First Year Research Conference Agenda
University Center Ballroom A
8:30-9:15
Decompression Sickness In Whales, Dolphins, And Porpoises Resulting From Manmade Noise Pollution
Adrian Lopez, Ashytn Elizondo, Carolyn Hopkins, Savannah Stone
This presentation will inform the audience about decompression sickness in whales, dolphins, and porpoises resulting from manmade noise
pollution. There are three main proposed mechanisms that explain how low frequency, high decibel noise causes decompression sickness in whales,
dolphins, and porpoises.
Coastal Beach Erosion
Keri Reyes, Shelby Parker, Kayla Merklinger
Coastal beach erosion is a major issue around the world that many people are not aware of. Our presentation will be a film covering beach
erosion explanation and how important it is to save our beaches. The audience will learn new ways to keep our beaches by preventing beach erosion.
Sustaining Elevated Creatine Levels In The Body
Bryan Alaniz, Kristina Brandes, Ninfa Juarez, Paul Mireles, Erick Reyes
An overview of the mechanisms and beneficial functions of creatine, its role in athletics and clinical settings, as well as proposed research to
retain elevated creatine levels in the body.
9:30-10:15
Social security And You!
Connor Shaw
This proposal to Congress will help people understand that the social security crisis is figuratively right around the corner and is going to
impact America greatly. It will establish a possible alternative solution to benefit our generation and generations to come and keep our elderly out of
poverty.
White Paper To Increase STEM Teacher's Treatment
Boning Zhu
America really needs to improve STEM teachers’ treatment; in order to attract more STEM teachers and promote STEM education.
Advocating For The Dream Act To Make The American Dream Possible
Nathaniel Munoz, Tasha Brown, Mark Menchaca
America is a country made up of immigrants. The Dream Act is a proposal to help Illegals have a chance to become American citizens. It is
our Call of Duty to see this bill through and make sure it gets passed through the Senate.
First Year Research Conference Agenda
10:30-11:15
Anti-internet Censorship & Net Neutrality For The Sake Of Global Free Speech
Alexander Luna
With the internet as one of the few free mediums that the world has left, authoritarian countries/communist governments seek to censor
citizens, and prevent the spread of information. This presentation addresses the concerns of internet censorship, and encourages the implementation of
net neutrality for global free speech, via a video presentation.
Don’t Waste, Appreciate
Chris Diggs, Darren Warren, Junior Cortez
This presentation will have a poster and power point up as each of us guide the panel through the material in which we’ve covered about the
issue of plastic and paper waste throughout America. I also created a Facebook page with facts, pictures, and daily knowledge about wastefulness.
A Woman’s Peaceful Society
Reynaldo Ortiz
People around the world, mostly women, are victims of gender-based persecutions. These persecutions can either be based off religion, for
community purposes, or sexual persecutions throughout the nations, not only in the U.S.
11:30-12:15 Panel : Recycling And Global Warming: Aluminum, Plastic And E-waste
Natalia Chaves
Obsolete electronic devices are known as e-waste. The creation of new technologies is making that e-waste is becoming an
increasing issue, that need, not only attention, but also a promptly solution. E-waste is composed by hazardous materials that are causing damage to
our environment, and also to human health.
Jennifer Hoang
The production of aluminum is an energy extensive process that can create many negative impacts on the earth. If recycled, it
takes 95% less energy to recycle old aluminum into new products than make aluminum from bauxite ore. Recycling in general can be influential to
both the earth and citizens.
Emily Nawara
Release of greenhouse gases to atmosphere are causing global warming through various activities caused by human influence or
natural occurrence. Global warming affects many different aspects of life including animals, plants, landmasses, and the daily lives of humans. The
results of global warming could damage the environment beyond repair and cause extinction of species due to the destruction of ecosystems.
Kathryn Rule
Plastic bottles have economic, health, and environmental costs and benefits. While offering the advantages of flexibility and
light weight, they create problems including: consumption of non-renewable resources; pollution; high energy use in manufacturing; and accumulation
of wasted plastic in the environment. Plastic bottles are also 100% recyclable and the recycled resin can be used to make more bottles or even various
textiles and packaging.
First Year Research Conference Agenda
12:30-1:15 Panel : Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Comprehensive Analysis Of Formation, Exploration, Environmental Effects, And Cleanup–
Matthew Meyers
This presentation looks at the environmental effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, specifically the science behind the spill
and some of the political debates over the response, along with possible solutions to these issues
Kriselda Godines
This presentation is over the formation of oil and gas; to include the geological and political processes behind formation and
solution to debates and problems
Danielle Zarate
This presentation covers the exploration of oil and gas; to include the geological and political process behind formation and
solution to debates and problems.
