2020 virtual undergraduate student research conference program
TRANSCRIPT
2020 Virtual Undergraduate Student Research Conference Program
October 9, 2020
BE BOLD. Shape the Future.
Lead Institution
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NOTE: Pictures will be taken and recordings will be made at all virtual conference activities and events. Attendance implies permission to use these pictures in appropriate publications as determined by NSF and New Mexico AMP Any opinion, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. This material was developed under Grant HRD-1826758
Special Thanks To the administrators, staff, faculty, mentors, parents, and families for
the time, energy, support, and encouragement you have given the students and their research projects represented in this publication.
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Acknowledgements:
New Mexico AMP wishes to acknowledge and thank the following conference
supporters and donators:
National Science Foundation
State of New Mexico
New Mexico State University (NMSU)
And to the following representatives of the NM AMP Advisory Board who generously provide their service and time:
New Mexico AMP Advisory Board:
Toney Begay, Executive Director, New Mexico MESA, Inc.
Guillermo Blacker, Business Operations, Spaceport America
(Today, Alice Carruth is attending in Guillermo Blacker’s place)
Michelle Bloodworth, External Evaluator, NM AMP, Insight Allies
Laura Crossey, Professor, Earth and Planetary Science, University of New Mexico
John Floros, NMSU President, NMSU and NM AMP Principal Investigator
Tony Garcia, Associate Dean, Engineering, NMSU
Roxanne Gonzales, Provost/VP Academic Affairs, New Mexico Highlands University
Denise Monette, Operations Manager; Kellogg, Brown, and Root; White Sands Missile Range
Enrico Pontelli, Dean, Arts & Sciences, NMSU
Michael Ray, Director, American Indian Programs, NMSU
Randolph Rothschild, RF Electronics Manager, Raytheon Missile Systems Company
Claudia Trueblood, Director, Indian Resources Development
Nadir Yilmaz, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Howard University
Assata Zerai, VP for Equity and Inclusion, University of New Mexico
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Welcome . . . to the 2020 Virtual New Mexico AMP Student Research Conference. The
Conference provides students and faculty the opportunity to network, to share
challenges and successes, and importantly, to showcase undergraduate research.
The NM AMP Conference provides a forum for faculty and students to grow
professionally, share ideas as we engage with and learn from one another. With
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) such an important
aspect of our everyday lives, the NM Conference reflects the value our society
continues to place on the evidence of science and technology and reflects the
significant part students will play in broadening the global sustainability of STEM
research and development.
This year, the conference provides you with the opportunity to meet and hear from many outstanding
individuals. At the Opening Session, you will hear from the NMSU President, Dr. John Floros, who also serves as the
NM AMP Principal Investigator. The Keynote Speaker will be the Honorable State Representative Derrick Lente, who is
also a businessman and an attorney, and who serves the Legislature as Chair of the Agriculture and Water Resources,
member of the House State Government Elections and Indian Affairs Committee, Co-Chair of the Water and Natural
Resources Committee, and member of the Legislative Finance Committee. Growing up in New Mexico in a traditional
Pueblo family, he understands New Mexico’s economic challenges and relates well to students’ needs.
The conference includes several engaging events to inspire and encourage progression in STEM, including
workshops and opportunities to learn more about research being conducted at institutions statewide. We welcome the
New Mexico MESA and NMSU TRIO Upward Bound GISD/LCPS programs, who will have one workshop devoted to
navigation of the conference. We also welcome individuals from EPSCoR, the American Indian Program, Black
Programs, the Indian Research Development program, S-STEM and STEM-H, ReNUWIt, REinWEST, and others.
At our Faculty Workshop today, faculty will hear from Dr. David Torres, Professor/Chair of Math and Physical Science
at Northern New Mexico College, who will discuss assessing the efficiency of curriculum. Three other workshops will be
presented two times, so students can choose one workshop in the 9:15-10:15 timeslot and one workshop in the 10:30-
11:30 timeslot. The three workshops will be presented by Michael Voegerl, Director of Student Affairs and International
Coordinator at NM Tech, who will talk about leadership; then Miguel Maestas, Assistant Professor of Engineering at
Santa Fe Community College, who will discuss the internship he led this past summer that focused on designing Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) for the Navajo Nations and the Pueblos; and the last workshop that will be presented by
Aggies Go Global and Aggies Without Limits as a panel discussion on the benefits of international study abroad.
The highlight of the conference is our poster research presentation provided by our statewide students and the
Lightning Round competition. At the final session of the conference, awardees will be announced for the First, Second
and Third Place awards for the Poster Presentations in the Community College and University categories and the
Lightning Round competition. Enjoy your time at the virtual conference today by networking, learning, having fun, and
taking away the tools and information to make the most of your academic and future professional careers!
Director of NM AMP, Dr. J. Phillip King, P.E., Ph.D., M.B.A. Professor and Associate Head, Department of Civil Engineering
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2020 NM AMP Conference Agenda
** After you register, you will be sent an agenda with the Zoom Links to each Activity NM AMP thanks our Keynote Speakers, Workshop Facilitators and Presenters, and Judges for their volunteer participation.
FRIDAY,OCTOBER9,2020
8:00a.m.–9:00a.m. ConferenceWelcomeandKeynotePresentation:Dr.J.PhillipKing,DirectorofNewMexicoAMPandProfessorofCivilEngineering,NewMexicoStateUniversity;OfficialWelcome:Dr.JohnFloros,PresidentofNewMexicoStateUniversityandNMAMPPrincipalInvestigator;KeynotePresentation:TheHonorableStateRepresentativeDerrickLente.
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Break. After the Break, Faculty will attend the Faculty Workshop. Students, please attend 2 workshops of your choice from Workshop 1, Workshop 2, or Workshop 3 this morning. Attend one of the workshops in the 9:15-10:15 time slot and another workshop in the 10:30-11:30 time slot (workshops listed below). NM MESA and NMSU TRIO Upward Bound GISD/LCPS students will only choose one workshop from 10:30-11:30.
9:15a.m.–10:15a.m. NMMESAProgramandNMSUTRIOUpwardBoundGISD/LCPSProgramOrientationandWorkshop:PresentedbyAnitaGonzales.
9:15a.m.–10:15a.m.FacultyOnly
FacultyWorkshop(ForFacultyandStaffOnly):DavidTorres,Professor/ChairofMathandPhysicalScience,NorthernNewMexicoCollege.WorkshopTitle:“AssessingCurriculumEfficiency.”
9:15a.m.–10:15a.m. Workshop1:MichaelVoegerl,Director,StudentAffairsandInternationalCoordinator,NewMexicoInstituteofMiningandTechnology.WorkshopTitle:“HowtobeaLeaderWithoutAnyoneKnowing.”
9:15a.m.–10:15a.m. Workshop2:MiguelMaestas,Asst.ProfessorofEngineering,FacultyLead,SantaFeCommunityCollege.WorkshopTitle:“TheNewMexicoAdvancedManufacturingPersonalProtectiveEquipment(NMAMPPE)Project:AnInternshipatSantaFeCommunityCollegetoPromoteEngineeringDesignKnowledgeandCommunityServiceDuringaPandemic.”
9:15a.m.–10:15a.m. Workshop3:AggiesGoGlobalandAggiesWithoutLimits.PanelDiscussion:“InternationalOpportunitiesforUndergraduates.”
9:30a.m.–11:30a.m. AdvisoryBoardMeeting:Facilitator:Dr.J.PhillipKing,DirectorofNMAMP;WelcometoNMSU:Dr.JohnFloros,PresidentofNMSU;NMAMPExternalEvaluator’sReport:MichelleBloodworth,InsightAllies;CurrentStatusofPrograms:JeanneGarland,AssociateDirectorofNMAMP.CurrentStudentAdvisorswilljointhemeetingat11:10.
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Workshop1:MichaelVoegerl,Director,StudentAffairsandInternationalCoordinator,NewMexicoInstituteofMiningandTechnology.WorkshopTitle:“HowtobeaLeaderWithoutAnyoneKnowing.”
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Workshop2:MiguelMaestas,Asst.ProfessorofEngineering,FacultyLead,SantaFeCommunityCollege.WorkshopTitle:“TheNewMexicoAdvancedManufacturingPersonalProtectiveEquipment(NMAMPPE)Project:AnInternshipatSantaFeCommunityCollegetoPromoteEngineeringDesignKnowledgeandCommunityServiceDuringaPandemic.”
