Faculty and Student Research Poster Session and Research Fair

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Accomplishments under the Chancellor's Research Initiative in Water Resources at WTAMU
(2023-03-02) Parker, David; Bednarz, Craig
On May 23, 2019, the Texas A&M System announced a Chancellor's Research Initiative (CRI) between WTAMU and Texas A&M AgriLife. The initiative provided for the hiring of two new WTAMU faculty members: Dr. Bednarz in Agricultural Sciences (hired Spring, 2020) who has a 50% joint appointment with AgriLife Research, and Dr. Parker in Engineering (hired Fall, 2021) who has a 50% joint appointment with AgriLife Extension. The CRI provided $1 million in startup funding to purchase laboratory and field equipment and support undergraduate and graduate students. As outlined in this poster presentation, the CRI funds have been used to leverage numerous collaborative research projects among WT, AgriLife, and USDA researchers in addition to county extension agents, farmers/producers, and faculty at other universities.
The Amarillo Symphony: The First 100 Years
(2023-03-02) Hieb, Kimberly
The Amarillo Symphony: The First 100 Years will be a book that explores the rich history of the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra, one of the Panhandle's longest standing cultural institutions. The volume will celebrate the organization as the result of the hard work and eager support of Amarillo's citizens and calls attention to Amarillo's stature as a cultural center of the American Southwest in spite of its position as a small city located in the center of the Texas Panhandle a great distance from neighboring metropolitan centers. Moreover, this project will encourage the exploration of musical cultures of the many other small cities scattered throughout the rural regions of Texas, communities whose ardent and local support of the arts has been largely ignored on national stage.
Â¡Bienvenidos!: Committing to Diversity and Inclusion with Spanish-Language College Orientations for Parents and Family
(2023-03-02) Garcia, Nancy; Ramos Salazar, Leslie; Correa, Priscella
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) strive to recruit and retain Hispanic students by developing programs and initiatives tailored specifically to this group. However, traditional institutional programming and student orientation processes often fail to consider the needs of diverse families, such as Hispanic family members. Findings of prior studies highlight the importance of incorporating families during the college planning process to increase the success rate of first-generation and low-income college students. In 2022, a Spanish-language college orientation session for parents and family was resumed after a few years of not materializing. The two Spanish orientation sessions included various college-related sessions, such as financial education and faculty and student panels specifically tailored to Hispanic families. The inclusive leadership of Latino/a/x faculty, staff, and students was imperative to this orientation's successful development and execution. Suggestions and valuable insight for practice from the perspective of three Hispanic faculty who were part of the planning committee and assisted during the event are presented to guide practitioners through developing orientations inclusive of Hispanic families' cultural and language needs. By establishing a Hispanic community that better guides families with no prior experience or exposure to the college experience, HSIs can provide stronger support to incoming students and families. The findings of this case study on Spanish-Language College Orientation provide suggestions for practice in the planning, executing, and evaluating orientations tailored to the families of incoming Hispanic students in higher education.
Challenges and Academic Growth of Multilingual Students at Eastridge
(2023-03-02) Hwang, Sang; Hindman, Janet; Robinson, Elaina; Cervantes, Karime
There are a number of reasons why multilingual learners are placed in special education programs even when it is unnecessary. In the United States, there is growing concern about over-identifying and under-identifying English learners (ELs) with disabilities. The research study proposes to examine the challenges in special education identification for multicultural learners at Eastridge Elementary School of the Amarillo Independent School District in Amarillo, Texas. This school represents a good sample of multilingual learners with 95.7% of minority enrollment, including 45% of Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander (mostly with refugee students), 28% of Hispanic/Latino, 23% of Black or African American, and 4% of White/Caucasian. The purpose of the research is threefold: 1) to collect updated data of diversity demographics at Eastridge Elementary School in Amarillo, Texas; 2) to investigate the challenges in special education identification for multilingual learners at school; and 3) to compare and analyze both district benchmark data of multilingual students with the Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR) and with our research findings to determine student growth in English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR). Ultimately, the research project will seek to suggest high leverage teaching models for multilingual students who are also eligible for special education services.
