Below the Limit of Detection: The Impact of Censored Data on Trinity River PFAS Assessments

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Portia Asare Environmental Sciences Md Simoon Nice Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Gehendra Kharel Environmental Sciences

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that have become increasingly detected in surface waters worldwide, yet accurate interpretation of environmental monitoring data is often complicated by widespread non-detect observations. This study evaluated PFAS occurrence along the upper Trinity River in north-central Texas and examined how treatment of censored data influences contamination assessment. Ten surface water samples were analyzed using EPA Method 1633, with 31.7% of the measurements below the reporting limit. Multiple imputation was applied to estimate site-level concentrations and quantify uncertainty associated with censored observations. Spatial analysis revealed a 12.8-fold difference in PFAS concentrations between background sites (53.7 ng/L) and hotspot sites (684.9 ng/L). Three sites exhibited fluorotelomer sulfonate signatures consistent with potential influence from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Comparison with conventional RL/2 substitution methods revealed an underestimation of total PFAS concentrations by approximately 30–71 ng/L across sites, with the greatest bias occurring at background sites. All sampling sites exceeded current U.S. EPA drinking water standards for regulated PFAS compounds, suggesting potential implications for downstream drinking water systems. These findings demonstrate that statistical treatment of censored observations can substantially influence PFAS concentration estimates and the interpretation of contamination patterns.

Establishing baseline bat activity, diversity, and resource use in Tanglewood, Conservation Area, South Africa

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Katherine Davis Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences

This study established baseline information on bat resource use within the Leopard Ridge property of the Tanglewood Conservation Area in the Eastern Cape of South Africa to support long-term monitoring of a proposed mosaic habitat corridor. We focused on two key bat resources: water sources and a cave roost. Behavioral surveys were conducted at two river sites and one cave from May to July 2025 using infrared video recording paired with ultrasonic acoustic detectors to simultaneously document bat activity and echolocation calls. At water sources, cameras recorded bat presence, drinking events, and foraging behavior within the field of view, while concurrent acoustic recordings were used to identify species and confirm behaviors such as feeding and drinking through characteristic call structures. Drinking events were defined as bats contacting the water surface during flight, while foraging activity was identified by characteristic zig-zagging flight patterns and feeding buzzes in the acoustic recordings. At the cave roost, infrared video footage and automated image analysis were used to estimate nightly emergence counts, while concurrent acoustic recordings were used to estimate species composition among emerging bats. Together, these surveys provide baseline estimates of bat activity, drinking behavior, foraging use of water resources, and roost emergence within the study area. These data establish a reference point for evaluating how bat resource use changes as ecological restoration and corridor development progress within the Tanglewood Conservation Area.

Spatial Patterns and Urban Adaptation of Coyotes in North Texas

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

Due to unprecedented urbanization in North Texas, coyotes have become more frequently observed in urban settings. The proposed project will examine the spatial distribution of coyote observations in North Texas, focusing on identifying spatial patterns. It also assesses whether these patterns are indicators of long-term adaptation in response to rapid urbanization in the region.  This study will use spatial analysis techniques to determine whether coyote observations are spatially clustered, identify potential hotspots, and assess whether the clustering is associated with a certain cover type. In addition, visual comparisons of multitemporal observations of data will be conducted to evaluate whether distribution patterns change over time. By integrating hotspot analysis and land cover data, the project aims to better understand how coyotes may be adapting to urban environments in North Texas.

A Multi-Criteria Spatial Analysis of Vegetation Zones at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge: Implications for Ecological Management

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Isaac Minero Aldrete Environmental Sciences Ava Delgado Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Environmental Sciences

Extraction-Free Quantification of Lignocellulosic Carbon and Temporal Dynamics in Managed Soil Using a 2D-DTG Mixing Ratio Approach

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Md Simoon Nice Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences Gehendra Kharel Environmental Sciences

