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GEOL2024HAYES62226 GEOL

GIS in Precision Agriculture

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Will Hayes Geological Sciences James Hufham Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences Jason Faubion Ranch Management

Today’s farmers must grasp a wide range of topics beyond just planting, including soil composition, weed management, nutrient requirements, weather patterns, pest control, disease prevention, equipment use, and climate considerations. Precision agriculture, a tool that allows for the visualization of data in an agricultural view to help ranchers better understand their land and how to best supply resources to their land, can be a tool to increase efficiency and production to the agricultural industry as a whole. Precision agriculture can help farmers “more precisely determine what inputs to put exactly where and with what quantities.”(GIS lounge para. 3). In this proposal we plan to demonstrate how precision agriculture with the use of Landsat satellites analyzes the greenness of vegetation using indices like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Using these tools we can use drones to collect plant height and plant count, biomass estimates, the presence of diseases and weeds, plant health and field nutrients, as well as 3D elevation and volumetric data.

GEOL2024HENK25380 GEOL

Facies Characterization of the De Grey River's Delta Plain

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Henry Henk Geological Sciences Jacinto Garza Geological Sciences Matt Kelly Geological Sciences Tripp Smith Geological Sciences Andrew Winch Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): John Holbrook Geological Sciences Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences Simon Lang Geological Sciences Victorien Paumard Geological Sciences

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GEOL2024KEITH32794 GEOL

Fluvial Architecture and Longitudinal Variance within the Castlegate Sandstone, Book Cliffs, UT

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Brayton Keith Geological Sciences John Holbrook Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): John Holbrook Geological Sciences

The upper Campanian Castlegate Sandstone in the Book Cliffs of Utah is a highly amalgamated fluvial sandstone well known as a reservoir analog for oil and gas. It comprises the lower Castlegate, the formation capping Bluecastle Tongue, and the floodplain-rich middle Castlegate deposits. The Castlegate is among the most studied fluvial deposits in the world. Despite this, there has yet to be a fluvial architecture analysis completed for these deposits which consider the longitudinal variance within the Castlegate fluvial system. This project assesses the average channel depth and discharge for the lower Castlegate, allowing analysis of the relationship between channel depth and discharge and their effect on facies distribution, depositional style and fluvial architecture in the outcrops. The lower Castlegate Sandstone is a tributary fluvial system with paleocurrents oriented primarily W-NW to E-SE comprised of stacked braided fluvial sands updip, and large, higher flow straight-meandering trunk channels downdip. Distal outcrops show three distinct depositional styles with the first representing a period of highstand during which carbonaceous floodplain and small channels of 0.5-1 m in depth and maximum 4 m in width were deposited; the second represents a localized tectonic uplift with large channels of ~15 m in width and depth and lateral accretion sets scaled accordingly, and finally the capping units of small amalgamated sands composed of classic braided style channels which represent a period of lowstand.

GEOL2024KELLY20438 GEOL

Insights into Sediment Transport in the DeGrey River Delta: Cyclonic Influences and Bedform Persistence

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Matt Kelly Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Gebremichael Geological Sciences John Holbrook Geological Sciences

This study characterizes the sediment transport dynamics of the fluvial portion of the DeGrey River delta, a dryland tide/wave-dominated delta along the Pilbara coast of northwestern Australia. The primary focus lies in the discernment of discrete deposits resulting from annual flood events in this ephemeral river, primarily driven by cyclones and tropical depressions during the austral summer.

Methodology combines water discharge data, digital elevation models (DEM), and Sentinel-2 change detection to model flow depth and flooding extent during storm events, linking it to riverbed shear stress and the formation of discrete flood deposits. A time series of DEM datasets, consisting of a 1-m aerial survey (2021) and drone photogrammetry surveys (2022 and 2023) were used to generate differential DEMs to accurately detect yearly morphological changes within the river channel. Field surveys of selected sites indicating presence of flood deposits enabled characterization of grain size, porosity, water flow, and structural elements.

