Development of a Virtual Screening Protocol for Pyridinophane Macrocycle Derivatives as Therapies for Oxidative Stress

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Minh Nhat Pham Chemistry & Biochemistry Benjamin Janesko Chemistry & Biochemistry
Advisor(s): Benjamin Janesko Chemistry & Biochemistry
Location: Basement, Table 1, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between free radical activity and antioxidant activity in the body, and is known to play a crucial role in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration in eyes and various neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s). To help the body target and rebalance this process, the Green group at TCU has developed pyridinophane macrocycle frameworks (PyN3, Py2N2) for the development of a small multimodal molecule with direct targeting of oxidative stress through various approaches (metal binding, N-oxide formation, radical scavenging, and Nrf2 pathway activation). The group proposed a library of ligands as modifications to the pyridinophane frameworks to enhance antioxidant activity, which resulted in 18,000 possible molecule structures. Computational pre-screening will be essential to select the most promising candidates for synthesis and experimental tests. We wrote a program in Python using the open-source RDKit toolkit to generate a library of 13,000 prospective reduced-dimension pyridinophane macrocycle derivatives from SMILES strings based on the variation of ligands and attaching position to the frameworks, screen these compounds for their basic chemical and pharmacological properties, and identify those that fit the required biocompatibility, metabolic stability, and permeability for medicinal drug development. The properties to be computed through the virtual screening are molecular weight (MW), solubility, ring count, Lipinski’s parameters for orally active drugs, which includes octanol-water partition coefficient cLogP, number of hydrogen bond donors (HBD) and acceptors (HBA), and polar surface area (PSA). This program, therefore, helps save time and resources for synthesis while offering better optimization of chemical frameworks, and thus it can be applied to the development of various types of medicinal drugs.

Monnig Meteorite Museum Tour Assistance Application

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Amanuel Taddesse Computer Science Aparajita Biswas Computer Science Kendric D'Spain Computer Science Alex Matthews Computer Science Asa Tuten Computer Science
Advisor(s): Bingyang Wei Computer Science Mayne Rhiannon Physics & Astronomy
Location: First Floor, Table 6, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

The Monnig comprises a scientific research collection (the Monnig Meteorite Collection) as well as a Museum (the so-called “Gallery”). The exhibit has an educational game and interactive video screens. While there have been some updates to the technology in the exhibits in the last twenty years, most of the Gallery remains unchanged since its opening in 2003.

The current design is not inclusive for visually impaired visitors. contents are not accessible for non-English speaking visitors, and only less than 5 % of the 3000 meteorite collections are displayed. We address these problems by developing a tour assistance application with sufficient accommodations for visually impaired visitors using Android tablets that will be provided by the MMG to its incoming visitors with a capability of being fine-tuned to the individual’s preference.

The application begins with three separate menus, each with its own screen, which allows the user to customize the app to their needs. Menu 1 allows them to select their language. The beta version includes English, Spanish, and French, but later versions could consist of more language options. Menu 2 provides a font size selection, and menu 3 allows users to identify their color blindness type. These variables can be reset or changed at any time. The Monnig Meteorite Collection database has images of all of the meteorites within the Gallery and the text from each exhibit will be reproduced within the application. The images will be shown on a high contrast background (as compared to the exhibits) to allow for better viewing of the samples. Voice transcription will also eventually be available. Wayfinding, the ability for the user to identify where they are within the Gallery, on the application will be achieved in one of two ways. QR codes will be placed on each display case, allowing users to scan and locate the relevant exhibit on the map when needed. In addition, Bluetooth receivers will be used so that the application can identify where in the Gallery the user is located.

Startalk: Chinese Learning Platform

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Quang Truong Computer Science Dominick Cartagena Computer Science Jason Eisdorfer Computer Science James Fanning Computer Science Ryan Luly Computer Science Nhan Ly Computer Science
Advisor(s): Bingyang Wei Computer Science Guangyan Chen Interdisciplinary Junyu Zhang Interdisciplinary
Location: Third Floor, Table 9, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Chinese Learning Platform is a part of STARTALK Program – a federal grant program funded by the National Security Agency. The mission of the program is to assist students in learning languages identified critical by STARTALK, including Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, Persian, Korean, Russian, and Turkish. Our project aims to support students in learning Chinese, and will be extended to other languages in a near future. The supports include, but are not limited to, assistance in vocabulary, listening, reading, writing, and speaking Chinese. In addition, our project contains well-designed functionalities dedicated to language learning, thus further improving the learning experience for students.