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Workshop3:AggiesGoGlobalandAggiesWithoutLimits.PanelDiscussion:“InternationalOpportunitiesforUndergraduates.”
11:30a.m.–1:15p.m. BreakforLunch1:15p.m.–2:30p.m. LightningRounds:Studentswhowishtogainmorepublicspeakingexperiencewillgiveaquick2-
minutespeechabouttheirresearchproject,thenanswerquestionsfromtheJudges.Onewinnerwillbechosenfromthe4-yearuniversitiesandonewinnerwillbechosenfromthe2-yearcommunitycolleges.
2:30p.m.–4:00p.m. NewMexicoAMPInstitutionalCoordinators(IC)Meeting:Facilitators:Dr.J.PhillipKing,DirectorofNMAMP;MichelleBloodworth,NMAMPExternalEvaluator;andJeanneGarland,AssociateDirectorofNMAMP,andGaspardMucundanyi,NMAMPDataAnalyst.
3:00p.m.–4:00p.m. OpenViewingofStudentPostersandVideoPresentations
4:00p.m.–5:00p.m. AwardsPresentation
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Opening Session Keynote Speaker The Honorable New Mexico Representative, Derrick Lente
Derrick Lente is a son of two Pueblos in New Mexico (Isleta and Sandia Pueblos). Raised in a traditional Pueblo family, his parents often worked two jobs. Their examples helped form Representative Lente’s values of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to tradition and family. Representative Lente attended Central New Mexico Community College and University of New Mexico, where he earned the Bachelor of Arts degrees in Intercultural Communications and English. He then attended the University of New Mexico School of Law and earned a Juris Doctorate law degree. Following his dream of entrepreneurship, Representative Lente acquired a company with offices in New Mexico and California. After years of hard work and dedication, he employed hundreds of New Mexicans and thousands more in other states. He sold the company in 2013, when it was considered one of the largest solely owned Native American companies in the U.S. Representative Lente has served as a professor and visiting speaker in many universities across the United
States. He also has first-hand experience working on Federal, State and Tribal issues. Representative Lente sits on a number of local and national boards that focus on agriculture, economic development, education, and health. He has been awarded the “40 Under Forty” award by both the New Mexico Business Weekly and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Lente was also recognized in 2018 as a “Rising Star “by the Democratic Party of New Mexico and was honored with the Governors Award by the All Pueblos Governors Council in 2019. Recently, Lente appeared at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, casting a virtual vote for Joe Biden on behalf of New Mexico. He and his family make their home in Sandia Pueblo, where he owns and operates his family farm, Lente Farms.
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New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (NM MESA), Inc. and NMSU TRIO Upward Bound GISD/LCPS Workshop: 9:15-10:15 a.m. WORKSHOP DESIGNED FOR NM MESA AND TRIO Upward Bound GISD/LCPS Participants “Navigating the Virtual NM AMP Conference and Reading/Deciphering the Abstract”
Presenter: Anita Gonzales, Statewide Program Coordinator, NM MESA, Inc.
A native New Mexican, Anita Gonzales was born in Las Vegas, NM to both the Lopez Family of Villanueva, NM and the Gallegos Family of Las Vegas, NM. A middle child, Anita moved between Las Vegas and Albuquerque and graduated high school from West Mesa High School. After completing the majority of her degree at Texas A&M University, she returned home to Las Vegas, NM to complete her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees at New Mexico Highlands University. She is the mother of a 9 year- old son and currently lives in Las Vegas, NM. Anita has worked at NM MESA for over 17 years – an organization that empowers and motivates New Mexico’s culturally diverse students with
science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) enrichment. NM MESA has allowed her to network with partners, industry leaders, educational institutions, and contacts from across the state. FACULTY WORKSHOPS (9:15 A.M.- 10:15 A.M.) Designed For Faculty Only:
“Assessing Curriculum Efficiency”
Presenter: Dr. David Torres, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Physical Science at Northern New Mexico College (NNMC)
Dr. Torres is the NNMC’s Chair of the Department of Mathematics & Physical Science. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of New Mexico in 1996, and his research interests include computational fluid dynamics and parallel computer simulations and biological models. His work on curriculum efficiency seeks to understand the time investment and bottlenecks in a college degree plan. Dr. Torres has served as the NM AMP Institutional Coordinator at NNMC for many years, and he also serves as a Faculty Mentor for students’ research projects.
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STUDENT WORKSHOPS: (FIRST SESSION: 9:15 A.M.-10:15 A.M. AND SECOND SESSION: 10:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.)
Choose two (2) of the following three workshops to attend. The three workshops will held from 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. and will be repeated in the 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. timeslot. (Choose one workshop for the first session (9:15 - 10:15 a.m.) and choose one workshop for the second session (10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.)
NOTE: NM MESA and NMSU TRIO Upward Bound GISD/LCPS students will have a Workshop at 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. that will be facilitated by Anita Gonzales. NM MESA and Upward Bound students will choose one workshop to attend in the 10:30-11:30 a.m. timeslot after they attend the NM MESA and Upward Bound Workshop.
WORKSHOP 1: “How to Be a Leader Without Anyone Knowing”
Presenter: Michael Voegerl, Director of Student Affairs and International Coordinator, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Michael Voegerl is the Director of the Office for Student Affairs and the Co-Director of the Center for Diversity/Equity and Inclusion at New Mexico Tech. He also serves as the NM AMP Institutional Coordinator at NM Tech. Director Voegerl spends most of his days helping students achieve their educational and career goals as well as coaching them on professional development. When not working with the students at NM Tech, Director Voegerl speaks at national and international conferences and is also a guest presenter for Education USA programs in Vietnam, Malaysia, China and Mexico.You can usually find (maybe) Director Voegerl out in the mountains of southern and central New Mexico on his few days off. Hiking, camping and just getting away from his cell phone are a few of the outdoor activities that he enjoys. Director Voegerl’s Favorite quote that describes his authenticity: “I’ll tell you the truth, and it is up to you to live with it.” ~quote from the film, Princess Bride
WORKSHOP 2: “The New Mexico Advanced Manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (NMAMPPE) Project: An Internship at Santa Fe Community College to Promote Engineering Design Knowledge and Community Service During a Pandemic.”
Presenter: Miguel Maestas, Assistant Professor and Lead Engineer, Department of Engineering, Santa Fe Community College.
Miguel Maestas is Assistant Professor of Engineering and serves as the Lead faculty for Engineering and for the Information Systems and Computer Science program at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC). He is also Coordinator for the Engineering Machinist Technologies program sponsored by a collaboration of SFCC and Los Alamos National Laboratories. In this innovative program, students receive an Associate in Applied Science degree. In summer 2020, he served as the Principal Investigator and Lead Faculty Mentor on the summer internship that he will discuss during this workshop. This internship allowed students to participate in an 8-week program funded by the New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation (NM AMP) and Growth Sector and the
University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) through a joint National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded INCLUDES Alliance project.
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Workshop 3: “Panel Discussion: “International Opportunities for Undergraduates.” Presented by Aggies Go Global and Aggies Without Limits (Eight students will present at the workshops, four at each session) Facilitator for Workshop 3: Dr. Manoj Skukla, Director of ACES Global Programs and Aggies Go Global
Dr. Manoj Shukla currently serves as the Director of ACES Global Programs and Aggies Go Global, and as a Professor of in the College of ACES at NMSU. Dr. Shukla also serves as the IALC executive board member, APLU member, and BHC expert panel member. Dr. Shukla is a fellow of Soil Science Society of America. He has provided research leadership by serving as both Chair of two western multistate research projects, Associate Editor for the SSSA Journal and Editor Book Review for VZJ. His recognition in the scientific community has resulted in invitations to speak at meetings and conferences in the Australia, U.S., China, India, Israel, and Mexico.
Facilitator for Workshop 3: Abby Nayra, Senior Program Specialist, Aggies Go Global
Abby Nayra pursued her education and degrees at NMSU with a B.A. in History and a minor in Music Performance. She then went on to complete her M.A. in Education: Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on World History/Social Studies, alongside an endorsement in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Having traveled throughout Southeast Asia and East Asia to explore the roots of her family's broad heritage, she now enjoys learning about the rest of the world with NMSU's most curious minds and adventurous hearts through Aggies Go Global (AGG). Now serving as senior program specialist for AGG, Abby hopes to explore these passions for sharing ideas and conversations around the world.
