Examining the Relationship Between Tree Canopy Cover and Walkability in Austin, Texas

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Zoey Suasnovar Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences

Cities are increasingly adopting and promoting actions in support of their sustainability goals to enhance community well being and improve environmental quality. These large, sprawling cities actions include providing more sustainable transportation choices, like bike lanes, micro-mobility options (e.g., scooters or e-bikes), and walkability. Yet, as municipalities offer these alternatives, increasing urban heat may deter residents and visitors from using them. Cities, such as Austin, Texas, have become hotter over the last decade due to increasing impervious cover and tree loss associated with urban (re)development. Urban trees provide cooling effects to the surrounding area through evapotranspiration and shade. Thus, tree shade is important to promote more walkable neighborhoods, especially in the summer months. This study looks at the relationship between canopy cover and urban walkability in Austin. Using a Geographic Information System, we examined the interactions between canopy cover, walkability, socioeconomic data (i.e., race, gender, income, and home-owner status), and sidewalks. In doing so, we found a total of 2,552.47 km of shaded sidewalks, equaling, about a third of all sidewalks in Austin. We also found that canopy cover and walkability vary by location. Some areas have high canopy cover and low walkability, whereas other areas have low canopy cover and high walkability. Preliminary results also indicate that some areas have less shaded sidewalks than others and vary based on an area’s socioeconomic characteristics. The results of this research may be used to promote sustainable cities and urban forestry along sidewalks to help mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Bring on the Heat

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Sahana Talwar Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences

Increases in city size and frequency has correspondingly led to increases in Urban Heat Island (UHI) strength and frequency. These urban heat islands have had serious implications for both childrens’ 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 softwares 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 trees in the nearby vicinity of schools can have a significant cooling effect.

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

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.

Norfolk UST Risk Assesment

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Joshua Benford Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremicael Geological Sciences

Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) pose a significant environmental hazard in Norfolk, Virginia, where factors such as weather, casing materials, and varying ground conditions contribute to potential leaks over time. Corrosion, exacerbated by Norfolk's coastal location and harsh soil conditions, is a primary cause of these leaks. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools can be utilized to develop a predictive model for identifying at-risk UST locations by integrating data from multiple sources, including UST records from the state of Virginia and other relevant datasets. This model would employ various spatial analysis techniques to generate maps and web applications, enabling field teams to validate its accuracy and support the City of Norfolk in mitigating risks associated with leaking USTs. The goal of this research is to produce valuable insights that help safeguard the health of Norfolk's residents and protect the delicate surrounding ecosystem, including the Atlantic Ocean, marshes, rivers, and Chesapeake Bay.

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

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

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 and their potential for use by Tri-colored bats as winter roost sites

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Lexi Foster Environmental Sciences Liam Slattery Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences

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. Culverts will also be evaluated based on the characteristics of surrounding habitats. Once this analysis is complete, culverts will be ranked based on their collective characteristics for potential to be used as roost sites. The goal at the end of this project is to create data for use in advising field surveys, as well as maintenance and development of roads and bridges that consider conservation of the species.

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

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.

A Study of the Coll de Montllobar to Further Characterize Channelization as the Units Shift Through Transgressive-Regressive Sequences

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Samuel Knox Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): John Holbrook Geological Sciences

The Tremp-Graus basin, located in Northern Spain, is a foreland piggyback basin that sits on the foot of Pyrenees Mountains. More specifically within the Montsec range, North of the Montsec thrust belt. The basin is a result of an east to west trending syncline area between the Boxial and Montsec Thrusts, North and South of Tremp, Spain, respectively. During the end of the Cretaceous period, syntectonic sedimentation began and carried throughout the Miocene. Thus, forming the basin that is structurally open in the west and open in the east, possibly due to structural events and quite possibly a shallow sea that protruded the area during the Ypresian (56 – 47.8 Ma). The sediments came from sources in the North, East, and the South in less quantities. The Pyrenees Mountains to the north are the main source of the sedimentation in the area as an influx of sediment occurred over time as the thrust sheets became proximal to the basin. The Boxial thrust supplied alluvial fans during the Maastrichtian in a localized setting (Arevalo, 2022; Busquests, 2022).
There is an overall transition from continental to deltaic sediments in the east to a western section that is mainly slope mudstones, thin-bedded turbidite wedges, proximal turbidites, channel-fills, distal turbidities and basin-plain deposits. This study will focus on a vertical section in the Coll del Montllobar Cliffs to help identify and differentiate channel characteristics as the rocks shift from continental/terrestrial deposits to marine influence deposits (tracking transgressive-regressive cycles) within the Upper Ager Group through the Lower Montanyana Group. The study will include at least five highly detailed measured sections, fluvial mapping conducted through drone footage and 3D modeling as well as possible point counting root density within the sections. In the conclusion of this study researchers will have a reliable Type Section as well as a basic understanding of how transgressive – regressive cycles alter channel behavior within the region, as well as the defining characteristics of the fluvial channels.