Cyclone floods in the region cause propagation of preexisting dunes, unit bars, and compound bars. These events predominantly shape lower-flow-regime structures within medium-grained sand. Unit bars exhibit down-climbing cross-stratified sets, with variations in thickness contingent on their location within the channel ranging from 0.4-1.6 meters. Lower-flow-regime bar and bedform morphology persists and propagates between flows, despite the occurrence of intense flash floods, often generating discharges in excess of 100,000 ML/day. This challenges conventional expectations of channel excavation and the preservation of upper-flow-regime bedforms in the wake of such extreme events.

GEOL2024KELSEY36990 GEOL

Proximity to Major Water Sources and its Effect on Population Density in Texas

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Wilson Kelsey Environmental Sciences Nicole Kiczek Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

Surface water plays a critical role in meeting Texas’s water demands, particularly for municipal use. In the State of Texas, there are 188 major water reservoirs, 15 major river basins, and 8 coastal basins. These water sources serve as the lifeline of Texas’ urban and agricultural populations. In our study, we will be examining how proximity to these sources affects development, particularly focusing on population density to determine the type of population (urban or agricultural). Our findings have the potential to provide insights that can inform city water departments near major water resources with high population density and aid with water demand and scarcity management.

GEOL2024MOLLENDOR23331 GEOL

Trends in Energy Consumption and Production by Source with Population Growth

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Kenna Mollendor Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

The purpose of this project is to analyze changes in energy consumption and production by source, in comparison to changes in population. Data from the US Energy Information Administration will be utilized for electricity and energy data, while data from the US Census will be employed for population data. The analysis will focus on examining how population changes affect energy demand, and conversely, how changes in energy demand influence the sources from which energy is produced. This analysis aims to provide insights into predicting future energy usage, production sources, and demand patterns as the population continues to grow.

GEOL2024MORENO23922 GEOL

How molecules in soil composition can determine climate resilience

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

Global climate change, due to increases in greenhouse gas emissions, is a prevailing issue that is projected to continue with heightened impacts on extreme weather events, desertification, and human health. Our project draws connections between resilience to climate change and the molecular composition of organic molecules found in soil.

Through assessments of the carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) content and composition of organic molecules in soils can be determined. Specifically, through assessments of C-number (Cn), H/C and O/C ratios of organic molecules, we can determine how well different soils and soil types can sequester carbon and ultimately support climate resiliency. Higher Cn in organic molecules indicate more carbon storage capacity while lower O/C and H/C ratios in organic molecules indicate more stable carbon that is resistant to release as CO2 to the atmosphere. Our research will compare Cn, O/C and H/C data of organic molecules in soils from across the United States to identify possible trends in carbon sequestration potential across regions of the conterminous US.

The data to be used is raw Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) data from the “One thousand soils for molecular understanding of belowground carbon cycling” project (Bowman et al.). We first plotted the soil samples on Van Krevelen diagrams, which visualize each molecule as a point with O.C and H.C ratios, and we made frequency distributions to understand the largest organic molecular formula for each sample. We then plotted the maximum organic formula from each soil onto a new Van Krevelen diagram, where we compared the different samples to see which ones had higher overall carbon content. We hope to find a connection between soil composition and U.S. regions from which we will then make predictions on potential for carbon sequestration and, ultimately, the ability of these regions to remain resilient and sequester carbon during climate change.

GEOL2024NINO45108 GEOL

Microscopic Studies of Ancient, Potentially Rift-Related Plutonic Igneous Rocks in Colorado

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Isabella Nino Geological Sciences Richard Hanson Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Richard Hanson Geological Sciences

The regional geological framework of the area I am studying involves a possible major northwest-trending Cambrian to Ordovician rift zone with abundant igneous rocks in parts of Colorado. These igneous rocks may be related to large volumes of Cambrian igneous rocks located along the same trend in southern Oklahoma. My project focuses on plutonic igneous intrusions located in the Wet Mountains in the southern part of the Front Range and in the Powderhorn District farther west. The goal of this project is to discover whether the rocks in Colorado formed during the same major magmatic event as those in Oklahoma. In the Wet Mountains, three major plutonic intrusions are present, including the McClure Mountain Complex, the Gem Park Complex, and the Deer Creek Complex. We are working on samples of mafic-ultramafic cumulate rocks, syenite, nepheline syenite, and ijolite (a fairly rare nepheline-pyroxene rock) from the McClure Mountain Complex. We also have samples of gabbro and quartz syenite from the Gem Park and Deer Creek Complexes. In the Powderhorn District, we have samples from the large Powderhorn Alkalic Complex, including nepheline syenite and carbonatite. I will be studying thin sections of these rock samples utilizing a petrographic microscope. I will describe and identify the main igneous minerals from the samples, some of which are rare. I will also study the igneous textures and alteration products in the samples. Geochemical studies in progress will build on these results and will allow detailed comparison with the southern Oklahoma igneous rocks.