Bidirectional DCDC Conversion for Supercapacitor Implementation in Electric Vehicles

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Corban Anderson Engineering Sam Rajnarayanan Engineering Steve Rivas Engineering
Advisor(s): Stephen Weis Engineering
Location: Basement, Table 9, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

DC to DC Conversion is important in modern electronics, and to the automotive industry. It is the process of converting a direct current (i.e constant) signal into another form of direct current (DC). A small-scale example of this is a car adapter, which converts the 12 volts provided by a car outlet into the 5 volts a cell phone needs to charge, known as a ‘step down’ converter. The main objective of the project is to design and test a bidirectional DC to DC conversion system. Most DCDC converters available on the market are unidirectional, i.e., either ‘step down’ or ‘step up’ the DC signal. Those that can switch are called bidirectional converters, but many available cannot handle the higher requirements of an electric motor. A system that can switch directions based on specific system parameters allows for situational flexibility, and the use of new devices for more efficient energy use. The supercapacitor is one such device. They provide power more efficiently than batteries but can only store a small amount of energy. They must be recharged often, which requires a step-down conversion from a power source (much like the car adapter example). Supplying the motor from supercapacitors requires a step-up conversion. So, to use, and reap the most benefit from these supercapacitors, switching from step up to step down based on their charge is a requirement. Ultimately, this would allow for the use of supercapacitors in an EV as part of a future project.

Ground Truth Mapping

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Nathaniel Gilly Engineering Kate Harris Engineering Brent Hewitt Engineering Carson Maher Engineering
Advisor(s): Sue Gong Engineering
Location: Third Floor, Table 3, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

In this presentation, the process of creating a map of an area using ground truth data will be explained. The overall objective of this research project is to be able to capture a remote image of a land mass and be able to discern what sections within that image are a certain material. This is done through the matching of spectral signatures, which are unique for every physical material found on earth. A demonstration of spectral signature matching will be shown to understand the basic idea of how the mapping is done. A model expanding on this idea with the use of ground truth data will be shown with results showing how the map will be made.

Hydrodynamic Analysis of Surfboard Fin Performance

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Brent Hewitt Engineering
Advisor(s): Robert Bittle Engineering
Location: Second Floor, Table 7, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Hydrodynamic Analysis of Surfboard Fin Performance set out to analyze how the outline and size of a surfboard fin can impact performance. Performance analysis involved running images from the manufacturer’s website through a MATLAB code that would process the image to determine an appropriate, numerical method, based on fluid dynamics, to explain categorical differences between fins. After testing for differences between categories for the following performance metrics: the vertical line of action, the horizontal line of action, the ratio between the tip area and the rest of the fin, and the resulting angle created by comparing the vertical and horizontal lines of action, the angle was found to be the most statistically significant factor for determining fin categories. Moving forward, users can input an image, along with the fin dimensions, to determine the performance characteristics of a fin, without having to purchase a fin. This project explains the underlying equations that are utilized, the fundamental assumptions that are made, how the results are generated, and how users can interpret the results.

RC/Semi-Autonomous Quadcopter

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): HyunMyung Kang Engineering Omar Hussein Engineering Rose Ibarra Engineering Nhu Le Engineering Emmanuel Matthews Engineering Natalia Perez Engineering
Advisor(s): Morgan Kiani Engineering
Location: Basement, Table 11, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Autonomous drones have been commercially available for decades. The integration of sensors has allowed robots to interact with their environment and resulting in autonomy. This quadcopter team takes on the challenge of creating an autonomous quadcopter using a frame, motors, electronic speed controllers, propellers, a Raspberry Pi, and an RPLidar. The team achieved remote control flight of the drone through pre-installed software—QGroundControl. The onboard computer will collect data using the RPLidar sensor and then send the data to the flight controller. Setting the robot (talker) and the virtual machine (listener) as nodes, they can communicate with each other through the ROS master.