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

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 Eutrophication in Texas Freshwater Bodies due to Agricultural Runoff

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Emma Maxwell Geological Sciences Emily Garza Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

This project will analyze patterns of eutrophication in Texas lakes and reservoirs, with a focus on the impact of agricultural runoff from nearby industrial sites on nearby water bodies. By using GIS, we aim to gain insight on the relationship between agricultural land use, water quality, and the presence of eutrophication in these water bodies. The analysis will examine spatial data related to water quality, land use patterns, and the locations of bodies of water near industrial areas to understand how agricultural runoff contributes to eutrophication in Texas.

THE GEOLOGY OF THE WICHITA MOUTAINS, SOUTH OKLAHOMA

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Michael Mbah Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Richard Hanson Geological Sciences

The Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma hold over a billion years of geological history, offering valuable insights into rift dynamics, magmatism, and basin evolution. These mountains are remnants of the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen, a failed rift that initially formed during the Cambrian period through crustal extension but was later uplifted due to tectonic inversion. The region features a diverse range of igneous and sedimentary rocks, including the Carlton Rhyolites, gabbroic anorthosites, and granites of the Wichita Granite Group, which reflect a complex magmatic history. Over time, major tectonic events—such as the Pennsylvanian uplift during the formation of Pangea and subsequent Permian burial—played a key role in shaping the area's present landscape. This study utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools to examine the spatial relationships, structural features, and lithological distribution of the Wichita Mountains. Using remote sensing, digital elevation models (DEMs), and geospatial analysis, this research provides a deeper understanding of the region’s geological history and demonstrates the effectiveness of GIS technology in structural geology and regional mapping.

Quenched and disrupted dacitic to rhyolitic hyaloclastie complex emplaced at shallow levels beneath the seafloor in a Devonian submarine island-arc sequence in the northern Sierra Nevada, California

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Quinton Mindrup Geological Sciences Richard Hanson Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Richard Hanson Geological Sciences

The Devonian Sierra Buttes Formation (SBF) occurs at the base of a thick succession of submarine Paleozoic island arc strata in the northern Sierra Nevada. Bulk eastward rotation of the succession has provided cross-sectional views of a variety of SBF volcaniclastic deposits, radiolarian chert and associated hypabyssal intrusions. The area of concern herein is centered on the prominent glaciated Sierra Buttes peaks, from which the formation takes its name. Coeval andesitic to rhyolitic hypabyssal intrusions form a complex assemblage making up much of the SBF in this area. The assemblage contains a large intrusive hyaloclastite complex within which dacitic-rhyolitic bodies are chaotically dispersed. The intrusions developed when ascending batches of magma were unable to penetrate thick sequences of unlithified sediment and instead intruded into and were quenched against them at shallow levels beneath seafloor.

Here we report results of detailed mapping of glaciated outcrops that occupy an area of ~ 245,000 m2 within the intrusive assemblage and consist mostly of dacite and rhyolite. The assemblage contains large amounts of massive fragmental material with clasts typically < 3 cm in length and ranging down to fine ash. Much of this material consists of angular, originally glassy hyaloclastite shards that formed by nonexplosive quench fragmentation of magma intruding into wet sediment. Ellipsoidal bodies, elongate tubes several meters in length with elliptical cross-sections, and irregular amoeboid bodies occur within the hyaloclastite matrix and are interpreted to represent parts of a branching, interconnected feeder system that supplied magma to the growing fragmental mass beneath the sea floor.