GEOL2024OBRIAN25465 GEOL

GEOCHEMICAL COMPARISON OF CENOMANIAN POST- BUDA MUDROCKS IN SOUTH TEXAS AND BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Payton OBrian Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Richard Denne Geological Sciences

The Eagle Ford Shale (EFS) is an unconventional Cretaceous play producing crude oil and gas extending from northeast Leon County to the Mexico-American border in Southwest Texas. This Cenomanian -Turonian formation records the drowning of the Texas carbonate shelf and transgression of the Western Interior Seaway (WIS) into North America. Regional depositional patterns were affected by a series of changes in tectonic activity and eustatic sea level. The formation recorded a distinct change in oceanography during the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) between the lower and upper EFS sections. The Boquillas Formation, age equivalent to the EFS, is found west of the producing region in Big Bend State and National Park. Outcrops of the EFS can be found along the Ouachita orogen and in the Big Bend region due to tilting during the Laramide orogeny and intrusive igneous activity. The largest known EFS equivalent outcrops have been found within the state park, however, no data had been collected in these locations. Evaluation of the geochemical properties and redox indicators of the depositional environment is essential to understanding the potential for hydrocarbons. The main method to acquire this data has been through the X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF). For this study I have utilized two handheld analyzers, the XRF along with the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (LIBS) for outcrop and core samples. Using both methods produces a more complete element suite including light elements not offered by XRF alone. Additionally, comparing LIBS data to the widely used XRF analyzer allows me to determine the practical usage of LIBS in petroleum geology.

GEOL2024PAYBLAS59000 GEOL

Binding Dynamics of Mono- and Di-carboxylates in a Boehmite-Bayerite Series: A Flow-Adsorption Microcalorimetry Study

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Caitlin Payblas Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences

It is well documented that the major sorbents in soils are organic matter, silicate clays, and metal-oxyhydroxides. In particular, interactions between organic matter and fine-grained minerals, such as aluminum oxides, have been cited as important stabilizers of the humic matter in soils, which has large implications for the storage of anthropogenic carbon and pollutants (i.e., hydrophobic organic acids) in the environment (Keil and Mayer 2014). Utilizing simple organic acids containing functional groups present in humic compounds enhances understanding of metal-hydroxide and organic acid interactions at the mineral-water interface. The energetics of these interactions largely depend on the sorbate, the physico-chemical characteristics of the sorbent, and solution conditions (e.g. pH).
Ongoing work in our lab, using flow-adsorption microcalorimetry (FAMC) to directly and systematically measure energy dynamics of sorption at the oxide-water interface indicated that structural water in the lattices of boehmite and boehmite-bayerite mixed-phased samples increased binding energetics of acetate, propionate and butyrate at pH 5. The presentation will cover energy dynamics data collected for these mono-carboxylates and their respective di-carboxylate counterparts (oxalate, malonate, and succinate) binding onto a series of synthesized boehmites and bayerites. Focus will be placed on resolving effects of carboxylate carbon chain length, the number and acidity of carboxylates, and aluminum oxide surface properties on binding dynamics.