Generative Design for Manufacture

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Connor Nolan Engineering Corban Anderson Engineering Antonio Malvar Gonzalez Engineering Jose Miranda Engineering
Advisor(s): Robert Bittle Engineering
Location: Second Floor, Table 6, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

Generative design implementation in this project had the goal of replacing sheet metal structures previously used to hold relays and electromechanic switches with 3D printed structures. The generative design software has the benefit of minimizing the mass of the structure, while keeping its structural integrity. The software does this by iterating through designs solving for stresses at each step, deciding where it is better to place a structure and then cutting mass at points where the structural integrity would not be compromised. Although the software creates a design on its own the user must define certain parameters: the preserve geometry (fundamental geometry for operation), obstacle geometry (sections that the software should leave without obstruction), the expected load case, manufacturing method, and material to be used. The end result is that the computer creates most efficient parts, allowing for a plastic 3D printed part to be able to safely replace one made of metal.

Human Ventilation Model for Medical School Students

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Kaily Orr Engineering
Advisor(s): Tristan Tayag Engineering Robert Bittle Engineering Nina Martin Interdisciplinary
Location: Third Floor, Table 5, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

Humans are complex beings that take in a variety of information in a variety of different ways. Understanding that every person processes information in a different way is an important pathway in determining class structure and the method in which information is delivered to students. Students are typically multimodal learners but have a preference for certain learning methods over others. These include but are not limited to lectures, videos, reading, or having a hands-on experience. Professors have the opportunity to enhance the learning environment of their students by either tailoring their teaching method toward individual students, or by using a teaching method that acknowledges and uses each form of learning. The objective of this project is to develop a human ventilation model and corresponding video that can be used during the Case Application Session (CAS) within the Pulmonary Module at the TCU School of Medicine.

Additive Manufactuing Using 3D Printing

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Carson Rapisura Engineering Angel Fripp Engineering Brian Ridzik Engineering Carter Wittschiebe Engineering
Advisor(s): Robert Bittle Engineering
Location: Basement, Table 10, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Hiller Measurements requested a mechanical design process to produce the internal chassis of their customized aerospace test equipment. The 3D printing team explored additive manufacturing to produce the generatively designed chassis using an MSLA 3D printer and photopolymer resin. The team improved production quality by standardizing support, raft, and print speed settings. Troubleshooting common 3D printing errors included reducing the effects of elephant’s foot, minimizing peeling forces, and adjusting FEP film tightness. Post-processing involved exploring the effect of cure time on material performance by utilizing dynamic vibration testing and tensile & compression testing. Final assessments were made by considering the ease of assembly of all parts and holders. 3D printing was determined to be an effective tool for production when the parts are designed for manufacturing and when the material properties are in accordance with its desired functionality. 

Microgrid for a Cluster of Grid Independent Buildings Powered by Solar and Wind Energy

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Raquel Sandoval Aguilar Engineering
Advisor(s): Efstathios Michaelides Engineering
Location: Basement, Table 6, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

The reduction of CO2 emissions and the avoidance of Global Climate Change necessitate the conversion of the electricity generation industry to rely on non-carbon sources. Additionally, the mitigation of the duck-curve effects in microgrids requires the development of grid-independent buildings. Computations were performed for a cluster of one thousand grid-independent buildings in the North Texas area, where air-conditioning demand is high in the summer months. The electricity demand is balanced with energy supply generated from wind turbines, photovoltaic cells, or stored energy in hydrogen tanks. The results indicate that with one wind turbine operating, each building must be fitted with 10.2 kW rating photovoltaics capacity and a tank with 5.2 m3 of hydrogen storage capacity to satisfy the hourly demand of the buildings’ community. The addition of more wind turbines significantly reduces the needed PV rating but increases the required storage. Investing in energy conservation measures in the buildings significantly reduces both the needed storage capacity and the PV cell ratings.

