Hispanics. Seven collaborators and I will be the artists creating the pieces using different media, each representing a different area of South Texas and the artists’ respective experiences therein. The pieces created will be donated to the online gallery. The project involves checking with collaborators regularly to ensure progress before the deadline. There are more than two million queer identifying people in Texas, as estimated by everytexan.org. Feeling isolated from queer communities outside of metropolitan areas is common. Spread into every corner of the state because it’s virtual, this gallery will share experiences that can be traced from the brush country to the border. It has the potential to ease that sense of isolation while at the same time helping outsiders better understand our communities.

Advisor: Diana Fuentes, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

School of Art and Design

THH 310 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 14. Seeing Differently: Perspectives from Art, Art History, and Curatorial Practice

My capstone project, A Piece of Earth, explores plant life through both sculpture and painting. I want viewers to experience plants from multiple perspectives, from their roots at the bottom to their blossoms on top, and to feel immersed in the depth and dimension of natural forms within the gallery space. The collection combines mixed media—such as paper, clay, papier-mâché, acrylic paint, and wood panels—with oil paintings on panels that depict earthly, nature-based scenes. Together, these works transform the gallery into a playful, agricultural-inspired environment. One of my challenges was balancing my love of painting and sculpture while also developing a stronger creative process and overall structure. To grow as an artist, I pushed myself to experiment with unfamiliar materials and techniques, and I researched how other artists display their work to learn new approaches. My goal is to incorporate these influences while adding my own unique spin, creating a body of work that reflects both experimentation and personal vision.

Advisor: Sarah Hirneisen, School of Art and Design

School of Theatre, Dance & Film

THH 310 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 13. The Creative Spark: Writing for Stage, Story, and Performance

My first introduction to dramaturgy was in college, almost 8 years after I had begun my theatre journey. Though I had briefly participated in some assignments that required me to research topics pertaining to the plays we were reading or performing in class, the term “Dramaturgy” was never once mentioned. It wasn’t until arriving at Texas State and hearing peers of mine discuss their work in dramaturgy classes or the research for shows they were working on, that I started to understand exactly what dramaturgy is, and the impact it can have on the production of theatrical works. In a time where the arts and history are being attacked by those who hold the most power in our country, this paper examines how different works of theatre explore societal constructs, criticizes bigoted institutions, and portrays historical events. In this capstone paper, you will find a collection of dramaturgical packets from 7 different shows, all of which shine a light on systemic issues that affect the day to day lives of marginalized communities, both in the present day and historically. At the end of each packet, I have written a short paragraph on how I would direct the play based on what I have uncovered from my research and my interpretation of the script. Though my research has no data, no graphs and very few statistics, my hope is that the work that I have done encourages others to take the time and energy to invest in a dramaturg while producing their own theatrical work.

Advisor: Jordan Morille, Honors College

Department of Biology

THH 408 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 4. Ecologies in Motion: Species, Systems, and Environmental Interdependence

The near extinction of the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) in the 20^th century leaves today’s remaining population at the APC National Wildlife Refuge vulnerable to any factors that might threaten the survival of the chicks or breeding adults. Male prairie chickens form leks and display courtship behavior in certain areas (lekking grounds) of the refuge in order to attract females. In addition, particular areas of the refuge have acclimation pens where captive-bred chicks grow to maturity and then are released. Management efforts have sought to minimize threats like predation although data are lacking on the extent to which predators (including mammal, bird, and snake species) frequent the lekking grounds and areas around the acclimation pens. For my project, I investigated observations of predators in and around the refuge to determine how many and which species could have potential interactions with the prairie chickens. To obtain these data, several literature sources were consulted to compile a comprehensive list of potential predators with ranges that included Colorado County. The location information and frequency of individual observations of those species was collected using citizen science databases such as iNaturalist and Merlin eBird and then collated on ArcGIS. Information on the occurrence of predators in critical areas of the refuge has the potential to be useful in the refinement of management strategies and preservation of Attwater’s Prairie Chickens. The limitations and inherent sampling bias when using citizen science data also underlies the necessity of further study on predator activity in the refuge. A study is being planned to deploy wildlife trail cameras to better monitor predator species at critical locations within the refuge.

