Please join us for this year's McNair & ROP Summer Research Symposium. This yearly symposium is meant to celebrate the hard work of our scholars who, alongside their mentors, have spent the summer developing their scholarship and building towards their professional aspirations. With this in mind, please note that much of this work is ongoing and that our scholars are still in the process of finalizing their projects.
Thank you for supporting our scholars and we hope you enjoy!
Meeting Details
Presentations will take place from 9:00am to 4:30pm on Thursday, July 27th, 2023 in SUB Santa Ana A&B rooms.
UNM continues to strongly recommend that the Lobo community remain up to date with vaccinations, stay at home if sick, and follow CDC guidelines for all COVID-19 matters
Schedule At a Glance
*More detailed schedule below.
Schedule
9:10-9:30am
Isabela Martinez
Major: Psychology
"Variants of Psychopathy in Relation to Anxiety"
Under the guidance of Dr. Kent Kiehl from the department of Psychology at UNM.
Abstract: Psychopathy is a disorder that is often associated with a lack of care for others; however, there is more to the condition. Four factors are currently associated with psychopathy: interpersonal, affective, lifestyle, and antisocial. The recent literature on this topic strives to understand the unique experiences one may have, primarily with anxiety. This research is attempting to better understand the question, “How do the variants of psychopathy influence the way a person experiences anxiety?” However, embedded within this research is the attempt to find a new strategy for data collection on anxiety. I am utilizing the archival data from the Kiehl Lab at the University of New Mexico’s Mind Research Network to do this. I will analyze the results from three rating scales that participants from an incarcerated population have completed. The rating scales include the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM (SCID), and State Anxiety Interview (STAI). Through statistical analysis and modeling, I strive to identify a connection as to how anxiety levels differ with one’s variant of psychopathy. Also, by comparing the results from the interviewer measures scored through the SCID and the self-report measured through the STAI, I will be able to better understand how the results of the rating scale concur or differ. Results could inform the field of forensic psychology on the experiences of those with psychopathy and will have implications for future research on how to help psychopathic adolescents.
9:30-9:50am
Melissa DeRaad
Major: Chemistry
"Room temperature, light-addressable binuclear complexes for quantum information science"
Under the guidance of Dr. Jeffrey Rack of the Department of Chemistry at UNM.
Abstract: The need for faster computers with increased computing power, and the desire to miniaturize has led to the creation of the emerging field of Quantum Information Science (QIS). While there are presently many challenges in the development of a quantum computer, two challenges are the short lifetime exhibited by current qubit materials and the need for supercooling. As part of the research to develop a room-temperature bi-nuclear molecular qubit for use in future quantum computers, the first step is to understand the method to reproducibly produce the isomerizing unit. The work of Petersen, et. al and their paper “Photochemistry of Pentacyanoferrate(II) Complexes Containing Aromatic Nitrogen Heterocyclic Ligands” was used to provide a framework for how to work with Pentacyanoferrate to create complexes with different ligands attached. Three of the complexes found within the paper were produced. Additionally, a complex with Isoquinoline as the ligand was also produced. The complexes were characterized, and the results were compared to the results found within the paper to verify that the desired complexes were achieved. Transient Absorption Spectroscopy (TAS) and Magnetic Circular Dichroism (MCD) will be collected in the near future. This data will extend our understanding of these complexes and will add to the work already done by Petersen, et. al.
9:50-10:10am
Lizbeth Olivarez
Major: Population Health
"Program Planning: Improving Digital Health Literacy with Community-Based Interventions in Rural New Mexico"
Under the guidance of Dr. Tammy Thomas of the College of Population Health.
ABSTRACT: Digital health literacy encompasses a person’s ability to seek, find, understand and appraise ehealth information from electronic sources and apply the knowledge gained to address and solve a health problem. Additionally, health literacy focuses on the structural barriers that impact health outcomes. Rural communities experience minimal digital infrastructure and longstanding health inequities that make it difficult to access and navigate health information on digital platforms. Barriers such as inadequate broadband access and geographic constraints contribute to a digital divide, immediately impacting digital health literacy. These factors are taken into account in health promotion programming while shaped my local involvement. This presentation will describe the program planning process for designing community-based health literacy interventions aimed to improve digital health information access and empower rural residents to make well-informed health decisions. This health promotion program will utilize the Empowerment Model to promote preventative health behaviors and improve digital health literacy among rural communities. Further, it will incorporate a peer-to-peer teaching model to place trusted local residents at the forefront of planning and implementing evidence-based interventions. Results will inform community-specific health communication strategies to adequately disseminate health information and prioritize patient advocacy.