GEOL2024PERKEY24301 GEOL

Microscopic Studies of Ancient Igneous Dikes in the Front Range of Colorado

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

A major Cambrian rift zone containing abundant igneous rocks is present in southern Oklahoma and trends northwest from the ancient continental margin. Previous geologists have mapped numerous igneous intrusions in Colorado that follow the same trend, ranging from Cambrian 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 microscopic analysis of samples we collected from different dike types, including diabase, trachyte, and lamprophyre. Diabase is a common intrusive basaltic rock that develops coarser grains due to slower cooling and represents partial melt from the mantle that fills fractures in the upper crust. For our samples, trachyte refers to igneous dikes containing large crystals of K-feldspar within a distinctive red-colored, fine-grained matrix. Magmas of this composition are typically associated with intraplate rift zones. Lamprophyre is a rare intrusive igneous rock that has large crystals of biotite and amphibole in a finer matrix of feldspar and mafic minerals. While rare, this rock is also associated with intraplate rift zones. We also sampled one significantly younger basalt dike that intrudes Cenozoic volcanic rock to compare with the much older diabase dike samples.
Nine of our samples come from the Wet Mountains in the southern part of the Front Range in Colorado, and we also have an additional five samples of diabase dikes along the Front Range ~100 km to the north. Analysis of thin sections of these samples under the petrographic microscope will provide insight into their exact mineralogical compositions as well as their igneous textures. This work will provide a framework for geochemical analyses of the dikes, which is currently underway. The results will help determine whether the Colorado intrusions are directly related to the southern Oklahoma rift.

GEOL2024SOLOMON32914 GEOL

Potential Switchgrass Implementation Locations on Texas Center-Pivot Farms for Biofuel Production

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Emma Solomon Environmental Sciences Daphne Varmah Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

Switchgrass generates cellulosic ethanol, classified as an alternative fuel by federal definition. For switchgrass and other vegetation to become biofuel we have to look specifically at the cellulose microfibril and extract the glucose. This extraction leads to the fuel being produced. Switchgrass can deposit organic matter deep within the soil profile as the roots expand into the subsoil for nutrients and water. Not only is switchgrass a good biofuel product, but the carbon sequestration that comes along with planting this grass is highly beneficial. Due to the roots reaching deep into the soil, switchgrass is low maintenance while adding nutrients. In this project, we will be researching possible farms in Texas preferably with center-pivot irrigation for maximum switchgrass plantation, in order to seek possible expansion of biofuel production in Texas. We will be looking at farms, proximity of farms to biorefineries, and soil make up.

GEOL2024VARMAH201 GEOL

Potential Switchgrass Implementation Locations on Texas Center-Pivot Farms for Biofuel Production

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Daphne Varmah Geological Sciences Emma Solomon Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Essayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

Switchgrass generates cellulosic ethanol, classified as an alternative fuel by federal definition. For switchgrass and other vegetation to become biofuel we have to look specifically at the cellulose microfibril and extract the glucose. This extraction leads to the fuel being produced. Switchgrass can deposit organic matter deep within the soil profile as the roots expand into the subsoil for nutrients and water. Not only is switchgrass a good biofuel product, but the carbon sequestration that comes along with planting this grass is highly beneficial. Due to the roots reaching deep into the soil, switchgrass is low maintenance while adding nutrients. In this project, we will be researching possible farms in Saskatchewan, Canada preferably in close proximity to ethanol biorefinery plants for maximum switchgrass plantation, in order to seek possible expansion of biofuel production in Saskatchewan. We will be looking at farms, proximity of farms to biorefineries, and soil make up.

GEOL2024WALLACE18162 GEOL

Raccon Habitat Prefernce in Fort Worth Park

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Justyn Wallace Environmental Sciences Kaitlyn Webb Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

Urbanization is an ever-growing problem that has led to habitat loss, habitat degradation, the spread of diseases, and so much more. Wildlife are slowly being pushed out of their historic home ranges, increasing human-wildlife conflicts. As a result, there has been a push to restore lost habitat and mitigate habitat destruction. However, this can be made tricky when managers are unaware of what makes a habitat suitable. Thus, there is an immediate need to determine ways of identifying environments favored by many species and implement conservation plans. Conducting present/absence surveys on animals and placing the sightings on a map is one way of determining where a species can be found. The purpose of this research will be to study the effects of urbanization on raccoons within parks in the Fort Worth area. Parks are valuable habitats for organisms in an urban environment as these parks have resources not found in highly human-disturbed areas such as neighborhoods or shopping districts. We will be comparing the raccoon sightings from iNatrualist, a citizen science platform, to different parks in the surrounding area to determine habitat suitability. We used GIS data from iNatrualist to compare raccoon sightings to habitat type. Habitat was divided into four categories: concrete, open field, water, and field with trees. Pictures of the study site were used to train Mulrispec, a multispectral image data analysis system, to identify areas that meet the habitat types. The distribution data was overlaid on top of the new map. Raccoon sightings were compared to habitat types to determine habitat preference. By identifying suitable habitats, we hope to learn how raccoons and other urban organisms are adapting to rising urbanization.