Adapting Procedures for Non-Technical Use

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Elizabeth Trexler Engineering Joseph Barnes Engineering Daniel Perez Engineering Jennifer Rios Engineering Jack Wenberg Engineering
Advisor(s): Robert Bittle Engineering
Location: Third Floor, Table 4, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

The overall purpose of this project is to create a process for designing and manufacturing a Chassis (Mechanical Enclosure) for Hiller Measurements. As the Industrial Optimization sub-team, we focused on ways to optimize and fully document the process. The goal was to create procedures for utilizing 3-D generative design and printing software that most adults would be able to follow. Outside TCU students with little to no engineering background were brought in to test our procedures.

Using open source software to quantify the ecosystem services of campus trees

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Chandler Baskerville Environmental Sciences Lauren Trotter Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 4, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Trees provide essential ecosystem services to urban environments. Urban forests attenuate air pollution, mitigate flooding, reduce energy consumption, raise property values, promote community cohesion, and enhance quality of life. To maximize these services, colleges, universities, and associated campus organizations engage in a host of activities designed to enhance the structure and function of their urban forests. These activities include protecting and preserving trees, planting and maintaining trees, and offering outreach on the benefits of trees. Additionally, tree measurements present an opportunity to assess the extent to which campus trees provide important services to the university and the surrounding community. The purpose of this research is to quantify the ecosystem services of trees on the TCU campus. We recorded standard tree measurement variables, including trunk diameter, tree height, and crown width. Next, we used i-Tree Eco, an open source urban forestry software from the USDA Forest Service, to quantify the ecosystem services of campus trees. We calculated the following services: 1) pollution removal and human health impacts; 2) carbon sequestration and storage; and 3) hydrology effects, including avoided run-off, interception, and transpiration. Preliminary results indicate that campus trees provide a range of ecosystem services but vary by species and location. We recommend continued maintenance of campus trees and additional tree plantings to maximize ecosystem services.

Long-jawed orbweaving spiders (Tetragnatha sp.) as Sentinels of Mercury Contamination of the Trinity River

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Tori Martinez Biology Andrew Todd Environmental Sciences Macyn Willingham Biology
Advisor(s): Matt Chumchal Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 8, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Long-jawed orbweaving spiders (Tetragnatha sp.) as Sentinels of Mercury Contamination of the Trinity River

Authors: Tori Martinez, Macyn Willingham, Christopher Allender, Morgan Capone, Matt Chumchal, Ray Drenner, Cale Perry, Robby Peterson, Iris Schmeder, Andrew Todd, Tyler Williams

Human-made sources such as coal-fired power plants and artisanal gold mines have large outputs of emissions containing inorganic mercury (IHg), resulting in an overall increase in environmental mercury (Hg) levels across the globe. IHg is not bioavailable and therefore does not normally pose a risk to organisms. However, the conversion of IHg to bioavailable methylmercury (MeHg) that takes place in an aquatic ecosystem threatens human and wildlife health, given that MeHg is a neurotoxin. To investigate this further, the amount of MeHg must be determined for specific locations given that there is a large variation in inorganic mercury deposition throughout various landscapes and ecosystems. Specifically, this project examines the bioaccumulation of MeHg in aquatic food webs and individual bodies of water, through the use of shoreline spiders as a sentinel species. If excess mercury is present within an aquatic food web, there would be a presence of mercury in emergent aquatic insects. Shoreline spiders, then, prey on the emergent aquatic insects, resulting in an accumulation of mercury within their tissue. Shoreline spiders have been proposed as sentinels of MeHg but there have been relatively few studies examining biological factors that could influence the concentration of MeHg in their tissues. The objective of this study is to determine how spider size and sex can influence MeHg concentrations in the Clear and West Fork of the Trinity River. There is existing evidence that the two forks may have varying amounts of mercury accumulation, based on a study done in 2016. This study focused on the long-jawed orb weaver (Family Tetragnathidae; Tetragnatha sp.) shoreline spider, in which over 1000 were captured from June to August 2019. We preserved spiders in 95% ethanol followed by measurement of leg length (a proxy for body size), determination of spider sex and Hg analysis. In this presentation we will discuss the relationship between spider size, sex, and ecosystem contamination levels on Hg concentration.

