20TH ANNUAL

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND

CREATIVE ARTS SYMPOSIUM

Twentieth Annual

Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts Symposium

URCASNew Mexico State University

Corbett Center

April 23, 2015

Sponsors:

Honors CollegeDiscovery Scholars

New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation (AMP)Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)

Office of the Vice President for Research, Graduate Studies and International ProgramsBuilding Research Achievement in Neuroscience (BRAiN)

College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)Howard Hughes Medical Institute Program (HMMI)

College of BusinessCollege of Education

College of Engineering

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Symposium Sponsors

Honors CollegeThe Honors College provides qualified undergraduate students with opportunities to broaden and enrich their

academic programs. In small classes taught by master teachers, honors students engage in lively discussion and collaborative investigation of interdisciplinary topics. Through the Honors Thesis, students undertake

original research in humanities, science, engineering, agriculture, business, education, and the arts under close supervision by faculty mentors. Many students prepare for their thesis by doing an internship in a scientific

laboratory or undertake independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation (AMP)The New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation, funded by the National Science Foundation, is a

partnership of New Mexico’s six four-year universities and twenty public two-year community colleges. The goal of the Alliance is to increase the state’s graduation rate of ethnic minority students with baccalaureate

degrees in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.

Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)The MARC Program (formerly Minority Access to Research Careers) is sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences within the National Institutes of Health. The goals of the program are: to assist

selected undergraduate students who demonstrate an interest in and the potential for research in the biomedical sciences to continue their education beyond the baccalaureate degree; to provide a research

experience sufficient to result in presentation of research data at professional meetings; to facilitate an 8-10 week summer research experience off-campus; to improve academic performance; to provide funds for

travel to professional meetings; and to assist students in entering graduate and professional programs. All past NMSU-MARC students have received bachelor’s degrees and more than 75% have gone on to graduate

programs.

Building Research Achievement in Neuroscience (BRAiN)The NMSU Building Research Achievement in Neuroscience (BRAiN) Program was founded in 2010 with a grant

from the NIH BP-ENDURE initiative. The BRAiN partnership between UC Denver and NMSU faculty aspires to broaden participation among the doctoral (PhD) ranks of neuroscience and biobehavior scientists by providing

research and professional development opportunities for undergraduate juniors and seniors. BRAiN Scholars participate in academic year research at NMSU and a summer internship at the UC Denver Medical Campus. Enhancement activities include a yearly Honors seminar experience and attendance at national conferences

such as SFN and ABRCMS.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Program at NMSU (HHMI)The NMSU Howard Hughes Medical Institute Program (HHMI) broadens access to science by providing students with opportunities to be successful in science through outreach to high schools in under-served communities,

through the enhancement of undergraduate biology courses, by providing students with undergraduate research opportunities, and by providing the next generation of faculty with training in Scientific Teaching.

College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)The NMSU College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) is a federally-funded program to help migrant or seasonal farm worker students attend college. Our program’s goal is to ensure that each CAMP student

graduates from NMSU with a Bachelors degree. The program offers the first line of support for students to succeed in their first/freshmen year at NMSU and also provides many retention resources to help students

persist to graduation. The program has been in existence since 2002 and will continue until 2017.Discovery Scholars, Office of the Vice President for Research, Graduate Studies & International Programs,

College of BusinessCollege of Education

College of Engineering

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Preface

The Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts Symposium, now in its twentieth year, is the longest-running student symposium at New Mexico State University. Since 1996, more than 1,500 students have presented their work at the symposium. Many of these students have gone on to graduate school, law school, and medical school, and a few have returned to NMSU as professors.

URCAS is intended to recognize outstanding undergraduate research and creative projects and the faculty who have mentored them. It is also meant to show off the work of creative undergraduate students to the university and the community. And, of course, presenting at the symposium gives our students valuable professional experience.

The symposium is an annual celebration of undergraduate creativity in all fields. Represented here are some of the most advanced and creative projects presently being undertaken at NMSU. Many of the students presenting today are completing Honors capstone projects, while others have worked with mentors in laboratories and other research and arts settings through the MARC, AMP, HMMI, BRAiN, CAMP, and other mentoring programs.

Congratulations to these outstanding students and their faculty mentors!

Dr. Miriam Chaiken, Dean, Honors CollegeDr. Michael Johnson, Director, MARC ProgramDr. Elba Serrano, Director, BP-ENDURE (BRAiN) Program Dr. Ricardo Jacquez, Dean, College of Engineering and Director, New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation (AMP)Dr. Tim Wright, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Program at NMSU (HHMI)Dr. Cynthia Bejarano, College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)Dr. Anne Hubbell, Director, Discovery Scholars ProgramDr. Vimal Chaitanya, Vice President for ResearchDr. Michael Morehead, Dean, College of EducationDr. James Hoffman, Dean, College of Business

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Table of Contents

2015Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts Symposium

New Mexico State University

Table of Contents

Preface ...... 4

Symposium Speaker …... 7

Schedule of Events ...... 10

Program Design ...... 11

Poster Session ...... 12

Paper Sessions ...... 18

Abstracts ...... 26

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2015 Symposium Speaker

Dr. William EamonEmeritus Professor of History“The Origins of Scientific Discovery”

Where does discovery begin? What precedes discovery, and what happens after a discovery is made? What are the origins of the idea of scientific discovery? In this brief talk, I will suggest some ways of looking at discovery from a historical perspective. Taking us back to the “Age of Discovery,” when Spain’s discovery of America touched off a scientific revolution, I will try to convince you that the origins of scientific discovery are to be found in the building of the first empire in history over which the sun never set. The engine of discovery is curiosity, and curiosity about the New World and its inhabitants and natural history was boundless. From that first encounter with things unimagined, scientific discovery was born. William Eamon is Regents Professor Emeritus of History and Dean Emeritus of the Honors College. His research focuses on the history of science and medicine in Renaissance Italy and Spain. After serving 38 years on the faculty of NMSU and 19 years as Director and Dean of the Honors College, he retired in August 2014. He is the author several books, including Science and the Secrets of Nature: Books of Secrets in Medieval and Early Modern Culture (1994) and The Professor of Secrets: Mystery, Medicine, and Alchemy in Renaissance Italy (2010), and approximately 60 articles and essays. He is currently at work on a book about the origins of scientific discovery.

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Previous Symposium Speakers

2014Dr. Sean RogersDepartment of Management

2013Dr. Collin PayneAssistant Professor of Marketing

2012Dr. Paul BoslandRegents Professor of Horticulture and Director of the Chile Pepper Institute

2011Dr. Kenny StevensAssociate Professor of Engineering Technology

2010Dr. Kenneth HammondProfessor of History

2009Dr. Connie FalkProfessor, Agricultural Economics and Business

2008Salim Bawazir, Ph.D.Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering

2007Dr. Elba SerranoRegents Professor of Biology

2006Dr. Mary O’ConnellRegents Professor, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

2005Prof. David TaylorDepartment of Art

2004Dr. Robert ArmstrongRegents Professor of Physics

2003Dr. Ann HalesProfessor, Department of Nursing

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2002Dr. Steve StochajAssociate Professor, Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

2001Robert MarquezDoctoral Student, Chemistry

2000Dr. Reta BeebeProfessor, Department of Astronomy

1999Dr. Rudolfo Chávez ChávezRegents Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction

1998Dr. Kathleene WestProfessor, Department of English

1997Dr. Cookie White StephanProfessor, Department of Sociology

1996Dr. Champa Sengupta-GopalanProfessor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture

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Schedule of Events

Refreshments andWelcoming Remarks

8:30 amSenate Chambers, Rm. 302

Dr. Greg Fant Associate Vice President and Deputy Provost

Poster Session9:00 am-12 noon

First Floor, Aggie LoungePaper Sessions

Session 1AAddressing Health

Issues9:00am-10:00amRio Grande Room

Session 1BDiverse

Undergraduate Research

9:00am-10:00amSocorro Room

Session 1CSpace: The Final

Frontier9:00am-10:00amSenate Chambers

Session 1DContributions to

Material Sciences9:00am-10:00am

Senate Gallery

Session 2AUnderstanding

Health Care Challenges

10:15am-11:15amRio Grande Room

Session 2BClass Conflict, and

Dissent in U.S. History

10:15am-11:15pmSocorro Room

Session 2CSustainabilty

Research10:15am-11:15amSenate Chambers

Session 2DReadings & Poetry10:15am-11:15am

Senate Gallery

Session 3AAdvances in

Environmental Protection

11:30am-12:30pmRio Grande Room

Session 3BPromising Directions

in STEM11:30am-12:30pm

Socorro Room

Session 3CInsights in Biology11:30am-12:30pmSenate Chambers

Session 3DAg. Science Innovation

11:30am-12:30pmSenate Gallery

Luncheon12:30pm-1:30pm

Senate Chambers & Senate Gallery

Luncheon Address:“The Origins of Scientific

Discovery”Dr. William EamonProfessor Emeritus

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The logo/branding design was created by Juan Rodriguez who is a senior pursuing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design. The poster was created by Min Tan who is also a senior pursing her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The program layout was done collaboratively by Juan and Taylor Walker who is graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design as well in May. This year’s design is influenced by the concept of celebration with the usage of bright colors, and the continuation of tradition through the application of a futuristic aesthetic. All design layout was created in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. The poster and program were printed by the NMSU Print Portal.

In addition to our first place winner, an exhibit of all of this year’s designs submitted by Type & Layout students will be on display at Corbett Center Second Floor Lobby from 9am to 12 pm. The following students’ work will be exhibited:

1st place: Team 4: Taylor Walker, Min Tan, David Pyle, Juan Rodriguez

2nd place: Team 2: Marisa Legar, Miguel Hernandez, Marlene Flores, Brandon Eisenschenk

3rd place: Team 3: Carlos Salazar, Emilee Jones, Jessica Lopez, Samantha OppelsS

Honorable Mention: Team 1: Veronica Contreas and Jessica Kampling

ART 355 Special Topics in Design: Type & LayoutSpecial semester long focus includes conceptual development, professional practices, advanced typography, portfolio development and client-based projects.

