Pipe Freeze Showdown: Which Plumbing Material Wins the Winter War?

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Ryan Golden Engineering Alec Hubbard Engineering Angel Mota Engineering Devin Olmedo Engineering
Advisor(s): James Huffman Engineering
Location: SecondFloor, Table 2, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

Winter can turn plumbing into a battlefield, with frozen pipes bursting and their joints failing under pressure. In this study, 18 teams of student researchers will face off in a school lab to test three common plumbing materials, copper, PVC, and PEX studying their joining techniques; soldering, solvent welding, and crimping against freezing conditions.
Over two weeks, we will subject a series of pipe assemblies into brutal freeze to thaw cycles, mimicking harsh winter weather, to see which ones crack, leak, or stand strong. By analyzing failure rates and durability, we aim to uncover the ultimate cold weather champion and share practical insights for homeowners and plumbers. Get ready our pipes are about to feel the chill!

Senior Capstone: Bearing Installation Assembly

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Addison Hudelson Engineering Jason Murphy Engineering Cameron Vieck Engineering
Advisor(s): Robbert Bittle Engineering
Location: Third Floor, Table 2, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

This design proposal outlines the development of a bearing installation and proof-load testing tool intended to streamline and enhance the bearing installation process for Aero Components. The project focuses on creating an efficient and innovative solution using hydraulic press technology, with particular attention to the requirements of staking and swaging methods for securing bearings. The proposed design utilizes the HSP-30M Baileigh Hydraulic Press, which will be customized to meet specific operational needs, such as accommodating bearing diameters up to 3 inches and applying precise deformation forces. Key features include the development of a versatile attachment system, safety enhancements, and a digital feedback mechanism to monitor and control the hydraulic pressure during both installation and testing phases. The project aims to meet performance criteria, including visual inspection standards and proof-load testing requirements, ensuring the tool’s effectiveness and repeatability. Through a comprehensive testing regimen, the system’s reliability will be validated, with results documented to confirm the tool’s ability to perform under operation conditions. The proposal also includes a detailed project timeline, budget projections, and cost-management strategies, ensuring the project will be completed on time and within budget. The ultimate goal is to provide Aero Components with a tailored solution that optimizes bearing installation efficiency while maintaining high standards of safety, precision, and performance.

Sustainable Bricks for a Better Tomorrow

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Zac Schmitt Engineering London Bachelet Engineering
Advisor(s): James Huffman Engineering
Location: FirstFloor, Table 5, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

The growing environmental concern surrounding plastic waste has prompted the exploration of innovative recycling and reusing methods. This research investigates the potential of utilizing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste to create sustainable bricks. Building on the work of Gjenge Makers, who have developed pavers from recycled plastic and sand, this study aims to evaluate the strength, durability, and environmental impact of plastic-sand composites and assess their viability as a substitute for conventional construction materials.

Structural Integrity of Reinforced Concrete

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Zac Schmitt Engineering
Advisor(s): James Huffman Engineering
Location: SecondFloor, Table 1, Position 3, 1:45-3:45

This study evaluates the structural integrity of reinforced concrete by comparing the mechanical properties of steel and fiberglass rebar. The primary objective is to assess the differences in material performance, performing compressive and flexural tests to quantify the ductility, load-bearing capacity, and durability of each rebar type under stress. The expected outcome is to determine the viability of fiberglass rebar as an effective alternative to traditional steel, particularly in terms of its mechanical performance and long-term reliability.

Seeing Double: A Bifurcated Cable’s Guide to Fluorescence Detection

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Anna Tucci Engineering Ugur Topkiran Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Anton Naumov Physics & Astronomy
Location: Third Floor, Table 4, Position 3, 1:45-3:45

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery and bioimaging due to their nanoscale size, water solubility, biocompatibility, and fluorescence properties. When functionalized, they enable both therapeutic delivery and real-time tracking in biological systems. This study focuses on the engineering of an optical system designed to cost effectively perform ex vivo spectra collection of GQDs. We utilized a bifurcated fiber optic cable connected to a laser and spectrometer, enabling simultaneous excitation and signal collection through a single optical path. Because excitation and collection occurred at the same angle rather than the conventional 90-degree configuration, a high optical density 840 nm long pass emission filter is utilized to optimize signal collection and minimize scattering. The system's cheap and easy to build design offers a streamlined method for studying nanomaterial-based therapeutics, providing a foundation for future advancements in biomedical imaging.

The Art of Grain Structure: Recognizing Shapes and Patterns in Materials

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Abigail Venegas Engineering Kevin Guajardo Engineering Monica Lopez Engineering Damilare Olukosi Engineering
Advisor(s): Jim Huffman Engineering
Location: SecondFloor, Table 7, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

This study aims to educate participants about the formation and significance of grain structures in metals, focusing on the processes by which grains form and how these structures influence material properties. Using 1018 steel (low-carbon), 1045 steel (medium-carbon), 1080 steel (medium-carbon), ductile and grey cast iron, and PbSn (lead-tin) samples, 18 teams explored the random formation of grain structures through a series of preparatory steps, including mounting, grinding, polishing, etching, and hardness testing. Each team examined their samples at four magnifications to identify microstructural features and measure grain size using two different methods. In addition to the technical analysis, the teams focused on uncovering the artistic patterns that emerge from the randomness of grain formation. The study will highlight the art found in these naturally occurring structures, demonstrating how materials science and art intersect. By the end, participants gain an understanding of grain theory and microstructural analysis while also developing an appreciation for the unexpected artistic forms created by these random processes in materials like steel, cast iron, and lead-tin alloys.