Fighting food waste through community composting

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Ashlyn Morrill Environmental Sciences Emily LeBlanc Environmental Sciences Camilla Price Biology Gloria Serrano Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: Second Floor, Table 5, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Since the 19th century, Earth’s average surface temperature has risen 2 degrees Fahrenheit due to an increase in the pollution of greenhouse gases caused by human activity. The magnitude of food waste produced in the United States contributes to climate change through the methane released by the excess food discarded in landfills. Each year, 40 percent of food in the United States is never consumed due to food loss or waste along the supply chain including growers, consumers, retailers, and restaurants (NRDC 2020; SOFA 2019). However, millions of Americans are food insecure or live in areas known as food deserts that have little access to fresh food. Recent estimates suggest 690 million people around the world went hungry in 2019 (UNICEF 2020). For food systems to operate more sustainably, we must promote food recovery processes, one of which is composting. The purpose of this research is to first quantify the amount of food waste produced and then diverted from landfills through a community composting program in Fort Worth, Texas. Our group has partnered with Roy Pope Grocery to collect composting material and deliver it to the UNT Health Science Garden, where it is weighed, processed, composted, and later used in gardening plots. Through composting, we are able to limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the air, in turn, fighting climate change and preventing its negative impacts on Earth’s ecosystem. We are analyzing four months of food waste via descriptive statistics and the EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM).

Fungal induced molecular transformation of plant-derived organic matter alters carbon sequestration potential and sorption capacity

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Jesse Mugisha Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 2, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Microbial interactions with plant biomass contribute significantly to the cycling of nutrients and contaminants in the environment. Primarily among these interactions is the role of fungal-induced degradation of organic matter, its regulatory effects on the carbon cycle, and pollutant transport. This study uses fungal colonization of spent coffee grounds as a model for understanding fungi-plant biomass interactions and their relationship to carbon stability and pollutant removal capacity. Results indicate that fungal-induced alterations of the plant material result in an increase in aromatic and a concomitant decrease in methyl components of the organic matter. This molecular alteration was accompanied by an increase in the carbon content of the remaining material, an increase in the carbon stability as determined by the materials R , and an increase in sorption capacity for cationic species as determined from gentian violet sorption to the materials. The results from this study could contribute additional knowledge to solving grand challenges in climate and pollution.

Spatial-temporal Analysis of Forest Cover and Carbon Capture Potential

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Jesse Mugisha Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 5, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Excessive greenhouse gas emissions that result from unregulated energy exploitation contribute to climate change and air pollution. One way to restore the carbon balance within the earth’s systems is to increase carbon inputs by capturing atmospheric carbon and storing it in stable reservoirs, also known as Carbon Sequestration. Using the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it to organic carbon that is relatively more stable than gaseous carbon. The ability to sequester carbon varies across different vegetation species and the environments in which they grow. Using ArcGIS tools and free-access remote sensing data, this study will survey the spatial distribution of plant biomass and their effective carbon storage capacity in a case study located in Africa. The results from this study will i) identify facilities with the most effective carbon sequestration potential ii) help conservation programs in making landscaping decisions for future urban developments.

Are all available water sources in an urban environment accessible to local bats?

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Camilla Price Environmental Sciences Izzy Acheson Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 11, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Bats provide many ecosystem services, including pest control, pollination, and seed dissemination, which are economically beneficial to humans. Yet as human populations continue to grow, leading to the increasing loss, degradation, and fragmentation of natural habitats to urban sprawl, wildlife species including bats are having to adapt to this unnatural environment. One important resource that bats must access in such environments is water. In natural landscapes, bats drink from ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and even puddles, but in human-modified areas, studies have shown that bats can drink from drainage ditches, cattle troughs, and residential swimming pools. However, it is generally assumed that these resources are not preferred and, if present, more semi-natural water sources, such as retention and ornamental ponds, would be preferentially used. But what if we are incorrectly assuming that all semi-natural water sources are readily accessible and available to bats. To explore this uncertainty, we conducted behavioral observation surveys using thermal cameras and acoustic detectors to determine whether semi-natural water sources within Fort Worth, including the retention pond on the Texas Christian University (TCU) campus, were suitable for bats. Specifically, we compared bat drinking activity at these ponds and identified pond characteristics that might deter or encourage bats to drink at them. Our study revealed that the presence of artificial lights represented a major characteristic that deterred bats. In particular, we found that only when flood lights from the TCU soccer field were turned off, bat activity was recorded at the TCU retention pond. This result confirmed that not all water sources are readily accessible and available to bats, but turning lights off when they are not needed could effectively improve water availability for bats. It is findings such as these that can inform the enrichment of urban environments for bats and, therefore, aid their conservation.