Mentor: Joseph Veech, Department of Biology

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

THH 309 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 15. Mapping America: Identity, Politics, and Place

This project aims to investigate the social impacts of studentification in the city of San Marcos, Texas through a case study of the Lindsey Street Project, a new mixed use development proposed in the downtown area of San Marcos. Studentification can be defined as the concentration of university students in a city, and its related social, cultural, and infrastructural impacts. Studentification produces a distinct form of urban change that alters the community dynamics, housing markets, and social structures with a constantly changing and transient student population. Also known as the McClain Student Housing Project, the new development highlights a broader trend of student housing expansion accompanying the rapid growth of the city’s anchor institution, Texas State University. To examine this phenomenon in the city of San Marcos, this study will employ a multi-faceted approach that combines both content analysis and community engagement. City council meeting notes and demographic data will be analyzed to identify narratives and demographic changes that align with common indicators of studentification. Additionally, surveys and interviews will be conducted with residents of The Elms and Lindsey Oaks apartment complexes where residents have been given a notice to vacate due to the new developments, business owners in the Lindsey Street area, and city council members in order to capture lived experiences and perceptions of neighborhood change. Through this case study, this research aims to identify indicators of studentification and analyze its implications for housing stability, social cohesion, and community identity in San Marcos while contributing to a deeper understanding of student driven neighborhood change in university centered cities.

Advisor: Rosalie Ray, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

School of Health Administration

THH 406 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 2. Mechanisms of Life: Structural and Functional Insights in Biochemistry

Nucleic acid isolation is a crucial step in molecular biology applications, including disease diagnosis, forensic science, and environmental testing. Current techniques of isolation, such as column-based extraction, involve many steps and require costly reagents and time consuming procedures that are not so suitable for applications involving rapid diagnosis. In this study, we evaluate an alternative approach of chitosan coated molecular buoys for nucleic acid capture and isolation. The research questions are: how does binding capacity differ for single-stranded (ssDNA/ssRNA) and double stranded (dsDNA) nucleic acids, and how does nucleic acid length impact binding efficiency. RNA, ssDNA, and dsDNA will be exposed to chitosan-coated molecular buoys at varying lengths and binding capacity will be measured by A260 absorbance before and after binding to the buoys. We will analyze the data to quantify the degree of binding compared across nucleic acid type and length. The working hypotheses are that RNA may bind more due to its structure, shorter nucleic acids will bind better than longer nucleic acids, and that chitosan-coated molecular buoys will be a rapid, simple, and effective option to isolate nucleic acids.

Advisor: Shannon Weigum, Department of Biology

Department of Biology

Panel 1. Cellular Frontiers: Molecular Pathways in Cancer and Genetic Intervention

THH 406 | 12:00 - 1:30

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrollable growth of cells due to mutation, building tumors that cause body-wide complications through many different pathways. Although cancers vary in severity, about 40% of the world’s population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, and the overall 5-year survival rate of all cancers is around 70%. Lately, treatments for cancer have improved greatly, utilizing immunotherapies and gene therapy to minimize the risk and side effects of conventional chemotherapies. Although these new approaches have eliminated some side effects, these treatments are highly specific to only certain cancer subtypes. Gene therapy targeting cell cycle proteins to induce apoptosis is a novel approach to treating a broad range of cancers. KIAA1143 is a gene that has been identified to play crucial roles in a multitude of cancer types, have a role in the migration of cells, the formation of centrioles, and etc. Bioinformatic tools have shown high expression of KIAA1143 in all cancer types and have a major role in the formation of the cytokinetic bridge in cytokinesis. This study aims to show expressions of KIAA1143 in various cancer types through qPCR and to establish the importance of KIAA1143 in the formation of the cytokinetic bridge through RNAi/Knockout and inducing apoptosis by the abscission checkpoint of the cell cycle and later evaluating survivability. Findings indicate that cervical and neuronal cancers show expression of KIAA1143 in significant amounts and can be further evaluated through RNAi/Knockout to potentially develop treatment that is broad in nature without the side effects of conventional chemotherapies.

Advisor: Micaela Vargas, Department of Biology

School of Family and Consumer Science

THH 408 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 12. Markets of Meaning: Accounting, Finance, and the Psychology of Exchange

This research project investigates the role of apparel resellers on online platforms in shaping modern fashion trends, with an emphasis on Generation Z consumer habits and the recommerce business model. This study explores the motivations behind Gen Z’s adoption of secondhand shopping, the rise of digital resale marketplaces, and the shift from traditional retail gatekeepers to individual sellers who curate and influence fashion consumption practices. It situates the recommerce model within the broader context of the circular economy, highlighting its sustainability benefits and impact on reducing fashion industry waste. The project aims to fill gaps in existing literature by analyzing how online resellers decide what products to list, set pricing strategies, and leverage digital tools such as social media and influencer marketing to shape accessibility and market trends. Through examining both economic and social motivators, this study offers insights into how the behaviors of resellers and merchandise buyers interact to redefine fashion influence and sustainability in the digital age. The evolving dynamics between fashion trendsetting and online apparel resale marketplaces are best understood when looking at Depop, an online resale platform. Depop is examined as a case study for its unique social networking interface and its popularity among Generation Z. The platform has lowered barriers for aspiring resellers, allowing anyone to list items and build a following rapidly through peer-driven engagement. Depop’s emphasis on individuality and trend-driven shopping positions it as a cultural hub for contemporary youth fashion. Users influence trends and set prices, often independent of established fashion brands. This research aims to illuminate the mechanisms by which platforms like Depop, and their users, are reshaping fashion market trends, expanding sustainable consumption, and altering the distribution of influence within the fashion industry.