Program Design

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Karen Acosta “Identification of a gene involved in growth and flowering in alfalfa using a random T DNA mutant obtained in a Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation experiment.” Major: Biochemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Champa Gopalan, Plant and Environmental Sciences MARC

Ahmed Al-Basha “Increasing Compressive Strength of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Craig Newtson, Civil Engineering AMP Adriana Alire “Expression of Membrane Steroid Receptors and Components of the CXCL12/CXCR4 Signaling Axis in Human Choriocarcinoma Cells” Major: Animal Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ryan Ashley, Animal and Range Sciences MARC Arthur Anaya “Relationship between Lateralization and Inhibitory Control in Adult Male Budgerigars” Major: Wildlife Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tim Wright, Biology NRCT

Yolanda Arroyo, Angel Mena “Passion Flower: Comparison of Natural and Commercial Product Content” Major: Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Cynthia Bejarano, CAMP Isidro Barela “Use of woody forage plants by the American beaver (Castor canadensis) in the Chihuahuan Desert” Major: Wildlife Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Frey, FWCE NRCT Hillary Bennett “Exploring cell proliferation dynamics in the phoronid lophophore” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Charles Shuster, Biology HHMI Pedro Castillo, Dr. Jennifer Frey, Dr. Jaime Iglesias “Damage caused by the eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) in pecan orchards in the El Paso valley” Major: Wildlife Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Frey, Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Ecology CAMP, Natural Resource Career Track NRCT

Poster SessionFirst Floor, Aggie Lounge 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

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Thomas Cisneros “Roasted chile aromas, their chemical profiles and correlation with pungency” Major: Mechanical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mary O’Connell, PES PI research

Sativa Cruz “Exploring Organic Matter Impacts on Natural Oxidant Demand of Soil ” Major: Environmental Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kenneth Carroll, Plant and Environmental Science MARC Luis Duarte “Studying microbial community response of TNT and heavy metal contaminated soils using a substrate induced respiration essay” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Geoffrey Smith, Biology MARC

Iliana Hernandez “Characterization of sarcomere structure in zebrafish mutants of two muscle fiber type regulators” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Graciela Unguez, Biology MARC

Rylie Hightower “Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC-6) Scale: Direct Relationship to CFRSI Fall Risk Scores” Major: Nursing Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Fabre, Kinesiology BP-ENDURE (BRAiN)

Chintelle James “Preparation of 3-hydroxypyridin-2-one (3,2-HOPO) sulfonate salts: Useful intermediates for the synthesis of 3,2-HOPO tethered sulfonamides, sulfonyl azides and sulfonate esters” Major: Biology & Chemistry Faculty Advisor: Mr. Aravamudan Gopalan, Department of Biochemistry & Chemistry MARC Mahdika Johnson “Regulation of Cell Adhesion In The Early Embryo” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Mr. Charles Shuster, Biology MARC

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Alejandra Lerma “The Influence of Membrane Progesterone Receptor Gamma Signaling in Breast Cells” Major: Animal Science and Biology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ryan Ashley, Animal and Range Sciences HHMI

Aaron Lindsay“Application of Narrow Escape Problem in Modeling Diffusion Through Porous Materials”Major: Chemical EngineeringFaculty Advisor: Dr. Reza Foudazi, Department of Chemical and Materials EngineeringDepartment of Chemical Engineering

Alexa Martinez “Sex determination in Long-billed Hermits (Phaethornis longuirostri) using PCR versus morphometrics” Major: Wildlife Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Timothy Wright, Biology NRCT Angie Mestas “Beet Curly Top Virus in New Mexico Chile” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Rebecca Creamer, MARC

German Montes “Pulse Complexity Based LICAR Scene Modeling for Sparse Reconstruction and Super-Resolution” Major: Electrical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Charles Creusere, Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering AMP Otto Mossberg “In Vivo Assays to Determine RecN Mechanisms of Action” Major: Genetics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shelley Lusetti, Chemistry and Biochemistry MARC

Angel Mena,Yolanda Arroyo “Passion Flower: Comparison of Natural and Commercial Product Content” Major: Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Cynthia Bejarano, CAMP

Jose Munoz,Kimberly Mejia-Rios Comparative Analysis of Garden Sage, Russian Sage, and Texas Sage Major: Chemical Engineer Faculty Advisor: Dr. Cynthia Bejarano, CAMP

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Edauri Navarro Pérez “Anti-bacterial properties of allelopathic chemicals” Major: Environmental Sciences Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wiebke Boeing, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology Natural Resources Career Track

Darius Norris “Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Algal Biomass” Major: Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shuguang Deng, Chemical and Materials Enineering AMP

Garrett Overcast “Design and synthesis of mixed citrate/hydroxypyridinone chelators: Analogs of the ‘stealth’ siderophore Petrobactin” Major: B.S. Biochemistry Faculty Advisor: Mr. Aravamudan Gopalan, Chemistry and Biochemistry MARC

William Peck, Lindsey Skowlund “Wearable frame and electronic stimulator casings for chronic in vivo stimulation of live aquatic animals” Major: Industrial Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Julieta Valles, Dr. Graciela Unguez, Dr. Wei Tang and Dr. Julieta VallesIndustrial Engineering

Kaydee Porras,Thomas Cisneros “Comparison and Analysis of Purple and Yellow Achillea Millefolium” Major: Psychology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Laura Rodriguez-Uribe, Plan & Environmental Sciences CAMP Ivana Rodriguez “Progress toward constructing a karyotype for Arachis hypogaea L (peanut)” Major: Biology & Genetics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Miriam Chaiken, Anthropology SoyMap Summer Research Program

Mariana Rodriguez-Soto“Impacts of Energy Development on Invertebrates within the Nutt Grasslands of South Central, New Mexico”Major: Agricultural ScienceFaculty Advisor: Dr. Martha DesmondChemistry and Biochemistry

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Zachary Romero “Investigation of the DNA Damage Induced protein DinD, and its effect on DNA Synthesis” Major: Biochemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shelley Lusetti, Chemistry and Biochemistry MARC

Hridindu Roychowdhury “Solving the structure of P. Denitrificans’ Zinc binding protein, Pden1597, using x-ray crystallography” Major: Biochemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Erik Yukl, Biochemistry and Chemistry Anahi Soto “Uptake of Nutrients from the Source and Increasing the Growth Rate for Biofuel Production” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Nirmala Khandan, Civil Engineering AMP Megan Stovall“Wind Erosion and its Presence in the Nutt Grasslands” Major: Soils Science Faculty Advisor: Mr. David DuBois, Plant and Environmental Sciences NRCT Martin Teran “Responses of bed bugs to chemical barriers treated with botanical products” Major: Wildlife and Conservation Management Faculty Advisor: Dr. Alvaro Romero, Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science AMP

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Paper SessionsSession 1: 9:00am-10:00am

1.A: Addressing Health Issues in the Global South -- Rio Grande Room (218)Moderator: Professor Elvira Hammond, History Department

Upile Chisala “Narratives on Maternal Healthcare and birthing experiences of mothers on Likoma Island” Major: Sociology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Miriam Chaiken, Honors Honors Thesis

Alyssa Trujillo “Modeling the Control of Malaria” Major: Applied Mathematics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mary Ballyk, Department of Mathematical Sciences AMP

Mauricio Garcia “Ergonomic Assessment of a Portable Assisted Mobility Device for High-Density Metropolis” Major: Industrial Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Edward Pines, Industrial Engineering AMP

Lauren Lujan Pincomb “Design and Synthesis of Selective GTPase Probes” Major: B.S. Biochemistry/B.A. Chemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Arterburn, Chemistry and Biochemistry MARC

1.B: Diverse Undergrad Research Projects -- Socorro Room (218) Moderator: Professor Frank Gilpin, Human Performance and Dance

Tiffany Cox, Elizabeth Leatherman“The Undergraduate Experience – It’s more than just a degree” Major: Government; Economics, Major - Communication Disorders Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shelly Stovall, Office of Assessment Office of Assessment

James Herndon “Investigation of the reactivity of 1,3-diynes to the Diels-Alder reaction with applications to the total synthesis of natural products” Major: B.S. Chemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. William Maio, Chemistry and Biochemistry Honors Thesis

Lindsay Redman “Biochemical Characterization of the Mutant Deinococcus radiodurans RecA Q313R Protein” Major: Biochemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shelley Lusetti, Chemistry and Biochemistry Honors Thesis, HHMI

Megan Thompson “Other Desert Cities” Costume Design” Major: Theatre Arts Faculty Advisor: Ms. Guenevere McMahon, Theatre Arts Theatre Arts Department

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1.C: Space: The Final Frontier -- Senate Chambers (302) Moderator: Dr. Ron Dziwenka, College of Education

Mercedes Maldonado “Studying the Gas Cycles that Govern Galaxy Evolution” Major: Aerospace Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Christopher Churchill, Astronomy AMP

Wendy Garcia “Determining the spatial extent of M31 through Color Magnitude Diagrams from the Hubble Space Telescope.” Major: Physics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Rene Walterbos, Astronomy AMP

Jessica Gomez “Improved Gravity Offloading Leg Exoskeleton Design” Major: Mechanical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Prof. Ken Ruble, Engineering AMP

1.D: Contributions to Material Sciences -- Senate Gallery (304)Moderator: Miriam Chaiken, Honors College

Daniel Franco “Engineering Properties of Foam Glass Gravel as Lightweight Fill Material” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Paola Bandini, Civil Department AMP

Daniel Delgado Camacho “Bridge Life Cycle Cost Analysis of a UHPC Bridge” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brad Weldon, Civil Engineering AMP

Eduardo Davila “Treatment of Produced Water and Hydraulic Fracturing Flowback Water Using Granular Activated Carbon Biofilters” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Pei Xu, Civil Engineering AMP

Israel Jaramillo “Extraction of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Bermudagrass and Pecan Nutshells” Major: Chemical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Prof. Reza Foudazi, Chemical Engineering AMP

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Session 2: 10:15am-11:15am

2.A: Understanding Health Care Challenges in the US - Rio Grande Room (228)Moderator: Dr. Judith Flores-Carmona, College of Education

Tiffany Cox“An Initiative for Adults with Autism in New Mexico: A Project to Enact Public Programs in the State for Citizens with Autism Spectrum Disorder”Major: Government and EconomicsFaculty Advisor: Dr. Jiaqi Liang, GovernmentHonors Thesis

Kathryn Sanchez“Developing policy to address the shortage of neurologists who treat multiple sclerosis”Major: BiologyFaculty Advisor: Dr. Elba Serrano, BiologyHonors Thesis, BP-ENDURE (BRAiN)

Ruben Moreno“Examination of the role of SirT1 in HPVE7 transgenic mice”Major: BiochemistryFaculty Advisor: Prof. Aaron Rowland, Chemistry and BiochemistryMARC

2.B: Class, Conflict, and Dissent in US History -- Socorro Room (228)Moderator: Professor Julie Fitzsimmons, Department of Art

Melissa Vigil “The Perception of Privacy in an Online World” Major: Journalism & Mass Communications Faculty Advisor: Prof. James Leonhardt, Marketing Honors Thesis

Denali Wilson “New Mexico State University: The ‘Cowboy-Business-Military Complex’ and Vietnam Era Protest” Major: History Faculty Advisor: Dr. Peter Kopp, History History Senior Seminar

William Grumet “Art in Protest: Operation Iraqi Freedom” Major: Psychology Faculty Advisor: Prof. Julie Fitzsimmons, Art

Alan Dicker“Race, labor, and displacement in economic crisis: The copper borderlands, 1921” Major: History Faculty Advisor: Isabella Quintana, History History Department

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2.C: Sustainable Resource Management - Senate Chambers (302)Moderator: Professor Cynthia Murrell, Department of English

Rodrigo Rodriguez “Iron Oxide Nanorods for Lithium-Ion Batteries” Major: Chemical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Hongmei Luo, Chemical and Materials Engineering AMP

Fernando Perez, Mahmoud Alfailakawi, Saleh Aladwani, Ammar Alsayed, Zawawi Alzawawi“Facility Planning and Re-Design for Shrimp Production in New Mexico” Major: Industrial Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Delia Valles-Rosales, Dr. Tracey Carrillo, Industrial Engineering Industrial Engineering

Joshua Gutierrez, Anahi Reyna Cruz, Galen Helms, Yousef Albahri, Fahad Alajmi, Mahmoud Alfailakawi, Saleh Aladwani, Abdalaziz Alfairooz, Zawawi Alzawawi “Design of Filtration System for Equalizing Suspended Solids in Shrimp Growing Ponds” Major: Mechanical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Delia Valles-Rosales, Industrial Engineering USDA I-DISCOVER

Dominique Lujan, Colleen A. Caldwell, Matthew Zeigler, Robert Parmenter“Effects of Prescribed-fire and the Las Conchas Wildfire on the Resistance and Resilience of a Montaine Grassland Stream on the Valles Caldera National Preserve”Major: Wildlife ScienceFaculty Advisor: Dr. Colleen Caldwell, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation EcologyACES

2.D: Creative Arts Readings and Poetry -- Senate Gallery (304)Moderator: Dr. Lori Keleher, Philosophy Dept.