Canopies vs. Clearings: Investigating Microclimates and Vegetation Health Throughout the Day

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Audrey Haffner Environmental Sciences Sloan Malleck Environmental Sciences Emma Taylor Environmental Sciences Julia Vasquez Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: SecondFloor, Table 5, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Microclimates, which refer to the localized atmospheric conditions within small-scale environments, can be influenced by a variety of factors such as vegetation, topography, and human activity. One of the key elements that affect microclimates is the type of canopy cover present in an area. Open areas, where there is little vegetation and more exposure to the elements, often experience different conditions compared to areas with dense canopy cover, where the vegetation provides more shelter and shade. Understanding the differences in microclimatic conditions between these two types of environments helps us understand how these environmental conditions affect people, plants, and animals. The purpose of this study is to explore how microclimates vary between open areas and areas with closed canopy cover, focusing on factors such as temperature, humidity, and NDVI to better understand how canopy cover influences environmental conditions.

Bring on the Heat: How the Percentage of Tree Coverage affects the LST of Public Elementary Schools in Tarrant County

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Sahana Talwar Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 13, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Increases in city size and frequency have correspondingly led to increases in Urban Heat Island (UHI) strength and frequency. These urban heat islands have had serious implications for both children’s health and education. One widely accepted UHI mitigation strategy is green spaces. However, these have mainly been studied in the context of parks. This study aims to fill in a necessary gap of knowledge by studying the effect of green spaces at elementary schools. This was done by looking at the percentage of tree coverage at 273 public elementary schools in Tarrant County and comparing them to the Land Surface Temperatures (LSTs) of those schools. Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS Pro, and Google Spreadsheets were the three main software systems used to accomplish this. This study found that the percentage canopy cover and LST were inversely proportional at elementary schools in Tarrant County. It also found that other factors apart from trees effect LST.

Fish Community Monitoring as part of the Trinity River Authority's Clean Rivers Program

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Logan Tidwell Environmental Sciences Angela Kilpatrick Environmental Sciences Ryan Seymour Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Michele Birmingham Environmental Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 1, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

With only four species of fish collected in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex as recently as the 1970’s, it is no surprise that the Trinity River was once referred to as the “mythological river of death”. Since then, coordinated improvements in water quality have led to the recovery of fish assemblages within the Trinity, becoming a well-documented environmental success story. To monitor that recovery, the Trinity River Authority has conducted Aquatic Life Monitoring surveys on one or more Trinity Basin waterbodies biannually since 2013. These surveys have targeted waterbodies with documented concerns or impairments for one or more water quality parameters, capturing conditions in both the Index (March 15-Oct 15) and Critical (July 1-Sept 30) periods. At each site, whole community fish data was collected via backpack electroshocking and seine netting, alongside benthic macroinvertebrate and habitat data. As of 2025, 30 surveys have been conducted on 13 waterbodies throughout the Upper Trinity basin. Although these surveys have targeted streams with water quality concerns, 90% of sites have scored as either High or Exceptional on the State of Texas Regionalized Nekton Index of Biotic Integrity. Here we will characterize the collected fish communities with over 12,500 individuals from 41 unique species collected during these surveys, while also describing the vision of the program over the next decade.

The Effect of Red-Light Traffic Cameras on Vehicle Collisions in Fort Worth

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Sovereign Bourgeois Environmental Sciences TJ Willson Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: SecondFloor, Table 3, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Prior to 2019, Texas used red-light traffic cameras to deter drivers from driving recklessly and running red lights. However, due to legislation signed by Governor Greg Abbott, red-light cameras are no longer used in Texas. This decision was made to ‘protect drivers' constitutional rights.’ Additionally, it was argued that these cameras increased the rate of rear-end collisions.

This study investigates the effect of removing red-light cameras in Fort Worth before and after the ban by examining the rate of different types of collisions. The location data of crash sites and police reports will be mapped using ArcGIS Pro to determine the frequency and density of these crashes.

Amazon Deforestation: A Spatial Analysis of Its Impact on Carbon Sequestration and Global CO2 Emissions

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Lauren Breach Environmental Sciences Justus Bedford Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: FirstFloor, Table 2, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

The Amazon rainforest is one of the largest carbon sinks in the world, playing a critical role in regulating global carbon dioxide levels. However, deforestation has significantly reduced its ability to sequester carbon, contributing to rising CO2 emissions. We will analyze deforestation trends in the amazon over the last three decades by integrating satellite imagery, historical land cover data, and carbon flux models. Using remote sensing data from Nasa and Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE), we will generate temporal GIS layers to map forest loss and quantify the impact on carbon sequestration. Through identifying key deforestation hotspots, this project aims to provide important insights into the relationship between land-use changes and atmospheric carbon levels, supporting future conservation strategies and policy recommendations.