Advisor: Gwendolyn Hustvedt, School of Family and Consumer Science

Department of Psychology

THH 305 | 12:00 - 1:30

Panel 9. Minds in Motion: Anxiety, Autism, and Emotional Regulation

Extensive research has shown that autistic adults are more likely to have social anxiety than nonautistic adults, which can negatively impact well-being. There is debate, however, over the extent to which autism is associated with decreased social motivation, defined as the motivation to approach and interact with others. Understanding how social anxiety and social motivation are impacted in autism, and how social anxiety and social motivation relate to each other, has important impacts for autistic well-being. One recent study of non-autistic adults demonstrated that anxiety was related to increased social motivation (Rum et al., 2024), but there has been limited exploration of this question in autistic populations. Particularly underexplored is the facet of social motivation that involves actively engaging with the mental states of social partners (i.e., mind-reading motivation). Using a large online survey of autistic and non-autistic adults, we measured social anxiety using the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (Mattick & Clarke, 1998) and measured social motivation using the Mind-Reading Motivation Scale (Carpenter et al., 2016). On-going data analyses will examine whether there are differences between autistic and nonautistic adults on measures of social anxiety and mind-reading motivation. Analyses will also examine whether diagnostic status moderates the relation between social anxiety and mindreading motivation. Results will have implications for understanding how these different cognitive processes are involved in autism. Future research should consider links between social anxiety, mind-reading motivation, and overall well-being, including resilience, social support, and loneliness.

Advisor: Katherine Warnell, Department of Psychology

Department of Psychology

THH 310 | 3:00 - 4:30

Panel 6. Exploring Intimacy, Absence, and Pain Through the Lens of Film

Written, produced, and directed by Texas State University Psychology and Theatre student Sophie Twyman, The Pain of Silence is a 15-minute mostly silent short film created to emphasize how powerful human connection can be. The film centers Hannah, a young woman whose depression makes her world feel like a bleak, colorless, silent, and boring place. Her perspective of the world all changes with a kind gesture from a mysterious stranger. Throughout this short film we watch her grow to rediscover the warm and exciting feeling of sound and color in her life again. This short film uses silence as an artistic tool to help the audience feel a deep connection with the pain Hannah feels every day. The Pain of Silence is a reminder that no matter how lost we feel, a good connection is so powerful that it can get us back to feeling like ourselves again even when we have forgotten who we used to be and what we used to feel like.

Advisor: Linda Nenno Breining, School of Theatre, Dance & Film

School of Criminal Justice and Criminology

THH 305 | 1:30 - 3:00

Panel 10. Navigating Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: Cyberbullying, Media Bias, and Talking Religion With Your Parents

Throughout history and present in current events, media portrayal of black youth as it relates to crime has been misrepresented and showcased negatively when compared to their counterparts. Representation of black individuals in media is especially important when talking of public perceptions of that specific group. These portrayals influence outward perceptions of black youth in their daily lives, accompanied by the comments. By utilizing qualitative research as methodology, I will discover the direct portrayal of black youth as they are represented in media and perceptions of black youth and crime. Through a content analysis of representation of black youth in various news outlets I plan to answer my research question: How have systematic oppression, outward view on crime, and media representation contributed to black youth’s portrayal of delinquency and the perception of it? By analyzing different news reports of crime, it will show a comparison of one group’s portrayal compared to black youths. This research will aid in the discovery of how different elements, including history, have influenced black youth delinquency and the inherent perceptions and biases formed from them. It will also develop a visual of how media contributes and impacts the outward perception on black youth and delinquency. Overall, this research aims to better understand how the portrayal of black youth in media has contributed to cultural perceptions of crime.

Advisor: Scott Bowman, School of Criminal Justice and Criminology

Panel Chair - Dr. Micaela Vargas, Department of Biology

Kevin Tat - Establishing KIAA1143 as Novel Cell Cycle Biomarker Utilizing RNA Interference

Otter Karsten Kokinda - Synthesizing Sphaeropsidin-A Analogues for Cancer Treatment

Miriam Albright - RNA Primer Design to Validate tRFs to Target Custom Genes of GFP-Expressing Arabidopsis

Panel Chair - Dr. Peter Golato, IDEA Center

Xander Garcia - Defining the Mechanism of SMC5/6 Complex Sumoylation Activity

Luke Hearn - Calmodulin Characterization

Vanessa Tankeu - Chitosan-Coated Molecular Buoys for Efficient Capture of Nucleic Acids