Adrian Avila “The Rapture of Atlantis” Major: Computer Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Lori Keleher, Philosophy Honors Thesis

Rachel Oestreich “If They Are Not Dead” Major: English w/ Emphasis: Creative Writing Faculty Advisor: Prof. Lily Hoang, English Honors Thesis

Arthur Tillbrook “Unearthing Dreams in Long Narrative Form” Major: English, Philosophy Faculty Advisor: Prof. Lily Hoang, English Honors Thesis

Devin Galligan“Then & There” Major: Digital Film Making/Marketing Faculty Advisor: Mrs. Amy Lanasa, CMI Honors Thesis

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Session 3: 11:30am-12:30pm

3.A: Advances in Environmental Protection -- Rio Grande Room (228)Moderator: Dr. Tim Ketelaar, Psychology and Honors College

Andres Alvarez “Removal of Arsenic by Sorption from Reverse Osmosis Concentrate onto Drinking Water Treatment Solids” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Pei Xu, Civil Engineering AMP

Maria Chavez “Differential responses of two ecologically similar species to variation in temperature and resources” Major: Conservation Ecology/Horticulture Faculty Advisor: Dr. Karen Mabry, Biology MARC

Sergio Sotelo “Observing the Adoption of Solar PV Technology in New Mexico: An Economic Analysis” Major: Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ram Acharya, Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business Honors Thesis

Joshua Gomez “Optimization of Algae Derived Carbon for Water Treatment Applications” Major: Chemical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shuguang Deng, Chemical and Materials Engineering AMP

3.B: Promising Directions in STEM Research -- Socorro Room (218)Moderator: Dr. Richard Rundell, Professor Emeritus, Language and Linguistics

Luis Barrera “Determination of the Electronic Structure of Nickel Ferrite Thin Films” Major: Physics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stefan Zollner, Physics AMP

Rachel Ridgeway “A High Resolution Raman System for Studying Hydrophobic Forces In Surfactant Free Aqueous Emulsions” Major: Physics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jacob Urquidi, Physics AMP

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Nathan Jenkins “5 Endo Double Ring Formation Between Carbenes and Conjugated Acetylenes” Major: Chemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. James Herndon, Chemistry and Biochemistry MARC

Leif Winstead“Kinetics of Crystal Violet inside Reverse Micelles”Major: ChemistryFaculty Advisor: Dr. Michael JohnsonMARC

3.C: New Insights in Biology -- Senate Chambers (302)Moderator: Miriam Chaiken, Honors College

Chelsea Rodriguez “Consequences of getting old: how animal biochemical responses change with age” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Giancarlo Lopez-Martinez, Biology Department AMP

Thomas Vigil “Growth dynamics of Williopsis saturnus related to exopolysaccharide production” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Geoffrey Smith, Biology MARC

Justin Waters “Asymmetric [2,3] Stevens Rearrangement and Synthesis of Novel Molecules” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Mr. William Maio, Chemistry MARC

Chiann-Ling Yeh “Sarcomere disassembly during tail regeneration in the adult fish Sternopygus macrurus” Major: Genetics & Biotechnology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Graciela Unguez, Biology HHMI, NIH

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3.D: Innovations in Agricultural Sciences -- Senate Gallery (304)Moderator: Dr. Wiebke Boeing, Department of Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Biology

Maria Gabriela Solano, Marisol Burciaga “Analysis and Improvement of the Cottonseed Dehulling Process” Major: Industrial Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Delia Valles-Rosales, Industrial Engineering BGREEN USDA

Andrea Salazar “Tumbleweed Mitigation Through Biochar Production” Major: Chemical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Mrs. Catherine Brewer, Chemical and Materials Engineering AMP

Edward Rojas, Georgina Thiebaud, Scott Campbell, Melissa Ochoa, Abdulrahman Alozainah “Optimization of Cottonseed Extraction using Cryogenic Dehuller and Shaker” Major: Mechanical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Young Park, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering USDA I-DISCOVER

Harry Davis, Joseph Graff, Leif Benitez, David Paustian, Abraham Verdeja, Ryan Kahn “Feasibility Analysis of for Designing a De-hulling Machine to Process Cottonseeds” Major: Mechanical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Young Ho Park, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering USDA I-DISCOVER

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AbstractsKaren Acosta “Identification of a gene involved in growth and flowering in alfalfa using a random T DNA mutant obtained in a Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation experiment.” Major: Biochemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Champa Gopalan, Plant and Environmental Sciences MARC Plant genetic engineering involves introduction of desired genes into plant cells using a standard Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation protocol followed by their regeneration into whole plants. Agrobacterium, besides a chromosome, contains a plasmid called the Ti plasmid which in turn contains a distinct region called the TDNA (transfer DNA). During the process of infection of a plant by Agrobactium, the TDNA is transferred to the cells in the host plant, where it gets integrated into the host chromosomes. The integration site is random and once integrated the TDNA becomes a stable component of the chromosome and follows Mendelian inheritance pattern. The TDNA contains genes for plant growth hormones and the genes are flanked by sequences which are called the left and right borders. While the genes for the hormones are dispensable, the borders are required for transfer and integration of the TDNA into the plant genome. As genetic engineers, we have removed the genes for the hormones and replaced them with our gene of interest. Ahmed Al-Basha “Increasing Compressive Strength of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Craig Newtson, Civil Engineering AMP Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has high compressive strength (greater than 22,000 psi) which has given it a wide range of applications and made it a competitive building material. This research shows the effects of modified high-temperature curing regimens and UHPC mixture constituents on the compressive strength of UHPC. Finer sand, Type V cement, and a larger percentage of fibers were used in several mixtures with different curing conditions and yielded significant improvements in compressive strength. Curing cube specimens in water at 95°C for 48 hours and at 200°C for 4 days yielded average compressive strengths greater than 30,000 psi. Adriana Alire “Expression of Membrane Steroid Receptors and Components of the CXCL12/CXCR4 Signaling Axis in Human Choriocarcinoma Cells” Major: Animal Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ryan Ashley, Animal and Range Sciences MARC During early pregnancy when implantation and development of the placenta occur, most embryonic losses occur. This process is regulated by interplay between sex steroids and local signaling molecules. Our lab has demonstrated the chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 have potential roles in placental development, and membrane progesterone receptors (MPRα, MPRβ, MPRγ, PGRMC1) are expressed in placental tissue. To elucidate functions of these proteins in fetal trophoblast cells, a human choriocarcinoma cell line (BeWo) was utilized., Expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, MPRα, MPRβ, MPRγ, PGRMC1, GPR30, and PAD2 was confirmed in BeWo cells using RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Future experiments will use BeWo cells to elucidate mechanisms of actions for our proteins of interest.

Andres Alvarez “Removal of Arsenic by Sorption from Reverse Osmosis Concentrate onto Drinking Water Treatment Solids” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Pei Xu, Civil Engineering AMP This research project is based on the use of drinking water treatment solids (DWTS) to remove arsenic (As) from reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate by a sorption process. Arsenic creates negative impacts in public health, such as skin damage, problems with circulatory system, and cancer. The sorption of arsenic onto DWTS as a function of contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH, particle size, initial arsenic concentration, and impact of organic matter were investigated by conducting batch experiments. The results obtained from batch experiments showed that DWTS can efficiently sorb arsenic from RO concentrate.

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Arthur Anaya “Relationship between Lateralization and Inhibitory Control in Adult Male Budgerigars” Major: Wildlife Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tim Wright, Biology NRCT Male budgerigars’ cognitive abilities were examined and a comparison between lateralization and inhibitory control was measured. Inhibitory control is the ability to respond to an irrelevant stimuli and act accordingly, thus is thought to be a strong predictor of problem solving abilities. Lateralization, however, is also thought to be a strong predictor because it has been suggested that cerebral lateralization enhances cognitive abilities. We hypothesized that lateralization is associated with inhibitory control measured in a detour reaching task. We tested lateralization and detour reaching using both a modified food dish and cylindrical device respectively. Our data shows males who were highly lateralized did not perform better in the detour reaching task. Yolanda Arroyo “Passion Flower: Comparison of Natural and Commercial Product Content” Major: Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Cynthia Bejarano, CAMP CAMP Passion flower is a plant that is known to relieve pain and depression and fulfills the sensation of relaxation with antianxiety properties. The purpose of this research is to compare the chemical compounds and their concentration in the four samples of Passion flower, a fresh plant, tea, capsules, and drops (made for drinks). Based on information we found prior to our research, we hypothesize that our four samples will have three compounds in common, Maltol, ethyl-maltol, and chrysin, with the fresh plant having a higher concentration of them; however, none of the samples will have anti-microbial effects.

Adrian Avila “The Rapture of Atlantis” Major: Computer Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Lori Keleher, Philosophy Honors Thesis This paper brings to light the “lost” philosophical purpose of Plato’s myth of Atlantis. I firstexamine the roles that Plato’s other myths play. I argue that such myths have the ability to facilitate virtuous behavior by influencing what Plato calls the non-rational side of the simple, or non-philosophical, soul. I then consider the specific case of the myth of Atlantis. Although Plato scholars have long been puzzled by this myth, I show that like Plato’s other myths, Atlantis also strives to facilitate virtuous attitudes and behavior within simple souls by appealing to the non-rational part of the soul. Isidro Barela “Use of woody forage plants by the American beaver (Castor canadensis) in the Chihuahuan Desert” Major: Wildlife Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Frey, FWCE NRCT Survival of the American beaver (Castor canadensis) is influenced by many factors, including availability of suitable forage. We report preliminary findings of a study aimed at evaluating availability and use of woody species by beavers along the Rio Grande in Doña Ana County, NM. We used Geographic Information System and aerial photos to construct a map to predict distribution of beavers. We conducted field surveys to determine occurrence of beavers and to measure habitat variables and forage utilization. Beavers were exceptionally rare from the majority of the study area. Forage use was primarily willows, but also included saltcedar, screwbean mesquite, and cattails.