By leveraging a two-dimensional derivative thermogravimetric (2D-DTG) mixing ratio framework, my research measures distinct lignocellulosic carbon fractions and assesses their dynamics under different soil management over 19-month period (Jan 2023-Jul 2024). The 2D-DTG mixing ratio technique offers a quick, extraction-free method for delineating lignocellulosic fractions and management-induced alterations in soil organic carbon quality. The result shows that cellulose thermal peaks occurred at 330 ± 10 °C, while lignin peaks were detected at 490 ± 10 °C in NT, CC, and COMP soils but shifted to ~401 °C in CC+C soils. Thermal separation between cellulose and lignin domains decreased from ~180 °C (18 min) in NT to ~70 °C (7 min) in CC+C, indicating stronger coupling of lignocellulosic degradation. Cellulose peak intensity increased from 0.2 × 10⁻⁵ (NT) to 1.1 × 10⁻⁵ (COMP and CC+C), while lignin intensity increased from 0.3 × 10⁻⁶ (NT) to 5.4 × 10⁻⁶ (CC+C). Mixing-ratio analysis showed cellulose contributions of 51–58% and lignin contributions of 42–49% across treatments. Mean SOC increased from 1.95% (NT) to 2.17% (CC+C), with cellulose-derived carbon increasing from 1.01% to 1.27%, indicating enhanced lignocellulosic carbon integration under combined cover crop and compost management. Temporal analysis further showed that Lignin-derived carbon increased in later months, rising from ~38–40% to ~45–49%, indicating progressive labilization of recalcitrant lignin and greater incorporation into SOC pools. These results suggest organic amendments enhance lignin retention and long-term soil carbon storage with benefits for nutrient cycling and soil stability.

Wind Farms and Animal Mortality

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Ryan Nicholl Environmental Sciences Marty Taylor Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Asayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

This project will examine the correlation between wind farms and animal deaths. Bird and bat fatalities will be analyzed in regions with high densities of wind farms using spatial data in ArcGIS Pro. GIS hotspot analysis and spatial modeling will be applied to identify areas where collision risks are greatest, resulting in higher mortality rates. Based on these findings, recommendations will be made for locations where wind energy development can occur while minimizing impacts on wildlife. By mapping areas of mortality alongside existing wind farms, renewable energy companies can be guided to sites that allow wind energy production with reduced bird and bat fatalities.

My Bipolar Auditorium

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

Students find it difficult to work in uncomfortable temperatures. The temperature of the Paschal High School auditorium has been a complaint of students and staff for years. A recent survey found that 75% of students and teachers find the auditorium either uncomfortably cold or uncomfortably hot. This research explores the temperature fluctuations in the auditorium in the context of events taking place in the auditorium. Six sensors were placed around the Paschal High School auditorium and recorded the temperature and humidity every couple of seconds from December 19 to March 1st. From this data, I was able to calculate “feel’s like” temperature, and graph this against time, taking note of any significant events that may have affected temperature.

Public expectations for medical professionals and education institutions in planetary health education

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Cao Sam Tran Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Alexander Gina Interdisciplinary

As climate-related health effects become increasingly more visible, the public perceptions of planetary health education may change. This study explored public expectations for the role of health professionals in planetary health advocacy, education, and clinical practice. A link to an online Qualtrics survey was sent to potential participants through community service events, coalition meetings, and websites. Responses were validated for a final analytical sample of 88 adults aged 18 and older. Results indicate that a large majority of participants have a positive view on environmental conservation, reflected by a mean score of 54.7 (SD 7.8) out of a possible 75 on the New Ecological Paradigm Scale. A majority of respondents indicated they were already observing health impacts of climate change in their daily lives, most commonly as increased allergy-related symptoms (70.2%), injuries due to severe weather events such as storms or floods (64.3%), and heat-related illnesses (57.1%). Respondents indicated that health professionals and professional organizations should play an active role in educating the public and advocating for policy responses to the health effects of climate change. The most frequent responses were found for health professionals bringing climate-health effects to public attention (88.1%), professional organizations engaging in significant advocacy (86.9%), and clinicians leading sustainability efforts in hospitals and clinics (85.7%). Significantly, 78.6% of participants expressed that health professionals have a responsibility to discuss these health effects directly with their patients. Overall, this sample of adults perceives that human health is already negatively affected by environmental changes and strongly supports health professionals to take advocacy and educational roles to address planetary health problems.