Duc Tran
In response to the explosion of Deepwater Horizon oil rig, British Petroleum corporation (BP) tried to clean up to the oil spilled
using subsea recovery system, dispersant, skimmers and in situ-burning. While BP’s behaviors are economic driven, the government’s involvement
are more administrative and motivated by public interest.
1:30-2:15 Panel : The Future Of Energy: Alternative Or Renewable?
Carmen Osier
Vertical drilling and hydraulic fracturing of shale gas has become an economical way to extract natural gas from areas in Texas.
Harvesting natural gas locally may end our dependence on foreign oil but there are detrimental side-effects to the water in the participating
communities of pollution and over usage.
Laura Pulgarin
Texas has great conditions for solar energy implementation. However, this resource is not being well used by the state. Among
reasons why this is happening, there are low incentives and enroll from government and high costs of the required devices.
First Year Research Conference Agenda
2:30-3:15
The Need Of Physical Education To Prevent Obesity In America
Matthew Westmoreland, Gergo Weidinger
Have you noticed that obesity is occurring everywhere? 72 million people in the U. S. are considered overweight or obese, and 25 million are
children. Our presentation will provide solutions that will help to prevent the continual growth of obesity focusing on the American education system.
Las Brisas: No Bueno!
Ashley Zamora, Kristopher Rodriguez, Samantha Kraatz, Taylor Nichols
This video presentation will give the audience an in-depth look at Las Brisas, a coal-fired power plant that may be coming to Corpus Christi.
The presentation will outline how Las Brisas will negatively affect the health and environment of local citizens.
Does The Punishment Fit The Crime?
Amber Aguirre, Anjelina Abecia
Sex Trafficking is still an on-going issue in the 21st century and little is known and done in the prevention of such a horrendous activity. This
video presentation examines what can be done in order to prevent such an act from continuing unpunished.
3:30-4:15
Carukia Barnesi: The True Irukandji Jellyfish Causing Irukandji Syndrome
Shannon Barfield, Clarivel Chavez, Alexa Heath, Ashley Shadwick
Carukia barnesi, the true Irukandji jellyfish, is a tiny jellyfish that causes Irukandji syndrome. When the C. barnesi venom enters the blood
stream, the body releases catecholamines. The increase in catecholamines causes the cardiovascular system to fail. Experiments conducted have
shown progress towards finding and anti-venom for the Irukandji syndrome.
Water Pollution
Celeste Drago, Payton Koranek, Diana Lopez, Amy Stadter
In our presentation we will discuss the affects that water pollution has on you; how you play a role in polluting water, and possible ways that
you can help prevent it. We will introduce the subject and show a video informing about the issues dealing with water pollution.
Will Different Food Sources Effect Toxic Accumulation Within A Puffer Fish?
Rachel Courtney, Nicole Thomas, Kelsey Tinoco, Grace Walton
We will present an experiment to investigate how puffer fish obtains its toxin. The Japanese culture favors the puffer fish to eat, which raises
poisoning risks among the people. It is beneficial to understand where puffer fish obtains its toxin from.
First Year Research Conference Agenda
University Center Ballroom B
9:00-9:45
Werner syndrome and anti-aging mechanism
Mark Melendez, Nhi Nguyen, Shyla Rowzee, Katy Valentine
Teomeres have shown to be shortened significantly by the premature aging disease Werner syndrome. Vitamin C a powerful anti-oxidant has
been shown to reverse some of the aging effects of Werner Syndrome and restore healthy aging in mice.
The Hot Planet
Brittany Figueroa
Global warming has caused damage to Earth due to the high carbon dioxide gases, methane, and other gases found in the atmosphere called
greenhouse gases. These greenhouse gases have affected the climate and wildlife and caused health issues and changes in the North Pole’s ice caps.
Destruction of Coral Reefs
Rebecca Foster
A bright, colorful, coral reef, showing through clear ocean water with thousands of different species swimming around is a beautiful image.
Little do you know that this reef may be in danger of dying and could disappear in the next few years or so due to human environmental activity.
10:00-10:45
CHIPing Away Health Benefits
Samantha Hoover, Kristin Mosley, Muriah Mata
You think you are in the “invincible age”? Think again. Health insurance is a vital necessity for every age including those of the young adult
category. Health care reform needs to be expanded to include 19-26 year olds that have exceeded the CHIP age requirements.
A Students Call To Duty: Where Is Our Funding For Our Future?
Madison Scott, Kelsey Hawk
Education is the stepping stone to attaining the quintessential American dream. The extreme budget cuts in education are going to lead to a
whole generation of uneducated, uninformed citizens. Education is the key to success, and it is our call of duty to inform Americans of the grievous
action and make change happen.
