Science Showcase 2025

On May 2nd, the DACC SEM Division sponsored it’s second Science Showcase, focused on undergraduate research projects guided by science and math faculty. Attended by literally hundreds of students and faculty, this event highlights DACCs commitment to young researchers and general enthusiasm for science.

Once again, with the support of Project Éxito, a Title III STEM grant, young researchers explored a variety of topics, posed questions, put time and effort into developing research plans, and produced interesting and topical projects. Over 30 students provided poster presentations, fourteen of which are captured below.


Dr. Concepcion Miller, the new chair of the science department, shares her observations with Dr. Sean Kardar.

Dean Joe Butler learns about seed preferences in ants.


 

Application of variable forces in real life situations

Students: Joseph Flores, Santiago Jimenez, Anthony Alvarez, and Avisek Khatri

Advisor: Dr. Bethuel Khamala

Course: PHYS 1320L

Calculus Based Physics Approach in Aerospace Engineering

Students: Alyssa Quinones, Alex Rodriguez, and Kayden Robey

Advisor: Dr. Bethuel Khamala

Course: PHYS 1320L

Finding, Testing and Identifying Antibiotic Producing Bacteria From Soil

Students: Constance Duquette, Gwendolyn Galaz, Idaly Briviescas, Dylan Guevara

Advisor: Dr. Concepcion Miller

Course: BIOL 2110L

Investigating Pheromone Response and CHC Properties in German Cockroaches

Students: Idaly Briviescas, Isaiah Gallosa, Mitchell Payne, Yolanda Willie

Advisor: Dr. JoAnn Latorre

Course: CHEM 2115

Cross-Species Attraction: Testing American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) Pheromones and CHCs on Turkestan Cockroaches (Periplaneta lateralis)

Students: Samyra Villasenor, Noelia Martinez, Alyssa Quinones

Advisor: Dr. JoAnn Latorre

Course: CHEM 2115

Cross-Species Hormonal Attraction: Investigating the Response of Periplaneta americana to Nymph Hormones of Periplaneta lateralis

Students: Madelynn Dunivan, Constance Duquette, Kayline Holguin-Chavez, Danna Rentería

Advisor: Dr. JoAnn Latorre

Course: CHEM 2115

Study of Pressure Distribution in Soil Layers Due to Rocket Exhaust

Students: Michael Medina, Emerald Davis, Kevin Marin

Advisor: Dr. Bethuel Khamala

Course: PHYS 1320L

Finding Bacteria in Soil that Produces Antibiosis Against Human Pathogens

Students: Clarissa Flores, Melissa Rocha, Paulina Campos, Paola Duque

Advisor Dr. Concepcion Miller

Course: BIOL 2110L

Finding homological generators in clique complexes

Students: Emerald Davis

Advisor Mychael Smith, PhD

Course:

The Hunt for Antibiotics Starts in the Soil

Students: Koda Fister, Fiona Rossette, Jacqueline Burleson, Alessandro Paque

Advisor Dr. Concepcion Miller

Course: BIOL 2110L

From the Ground Up: Antibody Testing in Soil Samples

Students: Eden Frausto, Mia Reyes, Zoey Ligon, and JD Duffey

Advisor Dr. Concepcion Miller

Course: BIOL 2110L

The Search for Antibiotics: Investigating Bacterial Capabilities for Antibiosis

Students: Gianna Rodriguez, Lilia Vasquez, Nyleah Valenzuela, Hailey Lopez, Stephanie Zavala

Advisor Dr. Concepcion Miller

Course: BIOL 2110L

Antibiotic Production By Soil-derived Bacteria

Students: Nataly Mata, Heily Garcia, Erika Benavidez, Aayush Karki

Advisor Lina Urquidi

Course: BIOL 2610L

Secondary Metabolite Compounds of Soil Bacteria as Novel Antibiotic Sources

Students: Gabrielle Esparza, Alexis Garza, Trisha McCaul, Yolanda Willie

Advisor Dr. Concepcion Miller

Course: BIOL 2110L