Using GIS Technologies to Explore Urban Heat Island Effect in Tarrant County

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Sloan Malleck Environmental Sciences Sean Farrell Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: SecondFloor, Table 2, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

This study aims to investigate how the growth and expansion of Tarrant County has potentially increased average temperatures from 1985 to 2020. The study will utilize satellite imagery from the USGS, weather data from the NWS, and population and land cover data to better understand the relationship between urban growth and temperature change. We speculate that the rapid growth and development of Tarrant County has led to a measurable increase in average daytime temperatures due to the urban heat island effect.

The Impact of Texas Coastal County Land Cover on Hypoxia Levels in the Gulf Coast

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Emma Maxwell Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: SecondFloor, Table 1, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

This project will analyze the relationship between land cover in Texas coastal counties and dissolved oxygen levels in the Gulf of Mexico. Utilizing GIS, we aim to understand land cover changes in Texas coastal counties from 2021 to 2023 and corresponding changes in dissolved oxygen levels in the Gulf of Mexico during this time frame. The analysis will examine spatial data from the Gulf of Mexico and Texas, focusing on urban areas, agricultural land, coastal wetlands, and freshwater wetlands.

Using Battery Energy Storage Systems with Renewable Energy to Strengthen the Texas Power Grid

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Isabella Moreno Environmental Sciences Garrison Kelly Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 10, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Suburbanization-induced Elemental and Molecular Alterations in Soil Organic Matter

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Tabby Pyle Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 7, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

This study aims to use chemodynamics to engage the interplay between societal actions and environmental response. The project will build upon data from thermogravimetric and isotopic analysis capturing macroscopic soil chemodynamics in response to suburbanization in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (DFW). The DFW is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the US. Our early data suggests that a minimum of 30-yrs is the required period of lawn care before key chemodynamic indicators of soil health/resilience, such as R50 and isotope 13C (quantity and quality, is needed for lawns to return to their pre-suburbanization environmental status.

The objective is to examine implications at the microphysical and molecular-level via: Assessing how differences in the molecular composition of soil organic matter from a suburban lawn changes over time.

SRS Project

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Audrey Sinnett Environmental Sciences West Tyndal Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: FirstFloor, Table 2, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

We propose a GIS project analyzing waste disposal accessibility by comparing recycling quality between low-income and high-income neighborhoods. Using spatial analysis and field data, we will compare the amount of waste generated to the income of Los Angeles counties, and document any trends. The findings will provide insights into potential disparities in waste management services and inform policy recommendations for improving recycling programs in underserved communities.

Tree Health: Integrating change detection and spatial analysis tools to assess tree damage in response to California wildfires

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Elise Skiles Environmental Sciences Christopher Zamora Chemistry & Biochemistry
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: SecondFloor, Table 5, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

The purpose of this project is to determine if California's raging wildfires are having a detrimental effect on the state’s tree populations/health. Two main components of this project would be, a model of California's tree density/canopy cover in 1990, and a model of California’s tree density/canopy cover in 2020. The goal of this project is to determine if an increase in wildfires is a key factor in the decrease of California tree density, and if so, make recommendations for further research on how to protect trees from this natural disaster.

A Study of Fossilized Root Colonies as Indicators of Past Water Table Levels in the Coll De Montllobar

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Daphne Varmah Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): John Holbrook Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 2, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

The Coll de Montllobar cliffs in the Pyrenees Mountains contain plant fossils known as root models, which show signs of oxidation and reduction along a depositional dip, indicating varying environmental conditions Since plant roots do not grow below standing water levels, these fossilized roots and their distribution can serve as markers for past water table positions. This study examines whether root density decreases toward the bottom of the channels, indicating that roots stopped growing once they reached below the water table. If the roots disappear at a certain depth, it suggests that the bar was saturated at that level, stopping root growth. By analyzing the presence and absence of these roots, we aim to determine if they mark a clear boundary indicating historical water table levels. Our findings contribute to understanding past depositional environments and hydrological conditions in this region

AI and Machine Learning in the Identification of Geochemical Variability and Geogenic Carbon: A Case Study of the Barnett Shale Formation

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Amanda Whitley Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 8, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

The Barnett Shale formation in the Fort Worth Basin has been a substantial producer of oil and gas energy resources. The Barnett Shale serves as an ideal testing ground for innovative approaches to subsurface analysis, offering both abundant production history and a wealth of existing data. This study integrates innovative thermal analysis techniques with AI-driven workflows to rapidly process and interpret large volumes of geochemical data. We aim to identify and evaluate geochemical variability and the distribution, content, and quality of geogenic carbon with depth across key stratigraphic intervals. Expanding subsurface applications of AI and machine learning enhances the scalability of resource assessments and underscores the broader potential of these emerging analytical tools in energy exploration.

Predicting Pesticide Degradation: A Molecular Scaffolding Approach to Environmental Hazards

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Christopher Zamora Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 5, Position 3, 1:45-3:45

Pesticide degradation in the environment is an important element when it comes to understanding long-term soil and water contamination. There are many key molecular factors like molecular weight and octanol-water partitioning (logP) that influence how pesticide degradation works. By taking a computational approach, we derived daughter molecules of ferulic acid, 1,2,4-Trihydroxybenzene, and vanillic acid which share similarities with pesticide byproducts. We specifically computed molecular weight and logP for each derivative to assess their potential to contaminate the environment. By comparing these values to oxidative pesticide breakdown products from glyphosate (Roundup), atrazine, and chlorpyrifos, we identified solubility trends that may influence the transport of these molecules into soils and water systems. These findings provide insight into the environmental risks associated with pesticide use and degradation, potentially aiding in the design of more sustainable agricultural chemicals.

You Belong in Chemistry

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Ibukun Alausa Interdisciplinary Delaney Daisy Interdisciplinary Audrey Dolt Interdisciplinary Tatum Harvey Interdisciplinary Daisy Li Interdisciplinary Aidan Meek Interdisciplinary Mark Sayegh Interdisciplinary Samantha Shah Interdisciplinary Will Stites Interdisciplinary Lexi Winter Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Heidi Conrad Interdisciplinary Julie Fry Interdisciplinary Kayla Green Interdisciplinary
Location: Basement, Table 14, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

The "You Belong in Chemistry" Periodic Table is a unique and innovative visual representation designed to foster unity and a sense of belonging among students within the TCU College of Science and Engineering. This table uses the traditional periodic table, replacing chemical elements with students, each symbolizing a distinct individual who contributes to the diverse academic environment. The table is not just an artistic display but a tool for connecting students, encouraging collaboration, and highlighting the central role of the Chemistry Club: creating a supportive and inclusive space. Through this representation, students are reminded that, regardless of their backgrounds or academic focus, they have a home within the chemistry community, where they can grow, learn, and thrive together. By bridging gaps and strengthening bonds, the Student Periodic Table stands as a symbol of inclusivity and community.