Mapping the Use of Battery Storage Systems for Renewable Energy in Texas

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Isabella Moreno Environmental Sciences Garrison Kelly Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

HYDROGEOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE SPATIOTEMPORAL EVOLUTION OF GROUNDWATER IN TEXAS AQUIFERS (1985-2014)

Type: Graduate
Author(s): ELVIS OWUSU Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): OMAR HARVEY Geological Sciences

Due to the increasing industrial activities, domestic and agricultural demands in Texas render groundwater resources under severe pressure. Texas growing population of 29.5 million in 2021 is projected to reach 51 million by 2070 placing increasing pressure on groundwater, a vital resource for agriculture, industry and municipal use.
This study assesses the hydrogeochemical evolution of Texas nine (9) major aquifers over three decades (1985-2014) and leveraged data from the Texas Water Development Board, Satellite (Landsat 8) dataset from Center for hydrometeorology and Remote sensing at the University of California, Irvine to detect and monitor changes in precipitation estimation. Land use and land cover (Landsat 8/9) dataset from Multi Resolution Land Characteristics were leveraged to detect and monitor land cover and land use changes which is a key parameter that affect the chemistry of groundwater in Texas major aquifers.
Results indicate a transition in groundwater types from Na-Cl to mixed type and Ca-HCO3, with major ions ranked as Na++K+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ and Cl- > HCO3- > SO42-. Rock-water interaction and evaporation are the primary mechanism that controls groundwater chemistry and composition influence by the weathering of silicate minerals.
Climatic variability controlling factors in Texas major aquifers are precipitation rates and Temperature rates, Land cover changes also play a significant role in the hydro geochemistry of groundwater. Precipitation rate across the aquifers ranges from 82 mm – 504 mm in 1985-1994, 244mm- 1751mm in 1995-2004 and 522mm- 1230mm in 2005 -2014. One of significant change in terms of land cover in Texas major aquifers between 1985 and 2005 was the increase in developed high intensity areas from 0.19%,0.25% and 0.33% respectively and developed medium intensity also increase from 0.78%, 0.98% and 1.33%
Overall, the study highlights the importance of hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater evolution and the potential of remote sensing in providing critical insights for sustainable water management in Texas, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate future water challenges.

Geochemistry of Ediacaran-Ordovician diabase, lamprophyre and phonolite dikes in southern Colorado, possibly related to rifting in the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Caleb Perkey Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Richard Hanson Geological Sciences

The Southern Oklahoma aulacogen is a northwest-trending structure containing abundant igneous rocks representing the remains of a major Cambrian rift zone. Previous geologists have mapped numerous igneous intrusions in Colorado that follow the same trend, ranging from Ediacaran to Ordovician in age, and have speculated that these intrusions may be a part of the same rift. These intrusions include abundant igneous dikes of various compositions that originated from deeper magmatic bodies, filling fracture systems in older igneous rocks and Precambrian gneisses. This study involves the geochemical analysis of samples we collected from different dike types, including diabase, lamprophyre, phonolite, and nepheline syenite. The dikes include a prominent diabase dike swarm in the Gunnison area as well as abundant dikes of several types in the Wet Mountains and Front Range farther east. On the discrimination and REE diagrams, fifteen representative dike samples from both sample regions plot tightly together, indicating the clustered dikes share a petrogenetic history of E-MORB-type magma that interacted with intercontinental lithosphere.
We have not yet found diabase dikes in the Wet Mountains suitable for geochemical studies. However, five samples from NW- to NNW-trending diabase dikes in the Front Range, ~80 km north of the Wet Mountains, are among the fifteen diabase samples that cluster together on the geochemical diagrams. This raises the intriguing possibility that dikes related to Ediacaran-Ordovician intraplate magmatism in Colorado may be more extensive than previously thought.
Samples of four lamprophyre dikes in the Wet Mountains exhibit uniform patterns in REE diagrams and plot within the same field on the Winchester and Floyd (1977) classification diagram. Three dikes classified as trachytes by other workers cluster plot in the phonolite field on this diagram, suggesting some of these dikes were previously misclassified. These three dikes also show similar REE patterns with prominent negative anomalies, implying prolonged fractional crystallization.