Student Panelist for Workshop 3: Ana Cristina Garcia Escalante, President of Global Student Alliance
Ana Crisstia Garcia Escalante is an international student from Mexico attending New Mexico State University and pursuing a Master of Arts in Cultural Anthropology. Being an international student has had a positive impact in her life by encouraging her to experience the cultural diversity that exists between two different countries, alongside the opportunities given to her in school and in her career. She is a Graduate Assistant for the Provost Office at NMSU, and part of her job duties are to serve on the Diversity Board on campus, which allows her to represent the International Student Organizations that create events for NMSU that are representative of their own countries. Ana hopes that in her future career, she will be able to bring together the beauty of every culture and share it with the world. (Workshop 3 is continued on the next page)
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Student Panelist for Workshop 3: Emily Creegan
Emily Creegan earned her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science (B.S.) from Humboldt State University, California and her Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences (M.S.) from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Emily is the founder of NM Compost Company (www.nmcompostcompany.com), a compost program development and earth cycles education consulting company. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at NMSU. Her research is funded by the USDA National Needs Fellow program for biomass utilization and may serve as a model for organic waste-to-resource program development, soil water conservation, and climate change mitigation. Emily was the co-founder and first President of Global Student Alliance, a NMSU organization that works to expose students to international travel opportunities and cultural experiences.
Student Panelist for Workshop 3: Anita Rodriguez
Anita G. Rodriguez obtained her Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Doctorate in Marketing/Agronomy with a Minor in Communication Studies at NMSU in the summer of 2020. Her research interests involve agriculture and food industry— practices, manufacturing, policies, and marketing impact on consumers. She co-authored a book chapter on genetically modified food product labeling and presented it at an international symposium in Tokyo, Japan sponsored by the OECD Co-operative Research Programme on Biological Resource Management for Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Institute of Economic Research of Aoyama Gakuin University. She conducted more than 140 evaluations for Howard University Center for Urban Progress in Washington, DC. Her diverse employment experience has been in business, non-profit, teaching at all levels, and government sectors throughout New Mexico; Olympia, Washington; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
and Mexico City, Mexico. Recently, she is founder of Utopia Valley, LLC-- a diverse social-entrepreneurship, farming, consulting, and arts business. Student Panelist for Workshop 3: Camila Prieto
Camila Prieto grew up in Nuevo Casas Grandes, a small town in Chihuahua, Mexico. Growing up in a small community and surrounded by agriculture, both inspired her to move to another country to seek an agricultural-related degree. She is currently a Senior at New Mexico State University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business, with a minor in Business Administration.
(Workshop 3 is continued on the next page)
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Student Panelist for Workshop 3: Lucas Rivera
Lucas Rivera refers to himself as a “super senior” in the NMSU civil engineering program with plans to graduate this December, 2020. Lucas is from the small town of Canjilon, New Mexico (250 people), and his passion is traveling. In the time Lucas has been at NMSU, he has traveled to 11 countries in 5 continents and has done community service in 8 of those 11 countries. His favorite message to convey to people with doubts about travel is that one does not need to be rich or spoiled to travel; they just need to make it a priority.
Student Panelist for Workshop 3: Jonathan Ortiz
Jonathan Ortiz is a first-year Master’s student in Mechanical Engineering who earned a Bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University. Throughout the past four years, Jonathan has been involved with multiple organizations within the College of Engineering and has also been involved in Associated Students of New Mexico State University (ASNMSU). However, Jonathan reflects that the biggest impact on his life has been his participation with Aggies Without Limits (AWL), a nonprofit organization that partners with developing communities worldwide to improve their quality of life to help those in need through involvement in sustainable engineering projects. Jonathan grew up in a family where both parents were involved in the healthcare field had the opportunity to see first-hand the importance of helping others. Joining AWL has taught him to be a leader and, more importantly, has taught him how that understanding the differences in cultures should unite people instead of dividing them. Jonathan
has had amazing opportunities through AWL, including helping a community in Puerto Rico after hurricane Irma and Maria, serving a community in Guatemala that had didn’t have potable water readily accessible to them, rebuilding an old adobe building repurposed as refugee housing, and assisting a local Boys and Girls Club by building a play area for the children. Student Panelist for Workshop 3: Alessa Ibanez
In her fifth year at New Mexico State University, Alessa Ibanez is a double-major in Early Childhood Education and Spanish. Currently, she is the President of Aggies Without Limits (AWL), and the experience she has gained from this organization has inspired her to teach abroad one day. After she graduates from NMSU in fall of 2021, she plans to work as a bilingual teacher in New Mexico for a few years before teaching in an international community. She hopes to apply and transfer what she has learned from AWL and her future teaching experience to assist a community that that lacks educational resources by helping enhance their curriculum and learning environments.
(Workshop 3 is continued on the next page)
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Student Panelist for Workshop 3: Jayme Yancy Jayme Yancy is a junior from Gallup, NM with a major in Public Health at New Mexico State University. Jayme is from Gallup, NM and has lived in Las Cruces for the past three years. She traveled with Aggies Go Global (AGG) in the summer of 2018 to Quito, Ecuador and the summer of 2019 to Chiang Rai, Thailand. While in Quito, she volunteered at a nonprofit children's hospital and worked with children in the ludoteca (children’s play center) and taught the children the importance of health education. This experience offered the added benefit of helping her learn Spanish from the children, and, in turn, helping the children learn English. In Thailand, she worked with an non-government organization (NGO) with children ages 3-12 years old. She saw this as a great experience that she definitely do again.
In her free time, Jayme enjoys hiking, painting, yoga, and traveling. She also enjoys nature and anything that allows her to be creative.
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NM AMP STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD for 2020-21 We welcome the following students to the NM AMP Student Advisory Board for 2020-21. On a rotational basis, NM AMP Partner Institutions select Student Advisors to assist the Institutional Coordinators (ICs) with recruitment, important feedback, and attendance at events to represent NM AMP. The Student Advisor serves as a role model for other students and helps to spread the good news about NM AMP and its opportunities through recruitment events and participation in the institution’s NM AMP programs during the school year. This year, we introduce and welcome the new NM AMP Student Advisors from the following partner institutions: Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico State University-Alamogordo Community College, New Mexico State University-Carlsbad Community College, New Mexico Highlands University, and Western New Mexico University. Eastern New Mexico University Student Advisor: Sulema Montoya
The Student Advisor for Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) is Sulema Montoya, Originally from Tucson, AZ and living the majority of her life there, her family moved to Oregon, and they love living there. Sulema chose to attend college in New Mexico at ENMU, and she feels fortunate to have family closeby in Clovis and Norther New Mexico who serve as a real support to her. Sulema’s major is Biology, and her research interests include working with pathogens and bacteria and studying the natural resources and the concentrations of these resources that can be utilized to fight them. She hopes to contribute to the field of medicine one day with the knowledge she gains from this and future research as she progresses academically.
New Mexico State University-Alamogordo Student Advisor: Mariah Armijo
Mariah Armijo is a native to New Mexico, studying Biology at New Mexico State University in Alamogordo. She is currently performing undergraduate research under the direction of Dr. Manoj Shukla, a professor of soil physics at NMSU-Main Campus. Her academic goals are to transfer to NMSU and receive her Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Ecology, and then eventually seek a Master’s degree. Her college experience has been greatly enhanced by the NM AMP program, as it has provided many opportunities to further her education. Serving as a Student Advisor for the program will be one such opportunity, as it will give her the experience of collaborating and peer-mentoring fellow colleagues, with hopes of being able to enhance their experience as well.
(Student Advisors continued on the next page)
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New Mexico State University-Carlsbad Student Advisor: Saul Navarrete-Martinez
Saul Navarrete-Martinez is the Student Advisor from NMSU-Carlsbad. Saul is originally from Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico and is currently a sophomore at NMSU-Carlsbad. Saul is the first member in his family to go to college. When Saul finished high school in Mexico, he did not have the opportunity to continue with his higher education, due to finances. Also, his options were limited to just working in the fields like the rest of his family. However, Saul’s desires and persistence to continue his education encouraged him to attend community college and progress to university one day to earn a degree. He knew that by continuing his education, he could be a role model for his younger siblings and also break the cycle in his family. Saul came to the United States by himself and worked a full year in the oil fields to save money for college. He worked to earn a GED at NMSU-Carlsbad Community College and is now working to earn the Associates of Science at NMSU-C.
