Research & Innovation Week 2024 Book

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On behalf of the Division of Research & Innovation, we are so appreciative of those who

Division of Research & Innovation

Texas Southern University Administration

Board of Regents

Honorable Brandon L. Simmons, Chairman

Honorable James M. Benham, Vice Chair

Honorable Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige, 2nd Vice Chair

Honorable Marilyn A. Rose, Secretary

Honorable Richard A. Johnson, III

Honorable Caroline Baker Hurley

Honorable Pamela A. Medina

Honorable Dylan C. Getwood, Student Regent

Officers of Administration

Dr. Mary Evans Sias, Interim President

Dr. Carl B. Goodman, Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall, Vice President for Research and Innovation

Dr. Omonike Olaleye. Senior Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation

Dr. Kevin Granger, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics

Dr. Cynthia Buckley, Senior Associate Vice President for Human Resources & Payroll

Dr. Raijanel Crockem, Associate Vice President of Institutional Assessment and Planning Effectiveness

Mr. Tracy Clemons, Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Mrs. Melanie Jackson, Executive Director for Procurement

Mr. Chad Steward, Executive Director for Campus Operations & Protocol

Kia J. Harper, Interim Chief of Staff

Mr. John Pittman, Interim Vice President of Business and Finance/Chief Financial Officer

Ms. Carme Williams, Interim Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Mr. Benjamin Green, Interim Vice President for Technology/Chief Information and Digital Officer

Ms. Yvette Barker, Interim Assistant Vice President for Student Life & Engagement

Atty. Charlie Nhan, Acting General Counsel

Mr. Bobby A. Brown, Acting Chief of Police

Dr. Rasoul Saneifard, Faculty Senate Chair

Mrs. Isoke Frank-Williams, Staff Council Chair

Mr. Z’Qualeus Haynes, Student Government Association President

Ms. Taelor Davis, University Program Council President

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.

John C. Maxwell

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Texas Southern University Administration

Officers of Academic Administration

Dr. Needha Boutte Queen, Acting Senior Associate Provost & Senior Assoc. Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Derrick Manns, Executive Director, Curriculum& Graduation Initiatives

Mr. Charles Henry, Executive Director, Provost Business Services

Dr. Nickolus Cioci, Dean ofRecords

Ms. Haiying Li, Acting Executive Director of LibraryServices

Dr. Carlton Perkins, Faculty Ombudsperson

Mr. Remi Ademola, Directorof Center for Online Education and Instructional Teaching

Dr. Cheree Daniels Wiltsher, Executive Director of TSU Online

Deans of Colleges and Schools

Dr. Mahesh Vanjani, Acting Dean, The Graduate School

Dr.J. Kenyatta Cavil, Acting Dean, College ofEducation

Dr. Wei Li, Acting Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Dr. Hector Miranda, Acting Dean, Thomas F. Freeman Honors College

Dr. Okezie Chukwumerije, Acting Dean, Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Dr. AndrewEwoh, Acting Dean, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs

Dr. David Yen, Dean, JesseH. Jones School of Business

Dr. Jason Oby, Acting Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences

Dr. Christian Ulasi, Acting Dean, School of Communication

Dr. Rashid Mosavin, Dean,College ofPharmacyand Health Sciences

Dr. Aisha Morris-Moultry, Special Assistant to the Provost

Division of Research and Innovation Team Members

Dr. Linda Gardiner, Director

Ms. Adana Brown, Project Coordinator II

Ms. Kimbler Lofton, Office Administrator

Ms. RhonniDixon, ProjectCoordinator I

Ms. Zuri Dale, Executive Director

Mrs. Lakuita Bess, Senior Animal Care Technician

Dr.NjekehCaspa, Consultant

An organization’s culture is the compass that guides its employees to success.

Dax Bamania

Ms. Diane Lewis, Director

Mr. Dantes Davis, Senior Grant Accountant

Ms. Kathleen Calhoun, Senior GrantAccountant

Ms. Minnie Wolridge, Senior GrantAccountant

Mrs. Joanna Simmons, Office Administrator

Ms. VickyDavis, Community Health Worker

Ms. Kelly Morris, Public Health Nurse

Ms. Ashlee Young, Graduate Assistant

Ms. Ameera Muhammad, Specimen Collector

Ms. Lena Bean, ProgramDirector

Ms. Susan Davis, ProgramAssistant

Ms. Deborah Allen, Administrative Secretary

Ms. Leticea Sheared, ProgramAssistant

Ms. Samira Ibrahim, Graduate Assistant

Ms. Christina Lewis, Undergraduate Assistant

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Institutional Research Board (IRB)