E. Coli bacteria in our local streams: A case of the Village Creek in Everman, Texas

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Morgan Washington Environmental Sciences Aria Tirion Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Gehendra Kharel Environmental Sciences
Location: First Floor, Table 5, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) classifies nearly 28% of assessed rivers and streams in Texas as impaired due to pathogenic bacteria in the water. One such stream is the Village Creek, a tributary of the Trinity River in north-central Texas. Therefore, this study in the Water and Society Lab at TCU aims to monitor Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentration in the Village Creek.

In this ongoing study, we collect water quality samples weekly, incubate them for 24 hours at 35 °C, and then determine the presence or absence and total E. coli count as CFU (colony forming units) using the US EPA-approved Colilert system. E. coli over 126 CFU per 100 mL water sample indicates unsafe levels per the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the US EPA. Based on the analysis of 16 samples, the average, minimum, and maximum E. coli counts are 324.4 CFU, 15.5 CFU, and 1620 CFU, respectively. The next important step in this study is to build the statistical relationship of E. coli with different hydro-climatological variables, including streamflow, rainfall, ambient temperature, water temperature, pH, conductivity, and turbidity. The findings of this study will help make water quality and water resources management decisions in the north-central Texas region.

Determining the Most Dangerous Streets of Fort Worth, TX Using Spatial Analysis

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): William Hart Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 10, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Fort Worth, Texas has become one of the most populated areas in the United States. With a growing influx of commuters on a daily basis, there is no doubt that there will be a large amount of car crashes in the city. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2020 there were over 15,000 car crashes while in 2021 there were over 17,000 car accidents. In 2022 alone there have been over 3000 car crashes already. Many of these car crashes are likely avoidable and finding the areas that are most susceptible to these accidents will be valuable knowledge for drivers and the city. Applying ESRI ArcGIS Pro’s spatial analysis extension to the Texas Department of Transportation's car accident the roads of Fort Worth with high crash and fatality rates will be found and mapped accordingly.

Analysis of Tornado Events in Alabama Using Geospatial Techniques: Impacts and Aggravating Factors

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Navya Kolli Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 1, Position 3, 1:45-3:45

For this research project, geospatial analysis will be utilized to study tornado outbreaks in Alabama, and to analyze the impact of major tornado events at different times (1974-2020) in the specified study regions and analyze that as well. This project is significant because these tornado outbreaks resulted in many deaths and lots of devastation in the region. By studying these tornadoes closely, a better understanding of the tornado events will be developed .
The goal of the study is to compare the relationship of elevation to the severity of the tornadoes (EF Scale) as well as look into how surface modification has amplified the effect of the tornadoes to analyze results more closely. Other primary goals are to 1) map the tornado track and 2) to analyze the change in the impact of tornadoes over time, taking land surface changes, elevation, and EF values into consideration to better understand the relation between them. In terms of the time series analysis, I will look into major tornado outbreaks that affected the study sites from 1974-2020. All of this will be accomplished using ArcMap, Google Earth Engine, and possibly other programs/tools. Relevant datasets are coming from LANDSAT, Sentinel 1 and 2, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and from other possible sources.

Dendrimeric organic nanomaterials at the Fe(III)-oxide-water interface: Size effects on dynamics of binding

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Brooke Newell Geological Sciences Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 3, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