New Mexico Highlands University Student Advisor: Beatrice Armijo
Beatrice Armijo is the Student Advisor for New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) for 2020-21. Beatrice is from Las Vegas New Mexico, where NMHU is located. In high school, she participated in New Mexico MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) and other activities. Currently, Beatrice is a senior at NMHU, and she has participates in the Chemistry Club, Computer Science Club, Psi Chi, and she is on the track team. Beatrice was first introduced to research in the summer of 2017 through NMHU’s Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) program, in which she participated for two years. Through this program, she conducted similar research at Ohio State University through their Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program last summer. After the REU, she wanted to explore other aspects of research, so she began conducting biological research under Dr. Jessica Snow, former IC at NMHU. This research was presented at
the 2019 NM AMP conference and continued until the end of the fall semester. After this experience, Beatrice participated in UNM’s MCAT training program online, where she was able to gain very useful skills, both academically and professionally. This year, her research will focus on cognition with Dr. Lara Heflin, and in this research, Beatrice hopes to gain a better understanding of how life stressors affect cognitive function. Beatrice will receive degrees in Biochemistry and Psychology in spring 2021, with a hope and a plan to attend graduate school and become a cognitive neuroscientist, before going into the medical field and working for Doctors Without Borders.
Santa Fe Community College Student Advisor: Amanda Barela Amanda Barela is a student at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) who is working toward an Associate’s degree in General Engineering. Amanda has plans to graduate in May 2021from SFCC and transfer to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. In addition to attending SFCC, she currently serves as an intern at Sandia National Laboratories, where she works on electrical design. Amanda hopes to gain more knowledge and understanding of circuit boards and components through the internship experience. With a long-term goal of learning more about electrical design, Amanda hopes to eventually design her own circuit boards to be manufactured. When not studying or working, Amanda likes to hike and spend time with her children and husband. She also enjoys working on robots in SFCCs Robotics Club and actively participating in other clubs, such as the STEM Core Program, and Challenge New Mexico.
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(Student Advisors continued on the next page) Western New Mexico University Student Advisor: Katherine DeLong
Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Student Advisor for 2020-21 is Katherine DeLong. Katherine is in her third year of college WNMU, with a major of Zoology. Katherine is still trying to determine the specific career goals for her future. However, she definitely knows she wants to be in a position that allows her to research, study, and interact with animals on a hands-on level. Katherine’s interests include animals, music, movies, and the outdoors.
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STUDENT POSTER PRESENTATIONS Lead Judges for Poster Presentations: Hayden Randall, Andi Johnson, Jamie Makusky
Lightning Rounds: 1:15-2:30:TheLightningRoundsegmentoftheConferenceprovidesanopportunityforconferencestudentparticipantstohonetheirpublicspeakingskillsandgainexperienceto“thinkontheirfeet.”Studentswhochoosetoparticipateareaskedtogivea2-minutespeechabouttheirresearchproject,thenanswerquestionsfromtheJudges.Onewinnerwillbechosenfromthe4-yearuniversities,andonewinnerwillbechosenfromthe2-yearcommunitycolleges.
Student Poster Presentations: 3:00-4:00 p.m. These presentations have been recorded, and you can
view these until October 31, 2020 on the following link: https://nmampconf.nmsu.edu/poster-presentations/
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Brandon A Montano, Computer Science New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology Mentor(s): Dongwan Shin, Associate Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Ontology Based User Privacy Management in Smart Grid
The modern smart grid is a complex network consisting of distribution, generation, and millions of connected end devices. The interconnected network facilitates the bi-directional flow of both energy and knowledge but requires a data protocol to ensure interoperability between the various components. The widespread implementation of the smart grid also raises concerns about the privacy of the data it collects. Since the personal and non-personal data of the users are going to be accessed by third parties, the privacy concern can be a big obstacle in the adoption of the smart grid among people. It is important to provide the users with the option of selective information sharing and to create a common data ontology that facilitates that. We propose a data ontology-based privacy management system that will give the users the opportunity to manage privacy attributes and classify them based on their sensitivity and privacy factors. This will allow the data shared to be controlled. This ontology will also establish a common protocol for data sharing among users, service providing entities, and third parties that want to access the user data.
Clayne T Williams, Computer Science/ Mathematics Eastern New Mexico University Mentor(s): Brian Pasko, Associate Professor, Mathematics, Eastern New Mexico University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
The Trouble With Traffic
The purpose of this project is to model real world traffic and the conditions that may occur in traffic. This project creates a simulation that models real world traffic accurately, models traffic occurrences that cause traffic jams, and finds trends in varying aspects of traffic. The simulation behaved in ways that one would expect the real world to behave.
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ENGINEERING
Gema J Alas, Chemical Engineering University of New Mexico Mentor(s): Marek Osiński, Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Measuring Stokes and anti-Stokes emission CdSeS/ZnS quantum dots
The expanding use of quantum dots has led to an eruption of different synthesis methods for nanoparticles. Depending on the type of application, nanoparticles are created to meet specific experimental demands. Our particular interest is in CdSeS/ZnS nanoparticles as a promising material for laser cooling applications. Although the most widely used CdSe/ZnS quantum dots have many good characteristics such as high quantum efficiency and stability over time, they are poor emitters of anti-Stokes light, with wavelength shorter than the excitation wavelength. We are therefore investigating the CdSeS/ZnS quantum dots with tertiary cores, as our early experiments with commercial samples showed promising results. This poster reports the characterization results for the CdSeS/ZnS nanoparticles synthesized in our laboratory, as well as those obtained for the commercial samples. Zeta potential distribution, dynamic light scattering, and optical spectroscopy are some of the characterization techniques used. Our goal is to optimize the composition and size of Type I core/shell CdSeS/ZnS quantum dots for maximum efficiency of anti-Stokes emission.
Karla S. Aranda, Chemical Engineering New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Reza Foudazi, Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering, New Mexico State University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Investigation of Interconnectivity of PolyHIPEs: Matching the Refractive Index of the Aqueous and Oil Phases
PolyHIPEs (polymerized high internal phase emulsions) are a type of polymer material that have a low density, highly porous and interconnected structure. This material’s structure is described as having voids and windows which allows for the material’s interconnectivity. Although the polyHIPEs porous structure is highly desired, the formation of these pores/windows is complex and not studied much in this branch of science. Additionally, polyHIPEs have a very low elastic modulus, which prevents them from being used in further applications. We hypothesize that the formation of the windows is related to the interdroplet interactions between our dispersed droplets in the HIPEs (high internal phase emulsions). Our aim in this project is to match the refractive index of the oil and aqueous phase in order to control and study the morphology of the polyHIPEs and be able to improve on their mechanical properties.
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Taylor Lillian Busch, Civil Engineering University of New Mexico Mentor(s): Cherie DeVore, Post Doctoral, Civil Engineering, University of New Mexico Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Root fungi alter arsenic uptake in hydroponically grown Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem)
We integrated microscopy, spectroscopy, molecular biology, and aqueous chemistry techniques to evaluate arsenic (As) uptake in hydroponically grown Schizachyrium scoparium inoculated with endophytic fungi. Limited information exists regarding fungal endophytes on As bioavailability from Schizachyrium scoparium. Our results confirmed endophytic colonization of roots by Talaromyces and Cadophora sp. within 14 d of inoculation using bright field microscopy and TEM. After exposure to low and high concentrations of As(V), an 80% decrease of As was detected in the hydroponic solution within the first 12 hours, indicating As removal. Arsenic was detected mainly in the roots of non-inoculated plants compared to plants inoculated with fungi. X-Ray STEM mapping showed low concentrations of As in the cellular structure of non-inoculated plants and SEM Microprobe showed an association between Ca-P and As on the root surface. Chemical equilibrium modeling suggested that calcium phosphate minerals in the hydroponic system could lead to As adsorption through surface complexation and co-precipitation. Thus, As hydroponic decreases over time could have occurred partly due to uptake or due to adsorption and precipitation of As in the hydroponic system. Our results inform remediation and risk assessment applications for biological and physical-chemical processes affecting the uptake of As in plants.