10:10-10:30am
Renae Simonson
Major: Biology
"Characterizing candidate genes' impact on the temporal development of type II neuroblasts in Drosophilia melanogaster"
Under the guidance of Dr. Mubarak Hussain Syed, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at UNM.
Abstract: Neural stem cells are able to generate different types of cells in the brain, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are not fully understood. Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, intellectual disabilities and conduct disorders, result from disruption of tightly coordinated temporal events that are needed for brain development. In this research, I used the model organism Drosophila melanogaster to analyze the expression of protein coding genes (PCGs) thought to be involved with the development of the brain. I expected PCGs Hr4, Hr78 and Scro to play an important role in the creation of different neuron types. In order to analyze the expression of PCGs, I selected for and ordered Drosophila melanogaster flies with PCGs involved in cell differentiation, cell fate commitment and neuroblast fate determination, crossed them if needed and grew them to the third instar stage. The third instar larvae were dissected, fixed and scanned to screen for expression of both the PCG of interest and type II neuroblasts on the lobes of the brain. I found that Hr78 and Hr4 expressed type II neuroblasts and the PCG of interest in the images generated. My next course of action will be to knock down the target PCGs and observe the effects in adult flies.
10:30-10:50am
Desirée Basail-Nicolaisen
Double Major: Environmental Science and Geography
"Stable Isotopes in Water Vapor and it's links with Aerosols and Atmospheric Convection"
Under the guidance of Dr. Joseph Galewsky, professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Abstract: Deep convective clouds that are associated with thunderstorms are an important feature of the climate system. However, these clouds are difficult to represent in climate models, and researchers need improved constraints on the processes that drive the life cycle of these clouds. How do aerosols in the atmosphere affect the physics of these clouds and the water cycle? Aerosols serve as cloud condensation nuclei that can exert fundamental controls over deep convective clouds. To the extent that aerosols affect condensation processes in clouds, stable isotopes in atmospheric water vapor should reflect many of the important impacts of aerosols on precipitating convection. This project uses data from the TRacking Aerosol Convection interactions ExpeRiment (TRACER) project collected at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement facility in La Porte, Texas to test for correlations between aerosol concentration and size distribution with the isotopic composition of water vapor. The identification of such correlations is an important step forward in improving our knowledge of how aerosols can affect the atmospheric hydrologic cycle in deep convective settings.
11:00-11:20am
Eric Olaguir
Major: Mechanical Engineering
"Unmanned Robotic Ground Vehicles Operated using Augmented Reality (AR): Lessons Learned from Field Implementation"
Under the guidance of Dr. Fernando Moreu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering.
Abstract: The goal of this study is to use Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) techniques to prioritize preservation actions. This study describes a nondestructive acoustic monitoring SHM technique called tap testing for identifying indicators of surface degradation. The system is built on Brutus, a portable unmanned robot. This study uses augmented reality (AR) techniques to enhance the deployment of Brutus and decrease risk factors while testing. For wireless control of driving, steering, and tap testing actuation with distance sensor feedback to completely notify the user, an AR control interface is created. The major objective of the body of work was to develop a mixed reality interface for the Microsoft HoloLens 2 (HL2), which would make it easier for humans and robots to work cooperatively. The HoloLens is a head -mounted display (HMD) AR device that uses a transparent display. With the aid of a mixed-reality application developed with Unity, Brutus may be controlled intelligently by being presented with essential information for testing structures. According to the described experiment's findings, high level control for SHM applications is made possible by supplementing a control panel with crucial data that is continuously gathered from sensors. The paper's findings demonstrate the AR control tests and user limitations.
11:20-11:40am
Karina Dominguez Tarango
Major: Elementary Education
“Understanding and Enriching the Urban Schooling of Latino/Mexican-American Males through the Lens of Educational Agency”
Under the guidance of Dr. Mia Sosa-Provencio, Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education, Education Leadership & Policy.
Abstract: Our education system is creating a disservice to Latino/Mexican-American males residing in the United States by not providing adequate resources to succeed in high school. The purpose of this study is to understand how providing spaces, wherein high school Latino/Mexican-American male students may experience agency in the classroom, may shape their educational outcomes. The research question that guided this study was: What are the schooling experiences of three Mexican-American males and one Anglo male who recently attended an urban high school which predominantly enrolls low income Mexican/Mexican-American/multiracial students? To address this question, I reviewed previously collected data that was collected and transcribed in 2019 by Dr. Sosa-Provencio in her original research study. The 2019 transcribed data was originally collected through a critical case study methodology. To analyze this data, I utilized a qualitative Testimonio critical case study methodology to organize, analyze, and collapse data into thematic codes and contextualized themes. Findings suggest that Latino/Mexican-American males desire and often do not find meaningful learning experiences or high expectations in schools. Additionally, findings reveal that Latino/Mexican-American males desire authentic care from educators which takes into account their hopes and dreams for their sites of knowledge and future thriving. This research study has implications for understanding the role of agency, for creating spaces where males of color may express and expand their educational dreams, and for centering the educational needs and strengths of diverse populations of high school males and all marginalized young people.