Development of Breeding and Husbandry Protocols for the Texas Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys elator)

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Abi Welch Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Tory Bennett Environmental Sciences

The Texas kangaroo rat (Dipodomys elator) is a candidate endangered rodent species whose range has declined substantially across north-central Texas and southwestern Oklahoma. In this study, we conducted behavioral observation surveys focused on identifying signs of mating readiness among the individuals currently housed in the Fort Worth Zoo. Specifically, we compared the behaviors and frequency of behaviors exhibited by isolated individual Texas kangaroo rats with those of paired individuals and among different combinations of paired individuals, including same sex and mixed sex. We identified 18 unique behaviors over the course of our study. Results showed that while a wide range of behaviors were consistently exhibited across trials, clear behavioral indicators of mating readiness were not identified. The behavioral baseline established in this study provides guidance for future studies and contributes to the development of husbandry protocols for the Texas kangaroo rat. Ultimately, this work supports ongoing conservation efforts aimed at maintaining a viable captive population and facilitating future reintroduction initiatives.

Geophysical and Geospatial Monitoring of Coastal Wetland Dynamics in Texas Gulf Coast: Implications for Coastal Hazard Mitigation

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

Coastal wetlands are critical ecosystems located at the dynamic interface between terrestrial and marine environments, shaped by the intricate interactions among sediment transport and deposition processes, geomorphology, hydrodynamics, and biogeochemical processes. They offer essential services, acting as a primary defense against storm surge flooding and reducing cyclone wind wave energy. However, the sustainability of coastal freshwater wetlands is increasingly threatened by natural and anthropogenic stressors, including sea level rise and land subsidence. The latter process alters coastal morphology and, in combination with saltwater intrusion, which is primarily driven by unsustainable groundwater pumping rates, contributes to the salinization of the soil, leading to a severe decline in freshwater wetlands' spatial extent and significantly reducing the ecosystem services they provide. Wetlands are particularly important in areas such as the Texas Gulf Coast, including regions extending from the Galveston to Beaumont County coasts, where there is a recurrence of cyclone events causing severe devastation, sprawling urbanization extending toward the coasts, and extreme use of groundwater resources to meet the demands of the growing population. This study utilizes an approach that incorporates remote sensing datasets and analysis techniques, including deep learning methods facilitated by GeoAI, and field-based geophysical methods to explore the following key objectives: (1) quantify spatial and temporal changes in coastal wetland extent and type from 2000 to 2024 in response to major stressors; (2) investigate the hydrogeological conditions of the critical zone in areas experiencing declining freshwater wetland coverage, assessing the impacts of environmental stressors on the wetland critical zone using key indicators such as subsurface erosion and other morphological indicators (3) evaluate how shifts in wetland dynamics influence their ability to mitigate cyclone-related hazards and examine corresponding spatiotemporal variations in methane emissions.

Reconstructing the Triassic Crime Scene of West Texas

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Madison Crowns Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): John Holbrook Geological Sciences Arthur Busbey Geological Sciences

The Dockum Group is of palaeontologic and sedimentary significance due to the fossils and preserved sedimentary structures. The units contain a vast variety of Late Triassic vertebrates ranging from aquatic and amphibian to early mammals and dinosaurs, and in addition the Dockum Group contains preserved upper-flow-regime structures. Early result from initial samples collected from an outcrop of a preserved lake have yielded potential bone fragments and teeth. The opportunity to study how upper flow regimes and fossil assemblages are related to preservation makes the Dockum group a unique study area.