Mario A Escarcega, Mechanical Engineering New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology Mentor(s): Arvin Ebrahimkhanlou, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
A Review of Experimental Damage used to Conduct Structural Health Monitoring of Pipelines
Pipeline health is imperative for the development of society since they carry essential materials (oil, gas, water). Pipeline damage could result in catastrophic environmental harm. A robust and constant non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) technique for pipelines is imperative to protect nature and communities worldwide. The research project aims at answering the question; how can damage in pipelines be experimentally replicated to provide a standard verification mean for NDE and SHM techniques? Specifically, this project focuses on designing a test rig at New Mexico Tech for such purposes. The Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) has cited leak detections, mechanical damage detection, and improved monitoring as imperative research topics on their website. A literature review was conducted on experiments pertaining to pipeline structural health to investigate how test specimens were damaged. The methodology for the review included a time parameter for articles published since 2015 to analyze cutting-edge research. The review showed a majority of experiments used mechanically-induced damage, pressurization of specimens until failure, and systems of PVC pipes and valves to simulate leaking. A noisy PVC and pump system were inspired to better evaluate pipeline damage and fit PHMSA’s research criteria.
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Gregory J Gonzales, Civil Engineering New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Craig Newtson, Professor, Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Ultra-High Performance Concrete for Bridge Deck Overlays
This poster presents research conducted on ultra-high performance concrete produced with local materials for use as a bridge deck overlay. Bridge deck overlays are used to rehabilitate deteriorating bridge decks. A compatible bond between the overlay material and substrate concrete is essential for an effective overlay. Engineering properties of shrinkage, bond strength, and compressive strength were determined. Bond strength testing was conducted in accordance with ASTM specifications and compressive strength testing was performed according to British standards. The ultra-high performance concrete overlay material met or exceeded all bond strength recommendations provided by the American Concrete Institute.
Francisco J Gonzalez-Castillo, Mechanical Engineering New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology Mentor(s): Michael Hargather, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Owens Corning eLUGant Design
Owens Corning manufactures fiberglass for a variety of different purposes ranging from insulation and construction materials to a number of composites. During the manufacturing process of fiberglass, molten glass must be extruded through a bushing that is supported overhead by a large steel frame which is all held in place by 8 L-Shaped Lugs. This mounting system is quite inexpensive and tolerant to misalignment and structural distortion; however it requires too much operator skill to mount correctly to the appropriate force without causing great damage to the bushing in the system and ultimately cost thousands in repairs every year. Our team was tasked with designing a new fastening system that would prevent over-tightening and withstand all environmental factors. Over the past two semesters, the team has come up with a redesign for the lugs which has been proven to be effective through some finite element analysis of the new lug. The concept uses the structure surrounding the frame to “dump” any excess force after the desired force. The new design has been shown to reduce the force on the frame by about 56%when compared to the current system. Physical testing is the next step in completing the design and the project will conclude December 2020.
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Gabrielle M Graves, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Abdessattar Abdelkefi, Associate Professor, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, New Mexico State University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Nonlinear reduced-order modeling and bifurcation analysis of whirl flutter in a rotor-nacelle system
This parameter study applied various hardening and softening effects in the stiffness matrix to a nonlinear rotor-nacelle model to investigate the early onset of flutter. Additionally, the study used multiple nonlinear stiffness coefficient values in the pitch and yaw degrees of freedom for flutter prediction. This parameter study revealed some of the main conditions that lead to earlier onsets of flutter in the defined mathematic model. The effects of hardening of nonlinear stiffnesses cause a lower angular deflection. However, the inclusion of even-numbered exponential terms creates a limited chaotic response in the angular deflection of the system. This response was depicted by the decrease of angular deflection of higher constant squared terms, with the increase of maximum angular deflection of lower squared terms. This information allows for experimental results to outline the underlining structural nonlinear stiffnesses being affected in the considered system.
Seth K Howe, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Abdessattar Abdelkefi, Associate Professor, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, New Mexico State University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Manufacturing and Testing of a Tilt-Rotor Drone
Tilt-rotor VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircrafts are rising in popularity amongst many researchers and military branches. Multi-copters and fixed winged planes are the most common type of drones that are readily available throughout the market. Tilt-rotors are a hybrid classification of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) that combines the endurance of a fixed winged plane, and the hovering and maneuverability of a multi-copter. A tilt-rotor system allows the aircraft to take off and land vertically without the need of runway. It also allows the drone to have longer flight times and greater stability when in horizontal flight. Within this study, I have designed and modeled a tilt-rotor system through Autodesk Fusion 360. The airfoils that were modeled were then cut out from balsa wood using a laser cutter and placed a specified distance apart on two carbon rods to insure rigidity in the wing. Using a “RC Benchmark Thrust Stand” the motors for the drone were tested to ensure that they provided enough thrust for the system. The tilting mechanism, rear motor mount, landing legs, the vertical/horizontal stabilizer mount and fuselage for the drone were 3D printed and fit in to place.
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Sara I Lanctot, Mechanical Engineering New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology Mentor(s): Miguel Maestas, Miguel Maestas, Engineering, Santa Fe Community College Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Facing Covid-19: Re-Designing Face Shields
Covid-19 is a new disease from which we are still learning from. While scientists are taking on the task of learning more about it, engineers have taking on the task of having the proper and necessary equipment to deal with it. At the beginning of the year the whole world struggled with the supply and demand of PPE of unanticipated high demand. That was the reason that it was imperative to our work to find a solution that was effective and quick. We focused our research on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We looked at different materials and their compositions. These materials had to meet certain requirements like being resistant to heat, humidity or certain chemicals. We narrowed it down by comparing the properties of PLA (Polylactic Acid) and PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) for this project. Furthermore, we decided to do 3D printing as our method of production, due to being cost effective because we were able to have face shields readily available for medical personnel and the public. We also re-designed an available model to make it more functional, while maintaining its flexibility, integrity, and lightness.
Benson Long, Civil Engineering University of New Mexico Mentor(s): Nicholas N. Ferenchak, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Professor, Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Spatial Equity Analysis of Nighttime Pedestrian Safety: The Role of Land Use and Alcohol Establishments
Over the past decade, the United States has experienced a 53% increase in pedestrian fatalities, with 2018 having a 3.4% increase from 2017. Of these fatalities, 76% occurred in dark/nighttime lighting conditions, with 50% occurring between 6:00 PM and 11:59 PM. Despite past research exploring several contributing attributes for nighttime crashes, there is limited research that investigates spatial factors of land use attributes and socio-economic factors. Have these trends been concentrated in certain land uses? Could an establishment with the capacity to serve alcohol invoke a greater risk for pedestrian crashes? Does socioeconomic status correlate with clustering for fatal and/or severe crashes? To better understand the spatial characteristics of this trend, we analyzed crash data from Albuquerque, New Mexico for pedestrian fatalities and severe injuries from 2013-2018. We used confidence intervals to verify the statistical integrity of the trends. Findings suggest that the trend is most prevalent near bars at night in lower socio-economic areas with elevated concentrations in minority populations.
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Keenan Marquez, Mechanical Engineering New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Delia Valles-Rosales, Professor, Industrial Engineering, New Mexico State University Sponsored by: United States Department of Agriculture
Internet of Things (IOT) Rain Gauge Device
The measurement of rain collection in various regions of the U.S. is vital to observation of climate change and environmental predictions. Currently, a rain gauge device in use by CoCoRaHS collects and logs rainfall data manually; there is a need to bring the collection system to modern technology. The system will be automated for more accurate and frequent data collection at remote locations. For our design, we are going to be focusing on the transmission of data from the rain gauge to an internet database that can be accessed virtually. To do this, we are adding an attachment to the current design to house an Arduino board that will translate the weight of the water to a measurement in inches, which will then be transferred to the internet database. This attachment is going to fit in between the rain collecting tube and the bracket support, which will allow us to maximize our space and protection of the hardware. Along with that, we also want our design to withstand daily conditions of any type of environment. Our design adds a technological advancement to the rain gauge at an affordable cost, while adding efficiency and ease of use to any user.
Martha J. Minor, Food Science Technology and Engineering New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Efren Delgado, Associate Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences, New Mexico State University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification in Food Technology
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is the standard molecular technique used to amplify bacterial DNA and detect specific genes present. This methodology requires sophisticated laboratory equipment that is often located at biosafety level 2 laboratory, sample transportation is needed, and the time required to obtain the results is between 1 to 3 days. Loop Mediated-Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) reaction is a nucleic acid amplification technique that amplifies DNA with high specificity, efficiency, and rapidity under isothermal conditions. LAMP technique can be used in Food Science, Food Engineering, and Food Industries. This work aims to validate the LAMP test for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus to confirm its potential practical use as a rapid and cheap field test. This project follows an experimental design of 6 different concentrations by triplicated (100; 10; 1; 0.1; 0.01 and 0.001 ng µL-1) of Staphylococcus aureus by triplicate, where each one will be analyzed using LAMP and conventional PCR to compare the diagnostic sensitivity of the methods. Future results could be indicated if LAMP is a useful technique for the Food Industry and if it has the potential to provide information on products without the use of cumbersome equipment and highly trained staff.