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Luis Barrera “Determination of the Electronic Structure of Nickel Ferrite Thin Films” Major: Physics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stefan Zollner, Physics AMP DLI-CVD was used for the growth of high-quality epitaxial Nickel Ferrite (NiFe2O4) films on Magnesium Aluminate (MgAl2O4) (100) substrates. These films were studied in two forms, stoichiometric and Fe-rich, to determine their optical constants and electronic structure. Spectroscopic ellipsometry was utilized to precisely measure the ellipsometric angles Psi and Delta from 0.8 to 6.0 eV at several angles of incidence. The data was then analyzed to determine the dielectric function for the ferrite layers and to extract the direct and indirect band gaps. We also analyzed the crystal structure of the films using x-ray diffraction. Hillary Bennett “Exploring cell proliferation dynamics in the phoronid lophophore” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Mr. Charles Shuster, Biology HHMI Limited research has been performed on the marine invertebrate, the Phoronid, and the regenerative mechanisms of this animal have yet to be identified. In this study, the phoronid species, Phoronis vancouverensis, was used to track cell activity and proliferation during regeneration of the tentacles to possibly identify a stem cell niche. Proliferation was observed by exposing the phoronids to EdU, in which a traceable nucleoside analogue was incorporated into synthesizing DNA using the click chemistry method. The results revealed a high proliferation occurring in a proximal to distal direction from the base of the tentacles to the tip.

Daniel Delgado Camacho “Bridge Life Cycle Cost Analysis of a UHPC Bridge” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brad Weldon, Civil Engineering AMP Bridge Life Cycle Cost Analysis (BLCCA) is an economic tool used to compare initial and long term costs for different designs. The analysis considers agency and user costs to determine the most cost-effective alternative. A BLCCA to compare High Performance Concrete (HPC) with Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for a bridge near Las Cruces, NM was developed. UHPC has started gaining significant interest for bridge designs due to its improved mechanical and durability properties. However, these benefits come with a high initial cost. The results demonstrate that UHPC is cost effective when the life cycle costs are analyzed.

Pedro Castillo, Dr. Jennifer Frey, Dr. Jaime Iglesias “Damage caused by the eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) in pecan orchards in the El Paso valley” Major: Wildlife Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Frey, Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Ecology CAMP, Natural Resource Career Track (NRCT) The eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is native to the eastern U.S. It was introduced to the El Paso valley within the past 15 years and has since become widespread in pecan orchards in that area. Fox squirrels are thought to damage pecan orchards through consumption and storage of nuts, clipping limbs, peeling bark, and other causes. We conducted a preliminary study to determine abundance and characteristics of pecan trees used for nesting by squirrels. In addition, we assessed damage caused by bark stripping. We found that peel bark mostly occurred in larger (older) trees and in trees containing nests.

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Maria Chavez “Differential responses of two ecologically similar species to variation in temperature and resources” Major: Conservation Ecology/Horticulture Faculty Advisor: Dr. Karen Mabry, Biology MARC Global climates are shifting to warmer temperatures. Highly sensitivity species will experience conflicts. Measuring environmental responses allows more accurate interpretations of species’ response. Dragonflies are especially vulnerable to global warming. Erythemis collocate and Pachydiplax longipennis, were exposed to four treatments. Individuals were separated into high and low tanks and fed different allotments. We predicted warmer tanks would exhibit higher mortality, a similar species response, and resources would benefit survival. Warmer tanks experienced more death. Deaths in both species was similar. Mortality in Erythemis collocate was greater in high tanks. Pachydiplax longipennis response was uniform. Under stress certain species may better survive. Upile Chisala “Narratives on Maternal Healthcare and Birthing Experiences of Mothers on Likoma Island” Major: Sociology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Miriam Chaiken, Honors College Honors Thesis The main objective of this study was to assess how mothers and healthcare workers on Likoma Island, Malawi, feel about the maternal health services available there. Using liberal feminist theory as a conceptual framework, this descriptive qualitative project includes information collected from face to face in-depth interviews with 8 mothers and 3 health care workers on Likoma Island. This paper aims to give a personal outlook on the condition of pregnancy and childbirth in this rural part of the global south. Participants were recruited for interviews via snowball sampling. The interview questions were structured to address several aspects of maternal health with particular interest in how health education, the community, families and other sociocultural conditions can possibly influence the quality and the perceptions of maternal health care services. The findings of this research add to the already wide collection of studies on maternal health with a unique outlook as it concerns birthing experiences of women on an island that is both rural and isolated. Studies that address maternal health especially in rural areas where maternal and infant deaths are prevalent are important. Thomas Cisneros “Roasted chile aromas, their chemical profiles and correlation with pungency” Major: Mechanical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mary O’Connell, PES PI research Many people think they can tell how hot a chile is by smelling the roasted fruit. Capsaicinoids the compounds responsible for the chile heat are not volatile. First we have characterized the volatile compounds in four varieties using SPME (Solid Phase Micro Extraction) on four different varieties of followed by GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). We determined capsaicinoid levels in these same samples. We are now comparing the abundance of specific volatile compounds with the pungency of the fruit to test for a relationship between “chile heat” and specific volatile compounds. This research was supported by NM Agricultural Experiment Station.

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Tiffany Cox, Elizabeth LeathermanMajor - Communication Disorders “The Undergraduate Experience – It’s more than just a degree” Major: Government; Economics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shelly Stovall, Office of Assessment Office of Assessment The purpose of our study was to determine if students believe there is value in reflecting on and documenting their undergraduate experiences related to NMSU’s learning objectives for the Baccalaureate Experience (BE) – critical thinking, life-long learning, academic preparedness, citizenship, diversity, creativity, technological literacy, information literacy, effective communication, self-awareness and identity with NMSU. Because these objectives are not well known among students, we introduced them through interactive workshops and asked students to consider experiences that contributed to achievement on these objectives. We then asked students which experiences were most valuable, and if they believed it was valuable to document these experiences. Tiffany Cox “An Initiative for Adults with Autism in New Mexico: A Project to Enact Public Programs in the State for Citizens with Autism Spectrum Disorder” Major: Government and Economics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jiaqi Liang, Government Honors Thesis Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the fastest growing epidemics in the United States. Approximately, 50,000 ASD children transition into adulthood every year, meaning that they lose many of the benefits that they receive from the state as a child. Statistics show that most of the United States is not prepared to sustain the growing adult ASD population, and it is crucial that a plan be developed to secure a stable future. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has developed the Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training (ASERT) Collaborative to help equip their state with the right tools for ASD adults in the next few decades to come. The ASERT program serves as a model program for the state of New Mexico and as the basis for this project to create a new initiative for adults with Autism in the state. Sativa Cruz “Exploring Organic Matter Impacts on Natural Oxidant Demand of Soil ” Major: Environmental Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kenneth Carroll, Plant and Environmental Science MARC ISCO (In-Situ Chemical Oxidation) is an effective method for remediation of contaminants in the subsurface (e.g. 1-4 Dioxane). Commonly used oxidants in ISCO applications (i.e., KMNO4, H2O2, O3) are also consumed by soils. The purpose of this study is to develop a better understanding of oxidant consumption by the subsurface material, also known as the Natural Oxidant Demand (NOD). Variables such as organic matter influence NOD during an ISCO application. Therefore, NOD will be quantified as a function of organic matter. This research will lead to more effective ISCO and contaminant remediation applications.

Eduardo Davila “Treatment of Produced Water and Hydraulic Fracturing Flowback Water Using Granular Activated Carbon Biofilters” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Pei Xu, Civil Engineering AMP

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This research is aimed at developing a viable technology to treat produced water, which is generated during natural gas and oil extraction processes. This water contains high amount of salts, organic pollutants, and heavy mineral oil, which may contaminate groundwater, soil, or air if it is not managed properly. This research investigates the impact of salinity and polymers on treatment efficiency of produced water collected from Permian Basin by granular activated carbon and biochar. The column experiments demonstrated biological treatment using granular activated carbon to be an efficient treatment process for produced water with high salinity.

Harry Davis, Joseph Graff, Leif Benitez, David Paustian, Abraham Verdeja, Ryan Kahn “Feasibility Analysis of for Designing a De-hulling Machine to Process Cottonseeds” Major: Mechanical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Young Ho Park, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering USDA I-DISCOVER This research presents a feasibility analysis of a de-hulling machine design to process cottonseeds. The methodology consists of force tests on the whole seed (including the germ and some delinted) using a compression testing machine. A second phase of this methodology will be the analysis of burning, roasting, and freezing methods to observe what effects the processing has on the force required to crack the seed. Results will be used to provide a foundation for a theoretical design of a machine that will process the cotton seed more efficiently to maximize the effect of the de-hulling process. Crisandra Diaz “Bacterial Cycling Through Two Generations of Anopheline Mosquitoes” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jiannong Xu, Biology MARC Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes are the vector for transmission of the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which is responsible for infecting humans with malaria. A new take on mosquito and malaria control is the manipulation of the mosquito gut microbiome. Understanding the mosquito gut microbiome throughout different stages of the mosquito life cycle is the key to the manipulation and compartmentalization of host resources and energy. A previous metagenomic study determined that the mosquito gut composition differs drastically between larval mosquitoes and adults. One bacterial strain of interest was Enterobacter, since the population of this species was found to increase dramatically in adult mosquitoes after the first blood meal was taken. Since this species of bacteria is not a prominent component of the larval gut, we speculate that a form of bacterial cycling must occur for Enterobacter to become present once the larvae reach the adult stage. Alan Dicker “Race, labor, and displacement in economic crisis: The copper borderlands, 1921” Major: History Faculty Advisor: Isabella Quintana, History History Department Copper mining camps attracted large numbers of working class migrants to the borderlands in the early twentieth century. However, I will argue that the camps were a site of displacement as well as settlement, and that the politics of expulsion during crisis periods were largely drawn along racial-national lines. This paper will be drawn primarily from research performed on the depression that followed the First World War, resulting in the temporary shutdown of most mining camps in 1921.

Luis Duarte“Studying microbial community response of TNT and heavy metal contaminated soils using a substrate induced respiration essay”Major: Civil EngineeringFaculty Advisor: Dr. Geoffrey Smith, BiologyMARC

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Microbial diversity influences biodegradation of contaminants in soils and can be estimated by measuring the respiration of different C/N substrates. We evaluated changes in the catabolic profile of two soils contaminated with heavy metals (S2) and TNT degradation products (S1), using a substrate induced respiration assay (MicroResp). S1 had a higher respiration rate and catabolic profile compared to S2. When S2 was amended with apatite and zeolite (as a chemical remediation approach), soil+apatite showed a higher respiration rate and catabolic profile compared to soil+zeolite. CFU (colony forming units) counts in the apatite treatment was 40x more than with zeolite.

Daniel Franco“Engineering Properties of Foam Glass Gravel as Lightweight Fill Material”Major: Civil EngineeringFaculty Advisor: Dr. Paola Bandini, Civil DepartmentAMP

Foam glass gravel (FGG) is a lightweight material made from recycled glass bottles. FGG has properties that are beneficial in the building industry, particularly its lightweight and high intraparticle porosity. The goal of this project is to investigate the potential use of FGG mixed with soil as backfill to reduce lateral pressures on earth retaining structures. The materials tested included three ratios of FGG and sand and two different FGG gradations to determine the effects of FGG content and particle size on the compaction and strength properties of the backfill material. In addition, water absorption and desorption and maximum and minimum bulk densities were determined.