GEOL2024WHITLEY28573 GEOL

COVID-19 Impacts and Aggravating Factors

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Amanda Whitley Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

Coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19, first developed in November of 2019. This novel disease rapidly spread around the globe and infected record numbers of individuals. It has profound, lasting impacts on health, education, and the economy. This project uses GIS to take a look at multiple layers of spatial data to assess possible aggravating factors as well as impacts of COVID-19. Spatial analysis techniques are used to identify infectious hot spots and see if there are correlations between population distribution, density, and public buildings such as schools and community centers. Furthermore, GIS analysis is used to identify possible correlations between COVID hotspots and changes in educational attainment and performance.

GEOL2024WHITLEY29828 GEOL

Using ArcGIS to Address Food Deserts in Tarrant County

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Amanda Whitley Geological Sciences Sarah Foxx Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

For our research project, we plan to use GIS remote sensing technology to locate and identify potential land plots for urban farming. The purpose of this project is to recognize and assist in the issue of food deserts in urban areas such as the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) metroplex, NYC, and Los Angeles. A food desert refers to any area with limited or no access to affordable, nutritious food. This could include a lack of access to farmers’ markets, vegetable shops, or fresh produce. This project aims to recognize and assist in the issue of food deserts in urban areas with a particular focus on the East Fort Worth/Arlington areas in Tarrant County. Several relevant datasets including high spatial resolution commercial remote sensing and other relevant spatial (such as property appraisal datasets, soil data) and non-spatial datasets, and data analysis products (such as the proximity of the areas to fresh produce/major grocery stores) will be combined in a GIS environment to identify empty plots of lands that could be used for the purposes of urban agriculture and assess their potential for food growth. Once these plots of land are identified, we will use GIS to assess ecosystem services provided by these urban farms, such as the impact on climate and urban heat.

GEOL2024WRIGHT62971 GEOL

Saltwater Intrusion Along the Texas Gulf Coast: Tracking Wetlands Distribution, Adaptation, and Migration

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Robert Wright Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

Saltwater Intrusion Along the Texas Gulf Coast: Tracking Wetlands Distribution, Adaptation, and Migration

Abstract

Climate change trends in recent decades have led to sea level rise (SLR) due to increased polar ice melting. As the sea level rises, saltwater concentrations increase inland, compelling wetland species to adapt or migrate. This added stress on wetland species hampers their ability to offer ecosystem services (ES). This study will investigate the impact of saltwater intrusion (SWI) on coastal wetland species along the Texas Gulf Coast. Supervised and unsupervised classification will be the primary methods used to accurately assess the loss, gain, or migration of different groups of wetland species over two decades. Additionally, the potential effect of wetland distribution and species changes on the ES will be investigated by analyzing the spatial extent of storm surge flooding resulting from land-falling hurricanes two decades ago versus the present.

GEOL2024ZAMORA8193 GEOL

The Science of Fungi-Coffee Interactions and Implications for Global Climate Change

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

Americans consume 146 billion cups of coffee per year. This results in 1.4-1.6 trillion grams of Coffee waste (713-808 tons of carbon) in landfills. From a climate perspective, this amount of carbon has the potential to release up to 2,963 tons of the greenhouse gas CO2 into the atmosphere per year. That is an equivalent mass of 237 school buses worth of potential CO2 emissions per year! Since coffee is decomposed by fungi but not bacteria, the limit on how much CO2 is released from coffee waste is largely dictated by the fungi-coffee interaction. Fungi-coffee interactions with high energy input hinder the process of CO2 emissions and fungi-coffee interactions with low energy input therefore facilitate the process of CO2 emissions. By assessing the energy inputs of fungi-coffee interactions, we can then predict their implications to global climate change. My research will assess energy inputs for fungi-coffee interactions towards making such predictions.