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Danielsen E Moreno, Chemical Engineering New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology Mentor(s): Pabitra Choudhury, Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
MD Simulations of Solid-Liquid Interface of Alloys for Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is a way of 3D printing metal alloys layer by layer into usable objects. The goal of this project is to study the solid-liquid interface of an aluminum-zirconium alloy. Additive manufacturing works by using powdered metals homogeneously mixed in a bed where a high-powered laser melts the metal, quickly solidifying. During solidification different crystalline structures can form, changing the qualities of the alloy, making it susceptible to cracking. In order to understand the solidification process, simulations in supercomputers calculate the properties at the solid-liquid interface. We hypothesize that we can create a super alloy metal that is light weight and strong through additive manufacturing to be used in industry. However, the microstructure of the alloy affects the macro characteristics. So, this project studies the microstructure at the solid-liquid interface to understand the macro qualities of the metal alloy.
Karina I Ornelas, General Engineering Santa Fe Community College Mentor(s): Miguel Maestas, Lead Engineering Faculty, Department of Engineering, Santa Fe Community College Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Troubleshooting 3D Printing
In response to Covid-19 our team worked on providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to our community by 3d printing the necessary equipment. While working with the 3d printers we encountered some obstacles. Once we were able to identify them we were able to begin troubleshooting. The various obstacles we came across were the leveling of the bed/releveling, prints sticking, and playing with print settings. These obstacles we overcame ultimately gave us a the PPE we were looking for during this project.
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Magdelyn Rich, Chemical Engineering New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology Mentor(s): Corey Leclerc, Dean of Engineering, Assoc. Professor of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Ceria Supports for Reforming Catalysts used in Short Contact Time Catalytic Partial Oxidation
Various catalysts were observed in a quartz tube reactor and their performance was analyzed and compared. The catalysts were evaluated on their ability to convert air, methane and carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas. Multiple support structures are being tested using the same catalyst composition, a series of tests was run using a 3-D printed support, and another set of tests utilized a foam support, both composed of ceria and alumina. The tests were run using a platinum catalyst followed by a nickel-coated catalyst. It has been determined that the addition of cobalt on the nickel catalysts had no effect on the conversion rate. The goal is to scale up the size of the reactor and compare results to determine if this process is industrially viable.
Lucas S Rivera, Civil Engineering New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Paola Bandini, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Design and Fabrication of a Rainfall Simulator for Soil Erosion Testing
Soil erosion control measures used in practice against water runoff include synthetic chemicals, vegetation cover, and geotextiles. However, testing the effectiveness of these approaches has limitations, especially in semi-arid climates where natural rainfall testing is limited due to a scarcity of rain events. This research seeks to enable researchers at New Mexico State University to study various rainfall and slope conditions in a mid-scale setting to observe a broader view of potential real-world precipitation conditions and corresponding soil erosion effects. The development and implementation of a rainfall simulator would allow researchers to perform precipitation experiments over a myriad of conditions and create simulated rain conditions in order to study the effects of rainfall on soil erosion control methods.
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Estela J Salinas, Civil Engineering New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology Mentor(s): Isabel Morris, Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Attribute Analysis of Construction Materials with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
The purpose of this project is to develop a program that gives a labeled graph of the locations of construction materials based on attribute analysis from Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scans. By categorizing materials by their attributes into different numerical classes corresponding to different materials, we can begin to locate changes in attributes to further identify elements within the structure that aren’t visible from the surface. We propose to apply attribute analysis to GPR scans from Corvin Castle, which is composed of many different materials from a number of restoration and expansions since the 13th century, in a program that will help define and locate the different materials using a binary system. The binary system will allow for more characteristics to be identified in the future and help the program examine the file easier than common variables. The information gained from this project can help indicate changes in structural integrity found in GPR scans. By calculating attributes of the scanned areas and establishing what range of values of those attributes correspond to different materials, the program will provide a visual overview of the locations of those materials.
Kevin Edgardo Trejo Valencia, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Park, Young; Valles, Delia; Delgado Efren, Professor, Engineering, New Mexico State University Sponsored by: United States Department of Agriculture
Development of an Internet of Things Platform for Food Safety and Security
This increase of meat demand in terms of quantity and quality raises the need for improving technologies in chain supply management and food industrialization. Internet of things (IoT) can help us monitor factors that influence bacterial growth on meat such as temperature, humidity, Ph, and oxygenation. This technology improves conditions for food storage and transportation, thus reducing the rate of bacterial growth and improving food quality. Keeping meat in a temperature range between 32°F and 41°F helps reduce the pathogen multiplication. This project seeks to implement IoT related technologies such as MQTT message protocol, microcontroller units, Wi-Fi, and Node-red to track these food spoiling parameters on meat. Current experiments have proven the feasibility of measuring meat’s internal temperature and sending the data through Wi-Fi to a local network website to be analyzed by the user. It is also possible to send notifications when the temperature gets close to a minimum or maximum threshold.
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Dana Turon, Mechanical Engineering New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Young Park, Delia Rosales-Valles, Efren Delgado, Joshua Nakai-Chapman, Dante Rojas, Patricia Cabrales, Rolfe Sassenfeld, Professors, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, Department of Food Sciences and Technology, Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology, Department of Biology, New Mexico State University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Smartphone Based Mobile Detection Device
The problem of foodborne illnesses is a relevant issue in today’s world, infecting nearly 600 million people worldwide. This project attempts to make efforts towards the prevention of these illnesses by providing a method of detection utilizing smartphone technology. The design was made in SOLIDWORKS and later will be 3D printed. The method of detection being used in this project is a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test. The electronics involved in providing the correct environment for this test to take place are powered by an Arduino and secured by a PCB. The ability to perform real-time, on-site analysis solves the problem of needing heavy lab equipment to detect foodborne illnesses. The device is meant to be easy to use and practical for all users.
Jeremy A Sanchez, General Engineering Santa Fe Community College Mentor(s): Miguel Maestas, Lead Engineering Faculty, Department of Engineering, Santa Fe Community College Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
PPE Face Shields Prototypes
For the summer of 2020 I was given the opportunity to work on a project with a group that would be making PPE for those in the medical field as well as for the public. The group would be making the PPE out of common 3D printed materials and giving them out to those who may need them. As a group we asked the questions, what type of PPE could we 3D print for the medical field that would be both safe and functional. We did research on different prototypes as well as settings for the 3D printers. The group found amazing results with both the prototypes, the settings, and other factors we came across during this project. We found that based on different factors that we needed to change either the settings the prototypes or just even the environment we were printing in. Some people in the group knew more than others on certain topics and all of us were somewhat beginners to 3D printing. As a group we came together and worked off of each other’s skill sets allowing us to get the results we wanted.
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Yuliia Trujillo, General Engineering Santa Fe Community College Mentor(s): Miguel Maestas, Lead Engineering Faculty, Department of Engineering, Santa Fe Community College Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Additive Manufacturing of Personal Protective Equipment during COVID-19
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has put many healthcare providers under great strain as they provide treatment and care to affected patients. There is a shortage of nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, face shields and face masks. A lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) is creating a hazardous situation for frontline workers. PPE that are intended for a medical purpose in the United States are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institute of Health (NIH). When FDA cleared masks or respirators are unavailable, healthcare professionals may choose to improvise PPE. To fix this problem, we primarily did extensive research on the FDA requirements for PPE and utilized other resources within the medical field. We found and concluded that the production of face shields for front line workers in the pandemic was the most feasible option because of the easier FDA requirements. Face shields and swabs are also smaller and easier to produce, allowing for us to produce more in a shorter amount of time.