China's Import Demand Analysis of Grain Sorghum from USA
(2023-03-02) Islam, Tania; Almas, Lal; Arnold, Chelsea; Guerrero, Bridget
Sorghum is an ancient grain which is the most commonly used feed grain for livestock. The United States is the world's second largest producer and top exporter of grain sorghum. It is grown in more than a dozen states across the country and sorghum belt runs from South Dakota to Southern Texas. China, one of the fastest growing economy, is the major destination of U.S. grain sorghum. This research study examines the determinants of an import demand function for U.S. sorghum in China considering the macroeconomic variables such as Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and exchange rates (Yen-US$). The time series data from 1991-2020 were used for this analysis. This paper follows the single equation import demand model developed by Thursday and Thursday (1984). China's import demand for sorghum was determined as a function of derived demand of sorghum which is constructed as with the grain sorghum import price, domestic corn price, exchange rate, the country's GDP, and number of livestock production. In 2021, The United States produced about 448 million bushels of grain sorghum and exported 267.2 million bushes to China as chief importer (USDA ERS, 2021). These statistics indicates, U.S. sorghum export market is largely depending on China's sorghum import demand. It is projected that China will continue this import volume while sorghum is low cost feed grain and is substitute for high price corn. The results of this study will be an important sorghum trade analysis and recommendation for world sorghum trading countries, especially for China to implement favorable import policies for US sorghum. On the other hand, this analysis will also be beneficial for US sorghum producers in assessing their export potential not only to China's livestock industry but also other export markets.
Circadian Regulation of Peripheral Serotonin in Mice
(2023-03-02) Karaganis, Stephen; Karaganis, Stephen
Most organisms possess biological clocks which control and coordinate numerous physiological processes over each 24-hour day. Circadian oscillators play a role in generating biological rhythms and coordinating numerous processes with environmental stimuli, such as timing of a meal or exposure to light. The indolamine molecule serotonin is an important peripheral hormone produced by the intestinal mucosa of mammals, but its regulation as an output of the circadian clock is not well understood. Recent studies in my lab have investigated circadian rhythmicity of serotonin and its entrainment to light stimuli or food availability in various tissues or compartments in mice, including blood serum, stools, and the intestinal wall. In these experiments, mice were fed ad libitum (AL) or placed on a gradual daytime restricted feeding regimen (DRF) while maintained in a 12:12 light-dark cycle (LD) or constant darkness (DD). Using a repeated measures design, we demonstrated a high-amplitude circadian rhythm of serotonin in stool samples that persisted in constant conditions and entrained to both light and food availability, with a peak occurring close to the day-night transition under LD conditions. In contrast to some published findings, no circadian rhythm of serotonin was detected in blood serum. Preliminary data suggest that duodenal serotonin is rhythmic in LD and peaks later during the late night. This is consistent with our measurements of tph1 mRNA rhythms, which peaked during the late night in LD or DD, respectively. Taken together, these data suggest that peripheral serotonin is differentially regulated by the circadian clock in different compartments, and the rhythm of serotonin in stools is likely contributed to by oscillators outside the duodenum.
Clinical Experience of Family Nurse Practitioner Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
(2023-03-02) Phillips, Angela; Neely, Shaina; Smoot, Teresa
The aim of this study was to ascertain the experiences of Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students participating in clinical experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the clinical challenges faced by FNP students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: Literature reveals the current COVID-19 pandemic poses urgent and prolonged threats to the health and well-being of the population worldwide. FNP students have struggled to find clinical sites and preceptors during the pandemic. Design: A qualitative research design involving interviews asking open-ended questions to converse with students was conducted. Interviews were conducted during the fall 2021 semester. Method: All interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Each transcript was read multiple times and themes were developed. Three main themes emerged. Conclusion: Clinical experience is an intricate part of the program as confidence to treat and educate patients is paramount. The themes identified during student interviews included: 1) Anxiety and stress; 2) Hindrance of knowledge base; and 3) Personal growth. Recommendation: Utilization of telehealth during education and clinical experiences will assist the FNP student maintain success throughout the program.