The Gun Show Loophole Closing Act
Genesis Rodriguez
The Gun Show Loophole Closing Act will close a gap in the law which “allows individual not ‘engaged in the business’ of selling firearms to
sell guns without a license and without processing any paperwork.” It will require stricter regulations for gun operators and criminal background
checks.
First Year Research Conference Agenda
11:00-11:45
Protect Ocean From Oil Spill
Yangyang Wang, Ao Gao, Yang Liu, Natasha Brady
This presentation will examine the negative impact of oil spills. We will break down our research into four subtopics: why we chose this topic,
how oil spills happen, the effects of oil spills, and how to prevent wastes from entering the ocean. We will use power point form to show our research.
Marine Pollution and Conservation
Sarah D. Smith, Thi Nguyen, Xingyan Yue, Yanyan Ma
Living right on the coast means that residents here are usually more attuned to the marine ecosystem. So, our group has taken this, researched,
expanded, and sought the major causes of marine pollution, discovered how it really affects us, and looked at what we can do about it
An Investigation of the Longoria Affair
Cintia Hinojosa
A presentation on the findings of an investigation for the truth behind the highly debated “Longoria Affair, and event of racial discrimination
towards a deceased veteran who was refused chapel service, in which Dr. Hector P. Garcia intervened to achieve justice.
12:00-12:45
Salmon Endangerment And The Effects It Has On The Environment
Josh Sheehan
There are many concerns along the West Coast regarding the delicate ecosystem, primarily the Colombia River and the salmon population.
This power point session will discuss current research, possible solutions, and how Congress has turned a blind eye to this monumental problem.
The Dissolution Of Sea Urchin Shells Due To The Increase In CO2 Concentrations In The Ocean
Benjamin Smith, Paul Merryman, Cleo Garza, Steven Rodriguez, Kevin Melgar
Recent researchers have used sea urchins as a representation of how increasing levels of CO2 in the water is affecting sea life. CO2 shows
multiple effects on early sea urchin life such as the dissolving of their shells and a decrease in their growth rate.
Type 1 Diabetes: Islet Transplantation Of Pancreatic Beta Cells And Autoimmunity
Taylor Counts, Alyssa Dawson, Trenton Dawson, Meaghan Vassaur
Islet transplantation which consist of retrieving beta cells from cadaver pancreas’ is a temporary cure for type 1 diabetes. There is a high
demand for pancreases; therefore, researchers are finding alternate pathways to retrieve beta cells and understand cell recognition to resolve
autoimmunity issues.
First Year Research Conference Agenda
1:00-1:45
Coal Use In Texas
Liuja Chen, Minghang Lu, Beija Muniz
Coal is becoming a dominant source of energy causing severe diseases from chemicals in coal-fired power plants. The connection with the
environmental problems and health problems from these plants is just in the matter of informing students. Our presentation focuses on the dangers of
coal-fired power plants.
Link Between Animal Cruelty And Human Violence
Samantha Hill, Leanne Saldana, Brenda Martinez
This presentation will discuss and give evidence to how cruelty towards animals has been connected to violent actions towards humans and
ways to prevent these things from happening in the future.
Vitamin D Deficiency In Relation To Osteoporosis
Christi Castillo, Marissa Gutierrez, Corinna Pacheco, Nailea Marroquin, Daniel Lopez
This presentation will inform the audience of the effects of vitamin D deficiency in relation to osteoporosis.
2:00-2:45
Water Pollution
Yxin Zhang, Lanlan Zhang, Yifang Dang, An Zhou
In this presentation, we will introduce the background and status quo of water pollution, and play our video which shows causes and
consequences of water pollution. We will also convey the standpoints of the Texas government, interest group, and the masses about water pollution,
then call on the public to reduce water pollution.
Proposals For Job Creation
Lucio DeLeon
Two different proposals regarding job creation will be discussed. One will discuss the possibility of reducing our nations work hours and the
other will discuss the creation of specific new establishments.
The Cytotoxic Effects Of Tri-n-butyl Phosphate On Brine Shrimp
Becca Riley, Mariah Fritz, Katelin Stroman, Bethany Wallace, Dustin Smith
Tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) is a chemical in drilling muds which are essential in drilling processes but can be dangerous to the environment.
Our question is how cytotoxicity in different levels of TBP affects brine shrimp egg and larval development.
First Year Research Conference Agenda
3:00-3:45
A Look At How Global Warming Effects In Texas
Dana Tulk, Ashlyn Garlanger, Rhonin Dang, Zhuoxuan Zhang
This presentation will discuss global warming and the effects Texas will feel. Our powerpoint presentation will explain what exactly global
warming is as well as showing a public service announcement depicting the future if global warming continues on the same path it is on.