A Multi-Criteria Spatial Analysis of Vegetation Zones at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge: Implications for Ecological Management

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Ava Delgado Environmental Sciences Isaac Aldrete Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

This project proposes using ArcGIS-based spatial analysis to identify various vegetation zones at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge and the surrounding areas, with the goal of supporting ecological management decisions. This will be accomplished through spatial overlay and other GIS analysis tools applied to relevant datasets, including topography (elevation), soil type, land cover, geology, and vegetation distribution derived from existing geospatial datasets. The distribution of plants based on these factors will help identify distinct zones, such as Fort Worth prairie, Cross Timbers savanna, and riparian forest. By compiling the results of the GIS analysis and producing maps to support both visual and statistical analysis, the project will provide insights for end users to identify existing and potentially new zones for ecological management.

Evaluating the Impact of Fire Ant Expansion on Texas Horned Lizard Habitat and Prey Availability

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Kindal Ferrans Environmental Sciences Matt Dengler Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

Our project will focus on the evaluation of how the introduction of invasive fire ant species has affected horned lizard populations. The fire ant species is not native to the greater Texas area and, when introduced, preyed on the Texas horned lizard’s primary food source, the harvester ant. This has greatly reduced the lizard’s range, as it consumes few other insects. Its status as the university mascot further highlights its vulnerability to the TCU community. This study examines the impact of invasive fire ants on horned lizard populations in Texas. We will accomplish this through two approaches in the ArcGIS environment: first, by comparing maps of the lizard’s historical and current ranges, and second, by analyzing the temporal distribution of fire ant populations to determine whether a correlation exists with changes in the lizard’s range.

Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Changes to Galveston Bay Aquifer's Contamination

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Harrison Lamb Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

Coastal aquifers around the Galveston Bay System, located along the Texas Gulf Coast, have been experiencing saltwater contamination for the past few decades. This is driven by extensive groundwater use, land subsidence as a result of groundwater pumping, and rising sea levels in both the short term (through storm surge from cyclones) and long-term (relative sea level rise). This study leverages multitemporal groundwater quality data from wells located proximal to the coast and further inland to assess the spatial distribution and propagation of key saltwater contamination indicators (TDS, Chloride, etc.). This is accomplished through cluster mapping to identify contaminant hotspots and their progression over time, as well as by assessing the extent of contamination through evaluating the relationship between distance from the coast and inland contamination. The key objective is to provide insights of the modes of aquifer contamination, identify susceptible areas, and determine key drivers that may contribute to this accelerating contamination.

Identifying High-potential Corridors for a Light-Rail Passenger Network in the Fort Worth, TX Metro Area

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Anna Claire Lindow Environmental Sciences Jack Grimm Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremicheal Geological Sciences

The Fort Worth metropolitan area faces increasing roadway congestion, automobile dependency, and growing accessibility challenges for households with limited vehicle and physical access. Although Tarrant County contains several rail assets, much of the regions' transit network remains limited in coverage and connectivity compared to neighboring systems in Dallas. Rather than proposing new infrastructure, this study aims to evaluate the existing rail corridors within Tarrant County to identify where improvements could generate the greatest mobility, equity, and connectivity benefits.

Using ArcGIS Pro, a weighted multi-criteria analysis is applied to three existing corridors where freight lines are already present: a south-to-north line dubbed the “Green Line”, with termini in Burleson and Keller, a west-to-east line dubbed the “Blue Line”, with termini in Benbrook and Arlington, and a southwest-to-northeast line dubbed the “Purple Line”, with termini in Crowley and Euless/Grapevine. Each corridor meets at Fort Worth T&P / Central stations and stops in significant population/economic centers. Buffers surrounding each corridor are analyzed to evaluate demographic demand, transportation efficiency, connectivity, and physical feasibility. Key variables include the percentage of households without vehicles, median income, senior and disability populations, highway congestion proximity, risk factors, and major destinations served.

By integrating demographic vulnerability indicators with transportation demand and physical constraints, this study identifies which existing retail corridors demonstrate greatest need and potential for targeted improvements. The results provide a GIS-based framework for prioritizing transit investments in automobile-dependent metropolitan regions and offer data-driven guidance for improving rail accessibility and connectivity across Tarrant County.