Comparison of reproductive and early growth performance of an F1 USDA Prime yield grade one carcass clone sire and an industry-leading purebred sire in the Beef x Dairy production system
(2023-03-02) Richardson, Katylyn Jo
The objectives of this research were to determine if an F1 USDA Prime, yield grade 1 sire produced from the WTAMU PrimeOne Project (AxG1) was a competitive sire for producing dairy composites when compared to a purebred Angus sire (Foundation), and to evaluate any subsequent reproductive impact of sire on dam. Dairy cows (n = 1,930) were artificially inseminated resulting in 764 pregnancies with 567 births and 539 live calves. Data was collected at a large commercial dairy and analyzed using SAS 9.4 with sire as fixed effect; lactation, breeding technician and services per conception were random effects. Individual animal was experimental unit (n = 539). Conception rates were 39% for AxG1 and 30% for Foundation (P ≤ 0.01). Average gestation length (GL) was 284-d and 280-d for AxG1 and Foundation, respectively (P â‰¤ 0.01). Calves by Foundation reported lower average birth weight (BW) than those by AxG1 (P ≤ 0.01) with no difference in calving ease score (CE) (P = 0.24). Calves sired by Foundation were lighter than those sired by AxG1 at 60-d (P ≤ 0.01) but not 120-d (P = 0.97). Calves by Foundation also reported higher average daily gains (ADG) at 60-d than calves by AxG1 (0.61 and 0.58 kg; P ≤ 0.01), and ADG tended to differ by sire from 0-120-d (0.70 and 0.67 kg; P = 0.09). Sire had no effect on morbidity (P = 0.25) or mortality (P = 0.15). Post-partum interval (PPI), time from first estrus to conception, and number of services to conception were not different between sires (P = 0.35; P = 0.32; P = 0.37). Data from this trial indicates the cloned progeny sire increased conception rates, but the purebred Angus sire was more favorable for GL, BW and progeny growth performance. Neither sire negatively impacted subsequent reproductive performance of the dam.
Development of Improved Targeted Liposomal-Based Chemotherapeutics to Treat Metastatic Breast Cancer
(2023-03-02) Terblanche, Cherise; Garcia, Aurora; Thomason, Roy; Khan, David
Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death amongst women [1, 2], and therefore improved chemotherapeutics are desperately needed. We have previously demonstrated selectivity of our novel targeted liposomal-based drug towards metastatic breast cancer cells. However, the necessary addition of PEG-2000 to the drug surface prior to in vivo use has previously shown to limit the overall drug incorporation into metastatic breast cancer cells and therefore presumably decrease the overall efficacy of the drug. Therefore, in this study we are currently working on the co-encapsulation of dual-drugs into our targeted formulation in order to recapture some of the presumed loss of overall drug efficacy attributed to the necessary pegylation prior to in vivo use. Specifically, we propose the co-encapsulation of the chemosenitizer drug dihydromyricetin (DMY) and the cytotoxic agent doxorubicin. DMY is used as a chemosensitizer because it is known to competitively bind sorcin [3], which is a protein known to be upregulated in metastatic breast cancer, and also known to bind to doxorubicin which limits its overall cytotoxic effect.
Effect of Melatonin on Neurobehavioral Functioning in Middle-aged Female Rats
(2023-03-02) De Butte, Maxine
The percentage of Americans over 65 is expected to increase from 56 million to 72 million in 2050. Of importance will be to better understand normal age-related declines in neurocognitive functioning and develop potential interventions that aim to prevent or retard progression to pathological aging (such as Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimerâ€™s disease). Among those diagnosed with these neurodegenerative conditions, women exhibit faster cognitive decline compared to men. Melatonin is an important pineal hormone that not only has chronological properties but has also been found to be a potent neuroprotectant in the brain. Melatonin levels decline with age. Hence, when neurodegenerative conditions are at their peak, melatonin levels are at their lowest. A plethora of animal studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of melatonin in protecting against many central nervous system disorders such as stroke. There is scant information regarding whether melatonin supplementation affects neurobehavioral functioning in normal middle-aged rodents. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether chronic melatonin administration (50 mg, 90-day pellets implanted s.c.) impacts neurobehavioral functioning in middle-aged (12 months) female rats. Age-matched non-treated middle-aged female rats were also included (sham operated controls). Approximately 44 days following pellet or sham pellet implantation, rats were tested on an open field, object recognition, spatial recognition, Morris Water Maze, and Y-maze task. Melatonin at the dosage used, did not improve spatial or visual memory in middle-aged female rodents. Although melatonin did not affect behavior, further study will need to examine whether melatonin positively affected the brain. Melatonin is known to have neurogenic properties; hence it will be of interest to examine the brain of these animals to determine whether neurogenesis was positively impacted by treatment. As well, older women also show a decline in estrogen with age. Hence, it will be of interest to determine whether combined melatonin and estradiol replacement would affect neurobehavioral functioning.