11:40am-12:00pm
Francine Lopez
Major: Sociology
"Productive Communication and Criminal Legal System Reform"
Under the guidance of Dr. Noah Painter-Davis, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology.
Abstract: According to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, there were a total of 57,936 arrests made in New Mexico in 2020. The United States has the highest incarceration rate globally, with over 2 million incarcerated people. This issue disproportionately affects communities of color and those from low-income backgrounds; it also has significant economic and social costs, including a negative impact on families and communities. While there is a growing agreement that the criminal justice system needs reform, there are differing opinions on the best approaches to take. This research will evaluate moral psychology’s role in understanding criminal legal system reform efforts by groups that are politically divided by the issue. Understanding the moral foundations of criminal legal system reform can help people communicate more productively by giving them a framework to know how to frame arguments in a way that resonates with people’s values. My current research methods include reviewing criminological, moral psychology, and communication literature. My future research will involve interviewing public health and safety officials, creating survey questions, and coding data from these interviews and surveys. This research will contribute to the field of criminology with further implications in moral psychology and communication.
12:20-12:40pm
Giovanni Cordova
Major: Mechanical Engineering
"Autonomous Robotic Manipulation of Orbital Replacement Units for Satellite Servicing"
Under the guidance of Dr. Rafael Fierro, Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Abstract: The study aims to bridge the gap between human and robotic in-space manipulation, contribute to sustainable space development, and advancing artificial intelligence and control systems. These findings hold significant implications for the future of satellite technology and space exploration. The future of satellite technology and space exploration necessitates the development of advanced robotic systems capable of effectively and autonomously replacing orbital replacement units (ORUs). This research explores the application of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to train a robotic agent in the manipulation of ORUs within a zero-gravity environment, specifically targeting satellite servicing and assembly tasks. By leveraging photorealistic simulations to generate artificial data, laboratory experiments are conducted to train the AI agent. Furthermore, this research aligns with the principles of sustainable space development, envisioning a future where robotic agents autonomously perform satellite ORU replacements, reducing the need for resource-intensive launch missions and allowing spacecrafts the ability to upgrade their hardware over time. As space exploration continues to evolve over the next 100 years, the development of capable and intelligent robotic agents will play a pivotal role in expanding our understanding of the universe and facilitating sustainable space activities.
12:00-12:20pm
Gage Zacharzuk
Major: Physics
"Optomechanical Magnetrometry with Piezoelectric Feedback"
Under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Dominguez from Sandia National Labs.
Abstract: Coming soon.
1:30-1:50pm
KJ Walker
Major: Family and Child Studies
"Resiliency-- 'Continuing to Survive, Live & Breathe': A Retrospective IPA Study"
Under the guidance of Dr. Ashley Martin-Cuellar in the Department of Individual, Family, and Community Education.
Abstract: This study aims to examine the connection of resiliency, coping skills and resources used by transgender individuals through a strengths-based and holistic perspective. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, this study explores the experiences of adult trans individuals reflecting on their adolescent experiences through surveys and interviews. By exploring these retrospective accounts, this study contributes to the limited body of research on resilience within transgender lifespan development. Semi-structured interviews, lasting approximately 60 minutes, were conducted with four participants. The data analysis revealed four major themes: 1) Embodiment of Gender, 2) Queering Radical Acceptance, 3) Coping: "15 Minutes of Escape," and 4) Overall Mental Health. These findings provide valuable insights into the coping mechanisms and strengths of trans individuals, shedding light on their resilience and informing future support and intervention strategies.
1:50-2:10pm
Leslie Molina Garcia
Major: English
"Shakespeare's Disabled Characters: Unmasking Stigmatization and Romanticization as Reflective Tools of Society"
Under the guidance of Dr. Marissa Greenberg, Associate Professor in the Department of English Language and Literature.