Assessing the Leachability of Rare Earth Elements and Critical Metals from Coal and Coal Ash

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

This project will study how rare earth elements (REEs) and other important critical materials can be released (leached) from coal and coal ash. Coal ash is produced in large amounts across the United States, and many studies show that it can contain valuable elements that are needed for electronics, renewable energy technology, and national defense. However, we still do not fully understand how easily these elements can be removed from the ash or what chemical conditions make them more or less available. Learning this will help determine whether coal ash can be used as a practical source of critical materials and how it should be safely managed.

Petrography and Geochemistry of Rhyolites and Diabase Intrusions in the Wichita Mountains, Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen

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

Sea-Level Rise in the Bay Area

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Andrew McArdle Environmental Sciences Megan Linsley Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

We are looking to map sea-level rise along the California coast from 2000 to 2026. The sea level is currently rising approximately .25 inches per year. We are going to focus on how this is affecting California, and we are going to pair this information with properties in California that will be underwater by 2050. It is estimated that 10 billion dollars' worth of property will be underwater in the next 30 years. The part of California that is under the highest risk is Northern California, specifically the Bay Area. We will be mapping floodplains and low-lying areas in the Bay Area to show what areas are at the highest risk of water damage.

A Logistic Distribution-Based Assessment of the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Groundwater in Texas (1985-2026)

Type: Graduate
Author(s): ELVIS OWUSU Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences

Rapid population growth in Texas has accelerated urbanization and land-use/land-cover (LULC) changes, increasing pressure on groundwater resources. This study uses a logistic distribution–based approach rather than simple averaging to account for the heterogeneity of groundwater chemistry at different depths, evaluating long-term trends in major ions, pH, TDS, buffering capacity, and partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂). The analysis examines the spatiotemporal evolution of groundwater hydrogeochemistry across West Texas, Eastern Texas, and North-Central Texas, assessing how climate variability and land-use change influence water–rock interactions, geochemical buffering, and aquifer resilience over time.

Geochemistry of Ediacaran-Ordovician diabase dikes in southern Colorado with a potential relationship to rifting in the Southern Oklahoma aulacogen

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Caleb Perkey Geological Sciences Richard Hanson 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 diabase dikes found along that northwest trend in southern Colorado. The dikes include a prominent diabase dike swarm in the Gunnison area as well as other individual dikes in the Wet Mountains and Front Range farther east. On the discrimination and REE diagrams, twenty-six 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. In addition, this cluster generally plots within the same regions as data from diabase dikes associated with the Southern Oklahoma aulacogen.
Fifteen samples were taken from generally NW-trending diabase dikes in the Gunnison dike swarm, and these make up the majority of the dike samples that cluster together. The remaining eleven samples originate from general NW-trending diabase dikes in other locations across southern Colorado. Five samples were taken from WNW- to NW-trending diabase dikes in the Wet Mountains. Five samples were taken from NW- to NNW-trending diabase dikes in the Front Range, ~80 km north of the Wet Mountains. One sample was taken from a NW-trending diabase dike in the Unaweep Canyon, ~270 km west-northwest of the Wet Mountains.
The geochemical similarities between diabase dikes sampled for this study and those within the Southern Oklahoma aulacogen suggest a linked petrogenetic history. Furthermore, the distribution of these samples raises the intriguing possibility that dikes related to Ediacaran-Ordovician intraplate magmatism in Colorado may be more extensive than previously thought.

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Arianna Simmons Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremicheal Geological Sciences

Landslides are among the most common and, at times, the most destructive natural hazards, posing significant risks to infrastructure, ecosystems, and human populations. Central Texas, particularly the Texas Hill Country, is recognized as a landslide-susceptible region due to its rugged topography, variable geology, and intense rainfall events. This project aims to map landslide susceptibility across the region using spatial analysis techniques in a GIS framework. Multiple datasets will be integrated, including Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to derive slope, aspect, and flow accumulation, as well as geologic formations, soil types, precipitation patterns, and stream networks. Each variable will be reclassified according to relative landslide risk and combined using a weighted overlay analysis to generate a landslide susceptibility map identifying areas of high, moderate, and low risk. The resulting analysis will provide a framework for environmental hazard assessment and inform land-use planning and risk mitigation strategies in Central Texas.