The Effects of COVID-19 Risk, Gender, and Self-Compassion on the Workplace Cyberbullying and Job Satisfaction of University Faculty
(2023-03-02) Ramos Salazar, Leslie; Weiss, Adam; Yarbrough, Jillian W.; Sell, Katelynn
The purpose of this study is to examine workplace cyberbullying (WPCB) in higher education. Specifically, we explore the relationship between WPCB and several important factors such as self-compassion, job satisfaction, and gender. A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of 179 faculty members with an average age of 48.99 was applied. A multiple regression and path analysis using structural equation model were applied using IBM SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0. The regression model showed that self-compassion was positively related to job satisfaction, whereas WPCB was negatively related to job satisfaction after controlling for covariates. The model results showed that gender and COVID-19 risk of severe illness were related to WPCB. Additionally, self-compassion mediated the inverse relationship between WPCB and job satisfaction. In this study, we examined the predictors of COVID-19 related constructs, self-compassion, and WPCB on faculty's job satisfaction. Also, we provide a new conceptual model examining gender and COVID-19 risk of severe illness as antecedents of WPCB, and the unique use of self-compassion as a mediator of the relationship between WPCB and job satisfaction. Finally, we provide further understanding of how faculty may be cyberbullied at work due to risk of severe illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elementary Teacher Perceptions of the Role and Function of the Professional School Counselor: Experiences and Collaboration
(2023-03-02) Rogers, Elizabeth
Professional School Counselors (PSC) have battled role ambiguity and a lack of professional identity since the profession was created (Beesly, 2004; Burnam & Jackson, 2006; Gysbers & Henderson, 2012). With the increase of mental health awareness initiatives and new calls for mental health interventions, PSCs who are trained and qualified to address these issues are finding themselves burdened by numerous non-counseling duties as outlined by the American School Counseling Association (2012). This qualitative study explored elementary school teachers perceptions of PSC engagement in counseling and non-counseling activities and examined collaborative efforts between these two invaluable educational stakeholders. Though previous studies exist that explore teacher perceptions of PSC role (Reiner, 2007), few are qualitatively based and none explored elementary teachers exclusively. A grounded theory approach was selected to address the studyâ€™s main point of inquiry. Theoretical and convenience sampling was utilized to select and interview 15 elementary teachers. Interview transcripts were analyzed utilizing constant comparative analysis that revealed five main themes: 1) PSCs address student needs, 2) PSCs face systemic barriers, 3) PSCs are viewed as collaborative partners, 4) teachers see clear benefits to students when PSCs engage in counseling activities, and 5) there is limited familiarity and training regarding the PSC role and comprehensive school counseling program. Based on the results of the study, a Professional School Counselor Role Ambiguity Model was created and recommendations for future research are provided. Results of this study may have an institutional policy implication by promoting change in the school counseling profession and strengthen the knowledge of the role of the school counselor among teachers, administrators, and other educational stakeholders.