Abstract: This analysis delves into the exploration of mental illness and disability within Shakespeare's tragic plays and its impact on contemporary society. Shakespeare's use of stigmatization and romanticization as literary devices in plays such as King Lear, Macbeth, and Othello provides a compelling lens through which to analyze the representation of these conditions. I seek to uncover how society perceives disabilities, and how Shakespeare strategically utilizes these portrayals to evoke strong reactions from his audience. By examining the interplay of societal preconceptions and the characters' inevitable descent into madness, the study sheds light on the reinforcement of negative connotations attributed to mental illnesses within the cultural context. Drawing from fields like Disability Studies, Shakespearean tragedy, and close readings of the selected plays, the analysis delves into the intricate narratives, character developments, and tragic elements to understand how mental illness is depicted within the genre of tragedy. Through this exploration, I hope to reveal hidden narratives and provoke critical thought, fostering crucial discussions on literature's profound impact on societal norms and attitudes. This research will serve as a steppingstone to examining the intersectionality between disability and gender in Shakespeare's plays, contributing to contemporary discourse and activism surrounding disability rights, gender equality, and social justice. Ultimately, this presentation aims to offer a nuanced understanding of Shakespeare's portrayal of mental illness and disability, encouraging greater empathy and sensitivity towards these themes in today's society. It highlights the relevance of Shakespeare's work and its potential to shape perceptions and attitudes towards marginalized individuals, paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future.
2:10-2:30pm
Cameron Mroz
Double Major: Biology and Chemistry
"Multiple Variant and High-Resolution Genotype-phenotype analysis using novel near-haploid human Niemann-Pick C1 fibroblast cell-lines"
Under the guidance of Dr. William Sherman Garver, Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.
Abstract: NPC1 disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder in which the NPC1 protein does not function normally. The role of the NPC1 protein is to transfer lipids from late endosomes/early lysosomes into the cytoplasm of the cell for usage; this disease stops that process from occurring. The recessive nature of the disease makes it difficult to study because of complex gene-gene interactions which can often mask or reduce the expression of the disease. To circumvent this, our study uses novel near-haploid human Niemann-Pick C1 fibroblast cell-lines to conduct a genotype-phenotype analysis with variants of NPC1 disease to probe the metabolic pathways which the NPC1 protein functions in. To conduct this study, 4 near-haploid cell lines with common NPC1 disease variants and a control cell line were grown to confluency in 12-well plates. These plates were then examined using assay kits, spectrofluorometry, and Thin-Layer Chromatography to determine quantitative protein and lipid amounts for each mutation. Earlier findings suggest that mouse cells with dysfunctional NPC1 proteins will experience increased cholesterol counts. We expect to see a similar trend, given the role of NPC1 in lipid efflux from endocytic compartments. Better defining the role of the NPC1 protein within the body and its effect on lipid metabolism will allow for development of better therapeutics which will help patients suffering from this debilitating disease.
2:30-2:50pm
Maria Nava Martinez
Double Major: Biology & Spanish
"Population Genomics of Frogs on Barrier Islands"
Under the guidance of Dr. Lisa Barrow, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology.
Abstract:Species extinction is an urgent concern for humanity due to ongoing climate change, population decreases, and local extinctions of various wildlife groups. Therefore, documenting and understanding biodiversity patterns of sensitive taxa is important, especially genetic diversity which can improve survival potential. This research has conducted and evaluated different population genetic analyses within four co-distributed frog species (Anaxyrus terrestris, Hyla cinerea, H. squirella and Rana sphenocephala) to measure genetic diversity and compare genomics between populations in mainland Florida and nearby barrier islands. Analyses aimed to examine intraspecific genetic structure, infer admixture among populations, and determine the mechanisms that maintain genomic diversity patterns between island and mainland populations. Nucleotide diversity and heterozygosity were calculated from datasets generated using a ddRAD sequencing protocol within each frog species. A series of analyses using the bioinformatic pipeline Stacks and several R packages were conducted to explore and assess the diversity of the studied frog species and how evolutionary processes affect them. As preliminary results, similar phylogeographic patterns were discovered within all species. Common processes may be limiting the dispersal between island and mainland populations and shaping the genetic patterns of the studied frog species.
3:00-3:20pm
Antonio Villegas
Double Major: Psychology & Philosophy
"Predicting Political Polarization: Parasocial Relationships Between Alternative and Legacy News"
Under the guidance of Dr. Tania Reynolds, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology.
Abstract: Parasocial relationships (PSR) are the conscious and unconscious perceived relationships viewers develop with media figures. In this project, I plan to examine how the parasocial relationships people naturally develop with media figures relate to political polarization. Specifically, this project will examine the differences in PSRs created by legacy and alternative news and how they influence polarization. This project will use a online self-report survey hosted on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk comprised of questions examining participants’ favored news sources, their perceptions of the polarization of those sources, and their perceptions of the sources as mainstream vs alternative. The survey will also measure participants’ perceived polarization and affective polarization as they relate to partisan identity. The survey will use standard polarization, political partisan, and parasocial relationship scales. These measures will be used to test the hypothesis that participants who form PSRs with a media figure will also show more affective and perceived polarization themselves. The secondary hypothesis predicts that PSRs with alternative news sources will correspond to more polarization than PSRs with legacy news sources. This project will contribute a better understanding of the connection between news choice, PSRs, and political polarization.