Mapping Dark Sky Access Across Texas Over Time

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Jasper Tyner Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Rhiannon Mayne Environmental Sciences

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument onboard of the Suomi-NPP satellite has provided unprecedented night time light data that could be used as an indirect indicator of various parameters, including light pollution, population distribution, etc. The proposed project will integrate multi-temporal night light data from VIIRS with other datasets, including population data from the most recent census, ground-based light classification data (Bortle scale) to better understand how population growth affects light pollution over time, and to give insight into the importance of Dark Sky Preserves as population growth continues, across the State of Texas. Various spatial and statistical analysis techniques will be applied to address the objectives of this proposal including hotspot and density analyses, and statistical analysis of changes in population datasets.

Spatial Mapping of Hydrological Features and Inundation Zones in the Fort Worth Nature Center

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Samuel Villarroel Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Gebremichael Esayas Geological Sciences

The Fort Worth Nature Center (FWNC) is one of the largest city-owned nature centers in the U.S., located in northwest Tarrant County. It covers over 3,600 acres, including nearly 20 miles of hiking trails. The park is home to a wide variety of species within a diverse ecosystem that includes forests, prairies, and wetlands. Currently, there are multiple ongoing projects assessing invasive species, habitat management and restoration, and the impact of park visitors, among others. However, little has been done to understand the local hydrology, its dynamics across the park, and its interactions with watershed-scale processes, as well as the resulting impacts on refuge habitat. This project aims to integrate multiple spatial datasets and analysis tools, including digital elevation models (DEMs) and high-resolution hydrography datasets from the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD), to delineate hydrological features within the refuge, understand their dynamics, and assess their interactions with the medium and habitat within the refuge. The ultimate goal is to generate a product that can serve as input in FWNC’s efforts to monitor flood risk and support critical ecosystem and refuge planning.

Tracing Water Chemistry in the Trinity River System: Clear Fork, West Fork, and Their Confluence

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Amanda Whitley Geological Sciences Elvis Owusu Geological Sciences Chris Zamora Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences Andrew Brinker Interdisciplinary

The Trinity River is a major recreational and ecological waterway that flows through the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex in North Texas. In downtown Fort Worth, the Clear Fork and West Fork branches merge to form the main Trinity River. These branches drain watersheds with different land-use characteristics: the West Fork drains a heavily industrialized region, while the Clear Fork drains a primarily urbanized watershed. This confluence provides an opportunity to examine how distinct watershed environments influence river chemistry and how these chemical signatures interact upon mixing. Biweekly sampling of the Clear Fork, West Fork, and their confluence measures key hydrochemical parameters including pH, electrical conductivity, and major cations and anions. These data help characterize spatial variations in water chemistry and mixing dynamics within the Trinity River system. Establishing baseline hydrochemical conditions is particularly important as the upcoming Panther Island River project will modify river channels and the location of the confluence.

Science for Starters: Empowering Future Problem-Solvers in Underserved Communities Through Early STEM Engagement

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Saba Anjum Chemistry & Biochemistry Rosangela Boyd Interdisciplinary Grace Conley Interdisciplinary Anisha Sakhare Biology Eric Simanek Chemistry & Biochemistry Jeremiah Tran Chemistry & Biochemistry
Advisor(s): Molly Weinburgh Interdisciplinary

Science for Starters is a student-led outreach initiative that provides weekly after-school STEM programming for elementary grade students at the Como Community Center in a historically underserved neighborhood. Supported by the EPIC (Experiential Projects to Impact the Community) grant, the program aims to address gaps in grade-level STEM skills and limited access to hands-on learning opportunities. TCU undergraduate volunteers lead each session, which includes relationship-building activities, a brief introduction to a STEM concept, and a hands-on, inquiry-based activity that encourages problem-solving and collaboration. Topics explored include chemistry, physics, space exploration, engineering, and the human body. Through these experiences, the program fosters curiosity in STEM while promoting mentorship, leadership development among undergraduate volunteers, and sustainable STEM enrichment within the Como community.