Evaluation of Spent Grain Biochar for Effluent Remediation
(2023-03-02) Flynn, Nick; Lamsal, Kushal
In recent years, industries have become aware of their impact on the environment and their surrounding communities. The Brewers Association, for example, recently published a manual on the handling of brewery effluent. In this project, we explored the use of Brewers Spent Grain (BSG) to treat model effluent. Biochar was generated from BSG to produce a carbon rich that was used to filter regular tap water and typical brewery effluent. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were measured from treated solutions as an indicator of the filter capacity of the biochar. Data obtained from this pilot project seems promising and meaningful in that a decrease of 3.35% and 17.09% for tap water and model effluent was observed. We conclude that use of biochar from BSG in treating effluent can be helpful in reducing TDS. This can help reduce the stress put on the environment from industrial effluents. Further study would involve communicating these results to surrounding industries in addition to analyzing use of their solid wastes to generate biochar for effluent treatment.
Factors influencing Teacher Recruitment and Retention in the Texas Panhandle
(2023-03-02) Garrison, Mark
Existing literature does not provide clear findings regarding factors that most influence teacher recruitment and retention in the Texas Panhandle. This concurrent multi-strand mixed-method design explored factors that influence teacher recruitment and retention in the region's rural school districts using four years of Texas Education Agency data, a 28-item questionnaire administered to the region's principals, along with interviews of a subset of surveyed building leaders. No single variable was significantly associated with or predictive of district teacher turnover rates. Questionnaire and interview data suggest improving recruitment and retention in the region requires tailored responses, ones derived from a deep understanding of school and community context.
Formative Assessment as Learning: Establishing Key Performance indicators for Online Instruction
(2023-03-02) Nix, Vince
In an action research mixed-methods project, the authors designed doctoral-level online courses with the explicit intent of using student feedback to improve the curricula, and this study demonstrates that incorporating those assessments seemed to markedly improve enrollees' ratings of course-design elements and their mastery of the subject matter.
Group table and Sudoku puzzles
(2023-03-02) Wu, Qingquan
For any finite group, we will notice a striking similarity between its group multiplication table and the Sudoku puzzles. Every nXn Sudoku puzzle should satisfy three rules: Every row should contain exactly those n numbers 1 through n; Every column should contain exactly those n numbers 1 throught n; In addition, if n=kXk is a perfect square, then every kXk (non-overlapping) grid should contain exactly those n numbers 1 through n. By the cancellation law of the group, every group multiplication table will automatically satisfy the first two rules. Unfortunately, it will almost always fail the last rule. One way to fix it is to allow row/column switching for the group multiplication table. A natural question is: Can all Sudoku puzzles be induced by a group in this way? The answer is: It depends. We will explore this question from both algebraic and statistical perspectives and search through computer programming to see the percentage of group-induced Sudokus among all Sudokus.
Increase in Aeroallergen, Allergy cases in the Texas Panhandle with a special reference to PM2.5 and Respiratory Ailments
(2023-03-02) Howard, Aubrey; DeLeon, Lyanna; Zavala, Maria; Ghosh, Nabarun; Banerjee, Prabir
The study of air quality and aerobiology is an important field and contributes to advancing the scientific body of knowledge and understanding the world around us. Capturing, identifying, and quantifying airborne particles are important to understanding air quality. Our research encompasses the High-Plains area in the Texas Panhandle and focuses on specific particulates including pollen, fungal spores and PM2.5. We conducted laboratory-controlled experiments using a fiberglass chamber and various air quality monitors to assess and evaluate PM2.5 concentrations. The exposed tapes from Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap were stained and mounted with Safranin-Gelvatol mixture and were observed using an Olympus BX40 microscope equipped with FITC, TRITC filters, a mercury lamp source, a DP-74 digital camera. Aeroallergens were viewed, recorded and analyzed with CellSens software. Particulates in the air are categorized by source, size, and chemical composition. These airborne substances have various detrimental health effects. The particulate profile of the air fluctuates daily, can be distinct from one area to another, and can have synergistic impacts. It is important to understand how the environment can influence the emission and distribution of these ambient particulates and how subsequent changes in concentrations can affect human health. The Texas Panhandle-High Plains region is unique in topography, climate, ecology, and combination of various anthropogenic activities. Evaluating relationships between factors that influence air quality in the region will provide a better understanding of how it can affect residents, making way to develop predictive models to mitigate respiratory ailments for the betterment of human health and scientific advancement. We observed seasonal fluctuations of aeroallergens, such as pollen and mold spores, and fluctuations in patients' clinical visits for treatment to respiratory ailments throughout the year. We used the Burkard High Volumetric Spore Trap and RadNet ambient radionuclide-assessing unit to evaluate the levels of airborne particulates and emitted gamma radiation. We also used publicly available information systems and data sets to supplement and correlate the research findings.