LIFE SCIENCE Alexander Achusim, Biology University of New Mexico Mentor(s): Mark McCormick, Associate Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Effect of a Novel tRNA Synthetase Inhibitor on Growth of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Aging is the greatest factor to health in modern society; rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease are all significantly linked to aging. What if we could slow aging? The McCormick Lab demonstrated extended lifespans with multiple tRNA synthetase inhibiting drugs. Each drug inhibits a single tRNA synthetase for an amino acid. In this study yeast cells are treated with a novel drug to increase lifespan; however, complete inhibition of tRNA synthetase is lethal. The goal of the study is to identify what range of drug concentrations extends the chronological lifespan the most. A BioscreenC growth curve analyzer is used to measure the doubling times of the yeast cells. Doubling time is the elapsed time before the population’s size doubles. Yeast are grown in drug concentrations ranging from 0-2400 μg/mL. The Bioscreen maintains an ideal environment, and measures yeast cell growth. The experiment is still on going, however within the collected data suggests no significant correlation between dosage and lifespan. The calculated R2 value is 0.017. The McCormick Lab recently developed the software package SPOCK to refine data collected by the Bioscreen. I will use SPOCK in future experiments to analyze effects of novel drugs on yeast’s chronological lifespan.
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Catherine Batchelder, Biology New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology Mentor(s): Benjamin Duval, Assistant Professor, Biology, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Effects of Bacteriophage Additions on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Soil Systems
Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas that is 298 times more damaging than carbon dioxide. The majority of nitrous oxide is produced by the agricultural industry. Denitrifying bacteria consume the nitrogen in the soil and produce nitrous oxide. With the addition of bacteriophages to soil, nitrous oxide emissions should decrease. After the bacteriophages were isolated and propagated, they were added to soil in differing concentrations. The gas flux from the soil was measured over six days. There was an obvious decrease in nitrous oxide emissions especially with the greater concentrations of bacteriophage. However, more research needs to be conducted to confirm these preliminary findings.
William C Briggs, Biology University of New Mexico Mentor(s): Diana Northup, Professor, Biology, UNM Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
A Characterization of the Microbiota of Lava Cave Secondary Mineral Deposits
Lava caves on Mars, and on other extraterrestrial bodies, provide a sheltered environment in which microorganisms might be present in detectable quantities. For this reason, NASA is considering sending a rover into lava caves on Mars in order to look for signs of extant or extinct life, which would probably be microbial. On Earth, lava caves contain a variety of secondary mineral deposits that vary in texture, color, chemical composition, and microbial content. Our project seeks to categorize and characterize the features present in the lava caves of Lava Beds National Monument in order to place them on a continuum from those that are mostly mineral, to those that contain a high amount of microbial life. We have taken more than 80 samples from eight lava caves, from a variety of feature types, and have performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to show us which microbes are present, and in what quantities. Using a variety of software, I have used these data to begin to gain an understanding of the continuum categories and the microbes that inhabit them. We will relate these data to SEM imagery, lipid and DNA analyses, and other information about our samples to create the most complete picture we can of the microbiota of the secondary mineral deposits. We hope thereby to develop a set of generalizable principles that would allow a rover to identify opportune targets to test for the presence of life in extraterrestrial lava caves.
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Jacquelyn M Galaviz, Biology New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Paola Mera, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry, New Mexico State University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Defining the Role of AcrA in Progression of Caulobacter crescents Cell Cycle
Efflux pumps are an essential mechanism that all cells use to survive toxic environments. Bacteria use efflux pumps to become resistant to antibiotic that has created an antibiotic resistance crisis around the world. These are identified as super bugs. The efflux pump in focus is the AcrAB-NodT in Caulobacter crescents. The efflux pump AcrAB-NodT is regulated under one operon. Genes in this operon, acrB and nodT are expressed through Caulobacter crescents life cycle, unlike acrA, it is expressed at a higher rate than the other two genes. Results from this project will advance our understanding on how efflux pumps make cells resistant to antibiotics and potentially will provide information for the development of new antibiotics.
Christopher I Gallegos, Biology University of New Mexico Mentor(s): Diana Northup, Visiting Associate Professor, Professor Emerita, Biology, University of New Mexico Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Who Will Be Dead When We Save the Bats?
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a devastating disease to the bat populations in North America. The causative agent, a fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, causes bats to come out of torpor early in the winter, expending crucial energy stores and resulting in the death of up to 99% of some bat species. A new method of UV-C treatment has been shown to be effective in killing Pseudogymnoascus destructans. However, caves are home to a wide range of microbial communities that may be harmed by UV-C. The aim of this experiment is to investigate if this treatment will have potential collateral damage to native cave bacterial species. Samples were taken from caves across three national parks, sub-cultured in the lab, and resulting isolates are being exposed to UV-C treatment. Initial cultures from Lava Beds National Monument, Oregon Caves National Monument, and Mammoth Caves National Park, have resulted in 2,721 subcultures currently under investigation. Sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene is being used to identify a maximum of 100 unique bacterial cultures per national park for UV-C testing in the lab. Understanding the potential negative implications of UV-C on native microbial cave ecosystems is crucial before this treatment can be considered for wider implementation.
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Sara C Gurule, Animal Science New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Jennifer Hernandez Gifford, Associate Professor, Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Evaluation of tri-axial accelerometer metrics in detecting parturition of sheep in an intensive setting
Parturition events are marked by subtle behavioral changes often difficult to detect by observation alone. Thirteen ewes received an accelerometer ear tag prior to parturition, which recorded ewe activity. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of tri-axial accelerometers to remotely detect parturition of ewes in an intensive setting. Data points of X- (up and down), Y- (forward and backward), and Z-axis (left and right) were recorded and validated with video recordings that were time-synchronized with accelerometer data. Past studies have used machine learning algorithms to classify sheep behavior at parturition. In this present study, metrics derived directly from the accelerometer were calculated over a 25-hour (12 hours prior, at lambing, and 12 hours after) and 15-day (7 days prior, day of lambing, and 7 days after) period. Direct accelerometer metrics demonstrated a better indication of parturition than complex algorithms. Results indicate dramatic increases in activity associated with parturition on both an hourly and daily scale. These results suggest that real time accelerometers could remotely monitor ewes and potentially provide producers with an indication that the dam may lamb soon. This could allow valuable time for intervention in cases like dystocia.
Jazmyn F Gutierrez, Bachelor in Biology Northern New Mexico College Mentor(s): Rhiannon West, Assistant Professor, Biology, Northern New Mexico College Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Differences in the Gut Microbiome Diversity Between Sympatric Sister Species of Pupfish
Approximately 50% of vertebrates are fish, yet, to our knowledge, no study has correlated the gut microbiome bacterial diversity in a sympatric adaptive radiation of fish. Microbes influence reproductive behaviors, nutrient absorption, development, and health of organisms. We examined the gut microbiome of three sister species in a young (6,000-9000 yo) adaptive radiation of pupfish differing in diet and adaptive jaw morphology. The ancestral Cyprinodon variegatus are detritivores, C. desquamator are scale-eaters, and C. brontotheriodes are molluscivores. All three species are found in lakes either sympatrically or allopatrically with just C. variegatus. In sympatry, species boundaries are maintained by mate choice. We sequenced the bacterial 16S rRNA marker gene from fecal samples of wild and lab fish in both sympatry and allopatry and used QIIME2 software to identify and compare bacterial genera, abundance, and diversity across fish species. Here we present: (1) the gut microbiome differences between wild and lab, and sympatric and allopatric pupfish, and (2) how our results will lead to hypotheses about how variations in the microbiome correlate to vertebrate speciation.
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Stephanie Olivas, Chicana and Chicano Studies University of New Mexico Mentor(s): David Hanson, Professor, Biology, Universtity of New Mexico Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Growth of Sugar Beets in Urban Agricultural Soil
The current global industrial food system is one of the largest contributors to the climate crisis and nearly collapsed due to the global pandemic. This may still occur in the US, especially due to the compounded effects of climate change. Urban agriculture continues to grow in popularity and necessity but poses some barriers like soil quality and contamination, so it important to understand which crops can grow safely and well in various soils. This research is monitoring the growth of Beta vulgaris in plots that are varying in soil quality at an urban agricultural site in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Soil samples are analyzed by Ward Labs, and aggregate porosity and density assessments will be completed using modified water saturation method. We are monitoring germination, seedling development and overall plant growth throughout the season. Last, we will use a new plant impedance microprobe system to monitor water potential. We hope to learn if the different soil impacts the growth physiology and water status of B. vulgaris.
Eugenio J Padilla, Forestry New Mexico Highlands University Mentor(s): Blanca Cespedes, Associate Professor, Forestry Department, New Mexico Highlands University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Studying Dendrochronology in Northeastern New Mexico
The study of Dendrochronology (tree-ring dating) is the study the chronological sequence of annual rings in trees. Dendrochronology is form of paleoclimatology which is a study of past climates. Annual tree-rings is an example of proxy data and can be given an exact year. The purpose of starting a dendrochronology lab at New Mexico Highlands University is to find the fire history in locating the fire scares, and the annual tree rings to cross date samples to master chronologies. Understanding the fire regime in a specific area is essential to restore ecosystems and to use fire as a management tool. During the semesters research we familiarized ourselves with new technology and software as well as practice proper techniques of collecting and preparing samples. We hope that with increasing our knowledge of fire history in northern New Mexico and elsewhere that we can allow managers to further acknowledge and consider fire as a restoration tool.