Devin Galligan“Then & There”Major: Digital Film Making/MarketingFaculty Advisor: Mrs. Amy Lanasa, CMIHonors Thesis

Blake is an introverted struggling artist who can never finish a piece of art. He has just transferred to a new school. He hates people, he hates school, and he hates his mom. After being chosen as the third member in an unlikely friendship, Blake’s focus shifts from art to love. After a bit of time, Blake’s relationship with Jenny, one of the members of this trio, goes from friendship to hot, heroine addicted sex. With his mother as a constant reminder of what his life may become, Blake fears for his future, until he is confronted by Jeremy, the other member of the trio, and is shown the power and elegance of dance and the beauty of gay love. However, Blake has never been comfortable with the idea of people being gay, and he cannot imagine himself as a gay male. In this internal battle, Blake cannot choose who he loves more between Jenny and Jeremy, so continues to sleep with both of them without them knowing. The day before graduation, Blake is confronted by his two loves, Jenny and Jeremy, who beg him to decide on only one. With much more than friendship on the line, what will happen? Love is love, but where does it lie?

Amanda Alvarez Garcia“Screening of bacteria as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens Phytophthora and Verticillium”Major: MicrobiologyFaculty Advisor: Dr. Stephen Hanson, EPPWSAMP

In the Southwest Phytophthora capsici and Verticillium dahliae are among the leading causes of preventable yield losses in chile pepper production. A lack of natural resistance to these pathogens in commercial chile cultivars combined with limited chemical and cultural controls makes these pathogens severe and persistent disease problems. Biocontrol shows promise for providing safe, economical, and “green” control of similar plant pathogens in other systems. In particular, various Bacillus species have proven effective against a range of soil borne pathogens. This study focuses on isolating Bacillus strains from chile fields, evaluating their biocontrol potential, and sequence identification of antagonistic isolates.

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Wendy Garcia “Determining the spatial extent of M31 through Color Magnitude Diagrams from the Hubble Space Telescope.” Major: Physics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Rene Walterbos, Astronomy AMP I wrote a program that analyzes the multicolored exposure of stars from ten different fields of the area in and around the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) by counting the stars per bin, in brightness and color, which are found within each field. The comparison in counts is done by finding the difference in counts between M31 fields and control fields. These comparisons aid in further understanding the extent of M31 by allowing us to determine the fields where an excess of stars, begins to show up. With this we can then begin to establish the spatial extent of M31. Mauricio Garcia “Ergonomic Assessment of a Portable Assisted Mobility Device for High-Density Metropolis” Major: Industrial Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Edward Pines, Industrial Engineering AMP The purpose of this investigation is to propose a novel approach for the assessment of ergonomics in the design of mobility devices targeted towards the 5th and 95th percentiles in size dimensions of the Brazilian population. The method delivers optimal ergonomic specifications that reduce injury risk and fatigue, and provide comfort to users operating the aforementioned device in a high-density metropolis. These ranges and measurements have undergone a feasibility assessment with the use of Tecnomatix Jack software and the building of a prototype. Jessica Gomez “Improved Gravity Offloading Leg Exoskeleton Design” Major: Mechanical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Prof. Ken Ruble, Engineering AMP The research originated from a passive gravity compensation technology, which was developed by New Mexico State undergraduate researchers a few years ago. In this new technology, the energy of the test subject is stored and released by springs in the system, and is intended to aid astronaut training. This project explores a novel prototype of a leg exoskeleton with the purpose of validating the theory in which the leg can be gravity compensated. The system will be capable of offloading the leg weight from zero to 100% of the leg mass so that the human will experience reduced gravity. Joshua Gomez “Optimization of Algae Derived Carbon for Water Treatment Applications” Major: Chemical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shuguang Deng, Chemical and Materials Engineering AMP

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Algae derived activated carbon was synthesized for the purpose of water treatment to remove arsenic. Carbon activated with potassium chloride and iron (III) chloride in ratios of 3 grams of algae to 6 grams of activating agent and 3 grams of algae to 9 grams of activating agent were produced and pyrolyzed at temperatures of 500°C, 600°C, and 700°C for 2 hours. The resulting carbon and commercial carbon were then used in shaker experiments with 100 ml of 1 ppm arsenic solutions and shaken for 24 hours. The initial and final concentrations of arsenic were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). From the measurements of the ICP-MS, the adsorption capacity after 24 hours was calculated. From these calculations, the carbon activated with iron (III) chloride had the highest capacity of arsenic of 90% arsenic adsorbed. The commercial carbon had 25% adsorption and the carbon activated with potassium hydroxide had 5%. The carbon activated with iron (III) chloride shows to be a very promising adsorbent of arsenic, in the future further optimization of using iron chloride as an activating agent in producing activated carbon be made with temperature, carbonization time, and mass to activating agent ratio.

William Grumet “Art in Protest: Operation Iraqi Freedom” Major: Psychology Faculty Advisor: Prof. Julie Fitzsimmons, Art Honors Thesis This narration will feature Iraq War veteran Sergeant Will Grumet’s critical analysis of contemporary protest art concerning the Iraq war. The selection of examined works is culturally diverse, including examples from the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Australia. The presentation will focus on works that fill specific roles and demonstrate how they have allowed people to share their individual perspectives on the war by expressing their views and emotions through various artistic mediums. Each piece serves a specific communicative function by sending a message, providing an emotional outlet, and/or provoking (and at times forcing) critical thought. Joshua Gutierrez, Anahi Reyna Cruz, Galen Helms, Yousef Albahri, Fahad Alajmi, Mahmoud Alfailakawi, Saleh Aladwani, Abdalaziz Alfairooz, Zawawi Alzawawi “Design of Filtration System for Equalizing Suspended Solids in Shrimp Growing Ponds” Major: Mechanical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Delia Valles-Rosales, Industrial Engineering USDA I-DISCOVER In order to develop a more efficient filtration system an analysis was done to determine theoptimal filtration setup to maximize water quality and suspended solids at New Mexico Shrimpgrowing company. Design of Experiment Methodology was employed to equalize the levels ofsuspended solids in the ponds as well as reduce the amount of maintenance time required toclean filters. Results show that the number of nozzles would remain the same, with only the filterposition to be changed, to ensure maximum water rotation and cleansing of the filter while notinterrupting the shrimp feeding and swimming habits.

Iliana Hernandez “Characterization of sarcomere structure in zebrafish mutants of two muscle fiber type regulators” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Graciela Unguez, Biology MARC Vertebrate skeletal muscle contains different muscle fibers: slow-twitch needed for low-intensity, sustained aerobic activity and fast-twitch suited for short, intense anaerobic bursts. These fibers also differ in the structure of their contractile units, i.e., sarcomeres (Schiafino et al., 1970). Based on immunolabeling of sarcomeric myosin heavy chain, differentiation of fast fiber types in zebrafish is reported to depend on activation of pbx4 and prdm1a genes (Gao et al., 2013). Whether these genes affect sarcomeres is unknown. Preliminary data suggest that absence of pbx4 and prdm1a do not result in similar changes in sarcomere structure despite their similar activation of fast-twitch muscle differentiation.

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James Herndon “Investigation of the reactivity of 1,3-diynes to the Diels-Alder reaction with applications to the total synthesis of natural products” Major: Chemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. William Maio, Chemistry and Biochemistry Honors Thesis 1,3-diynes represent a relatively unexplored class of organic compound which could potentially shorten and perhaps even improve the yield and synthesis of certain natural products. One way in which 1,3-diynes could be utilized to do this is through a Diels-Alder reaction to form a (typically) 6-membered ring system from a diene and a dieneophile. Utilizing 1,3-diynes in a Diels-Alder reaction would shorten the preparation of starting materials for such a reaction as the Sonogashira coupling and even perhaps reduce the cost of performing such a reaction. Some potential synthetic targets for this chemistry would be cinanthrenol A, estrogen, and testosterone for example. This research requires a large computational component and a synthetic component as we move from theory to experiment. Rylie Hightower “Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC-6) Scale: Direct Relationship to CFRSI Fall Risk Scores” Major: Nursing Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Fabre, Kinesiology BP-ENDURE (BRAiN) Balance confidence is a person’s confidence in being able to perform given tasks without experiencing the fear of falling or becoming unsteady. There were two main objectives of this study. Firstly, researchers sought to determine a relationship between a subjective measure of balance confidence (Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale-6; ABC-6) in performing various ambulatory activities and fall risk (as measured by the Comprehensive Falls Risk Screening Instrument; CFRSI) in older adults. Secondly, researchers sought to determine if fall history was an indicator of weaker balance confidence. The data reveals strong relationships with balance confidence, fall history, and CFRSI fall risk scores. Chintelle James “Preparation of 3-hydroxypyridin-2-one (3,2-HOPO) sulfonate salts: Useful intermediates for the synthesis of 3,2-HOPO tethered sulfonamides, sulfonyl azides and sulfonate esters” Major: Biology & Chemistry Faculty Advisor: Mr. Aravamudan Gopalan, Department of Biochemistry & Chemistry MARC Chelators containing the 3-hydroxypyridin-2-one (3,2-HOPO) ligand have therapeutic and diagnostic appeal because of their ability to form strong complexes with hard metal ions such as iron and gadolinium. The purpose of this study was to develop a convenient methodology to tether the HOPO ligand via sulfonyl linkages. A simple route to prepare HOPO-sulfonamides that uses a sulfonyl chloride as a key intermediate was developed. The synthetic strategy that was developed also allows the synthesis of HOPO sulfonyl azides and HOPO sulfonate esters. Both the synthetic strategy and applications to the synthesis of HOPO sulfonyl linked compounds will be presented. Israel Jaramillo “Extraction of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Bermudagrass and Pecan Nutshells” Major: Chemical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Prof. Reza Foudazi, Chemical Engineering AMP

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The purpose of this research project was to inexpensively derive cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from a widely available cellulose source in an environmentally-friendly fashion. CNCs has stimulated interest in industry and the scientific community for their properties and applications. They are the subject of research efforts (i.e. reinforcing agents in nanocomposites) for their alterable surface chemistry, their high aspect ratio, and their tensile strength of 500MPa and elastic modulus of about 150GPa, surpassing that of Kevlar. In this experiment, the CNCs were extracted by utilizing a non-chlorine based, eco-friendly bleaching method. The source for CNCs was bermudagrass and pecan nut shells.

Nathan Jenkins “5 Endo Double Ring Formation Between Carbenes and Conjugated Acetylenes” Major: BA Chemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. James Herndon, Chemistry and Biochemistry MARC Ring structures are essential in numerous molecules with applications ranging from medicine to materials science. Reacting (methylmethoxymethylene)pentacarbonyl chromium with 1,2-bis[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]benzene- leads to a tricyclic compound incorporating the carbene unit and two carbon monoxide ligands. This compound has an intense purple color indicating an unusual electronic structure for compounds of only carbon, hydrogen, silicon, and oxygen. Previous studies identified only this compound with a 15% yield, but yield is increased by reacting at 80 C in a dry solvent system. Generality will be established through reacting structurally related bis(alkynes) and carbene complexes under optimal reaction conditions for this reaction.