Oceans At Crisis Due To Pollution
Artug Altug, Jaime Ortiz II, Nargiz Dadashova, Yi Dong
Our presentation is about ocean pollution. Our power point will illustrate the pollution in the oceans. The main points we will speak about are:
human activities; human interference; laws and regulations; marine life; and the consequences of pollution that we are now facing.
BP oil spill
Kuang Yi Liu, Jun Jiang, Chenyi Ma, Ziyih Wang
The presentation is about how the British Petroleum (BP) oil spill caused economic, environmental, and ecological results. By presenting this
presentation, we urge the audience to not allow the government to let BP off the hook so easily. We encourage support for higher EPA regulations.
4:00-4:45
Wind Energy as An Effective Solution To Energy Demands
Hayden Wood
With the world oil reserves decreasing and a predicted drop in world liquid production, alternative sources of energy are not growing fast
enough to fill the inevitable shortage of electrical energy. This presentation proves the cost-effectiveness, benefits, and ened for clean renewable wind
energy production.
Heal The Forests, Heal The World
Elizabeth Brown, Jamira Baniqued, Rene Zamora, Kristin Rincon
The majority of the planet’s medicinal plants live in forests. Nonetheless, humans unknowingly kill these significant plants through
deforestation, and thus kill opportunities for new discoveries that could save human lives. We will raise awareness of this critical issue by presenting
our research.
Recycling
Xin Wang, Tayler Godsey, Mariela Vzquez, Anthony Huber
This video will expose how our campus does not recycle and has no part in recycling. Also, we will talk about how the students on campus do
not have enough access to the blue bins.
First Year Research Conference Agenda
University Center Ballroom C
10:00-10:45
Genetic effects of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Marcos Garcia, Ashley Garza, Jessie Castanier, Shelbi Thomason
This presentation will inform the audience about the most supported genes thought to be associated with ADHD, while discussing how the
environment may play a role in causing ADHD.
Extraction and Analysis of Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Corpus Christi Bay
Nicholas Hunt, Kaleb Kruger, Byron Pillow, Cori Speights
We will present our experiment testing levels of aromatic hydrocarbons in waters surround Corpus Christi’s major petroleum refinery
complex. Excessive hydrocarbons are hazardous to marine life due to their attraction to animal cell membrane lipids, where they build up and inhibit
functions of the cell.
Toxicity Assessment of Artificial Sweeteners by Brine Shrimp
Maria Arteaga-Sachnik, Kerri Kelley, Tiffany Miller, Sergio Rodriguez
This presentation will show the findings of our study determining metabolic toxicity levels of sucralose, aspartame, and sugar cane on brine
shrimp. Brine shrimp were placed in different test tubes with various concentrations of sweetener solutions to monitor and assess the toxicity levels of
the artificial sweeteners.
11:00-11:45
The Effects Of Alcohol On The Reproduction Rate Of Drosophila Melanogaster
Christian Dietert, Nathan Sosebee, Daniel Martinez, Allison Kohnen, Abigail Johnson
We are conducting an experiment to test the effect of alcohol (ethanol) on fruit flies to test the differences in their reproductive rate by
incorporating different concentrations of alcohol in their food.
Does Decreasing Nitrogen Increase the Fatty Acid Content of Microalgae
David Norris, Eric Herbert, Daniel Vinnie Cantu, Brittany Knotts
We will discuss how biofuels can be obtained from microalgae for an alternative fuel source, the mechanism of how fatty acids are produced,
and why high fat concentration is better.
First Year Research Conference Agenda
The Ecological Impact Of Limulus polyphemus Anti-Lipopolysaccharide Extraction For Use In LAL Testing
Erin O' Brien, Taryn Lovato, Tanner Green, Tara Sprenger
Depletion of horseshow crab L. polyphemus populations due to harvest for blood, though not necessarily fatal, has detrimental consequences in
North Eastern marine estuaries. LAL tests use concentrated coagulant enzymes found in Limulus circulatory pathways to detect the presence of
bacteria such as E. coli in medicines and surgical apparatus.
4:00-4:30
Poaching the poachers
Gabe Varela, Nicole Shea, Steven George, Austin Jennings
Poaching is an important problem that needs a solution. This presentation is designed to raise awareness of poaching activities and encourage
others to take a stand by being a voice for the environment and creatures that have no voice of their own. (This video contains images that may be
offensive to sensitive viewers.)
Dead Zones: Engulfing Waters Around The World
Lindsay Freund, Rio Shirey, Harnson Wardwell, Olivia Dominguez
We will present a video discussing dead zones, hypoxic environments created by the introduction of nitrate rich fertilizers and untreated
sewage to aquatic ecosystems. This pollution causes an algal bloom that decreases oxygen levels and creates an environment that is hostile to almost
all forms of life. Reversal methods have been proven to work and are being currently developed.