The influence of the atmospheric low-pressure core on the ground-based ice-nucleation particle abundance in the North Slope of Alaska: A preliminary report
(2023-03-02) Waza, Andebo; Hiranuma, Naruki
Mixed-phase clouds (MPCs), which contain both ice crystals and supercooled liquid droplets, are ubiquitous over the North Slope of Alaska region, and ice-nucleating particles (INPs) in MPCs impact the formation and modulation of MPCs, precipitation, and the solar energy budget. However, the role of MPCs and INPs on Arctic warming is not yet well revealed, which represents a substantial knowledge gap in climate science. As a first step towards filling the gap, in this work, we examine the role of high-latitude pressure core variability on the ground-level INP concentration as a surrogate parameter of ice cloud microphysics. To measure the INP abundance, we employed a Portable Ice Nucleation Experiment (PINE) chamber, which simulates virtual adiabatic expansion cooling in a 10 L aluminum vessel, at Barrow Atmospheric Baseline Observatory (71.32Â° N, 156.61Â° W). We will in particular discuss how profound atmospheric dynamics and extreme meteorological conditions introduce INP anomaly. Our outcome, besides the sea-ice albedo effect, is a key first step towards a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism and projection of Arctic warming.
Integrated Science Teaching in Atmospheric Ice Nucleation Research: Immersion Freezing Experiments
(2023-03-02) Hiranuma, Naruki; Wilbourn, Elise K.; Alrimaly, Sarah; Williams, Holly; Hurst, Jacob; McGovern, Gregory P.; Anderson, Todd A.
This poster introduces hands-on curricular modules integrated with research in atmospheric ice nucleation, which is an important phenomenon potentially influencing global climate change. The primary goal of this work is to promote meaningful laboratory exercises to enhance the competence of students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by applying an appropriate methodology to laboratory ice nucleation measurements. To achieve this goal, three laboratory modules were developed with 18 STEM interns and tested by 28 students in a classroom setting. Students were trained to experimentally simulate atmospheric ice nucleation and cloud droplet freezing. For practical training, this work utilized a simple freezing assay device called the West Texas Cryogenic Refrigerator Applied to Freezing Test (WT-CRAFT) system. More specifically, students were provided with hands-on lessons to calibrate WT-CRAFT with deionized water and apply analytical techniques to understand the physicochemical properties of bulk water and droplet freezing. All procedures to implement the developed modules were typewritten during this process, and shareable read-ahead exploration materials were developed and compiled as a curricular product. Additionally, students conducted complementary analyses to identify possible catalysts of heterogeneous freezing in the water. The water analyses included: pH, conductivity, surface tension, and electron microscopy - energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. During the data and image analysis process, students learned how to analyze droplet freezing spectra as a function of temperature, screen and interpret the data, perform uncertainty analyses, and estimate ice nucleation efficiency using computer programs. Based on the formal program assessment of learning outcomes and direct (yet de-identified) student feedback, we broadly achieved our goals to 1) improve their problem-solving skills by combining multidisciplinary science and math skills and 2) disseminate data and results with variability and uncertainty. The developed modules can be applied at any institute to advance undergraduate and graduate curricula in environmental science.
Let the Symbols Speak: A Story of Leadership
(2023-03-02) Hindman, Janet
Abstract This article purposed to explore how superintendents instill democracy and democratic values in American public schools. This qualitative case study employed autoethnography as a research methodology to better understand in what ways the efficacy and praxis of the superintendents of independent public schools as founding members of the Public Education Visioning Institute of Texas had been influenced by their participation. Study findings resulted in an iconic unity of values, vision, and passion for change among the superintendents to improve not only their schools, but also all public schools. The implications of the study confirmed the need for further development of the Visioning Institute as a moral imperative to sustain democracy and democratic schools. Key words: democracy, Visioning Institute, leadership, autoethnography

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