Mahdika Johnson “Regulation of Cell Adhesion In The Early Embryo” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Mr. Charles Shuster, Biology MARC In the early embryo it is known that calcium-dependent cadherins mediate cell adhesion, however it is unclear what signals trigger junction formation in the early embryo. Preliminary data indicates that activated mutants of the small GTPase Rac can trigger precocious cell-cell junction formation in sea urchin embryos. We hypothesize that the transition from spherical to epithelial cell morphology is mediated by the activation of Rac through the guanine exchange factor, TIAM1. Towards these ends, we isolated the PH-CC-Ex domain of TIAM1, and will test whether this domain can act as a dominant-negative mutant to inhibit cell adhesion and epithelialization. Alejandra Lerma “The Influence of Membrane Progesterone Receptor Gamma Signaling in Breast Cells” Major: Animal Science and BiologyFaculty Advisor: Dr. Ryan Ashley, Animal and Range Sciences HHMI According to the Women’s Health Initiative Study, women receiving hormone replacement therapy containing estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) have increased risk for breast cancer development compared to women receiving E2 alone. Thus, P4 plays a role in breast cancer biology. P4 elicits its effects through different receptors. Our aim is to elucidate the roles of membrane progesterone receptor gamma (MPRG) in breast cell lines by knocking down expression of MPRG with siRNA followed by treatment with varying progestins. Our laboratory has shown BT549 breast cancer cells treated with varying progestins activates the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase pathway. We hypothesize progestins cause proliferative effects in breast cancer development as a result of MPRG activation.

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Aaron Lindsay “Application of Narrow Escape Problem in Modeling Diffusion Through Porous Materials” Major: Chemical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Reza Foudazi, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering While Fick’s model for diffusion is applicable to a number of simple systems, modifications are necessary in order to better predict diffusion within complicated systems. The aim of this study was the determination of a better model for diffusion through porous materials such as polyHIPE. This was done through the extrapolation of a narrow escape problem to a network of voids, as seen in porous materials. The mean free escape time for a confined geometry was determined through modeling of Brownian diffusion in Matlab. Simulations were performed in 1D, 2D, and 3D geometries and compared with experimental data.

Dominique Lujan “Effects of Prescribed-fire and the Las Conchas Wildfire on the Resistance and Resilience of a Montaine Grassland Stream on the Valles Caldera National Preserve” Major: Wildlife Science Faculty Advisor: Ms. Colleen Caldwell, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology NRCT On 26 June 2011, the Las Conchas wildfire was the largest recorded fire in New Mexico. The fire burned over 30% of the Valle Caldera National Preserve including an open meadow treated in 2005 to a prescribed burn. Six years later, the Las Conchas fire provided an opportunity to compare the effects of the prescribed burn with a severe wildfire on fish density and sediment carbon:nitrogen as an indirect measure of ash from fire. Three years post-wildfire, populations of brown trout remain suppressed and C:N has remained elevated indicating the severity of the wildfire continues to impact the aquatic system. Mercedes Maldonado “Studying the Gas Cycles that Govern Galaxy Evolution” Major: Aerospace Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Christopher Churchill, Astronomy AMP We aim to study the formation and evolution of galaxies. Our goal is to determine the accuracy of cosmological simulation data (Ford et al.2013) by comparing to “real world” galaxies. By examining thecircumgalactic medium (CGM), a dynamically complex, multi-phase, metal enriched gaseous reservoir surrounding galaxies, we can learn about the cycles of gas and how they govern galaxy evolution. Weemployed a technique referred to as quasar (QSO) absorption lines, in which a quasar resides behind a galaxy and the CGM gas imprints absorption patterns in the spectrum of the distant quasar. Theseabsorption lines can reveal the gas temperature, metallicity, and kinematics, and can help determine the global behavior of the galaxy. The purpose of this project is to measure the distribution of various ions(chemical elements) in the CGM as a function of distance from the galaxy in the cosmological simulations. Alexa Martinez “Sex determination in Long-billed Hermits (Phaethornis longuirostri) using PCR versus morphometrics” Major: Wildlife Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. Timothy Wright, Biology NRCT While some bird species have distinct sexual dimorphism, in others it is difficult to distinguish between sexes. Long-billed hermits do not acquire dimorphic plumage, but can be sexed using morphometric measures. However, the accuracy of this method has not been assessed for wild birds. We evaluated the performance of morphological sexing by comparing it to DNA-based PCR sex determination. Results showed that out of 301 collected blood samples of long-billed hermits that were successfully sexed, 7 of 20 genetic females were originally classified as males using the discriminate function analysis (a 35% error rate), whereas 22 of 281 males were identified as females (a 7.8% error).

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Jenni Medina “Burrowing Owl Surveys and an Experimental Approach to Attracting Owls to Potential Nest Sites in the Chihuahuan Desert Ecoregion” Major: Wildlife Science Faculty Advisor: Mrs. Martha Desmond, FWCE NRCT We are using an experimental and control call playback approach to determine if burrowing owls can be lured into suitable, unused habitat within the City of Las Cruces. In 2014, 10-paired experimental and controlled sites were selected. At experimental sites, a burrowing owl call playback was broadcast twice a day for three hours. A combination of surveys and cameras were used to determine if owls occupied these sites. In 2014 one owl showed up at an experimental site and another owl at a control site. In 2015 this experiment will be repeated. Angel Mena, Yolanda Arroyo “Passion Flower: Comparison of Natural and Commercial Product Content” Major: Pre-Nursing Faculty Advisor: Mrs. Sarah Gallegos, College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP) CAMP Passion flower is a plant that is known to relieve pain and depression and fulfills the sensation of relaxation with antianxiety properties. This experiment was conducted to determine the comparison of the concentration of the passion flower dry tea, drops, capsules, and the leaves of the plant, to find the three major compounds; Maltol, Ethanol, and Chrysin known to provide the qualities of relaxation. The experiment results indicate that Ethanol and Chrysin were not detected in any of the four samples, which are the main components of relaxation.

Angie Mestas “Beet Curly Top Virus in New Mexico Chile” Major: Agricultural Biology Faculty Advisor: Rebecca Creamer MARC Beet Curly Top Virus is damaging to New Mexico chile production. The disease, characterized by severe stunting and yellowing can also result in a loss of fruit production if the plant is infected early in the growing season. The virus is transmitted to the plant during feeding by the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus. This insect overwinters on weeds, primarily London Rocket, Sisymbrium irio and Kochia, Kochia scoparia. Interestingly, these overwintering hosts are asymptomatic. Research was done to ascertain whether strain and titer of the virus account for this. Chile and weed samples were collected at Leyendecker Research Center in Las Cruces New Mexico. DNA extractions were ran through polymerase chain reactions using primers designed to differentiate strains of Beet Curly Top Virus and quantified with real time polymerase chain reactions. German Montes “Pulse Complexity Based LICAR Scene Modeling for Sparse Reconstruction and Super-Resolution” Major: Electrical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Charles Creusere, Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering AMP

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Third generation LIDAR full-waveform based systems collect time-resolved 1D signal of the echoes generated by laser pulses reflected at the intercepted objects. With these signals, depth profiles along each pulse path can be readily constructed. By emitting a series of pulses towards a scene using a predefine scanning pattern and the appropriate sampling and processing, a 3D image containing spatial-depth information can be generated. Unfortunately, massive amounts of data are typically acquired to achieve acceptable depth and spatial resolutions. The goal of this study is to develop efficient modeling and sampling of individual time-resolved full-waveform signals collected by LIDAR systems.

Ruben Moreno “Examination of the role of SirT1 in HPVE7 transgenic mice” Major: Biochemistry Faculty Advisor: Prof. Aaron Rowland, Chemistry and Biochemistry MARC High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are causative agents in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). HPV E7 is an oncoprotein that has been shown to upregulate SirT1, a protein and histone deacetylase that is also involved in DNA damage response pathways. Ongoing studies in the laboratory of Paul Lambert suggest that mice treated with 4-NQO that are expressing inactive SirT1 exhibit higher tumor incidence and greater hyperplasia than their nontransgenic counterparts. BrdU-specific immunohisto-chemistry and analysis indicated that knocking out SirT1 does not increase cellular proliferation in mice expressing or not expressing HPVE7.

Otto Mossberg“In Vivo Assays to Determine RecN Mechanisms of Action”Major: GeneticsFaculty Advisor: Dr. Shelley Lusetti, Chemistry and BiochemistryMARC We seek to understand the mechanisms through which RecN assists in recombination to repair DNA double-strand breaks. We constructed strains of E. coli with knockouts for one, two, or three of the recombination-associated proteins RecN, RecB, RecO, and SbcC in various combinations. Strains are grown on LB agar plates and DNA damage is induced either by exposure to varying doses of UV radiation or by the chemicals ciprofloxacin or azidothimidine. Colony growth is then assayed to determine genetic interactions between RecN and the other recombination-associated gene products. We hypothesize that RecO, RecB, and RecN constitute three epistasis groups and predict the triple mutant is recombination-deficient.

Jose Munoz, Kimberly Mejia-Rios “Comparative Analysis of Garden Sage, Russian Sage, and Texas Sage” Major: Chemical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Cynthia Bejarano, CAMP CAMP Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis), Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), and Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), are abundant in New Mexico. They are commonly referred to as sage, but Russian Sage and Texas Sage are not in the same genus as Garden Sage, meaning they are not “true” sages. Sage has a wide range of medicinal properties and benefits such as being able to alleviate stomach pains, treat asthma, increase memory, and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Sage leaves can be taken as a tea brew or chewed and are also used for culinary purposes, such as spices. Research has shown that the following compounds were found in sage plants: thujone (known for pain-blocking capabilities), humulene (anti-inflammatory properties), borneol (reduced swelling), and α-pinene and camphor (known for antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Jacob Naranjo “Distribution and patterns of space use by migratory and resident golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in areas with high potential for wind energy development in New Mexico” Major: Wildlife Science Faculty Advisor: Dr. James Cain, Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology NRCT The Federal Government has recently established policies to enhance renewable energy projects, in particular, wind energy, which is known to negatively impact volant species. Our objectives are to: 1) assess occupancy of historic breeding territories by golden eagles, a federally protected species, and 2) determine their seasonal patterns of occupancy in areas proposed for wind energy development on BLM lands in southeastern and south-central New Mexico. Diurnal surveys for golden eagles and nocturnal surveys for their prey are conducted monthly in three different locations. To date, golden eagles have exhibited a pattern of occurrence that appears to be influenced by the abundance of their primary prey.

Darius Norris “Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Algal Biomass” Major: Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shuguang Deng, Chemical and Materials Enineering AMP Micro-algae has been proposed as an appropriate source for hydrocarbons due to their high yield of lipid and carbohydrate-rich biomass per acre. Although algae has proven that it would be a great renewable and sustainable resource, algae has yet to be viably produced on a commercial scale such as solar energy, hydroelectric energy, geothermal energy, etc. In this experiment Hydrothermal Liquefaction will be performed on algal biomass to convert biomass into energy dense bio-crude oil. As a result of doing this process we have found that at higher temperatures and pressure, bio-crude yields increase also. These results then again show us that algal biomass is a great renewable and sustainable resource but fails to show how to develop crude oil on a commercial scale and remaining within functional bio-crude yields.