3:20-3:40pm
Geoff Williams Vigil
Major: Psychology
"Social Support and Neuroticism"
Under the guidance of Dr. Tania Reynolds, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology.
Abstract: After hundreds of thousands of years of evolution and natural selection, one might question how it is that humans still suffer from a variety of mental illnesses. It is possible that some of these illnesses, namely anxiety, may serve some kind purpose for survival. What is the function of mental illness in the context of human evolution? To what extent can we assess both biological and social factors in order to predict the likelihood that mental illness will surface in a person’s life? Previous research has shown that on average, anxiety and the personality trait of neuroticism are both seen in higher levels among women compared to men. However, greater variability in levels of these traits has been observed in men. This research will administer a survey inquiring about participants’ levels of trait anxiety, trait neuroticism, social support, and physicality. It will survey up to 1000 adult Americans and then create a regression analysis to identify a correlation between two or more of the aforementioned variables. The hypothesis here is that associations may be found which would attribute the difference between men and women’s levels of anxiety and neuroticism to body size and/or social support as opposed to biological sex. The results of this research will contribute to the field of evolutionary psychology, with further implications in the field of clinical psychology by offering potential explanations for certain patterns of trait anxiety and neuroticism.
3:40-4:00pm
Daisy Guadian
Major: Biology
"The Effects of Strength Training on Osteoporosis"
Under the guidance of Dr. Len Kravitz, Professor in the Department of Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences.
Abstract: The prevalence of chronic diseases including osteoporosis increases as the population ages. Osteoporosis is primarily associated with aging, and commonly associated with genetics, mechanical factors, and hormonal factors. Many older populations, particularly those with frailty, are likely to have osteoporosis, further increasing their risk of disease-related complications. Exercise training has been recommended as a promising, low-cost, and safe, nonpharmacological intervention strategy for the conservation of musculoskeletal health. To stimulate the osteogenic effects for bone mass accretion, bone tissues must be exposed to mechanical load exceeding those experienced during daily living activities. Although specific mechanisms by which exercise enhances bone health are not fully elucidated yet, it is widely agreed in the peer-reviewed literature that mechanical load induced by exercise training increases the targeted muscle and bone mass. Results show that mechanical stress of the skeleton enhances bone growth and development. Individualized resistance exercise programs are known to be highly beneficial for osteoporosis prevention, which should consider a person's age, frailty, loss of muscle mass, family history of osteoporosis, presence of back pain or osteoarthritis, history of fractures and falls, presence of disease(s), hormone levels, drug use, dietary calcium and vitamin D intake, alcohol intake, smoking status, and daily physical activity.
4:00-4:10pm
John Barriga
Major: Exercise Science
"Reviewing the Limitations of Endurance Exercises"
Under the guidance of Dr. Len Kravitz, Professor in the Department of Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences.
Abstract: Endurance exercise can be defined as the ability to perform cardiovascular exercise, whether it be cross-country skiing, spinning, running, aerobic exercise or swimming, for an extended period of time. One is limited in this pursuit by a complex integration of multiple physiological functions. Despite the multifaceted nature, endurance exercise is characterized by one simple requirement – the necessity to sustain repeated muscle contraction. This criterion is fulfilled through two basic functions – the ability to consume enough oxygen and an adequate fuel provision. The capacity for oxygen consumption is reliant upon the physiological parameters of maximal oxygen uptake, lactate threshold, and economy of movement in the given activity. This research review explores and summarizes the most recent scientific understandings on the contributing factors that limit the human body's ability to sustain intense cardiovascular bouts of exercise. Additionally, this review discusses current evidence-based training strategies of endurance exercises, specifically focusing on factors such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), lactate threshold, central and peripheral limitations for VO2 max, exercise economy, and substrate availability.
Thank you for joining us for this event. Your support of our scholars and our programs is truly invaluable to the success of our scholars.
Sincerely, McNair & ROP Staff: Ricardo Romero, Director; Jennifer Serrano, Senior Program Advisor; Vivian Sanchez, Admin; Hannah Oxford, Graduate Assistant.
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Contact Us
Email: mcnair@unm.edu
Phone: (505) 277-5491