Panel Chair - Dr. Heather Galloway, Honors College

Viggo Montalvo - Self-Assembly of Organic Molecules and the Origins of Life

Miles Richardson - Finding the Mechanism of Methanogenesis Through Analogous Macrocycles

Sarina Dawadi - Development of New techniques for Purification and Analysis of Chromosomal and Telomeric DNAs from the Budding Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Panel Chair - Dr. Morgan Sobol, Department of Biology

Alexia Salazar - Mesocarnivore Activity on the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge

Isabella Mavourneen - Supercoliniality in Ants

Noemie Clemenceau - Analyzing the Roles of Viral Genes in Groundwater Chemical Cycles

Panel Chair - Dr. Kevin Mooney, School of Music

Cali Anderson - Approaches To String Education: Elementary Music School Best Practices with an Emphasis on Kodály

Grace Elliot - The 3D EP: Producing Real Music from Synthetic Materials

Kayla Hinton - The Biopsychosocial Experiences of Drum Corps Members

Panel Chair - Annie Miller, School of Art and Design

Bemenet Assefa - Negative Space

Kamran Aiden Gomez - Everything Hurts: The Evolving Relationship Between Intimacy and Technology, as Seen Through Film

Sophie Twyman - The Pain of Silence

Panel Chair - Dr. Daniel Wescott, Department of Anthropology

Isabella Bermudez - From Nourishment to Deficiency: How Colonization Reshaped Native American Women’s Dietary Health

Vanessa Rae Castillo - Biomechanical Analysis of Skeletal Stress Marker Patterns in Civil War–Era Buffalo Soldiers and Terry Collection Specimens

Hank Hall - Surveying Archaeologically Significant Areas of Packsaddle Mountain in Llano County, Texas

Panel Chair - Dr. Anthony Deringer, Department of Health and Human Performance

Morgan Kessler - The Mental Health Benefits of Nature Exposure: Implementing Nature-Based Social Prescribing at the Collegiate Level for Increased Student Support

Chris Pennington - Somatic Curriculum for Therapists

Hannah Rose Marie Ching - Pure Vida in Practice: Exploring the Influence of Costa Rican Culture on Animal Care in Sanctuaries

Panel Chair - Dr. Katherine Warnell, Department of Psychology

Reagan Traylor - Social Anxiety and Mind-Reading Motivation in Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults

Noemie Nava Romero - Autism and Prosocial Lying: Impacts of Naturalistic Social Contexts

Yordanos Kinfe - Does Emotional Regulation Style Moderate the Effects of Wakeful Rest on Memory

Panel Chair - Dr. Lindsay Timmerman, Department of Communication Studies

Kendall Wyatt - The Power of Portrayal: Media and History’s Role in Shaping the Narrative Surrounding Black Youth

Ezra Baze - Communicating About Religious Differences in Parent/Adult Child Relationships

Harper Mckee - Emotional Intelligence as a Safeguard: Exploring Gender Differences in Adolescent Cyberbullying Victimization

Panel Chair - Dr. Roque Mendez, Department of Psychology

Reagan Cabe - Insanity or Accountability? Evaluating the Viability of the Insanity Plea For Individuals With Antisocial Personality Disorder

Laila Emani Guiy - Community Attitudes Towards Involuntary Psychiatric Hospitalization

Kesiena Oniovosa - “Therapy Is Not for Us”: A Qualitative Analysis of Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior in Black Students

Panel Chair - Dr. Randall Young, Department of Accounting

Summer Thames - Resale Revolution: Resellers’ Evolving Power in the Digital Age

Amaya Powers - The Psychology of Medical Device Sales: Behavioral Strategies and Physician Decision-Making

John Burrus - A Review of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Accounting

Tasnim Djadi - An Overview of Islamic Finance: History, Principles, and Ethical Foundations

Panel Chair - Jordan Morille, Honors College

Abbi Posey - The Girl That Stays, the Woman That Grows

Quinlan McLemore - “The Butterfly Effect”: A Story About Perception

Shauna Proctor - Stage Fright

Abby Rose - More than a Quick Google: How Dramaturgy Breathes Life into Theatre

Panel Chair - Dr. Andrew Chen, School of Art and Design

Jonathan Diamante - Beneath the Roiling Waves: Images of Disaster at Sea from the Dutch Seventeenth Century to the Submarine War Film

Lori Rodriguez - A Piece of Earth

Azuli Rodriguez - Queer Hispanicism in South Texas: The Gallery

Alexa Macias Alcanara - A Designer's Final Collection

Panel Chair - Dr. Hyun Yun, Department of Political Science

Aiden Brenon - Flipping Texas Blue: Developing Democratic Campaign Strategies to Win Texas

Michael Seaborn - Analyzing the Social Dynamics of Studentification in San Marcos, Texas

Diana Penaloza - Creating and Shaping the Latino Identity in the United States: Evolution and Impact on the Community