Rachel Oestreich “If They Are Not Dead” Major: English w/ Emphasis: Creative Writing Faculty Advisor: Prof. Lily Hoang, English Honors Thesis If They Are Not Dead is a written creative project composed of the retelling of classic fairy tales with a grounding in literary speculative and science fiction. It seeks to catapult the original, magical fairy tales into the genre of speculative fiction, utilizing the age of the characters and the themes common in Young Adult literature, such as the hero’s journey through a new experience to explore the ways in which advancements in technology can impact the human experience. Additionally, the stories in this collection attempt to investigate highly interpersonal relationships through both interactions with each other and interactions with the simulated and technology-fueled setting around them. Garrett Overcast “Design and synthesis of mixed citrate/hydroxypyridinone chelators: Analogs of the ‘stealth’ siderophore Petrobactin” Major: B.S. Biochemistry Faculty Advisor: Mr. Aravamudan Gopalan, Chemistry and Biochemistry MARC

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Petrobactin, PB, is the siderophore secreted by Bacillus Anthracis to obtain iron from its host. PB relies on a citrate and two unusual 3,4-catechol moieties to achieve iron binding. It is a “stealth” siderophore because it is able to evade the human immune system; however, it is unknown how it evades the immune system. In this study, analogs of PB have been designed and synthesized. Specifically, the citrate core remains but the catechol ligands have been replaced by either 3-hydroxypyridin-2-one or 3-hydroxypyridin-4-one ligands anchored by an alkyl chain. The synthetic route to these new mixed ligand siderophores will be presented. William Peck, Lindsey Skowlund “Wearable frame and electronic stimulator casings for chronic in vivo stimulation of live aquatic animals” Major: Industrial Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Julieta Valles, Industrial Engineer Dr. Graciela Unguez, Dr. Wei Tang and Dr. Julieta Valles The designs currently available to record the output of nervous systems in aquatic animals is limited and wanting. We have initiated the development of a biologically compatible 3D-printed backpack for physiological studies of fish. This backpack is designed to fit the fish and allow it to swim freely while carrying waterproof enclosures holding a miniaturized stimulator and battery. Current design modifications include: a) selection and testing of compressive, flexible, waterproof, and lightweight materials for the structure, and b) ergonomic fit. The proposed backpack can have various applications and a major impact on the future of aquatic wearable devices.

Edauri Navarro Pérez “Anti-bacterial properties of allelopathic chemicals” Major: Environmental Sciences Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wiebke Boeing, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology Natural Resources Career Track It is important to control pathogenic bacteria but bacteria are developing resistance to antibiotics. Like antibiotics, allelochemicals can inhibit growth. These chemicals may be produced when plants or lower-level organisms are exposed to competitors, exuding substances that inhibit competitor’s development. The objective of my research was to test if allelochemicals produced from a mixture of microalga Chlorella sorokiniana 1228 and Coelastrella spec. can inhibit bacterial growth. Allelochemicals in LB media were tested on four different bacteria and a fungus and compared to respective controls. I found that the allelochemicals were able to inhibit some bacteria and might be a promising antibiotic.

Fernando Perez, Mahmoud Alfailakawi, Saleh Aladwani, Ammar Alsayed, Zawawi Alzawawi“Facility Planning and Re-Design for Shrimp Production in New Mexico” Major: Industrial Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Delia Valles-Rosales, Industrial Engineering Dr. Delia Valles and Dr. Tracey Carrillo Shrimp is becoming a culinary trend in New Mexico and its demand has grown in way that current production operations have become affected by the limitations in space. This research project proposes an approach to plan and re-design a facility for shrimp production. The methodology consists of considering current output and throughput trends, material flow, and facility layout designs to identify potential bottle necks in a new facility being constructed. Results will be tested by a facility design simulation that will be performed to provide a baseline for optimal relationships (equipment location and material flow).

Lauren Lujan Pincomb “Design and Synthesis of Selective GTPase Probes” Major: B.S. Biochemistry/B.A. Chemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Arterburn, Chemistry and Biochemistry MARC

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Rab7 GTPase regulates late endocytic membrane transport and is involved in maintaining proper balance of neuronal differentiation and growth. Abnormal regulation of Rab7 is implicated in diseases including cancer, immune disorders and neurological diseases. We have focused on the development of fluorescent small molecule Rab7 activators to probe the binding mechanisms through in vitro assays and investigate cellular responses through imaging. We have synthesized a series of Rab7 targeted anthranilic acid activators. Using a fluorescent HPY dye possessing an allylic sulfone group we have investigated cross metathesis labeling to synthesize novel Rab7 activator probes. Kaydee Porras,Thomas Cisneros “Comparison and Analysis of Purple and Yellow Achillea Millefolium” Major: Psychology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Laura Rodriguez-Uribe, Plan & Environmental Sciences CAMP Achillea Millefolium, commonly called “Yarrow”, was used by the Greek hero Achilles to heal his soldiers during the Troyan war. Then it was brought and spread in America by the colonists. Some of its common medical uses are to relief anxiety, abrasion and wound pain, reduce inflammation, stop spasms, shrink tumors, and help blood to clot. There are more than 200 Yarrow species and they spread rapidly.Previous research has demonstrated that all Yarrow plants contain Alpha-pinene, Terpineol, Thujone-Acetate and Coumarin. Also, it has been shown that these compounds, containing medicinal properties, are present in the leaves.

Lindsay Redman “Biochemical Characterization of the Mutant Deinococcus radiodurans RecA Q313R Protein” Major: Biochemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shelley Lusetti, Chemistry and Biochemistry Honors Thesis, HHMI RecA is a highly conserved recombinase protein and RecN is a structural maintenance of chromosomes like protein; both are important for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Previous studies show E. coli strains harboring the recAQ300R mutation fail to interact with RecN. To examine this, the mutant RecAQ313R was assessed for functionality in vitro. Analyzing the ATPase activity, RecAQ313R was shown to hydrolyze ATP on ssDNA and not dsDNA. It binds with a higher affinity to duplex DNA, and is proficient in DNA strand exchange but has a kinetic defect. In conclusion, we confirmed RecAQ313R is a functional recombinase, and was observed to interact with RecN in the final stages of homologous recombination. Rachel Ridgeway “A High Resolution Raman System for Studying Hydrophobic Forces In Surfactant Free Aqueous Emulsions” Major: Physics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jacob Urquidi, Physics AMP We have been engaged in understanding the physics involved in the formation of surfactant free aqueous emulsions. It has been demonstrated that hydrophobic materials can form emulsions with water if all of the dissolved gasses had been removed. Understanding the amount of each species of dissolved gasses during emulsion preparation will allow us to investigate the hydrophobic forces involved by studying the physical properties of the ensuing emulsion. We have chosen to employ Raman Spectroscopy to provide this information by integrating our high resolution vacuum spectrometers into our Raman system in order to carefully characterize the water samples. Chelsea Rodriguez “Consequences of getting old: how animal biochemical responses change with age” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Giancarlo Lopez-Martinez, Biology Department AMP

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Mild stress stimulates adaptive responses in order to protect against damage and prevent future damage from stress. We are evaluating the ability of Tenebrio molitor at ameliorating oxidative stress at different ages. Pupae and adult beetles were exposed to prolonged treatments under anoxic conditions. In an anoxia dose response experiment, we found that exposure to prolonged anoxic conditions in pupae led to an increase in longevity during adulthood. Additionally, the ability to tolerate anoxia declines with age. Because cellular stress responses are evolutionarily conserved, we expect that these findings could be applied to other systems including human during various stressors. Rodrigo Rodriguez “Iron Oxide Nanorods for Lithium-Ion Batteries” Major: Chemical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Hongmei Luo, Chemical and Materials Engineering AMP The interest in developing new electrode materials for the lithium ion batteries (LIBs) has been increasing drastically because of the surging demands for this form of clean energy. LIBs with different electrode materials that have high cycling, high rate capacity, low-cost and low toxicity are needed. The purpose of this project was to investigate the effects of a nanorod structure on LIB performance. Cyclic voltammetry, impedance, rate and cycling performance were all investigated for the nanospherical and nanorod morphologies of iron oxide.

Ivana Rodriguez “Progress toward constructing a karyotype for Arachis hypogaea L (peanut)” Major: Biology & Genetics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jackson, Dr. Pearl, University of Georgia SoyMap Summer Research Program Despite the many promising aspects of the peanut crop, limited genetic information has presented a challenge to the advancement of peanut breeding. Here, we present progress in developing a fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)-based karyotype for peanut, using probes that target highly abundant tandem repeat sequences throughout the genome. We expect these repetitive sequences to aid in the construction of a complete karyotype. Ultimately, this work will complement the sequencing of the peanut genome, further advancing efforts to apply molecular breeding to peanut.

Edward Rojas, Georgina Thiebaud, Scott Campbell, Melissa Ochoa, Abdulrahman Alozainah “Optimization of Cottonseed Extraction using Cryogenic Dehuller and Shaker” Major: Mechanical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Young Park, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering USDA I-DISCOVER This project involves improving the process of cottonseed extraction from its hull. The goal is to speed up the process by integrating a cryogenic dehulling machine with shakers so that an operator doesn’t have to constantly transport the materials to the different machines or adjust the machines. Using a combination of air conveyors and blower motors attached to the dehuller, a system is derived and upon its completion, it is estimated to generate enough profit so that many farmers can purchase the gin trash and turn it into a viable business for food, cattle feed, or an ingredient of biodiesel. Zachary Romero “Investigation of the DNA Damage Induced protein DinD, and its effect on DNA Synthesis” Major: Biochemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shelley Lusetti, Chemistry and Biochemistry MARC

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The integrity of DNA is constantly challenged by exogenous and endogenous factors. Many proteins are involved in this constant battle to maintain genomic stability. The protein DinD is one of many proteins up-regulated during the bacterial DNA damage response. Previous work has shown that DinD acts to disassemble the filaments of the recombinase protein, RecA when added to an ongoing DNA strand exchange reaction. The in vivo functions of this activity are not completely understood. Here we present experiments designed to investigate whether DinD functions allow DNA polymerases to synthesize new DNA at the site of double strand breaks. Hridindu Roychowdhury “Solving the structure of P. Denitrificans’ Zinc binding protein, Pden1597, using x-ray crystallography” Major: Biochemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Erik Yukl, Biochemistry and Chemistry Dr. Erik Yukl Pden1597, native to the soil bacterium Paracoccus denitrificans, is a periplasmic zinc binding protein that is part of an ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter system for transition metal acquisition. There are several known homologues in pathogenic bacteria, wherein competition between host and pathogen for transition metals serves as one facet of the pathogen’s virulence. As such, characterizing the structure and function of Pden1597 may serve the development of novel treatments for resistant bacterial infection. Recombinant Pden1597 was expressed and purified from the E. coli periplasm using anion exchange and size exclusion chromatography. Initial crystallization hits identified by high-throughput screening were optimized in house to yield an x-ray crystal structure at 2.7 Å resolution. The overall structure is similar to those observed for homologous proteins, but the metal binding site is unusual among Zn-specific solute binding proteins characterized to date.

Andrea Salazar “Tumbleweed Mitigation Through Biochar Production” Major: Chemical Engineering Faculty Advisor: Catherine Brewer, Chemical and Materials Engineering AMP Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus), which turns into “tumbleweed” when it dries, is an invasive species and poses a threat to surrounding native vegetation and ecosystems. In addition to competing with native plants for water and nutrients, tumbleweed creates fire and traffic hazards, dramatically reduces crop yields, promotes wind erosion of soil, and causes allergies when flowering. There have been numerous control measures tested but these have yet to give satisfactory results. Pyrolysis, a thermochemical process that transforms biomass through heating under limited-oxygen conditions, can be used to make tumbleweed into biochar and renewable energy.