Tri-colored bat Potential roosting sites: A GIS analysis of Tarrant County culverts

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Lexi Foster Environmental Sciences Liam Slattery Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 5, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Tri-colored bats are on track to be listed as an endangered species, however insufficient information is available on their roost sites. The aim of this project is to determine which culverts in Texas, more specifically Tarrant County, are likely to be used as winter roosts for the Tri-colored bat species. The project will utilize available culvert data from TxDOT and data on the potential ranges of Tri-colored bats. Analysis will begin by categorizing the culverts into individual layers by features such as height, length, and material.

Exploring Levee Systems of the DeGrey River: Geomorphological and Reservoir Potential

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Jacinto Garza ll Geological Sciences Henry Henk Geological Sciences Matt Kelly Geological Sciences Simon Lang Geological Sciences Victorien Paumard Geological Sciences Andrew Winch Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): John Holbrook Geological Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 7, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

The ephemeral DeGrey River of northwestern Australia’s Pilbara region presents unusual very high relief double levees of up to 5.8 m that are still poorly understood. This study aims to take advantage of excellent exposures of these double levees to assess their likely origin. Accessing and studying these features in a modern setting constitute a unique opportunity to better understand their geomorphology and evaluate their reservoir potential as an analogue for the subsurface.
We investigated these levees using shallow augering, percussion coring, digging of shallow pits, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), calibrated using dGPS surveys. Remote sensing data, such as LIDAR and photogrammetric drone surveys, were also used to identify and visualize fluvial geomorphologic features, which were then ground truth by pedestrian surveys and general field observations. Core and auger samples were described according to grain texture using the USDA classification and a Munsell color atlas. to distinguish the similarities or differences from sediments by depth. Grain size was further assessed in sand and gravel using a Brunton Grain Size Card.
These levees were primarily developed by water during multiple large flooding events which exceeded their height limit, as opposed to the alternative hypothesis that these were large eolian features coincidental with levee positions at the channel margin. This is evidenced by the common layers of gravelly and poorly sorted coarse sand dispersed within the levee strata. Similarly, sedimentary structures of lower and upper flow regimes typical of water flood are observed for these strata. Locally, the outer part of the two levees was found to include an eolian cap, which provided additional height to the levee locally. These strata were fine-grained and well-sorted by contrast, typical of aeolian origins.
Cyclone-driven floods control the activation of the DeGrey River and associated sedimentation. These double levees form through rapid sediment deposition in unusually energetic overbank flows. The high permeability and sandy stratification of these levees provide opportunistic reservoir potential. This contrasts with silty levee deposits observed in perennial rivers with lower discharge variation. The high double levees of the DeGrey River appear to be a hydrologic and geomorphic feature characteristic of ephemeral river systems.

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.

The Human Cost of AI: Bias, Trust, and Patient-Provider Interactions

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Kenneth Lai Interdisciplinary Ethan Reynolds Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Caleb Cooley Interdisciplinary
Location: FirstFloor, Table 4, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

Artificial intelligence’s integration into healthcare promises more effective and higher-quality patient care. However, its impact on the human aspects of care, such as trust and bias, remains not fully understood. Through a literature review and analysis, this poster provides an up-to-date overview of how the implementation of AI affects patient-provider interactions. This research seeks to answer the question: “How does AI-driven diagnosis and treatment influence patient-provider interactions, and what role does AI bias play in shaping trust and healthcare disparities?” Our findings show a consensus that AI improves productivity, but there is concern that the public’s growing trust in AI over human providers may reshape relationships and perpetuate healthcare disparities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing AI systems that enhance care while maintaining equity and trust in healthcare settings.

Reaching all students: Strategies for success in a diverse learning environment

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Aidan Meek Chemistry & Biochemistry
Advisor(s): Kayla Green Chemistry & Biochemistry
Location: FirstFloor, Table 3, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

At the heart of the Texas Christian University chemistry department, there are two main factors contributing to chemical education: professors and students. Our students are vitally important to the chemistry department as they not only receive education but are educators themselves. TCU chemistry club members serve as sources of experience, knowledge, and study skills, including those outside the context of chemistry. The challenge of chemical education is the “translation” of material to a diverse student body. What is special about these “student educators” however, is their ability to do so to individuals of all ages and all skill levels. The TCU chemistry department has many different teaching opportunities in both general and organic chemistry labs and lectures such as Teaching Assistants (TAs) and peer tutors. Of these positions, many are filled by the TCU chemistry club student body. Our Chemistry Club students go beyond the education of fellow undergraduates, as they educate students in the local elementary schools about science. Our Chemistry Club members have become well-rounded and effective educators through the variety of services provided to them such as, peer guides, university classes, and supportive professors. The Chemistry Club students provide knowledge of chemistry but they also encourage confidence, and serve as a source of mentorship in the Fort Worth community. At TCU we strive to not only learn but also share the wealth of wisdom gained during our time in the chemistry department at TCU.