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Antonella A. Riega, Biology and Psychology University of New Mexico Mentor(s): Tou Yia Vue, Associate Professor, Neurosciences, University of New Mexico Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Role of the bHLH transcription factor ASCL1 in glial development
I will be analyzing the role of basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor ASCL1 in glial cell development. Glial cells are a type of cells in the nervous system that surround neurons and work as support and insulation. Interest in glial cells and the abnormal development of the types of cells (such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) has increased due to its potential role in neurological disorders. Because of these potential diseases and role of ASCL1 as a regulator of neural development, studies have been conducted to understand how this protein could be potentially manipulated to help regulate certain disease developments. I will be using transgenic mice to study the role of ASCL1 in glial development in the spinal cord. These transgenic mice allow one to directly visualize and trace the lineage of ASCL1-expressing progenitor cells using reporter proteins (GFP, tdTomato) from birth into adulthood, or to over express ASCL1 specifically in astrocyte or oligodendrocyte lineage cells in a temporally inducible manner. To accomplish this goal, I will harvest mouse spinal tissues, section these tissues using a cryostat, and perform immunohistochemistry to analyze labeled or manipulated glial cells. Finally, a Zeis LSM 800 would be used to perform confocal imaging and collect data.
Isabella C Terrazas, Microbiology New Mexico State University Mentor(s): Charles Shuster , Associate Professor , Biology, New Mexico State Unviersity Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Cortical Granule Motility in Response to Hormone Stimulation during Sea Star Meiosis
Fertilization and proper development requires that a single sperm binds and enters the female oocytes. Upon sperm-binding, the oocyte or egg responds with the exocytosis of specialized vesicles called cortical granules (CGs), and the release of CG granule contents, prevents further sperm binding. Actin and the Rho GTPases that control the actomyosin cytoskeleton are known to have a fundamental part in oocyte maturation, but how these G proteins are regulated and how their actions control CG recruitment are less well understood. Work in the lab has established that in the sea star oocyte, there is a Rho-dependent burst of actin polymerization following hormone stimulation, and we hypothesize that this activation of Rho and actin plays a role in promoting translocation of CGs to the cell surface. To track CG movements following hormone Rab 3 were generated, and using these probes we tracked CG motility during oocyte maturation using 4D confocal microscopy. Imaging analysis has led to characterization CG motility and velocity. Current efforts are focused on testing different mutants of Rab27 to determine if Rab27 are required for CG motility.
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Melany M Cordova, Mathematics Northern New Mexico College Mentor(s): Claudia Aprea, Associate Professor, Mathematics, Northern New Mexico College Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Exploring correlations between seasonal pollen counts and monthly temperature and precipitation data for the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico
Correlations between seasonal and daily pollen counts with meteorological data has been studied and reported extensively elsewhere but not in New Mexico. In these studies, possible correlations are further studied with the goal of not only have an understanding on how changing climatic conditions can affect the release but, if possible, for building predictive mathematical models. Being able to forecast next pollen release is important as many of them are responsible for allergies.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE Brittany L Griego, Earth and Planetary Sciences-Geology University of New Mexico Mentor(s): Laura Crossey, Professor, Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
A hydrogeochemical analysis of springs in the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, New Mexico
Springs are an important water resource both for anthropogenic use and support of ecosystems in the arid Southwest. During times of drought, the sustainability of these groundwater systems is a major concern for effective water resource management. During 2017-2019, several springs were visited in the Sandia and Manzano mountains of north-central New Mexico to perform an inventory of the springs and the surrounding environment. This work is part of an ongoing collaboration between students and faculty at UNM and the US Forest Service (Cibola National Forest). We collected water samples for water quality analysis (major ions and stable isotopes), and field water quality parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), and discharge. We analysed monthly precipitation samples from a collection site near the springs in the Sandia mountains. We also analyzed snowpack samples from 2019. Spring samples primarily consist of calcium bicarbonate and calcium magnesium chloride sulfate waters. Trends in solute distribution are interpreted to reflect different water-rock interactions along groundwater flow paths. Regional aquifers include the Madera Group (chiefly carbonates) as well as several sandstone aquifers. Fault structures also play a role in controlling spring occurrence. Our results show two distinct trends between spring waters that are interpreted to have undergone silicate weathering and those undergoing carbonate dissolution. Carbonate dissolution occurs in waters traveling through the Madera Group aquifer system while silicate weathering occurs as waters travel through faults within the Sandia granite. Stable isotope analyses show that winter snowpack is the primary recharge mechanism of the majority of these waters. In addition to data collection and analyses, we have made major efforts in compiling all datasets into a regional database (Springs Stewardship Database) to preserve valuable information, make the data accessible to others, and provide important baselines for future comparison.
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Jhanene I Heying-Melendrez, Physics New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology Mentor(s): Kenneth Minschwaner, Professor, Physics, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Investigations of Ozone Dynamics and Chemistry from Satellite and Balloon Sounding Data
Ozone, O3, is an atmospheric gas that greatly affects the surface ultraviolet radiation, air quality, and climate. In the stratospheric layer of our atmosphere, ozone is considered beneficial as it absorbs the ultraviolet light from the sun which can deter the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation such as skin cancer. Closer to the surface in the tropospheric layer, ozone is detrimental to our environment harming plants and animals. Ozone is also a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. By quantifying the variations in atmospheric altitude, we can learn much about the mechanisms that produce or destroy ozone. Data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Microwave Limb Sounder satellite and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) balloon ozonesondes will be gathered and compiled into algorithms in Python and Interactive Data Language (IDL) software to identify spatial patterns in satellite data and laminar features in balloon soundings. Plots and maps of the ozone climatologies will be produce to represent the analysis done on the data when determining the variations of ozone around different parts of the world.
Letisha Mailboy, Environmental Geology New Mexico Highlands University Mentor(s): Jennifer Lindline, Professor, Natural Resources Management, New Mexico Highlands University Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Water Quality Monitoring of the Upper Pecos River, Pecos, NM
The Upper Pecos watershed, part of the larger Rio Grande Basin, extends from the headwaters of the Pecos River and in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the point where Interstate Highway 25 crosses the Pecos. The Upper Pecos River supports recreation, agriculture, cattle grazing, tourism, and other uses. It is hypothesized that climate change and land usage are impacting the river quality over time. This year-long research study is collecting physical and chemical parameters (pH, temperature, turbidity, alkalinity, and electrical conductivity) at 5 sites along a 25 km stretch of the Upper Pecos River. Sites were selected to capture conditions above an historic mine site (Willow Creek), at the confluence of a tributary from a proposed exploratory hard rock drilling site (Macho Creek), and at several high-use recreation areas (Tererro Campground, Dalton Canyon Day Use Area, and Pecos Village). This research study will produce water quality data needed to understand and protect this important northern New Mexico watershed and aquatic resource by developing baseline conditions and identifying potential problems for further investigation to reduce the risk of water quality degradation.
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Richard B Trujillo, Chemistry New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology Mentor(s): Praveen Patidar, Professor, Chemistry, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Sponsored by: NM Alliance for Minority Participation
Interplay of XRN2 and PARP1 in Preventing R-loop-induced Genomic Instability
The major goals of this research project are to reveal the interplay of the 5′-3′- exoribonuclease 2 (XRN2) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) in preserving genomic integrity through resolving R-loops, and preventing replication stress/DNA damage. By identifying the major components in DNA replication stress, we can signal roles to the resolving of R-loops to help prevent DNA damage. Defining the mechanisms of synthetic lethality induced by their concurrent deficiencies to understand the translational implications of XRN2-related vulnerabilities. This shows how signaling between XRN2 and PARP1 are affected in the absence of one from the other, as well as the functionality importance of each. Overall, XRN2’s role is well understood in RNA metabolism, however, its impact on other cellular processes, especially in genome maintenance is poorly understood. We identify functional information regarding its specific contribution in resolving replication stress, coordinating DNA repair, and promoting cell survival. Conclusions to this research are still pending as ongoing research in multiple cell lines continues.