INTR2024ABRAM48210 INTR

Crafts & Conversations

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Rima Abram Interdisciplinary Genevieve Aiwonegbe Interdisciplinary Erica Kaminga Interdisciplinary Alyssa Schexnayder Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Misha Galaganov Interdisciplinary

Crafts & Conversations was established to foster community among TCU students and the residents of a local retirement facility, Trinity Terrace. During monthly meetings, students and residents share their stories while collaborating on season-themed craft activities, including murals, cross-stitching, snow globes, suncatchers, decoupage, and upcycled terrariums. TCU students who volunteer in these monthly meetings build meaningful friendships, combat stereotypes against the elderly, and improve communication and leadership skills. In addition, each event opens with a performance by TCU music students, enabling them to cultivate their craft and share their talent. Even throughout the pandemic, Crafts & Conversations nurtured memories and connections through Zoom and masked in-person meetings. With a commitment to sustainability, this project will continue to enrich the lives of Trinity Terrace residents and provide dedicated student volunteers with opportunities to strengthen the Fort Worth community.

INTR2024ALANIS56219 INTR

Natural Language Processing to Enhance Emergency Medicine Healthcare Management: A Review of the Literature

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Naomi Alanis Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Hao Wang Interdisciplinary

Objectives: Natural Language Processing (NLP) represents one of the adjunct technologies within artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), creating structure out of unstructured data. This study aims to assess the performance of employing NLP to identify and categorize unstructured data within the Emergency Medicine (EM) setting.

Methods: We systematically searched publications related to EM research and NLP across databases including MEDLINE, EmBase, Scopus, CENTRAL, and ProQuest’s Dissertations and Theses. Independent reviewers screened, reviewed, and evaluated article quality and bias. NLP usage was categorized into syndromic surveillance, radiologic interpretation, and identification of specific diseases/events/syndromes, with respective sensitivity analysis reported. Performance metrics for NLP usage were calculated and the overall area under the summary of receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) was determined.

Results: A total of 27 studies underwent meta-analysis. Findings indicated an overall mean sensitivity (recall) of 82-87%, specificity of 95%, with the area under the SROC at 0.96 (95% CI 0.94-0.98). Optimal performance using NLP was observed in radiologic interpretation, demonstrating an overall mean sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 96%.

Conclusions: Our analysis revealed a generally favorable performance accuracy in using NLP within EM research, particularly in the realm of radiologic interpretation. Consequently, we advocate for the adoption of NLP-based research to augment EM healthcare management.

INTR2024BROWN36735 INTR

Progression of Near-Pear Relationships through Intentional Mentoring

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Madison Brown Interdisciplinary Hailey Williams Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Dr. Matt Chumchal Biology

The Molding Melanin Magic Mentorship Program is an organization seeking to empower minority female high school students at the Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences (TABS) through in-depth mentorship regarding apply for college, professional school, and pursuing a career in STEM. With the guidance of TCU’s Pre-Health Institute, the program connects high school and college students with similar interests and provides an engaging curriculum of workshops and activities to bolster information received in the classroom setting. Alongside mentorship, the program’s research utilized group audio recordings which were analyzed to capture motivations and themes that emerged from the mentees and mentors during facilitations. The initiation and development of near-peer relationships were widespread and extended beyond facilitations emboldening participants to apply for college and pursue a career in STEM.

INTR2024DAVIS19932 INTR

Can litter removal in urban parks improve water accessibility for bats?

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

Despite bats providing essential ecosystem services, such as pollination, seed dissemination, and pest control, bat populations are facing a global decline due to habitat loss from human activities, including urbanization. We can, however, enhance urban areas to support bat communities by ensuring that suitable resources, such as water, are available and accessible. While availability is associated with the abundance of water sources in an area, accessibility dictates whether bats can physically get to and drink from the surface of a water source. One factor that can influence accessibility is the level of clutter. Clutter represents any physical obstruction present on the surface of the water or in the immediate surrounding area, including vegetation, exposed rock, and debris. Yet, not all forms of clutter are natural. The presence of litter can negatively hinder water accessibility. Thus, in urban areas where litter is more prevalent, a simple litter or trash clean-up scheme could potentially represent an effective restoration activity that community groups could undertake to increase water availability and accessibility for bats in their neighborhoods. To explore this concept, we assessed whether such a community-based clean-up scheme could effectively improve water resource accessibility for bats. For this, we cleared water sources in local parks and neighborhoods of trash monthly during the bat activity season, while conducting behavioral surveys using thermal cameras to determine whether bats drank from these sources. We then compared bat drinking activity recorded at ponds from 2021-2022 prior (i.e., no clean-up) with activity post-clean-up in 2023 to establish if more bats drank. From our results, we hope to inform not only local wildlife conservation programs but also efforts to improve community health.