Suburbanization-induced Elemental Molecular Alterations in Soils

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Tabby Pyle Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences

The proposed project is part of an ongoing effort within the PI’s lab aimed at using the study
of chemodynamics to engage students in the exploration of the interplay between societal
actions and environmental response. The project will build on data from pH,
thermogravimetric, elemental, and isotopic analysis capturing macroscopic soil
chemodynamics in response to suburbanization and urban farming in the Dallas-Fort Worth
Metroplex (DFW). The DFW is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the US with our
early data suggesting a minimum 30-yr required period of lawn care before key
chemodynamic indicators of soil health/resilience, such as pH and soil organic matter
(quantity and quality), return to pre-suburbanization status. In contrast, composting food
waste and then land applying that compost not only diverts waste from landfill but improve
soil health/resilience metrics towards carbon sequestration, water conservation and reduce
nutrient input/loss. Here the objectives are to examine implications at the microphysical and
molecular-level via:
2) Assessing how differences in the molecular composition of soil organic matter from
a suburban lawn versus an organic farm setting alter soil ecosystem services related
to water quality, and climate.

SRS Project

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Audrey Sinnett Environmental Sciences West Tyndal Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

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

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 2000, and a model of California’s tree density/canopy cover in 2024. 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.

Reconstructing River Discharge and Fluvial Dynamics in the Pyrenees Mountains

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Daphne Varmah Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): John Holbrook Geological Sciences

Fluvial dynamics refers to the study of river systems, their flow processes, sediment transport, and how these processes shape landscapes over time. In the Pyrenees Mountains, understanding the fluvial dynamics of rivers is crucial for reconstructing past hydrological conditions, particularly river discharge and stage variations. This research investigates the historical flow characteristics of rivers in the Pyrenees, focusing on how much sediment and water these rivers carried, how low the rivers flowed, and how these factors influenced channel discharge. Through the analysis of sediment cores, floodplain deposits, and river terraces, I will reconstruct the variability in discharge and determine stage fluctuations during different time periods, including the late middle and early Holocene. The findings highlight significant changes in river flow driven by climatic and geological factors, providing insight into past hydrological regimes. Understanding these flow variations is essential for interpreting the environmental conditions that influenced plant growth, as river discharge directly impacts soil moisture, nutrient availability, and the distribution of vegetation. This research not only contributes to the understanding of past river systems but also enhances our knowledge of the interplay between climate, hydrology, and ecosystem dynamics in the Pyrenees Mountains.

Identification of Geochemical Variability and Geogenic Carbon in the Barnett Shale Formation

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Amanda Whitley Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences

The Barnett Shale is a key energy resource for oil and gas production right here in
Fort Worth. However, the use of geochemical techniques to analyze its subsurface properties and
organic matter content in the past has been limited. The aim of this research is to apply
geochemical analysis techniques to better understand geogenic carbon and other elements
located throughout core samples taken from the Barnett Shale. Multiple sampling intervals will
be used along the core to identify locations of peak hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur
content and to analyze the distribution and patterns of these elements. Testing in 2-foot, 1-foot,
and 6-inch intervals will determine the optimal scale for identifying the specific depths of key oil
and gas markers. This data will allow for more detailed and precise extraction approaches. The
geochemical techniques used to analyze the core samples will include loss on ignition analysis,
thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, and isotope analysis. By locating the position of
these key elements and geogenic carbon, we can gain a better understanding of the types and
potential for fueling energy needs. Looking forward, the depth and characteristics of geogenic
carbon and these key elements will be used to train an AI model for predicting the locations and
content of organic matter in other large formations. This research project can greatly improve our
understanding and utilization of key subsurface energy resources and help improve energy
efficiency and sustainability.

Predicting Pesticide Degradation: A Molecular Scaffolding Approach to Environmental Hazards

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Christopher Zamora Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences

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

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
Advisor(s): Caleb Cooley Interdisciplinary

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

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.