As the nature and quantity of new/novel nanomaterials continue to expand to meet industrial, medical, and domestic demands, their accidental or intentional release becomes inevitable. To this end, an evolving understanding of the interaction dynamics between nanomaterials and naturally-occuring geomaterials is central to supporting continued sustainable development and use of nanomaterials. The current study explores the chemodynamics of the organic nanomaterial, polyamidoamine (PAMAM), binding to (and debinding from) ferrihydrite. Specific focus is placed on how PAMAM size affects the quantity, kinetics and dynamics for three carboxyl-terminated PAMAMs (Gx.5-COOH) sorbing/desorbing to/from the variably-charged ferrihydrite (FFH). Early results suggest that at pH 5, the smaller PAMAM G1.5-COOH sorbed/desorb to/from FFH in similar quantities but at slower rates than G3.5-COOH. Sorption/desorption was also found to occur via 1- or 2-steps with a faster surface-mediated step being followed by a slower diffusion-mediated step and the proportion of surface-mediated: diffusion-mediated sorption/desorption increasing with PAMAM size (i.e. G1.5-COOH<G3.5-COOH). This presentation will further cover results obtained with G5.5-COOH PAMAM.

Applying Chemical Analysis Methods to Address Food Desert Problems in Fort Worth

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Audrey Wilson Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 9, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

"Power your school:" Working with Dallas-Fort Worth schools to identify alternative energies for their campus

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Jack Bonnell Interdisciplinary Grace Bobo Interdisciplinary Precious Castillo Interdisciplinary Traylin Cleveland Interdisciplinary Camryn Gloor Interdisciplinary Kelly Jaimes Interdisciplinary Ashlyn Laidman Interdisciplinary Christina Mantsorov Interdisciplinary Kiet Nguyen Interdisciplinary Kennedy Redmon Interdisciplinary Zach Rouseau Interdisciplinary George Weimer Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Kayla Green Chemistry & Biochemistry Jeffrey L. Coffer Chemistry & Biochemistry Heidi Conrad Chemistry & Biochemistry Julie Fry Chemistry & Biochemistry
Location: Second Floor, Table 8, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

K-12 curricula worldwide typically lack a strong emphasis on alternative energies, particularly solar and wind power. To counter this, the University of Cambridge has developed the “Power your School” initiative, a program where students learn to map their school and local area, predict where the best sites for solar panels may be on their campus, use scientific equipment accurately, record results, and make ideal recommendations based on their data. TCU Chemistry Club and the Coffer Research Lab have partnered with this initiative to help local elementary schools investigate the benefits of renewable energy, assist in calculating the financial benefits of solar panels over a span of multiple years, and most importantly - to help young students learn the basics of proper recording of scientific data. Through poster creation and its subsequent presentation, students also use design and oral communication skills to educate local officials (and beyond) into the benefits of investing in renewable energy. Methods and results of this project will be presented.

4HerHealth

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Kynnedy Brown Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Julie Fry Chemistry & Biochemistry
Location: Basement, Table 13, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

The transition from high school to college marks a significant life change and, as a result, could lead to changes in health behaviors, exercise, and stress levels. Physical activity can enhance self-confidence and collectivism, improve emotional states, decrease stress, aid in building relationships, and contributes to feelings of elation and satisfaction (Qu, 2020). Studies show lower levels of activity among college women, with Black women having greater risk of obesity than white women. (Ajibade, 2011). The effects of a lack of physical activity for college minority women pose more significant threats as they increase in age; this is especially notable with Black women, who present low activity levels compared to white and other minority women (Greaney et al., 2017).

4HerHealth aims to combat the prevalence of potential health-related risks by fostering a community that supports physical activity and wellness in minority college students’ lives. The program consists of biweekly activities that highlight various health-related activities such as TCU-instructed fitness classes, step challenges, cooking and nutrition classes, and study and stress-relieving sessions. Participants who expressed low activity levels before the program reported an increased drive to go to the gym and eat healthier. Overall, participants said the program was informative, well-rounded, and provided a safe space and community for minority women on campus.

References
Ajibade, P. B. (2011). Physical activity patterns by campus housing status among African American female college students. Journal of Black Studies, 42(4), 548–560. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021934710385116
Greaney, M. L., Askew, S., Wallington, S. F., Foley, P. B., Quintiliani, L. M., & Bennett, G. G. (2017). The effect of a weight gain prevention intervention on moderate-vigorous physical activity among black women: The shape program. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-017-0596-6
Qu, X. (2020). Empirical analysis of the influence of physical exercise on psychological stress of college students. Revista Argentina de Clinica Psicologica. https://doi.org/10.24205/03276716.2020.386