INTR2024HANNON20112 INTR

Women's Health Initiative with Mercy Clinic in Fort Worth

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Alia Hannon Biology Melania Centenio Interdisciplinary Madisen DeVries Biology Maryann Hernandez Psychology Haya Qaddura Biology
Advisor(s): Mikaela Stewart Biology

Mercy Clinic is located in Fort Worth and it serves underrepresented minority adults who live in the 76110 and 76104 zip codes near TCU. It provides free care such as wellness visits, routine checkups, and monthly Women's Health clinics. Through collaboration with the Mercy Clinic staff and medical students at the Burnett School of Medicine, a sustainable approach was taken for the Women's Health initiative. The Women's Health Initiative aims to maintain and further the clinic's Women's Health approach and assist in education. Certain community clinics in the Fort Worth area can face disparities with inadequate funding, limiting the access and quality of patient care. Through a grant provided by the Pre-Health Professions Institute, the Experimental Projects to Impact the Community (EPIC Grant), remedial actions were able to take place for Mercy Clinic, not only improving the quality of patient satisfaction and care but also the sustainability of the clinic by reducing waste. The aid has been able to give access to reusable items such as metal speculums, lighting tools for examinations, and a more efficient way to keep up with patient check-in and management by using laminated paper sheets. This project aimed to aid Mercy Clinic's performance and quality output for the community it looks after.

INTR2024PROPHATER24145 INTR

TCU Tooth Fairies

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Cayla Prophater Interdisciplinary Aleah Appel Interdisciplinary Aimee Garibay Interdisciplinary Abigal Mohun Interdisciplinary Lexi Munch Interdisciplinary Kameryn Smude Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Sarah Jung Interdisciplinary

Despite being entirely preventable, cavities remain the leading chronic childhood disease in the US. The "TCU Tooth Fairies" initiative aims to raise awareness of oral hygiene and improve access to essential oral hygiene resources. We are collaborating with the Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth and local FWISD elementary schools to make a sustainable impact. Our project involves distributing dental hygiene bags and an educational book written and published by TCU students Cayla Prophater and Chie Nguyen to local elementary schools. This has been instrumental in promoting comprehensive healthcare. Each hygiene kit includes a laminated educational card for children's bathroom mirrors, detailed oral health maintenance instructions, and recommendations from local Fort Worth dentists. The TCU Pre-Dental Club has worked with Mercy Clinic Volunteer Dr. Stewart, Fort Worth Pediatric Dentist Dr. Jerod Brazeal, and TCU Alum Dr. Courtney Favaloro, TCU Professor Dr. Virginia Hodges to ensure seamless integration of this project. Our mission is to empower our local community with comprehensive oral hygiene education, fostering lasting improvements in dental health practices and promoting overall well-being.

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INTR2024SAYEGH48295 INTR

Chemistry Club Provides Transformative Academic Experiences for Students at Burton Hill Elementary

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Mark Sayegh Chemistry & Biochemistry Tatum Harvey Chemistry & Biochemistry Aidan Meek Psychology Madison Price Psychology Dylan Walters Chemistry & Biochemistry Emma Wilner Psychology Sunny Yusufji Chemistry & Biochemistry
Advisor(s): Kayla Green Chemistry & Biochemistry Julie Fry Chemistry & Biochemistry

TCU Chemistry Club has established a once-per-week science club at Burton Hill Elementary School in Fort Worth to provide 16-30 3rd-5th grade students the opportunity for academic and personal growth. We provide hands-on learning experiences, foster scientific curiosity, and teach them to learn to think like a scientist through engaging experiments in chemistry, physics, and biology. Beyond academics, our focus extends to providing mentorship, building confidence, and encouraging students to pursue a STEM career path. The consistent, engaging activities require the TCU Chemistry Club to effectively recruit volunteers, organize activities, and communicate throughout the project. This presentation will focus on qualitative analysis of the project by exploring the meaningful relationships developed, students' transformative experiences, and their personal growth, showcasing our commitment to impactful STEM education in 3rd-5th grade students.