Kathryn Sanchez “Developing policy to address the shortage of neurologists who treat multiple sclerosis” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elba Serrano, Biology Honors Thesis, BP-ENDURE (BRAiN) Demand for physicians could increase by 4% as a result of the implementation of the Affordable Healthcare Act. Neurologists are facing the brunt of this shortage, as patients wait 28 days on average to see a neurologist compared to the average wait of 15.5 days in cardiology. Patients with Multiple sclerosis (MS) specifically face the burden of this physician shortage because general neurologists feel that they lack the specific knowledge to treat MS. While many of the factors that contribute to the lack of MS subspecialists are known, the types of policies that can be implemented to ameliorate this shortage have not been fully investigated. Herein I will propose a strategic policy for hospitals that implements educational programs in neurodegenerative diseases and leverages the resources of existing not-for-profit organizations that are concerned with treatment for MS patients.

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Maria Gabriela Solano, Marisol Burciaga “Analysis and Improvement of the Cottonseed Dehulling Process” Major: Industrial Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Delia Valles-Rosales, Industrial Engineering BGREEN USDA This project focuses in a couple of machines created to break cottonseeds by extracting kernels. The first machine is called Cryogenic Dehuller. The blades installed in this machine help separate the hulls from the kernels. Blades can be used in two different rotations, sharp and blunt. The rotations could take effect in the outcome and some trials are being tested to define its best way for the good quality of the kernel. Fuzzy cottonseeds running through the Cryogenic Dehuller can be mixed with dry ice or liquid nitrogen.The second dehulling machine can be used with and without steam conditioning for the dehulling process.This research presents a new method for cottonseed dehulling processes. Retrieving undamaged cottonseed kernels for development of new food and feed products is a way to add value to cotton. Cottonseed can be dehulled to obtain whole kernels, which can be used to produce food protein concentrates for animals, as well as for oil extraction and human consumption as a packaged snack. Hulls can be used for cattle feed. Current methods used to dehull cottonseed provide a low percentage of undamaged kernels. The undamaged kernels are most desirable for new markets.

Sergio Sotelo “Observing the Adoption of Solar PV Technology in New Mexico: An Economic Analysis” Major: Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ram Acharya, Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business Honors Thesis Public policy and other socio-economics factors drive the adoption of renewable energies. In the particular case of New Mexico, these play a significant role setting and projecting trends for Solar Photovoltaic technology. This research intends to discuss the impact, significance and potential change of agents conducting to an optimal scenario of utilization.

Marian Rodriguez-Soto“Impacts of Energy Development on Invertebrates within in the Nutt Grasslands of South Central New Mexico”Major: Agricultural ScienceFaculty Advisor: Dr. Martha Desmond, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation EcologyNRCT

Energy development is increasing, however, little is known related to impacts on invertebrates. This research is an effort to understand the impact of a solar facility in the Nutt grasslands of south central New Mexico on the invertebrate community. Insects were sampled using pitfall traps at 100 plots in five distance rings from the facility. My research compares insect abundance on plots at the fourth distance ring (1200 m) with plots on the solar facility. Results indicate substantial differences in insect abundance. Differences in community composition will also be discussed.

Anahi Soto “Uptake of Nutrients from the Source and Increasing the Growth Rate for Biofuel Production” Major: Civil Engineering Faculty Advisor: Dr. Nirmala Khandan, Civil Engineering AMP In this study we focused on a new and integrated approach of growing microalgae by treating wastewater at the same time. This can be achieved as wastewater mainly contains a high quantity of nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, in an aqueous environment which favors the growth of microalgae. Microalgae are an eco-friendly way to remove those nutrients. The main focus of this study is to demonstrate the uptake of nutrients by Galderia Sulphuraria (fresh water algae) and evaluate its growth in an outdoor environment. This research determines the viability of substituting the use of fossil fuels in the near future.

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Megan Stovall “Wind Erosion and its Presence in the Nutt Grasslands” Major: Soils Science Faculty Advisor: Mr. David DuBois, Plant and Environmental Sciences NRCT Anthropogenic alterations in the environment such as construction sites or dirt roads could increase the area’s chance of becoming a source of dust, which could potentially have negative environmental impacts on an area. The Nutt Grasslands could be subject to erosion after the construction of the Macho Springs Solar Plant. The objective of this study is to determine whether the First Solar Plant is a source of dust within the installation area. Soil samples will be taken to characterize the area, dust samples will be taken after significant wind events as well as monthly, and the weather will be monitored.

Martin Teran “Responses of bed bugs to chemical barriers treated with botanical products” Major: Wildlife and Conservation Management Faculty Advisor: Dr. Alvaro Romero, Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science AMP

Bed bugs have resurged in many part of the world including the United States. There is a growing interest for repellents that protect people while sleeping. I am investigating responses of bed bugs to surfaces treated with botanical insecticides. A first group of essential oils were evaluated: Carvacrol, Citronellic acid, Trans-cinnamaldehyde, Geraniol and Eugenol. Most of the bed bugs were reluctant to crawl over areas treated with Carvacrol, Citronellic acid and Geraniol to reach a heat source and take a blood meal. From the practical standpoint my findings indicate that chemical barriers around bedding areas might discourage wandering bed bugs from reaching a host.

Megan Thompson “Other Desert Cities” Costume Design” Major: Theatre Arts Faculty Advisor: Ms. Guenevere McMahon, Theatre Arts Theatre Arts Department

Jon Robin Baits’s family drama, Other Desert Cities, centers on the Wyeths, an upper-class family living in Palm Springs and the events that threaten to reveal their deepest secret. For the design, the director, Josh Chenard, wanted to focus on how each character embodies and represents different elements. The color story of the play was cohesive between all of the characters and utilized colors of the desert to showcase different aspects of the characters’ personalities. The structure of each outfit was very important in detailing the difference in the ideologies and the conflict between the older and younger Wyeths.

Arthur Tillbrook “Unearthing Dreams in Long Narrative Form” Major: English, Philosophy Faculty Advisor: Prof. Lily Hoang, English Honors Thesis This project aspires to explore the nature of dreams in a creative context. Through the use of experimental form of narrative and shifting point of view, this project delves into how dreams are conceived through language and narratives. A work of fiction can capture aspects of dreams that cannot be expressed in any other way. I aim to capture at least a glimmer of what dreams could be. Interiority of characters will be a necessary in component in developing this exploration of dreams, and fiction can achieve interiority in a manner unlike most other mediums.

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Alyssa Trujillo “Modeling the Control of Malaria” Major: Applied Mathematics Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mary Ballyk, Department of Mathematical Sciences AMP Malaria is transmitted to an uninfected human by the bite of an infectious mosquito, and also transmitted to an uninfected mosquito through a blood meal from an infectious human. A basic mathematical model for this interaction is described and the mathematical analysis detailing the long-term behavior of solutions is summarized. However, the malaria parasite requires an incubation period before it can be transmitted. An extension of the basic model that incorporates this latent period is described. Control methods that shorten the life span enough so that the incubation process cannot be completed might effectively curtail the spread of the disease.

Thomas Vigil “Growth dynamics of Williopsis saturnus related to exopolysaccharide production” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Geoffrey Smith, Biology MARC

A yeast bacterium co-culture was isolated in R2A agar plates from a low pH hydrogren producing bioreactor with compost (Johnson, 2011). Gas Chromatography analysis of the bubbles’ gas space identified the significant enrichment of hydrogen, most probably produced by the prokaryotic component of the co-culture, while the growth of the isolated yeast showed the production of an exopolysaccharide (EPS) directly related to the formation of the bubbles. The production of the EPS by the yeast, presumptively identified as Williopsis saturnus, has been related to the growth dynamics of the organism by measuring the content of EPS secreted to the media during different stages in the yeast growth. Dialysis was used to purify EPS from media and phenol/sulfuric acid assay along with optical density readings was used to quantify polymer production during yeast culture growth. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was then used to characterize the purified EPS.

Melissa Vigil “The Perception of Privacy in an Online World” Major: Journalism & Mass Communications Faculty Advisor: Prof. James Leonhardt, Marketing Honors Thesis With sites like Twitter and Instagram growing in popularity – not to mention the powerhouse social networking site that is Facebook – it is now easier than ever to track users and build a database of information based solely on their online behaviors. The present research highlights factors possibly affecting users’ privacy perceptions in social media. In addition, it considers how privacy concerns may influence users’ preferred modes of interaction in social media (e.g. “liking” vs. “sharing”).

Justin Waters “Asymmetric [2,3] Stevens Rearrangement and Synthesis of Novel Molecules” Major: Biology Faculty Advisor: William Maio, Chemistry MARC The Stevens Rearrangement is an effective way to transform an ammonium ylide into an amino ester, and this can be done without selectivity currently. An Asymmetric Stevens rearrangement would be the same transformation of an ammonium ylide to an amino ester but would have selectivity. Interestingly, in this reaction the nitrogen being used to aminate the olefin will become a nitrogen stereocenter in the transition state. The development of new methods is important for synthetic chemists in order to create more ways to synthesize complex molecules.

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Denali Wilson “New Mexico State University: The ‘Cowboy-Business-Military Complex’ and Vietnam Era Protest” Major: History Faculty Advisor: Dr. Peter Kopp, History History Senior Seminar In 1902, the New Mexico State University Board of Regents instituted mandatory ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) for entering male students. This was a policy that remained uncontested for many years, but in the context of widespread contention over foreign policy in Vietnam, students and faculty led a sustained campaign against the program. Dissenting students called into question much more than this singular ROTC policy. Through their demands for academic freedom and racial equality, they challenged dominant concepts of ‘good citizenship’ and the social role of the university.

Leif Winstead “Kinetics of Crystal Violet Inside Reverse Micelles” Major: Chemistry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Michael Johnson, Chemistry and Biochemistry Honors Thesis

The use of reverse micelles (RMs) to produce well ordered nanoparticles has been extensively reported over the past decade.1 RM interior environments provide excellent size and shape control for the synthesis of single crystals and nanoparticles of metals such as iron2 or germanium.3 In additional, RMs have been employed to carry out specific metalloprotein extractions4 or used as delivery platforms for metallodrugs.5 Studies of enzymatic activity confined within RMs have also been reported.6 Reverse micelles are spherical assemblies of surfactants surrounding a water core. The size and numbers of waters within this pool can be regulated by the concentration ratio of surfactant to water, wo = [H2O]/[AOT].7 We studied the bleaching of crystal violet (CV) resulting from the attack of OH- and CN- on the sp2 central carbon of CV in both bulk water and reverse micelles to form both trityl-alcohol and trityl-cyano molecules.

Chiann-Ling Yeh “Sarcomere disassembly during tail regeneration in the adult fish Sternopygus macrurus” Major: Genetics & Biotechnology Faculty Advisor: Dr. Graciela Unguez, Biology HHMI, NIH Severe muscle wasting diseases are largely due to disassembly of sarcomeres - contractile units that generate force and movement. Surprisingly, little is known about sarcomere disassembly processes. I study the spatial and temporal disassembly of sarcomere proteins during the transdifferentiation of muscle to electric organ in the vertebrate Sternopygus macrurus. Immunolabeling studies are informed by ultrastructural data from electron micrographs. To date, my data support a step-wise order of sarcomere dismantling that appears in reverse order of one current model of sarcomere assembly in development (Sparrow and Schöck, 2009). Further studies will prompt comparative and mechanistic insights to sarcomere stability.

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