Dr. Grace Loudd, Chairperson

Dr. Marion Smith, Member

Dr. Cary Wintz, Member

Dr. Candy Ratliff Member

Dr. Gautam Nayer, Alternate

Dr. Veronica Ajewole, Member

Dr. Cyril Abobo, Member

Dr. Audrey Player Alternate

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

Dr. Zivar Yousefipour, Chairperson

Dr. Thomas Gomez, Attending Veterinarian

Dr. Momoh Yakubu, Member

Dr. Alamelu (Lalita) Sundaresan, Member

Dr. Song Gao, Member

Dr. Omar Ayah, External Member

Dr. Huan Xie, Alternate

Mr. Darnell Johnson, III, Alternate

Dr. Hector Miranda, Alternate

IBC (Institutional Biological & Chemical Safety Committee)

Dr. Daryl Wilkerson (Chair)

Ms. Mellany Patrong, Member

Mr. Darnell Johnson, III, Member

Ms. Tinnille Leak-Johnson, Member

Dr. Tuan Phan, Member

Dr. Hyun-Min Hwang, Member

Dr. Ashraf Mozayani, Member

Dr. Chelliah Selvam, Member

Radiation Safety Committee

Dr. Ya-Fatou Njie-Mbye, Chair

Ms. Mellany Patrong

Dr. Daryl Wilkerson

Mr. Darnell Johnson, III

Dr. Mark Harvey

Dr. Amruthesh Shivachar

Dr. Kasturi Ranganna

Mr. Frederick Holts

Faculty Development Committee

Dr. Ladelle Hyman, Chair

(School of Business)

Dr. Leamon Green

(College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences)

Dr. Victor Obot

(College of Science Engineering and Technology)

University Research Committees

University Research Committee (URC)

Dr. Linda M. Gardiner, Chair (Research & Innovation)

Dr. Daniel Vrinceanu

(College of Science Engineering and Technology)

Dr. Nancy Shepherd

(College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences)

Dr. Rochelle Parks-Yancy

(Jesse H. Jones School of Business)

Dr. Dong Liang (College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences)

Dr. Ahunanya Anga (Thurgood Marshall School of Law)

Dr. Jasmine Drake (School of Public Affairs)

Dr. Tyrone Dixon (School of Communications)

Dr. Hector Miranda (Honors College)

Intellectual Property Committee

Dr. Dong Liang, Chair (College of Pharmacy Health Sciences)

Ms. Elsa Ransom

Dr. Viveca Grant (College of Education)

Dr. Huan Xie

(College of Pharmacy Health Sciences)

Dr. Cyril Abobo (College of Pharmacy Health Sciences)

Dr. Yi Qi

(College of Science Engineering and Technology)

Dr. Oscar Criner

(College of Science Engineering and Technology)

Dr. Xin (Jacob) Wei

(College of Science Engineering and Technology)

Dr. Ponmille Olonilua

(Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs)

Dr. Alamelu Sundaresan

(College of Science Engineering and Technology)

High Performance Computing Center

Dr. Daniel Vrinceanu, Director Office Phone: 713-313-4482 Website: https://coset.tsu.edu/hpcc/

Institute/Center Description: The Texas Southern University High Performance Computing Center (TSUHPCC) promotes research and teaching by integrating leading edge, high-performance computing and visualization for the faculty, staff, and students of Texas Southern University, as well as advance disciplinary diversity, partnerships, and excellence. Additionally, our secondary mission is to partner with and promote research at underrepresented Universities across the state of Texas. The HPCC will facilitate research and aid in educational advancement by integrating leading edge, highperformance computing and visualization to individual administrative units, as well as multidisciplinary units across campus. The Center will embrace this disciplinary diversity by creating partnerships across the department and colleges of Texas Southern University and additionally with underrepresented universities across the state of Texas. The center will ensure that Texas Southern University obtains and retains superior computing and visualization facilities for the present and future of the University.

Internal interdisciplinary collaboration: Dr. Bruce Prince (Chemistry), Dr. Y. Wang (Mathematics)

External interdisciplinary collaboration: Dr. L. Huang (PVAMU), Dr. M. Jensense (BNL)

Biomolecular Research and Advanced Computing Centre (BioRACC)

Dr. Kehinde Ademola Idowu, Director OfficePhone:713-313-5643

Institute/Center Description: Biomolecular Research and Advanced Computing Centre (BioRACC) is a computational science laboratory center that employs high -performance computing, applied mathematics, and domain sciences work together to develop, adapt, and optimize advanced scalable algorithms to solve problems in the field of biological research. At the Centre, we

Research Centers & Institutes

employ combinatory computational tools and experimental techniques in the evaluation of the molecular interactions between biological targets (microorganism or human’s macromolecules) and drugs/small molecules. For example, computational evaluation of the molecular interactions between SARS-CoV-2 proteins and human pro-viral proteins (such as receptors) and the effects of mutations on these interactions. In addition, the Centre conducts basic multidisciplinary fundamental research in artificial intelligence (AI) driven computer-aided drug discovery and development. The Centre provides molecular dynamics simulations packages, such as AMBER, GROMACS and VMD that include molecular visualization facilities for drug discovery.

TSU Aggressive Prostate Cancer Study

Dr. Veronica Ajewole, Director Office Phone: 713-313-1233

Institute/Center Description: Aggressive prostate cancer among African American men to increase prostate cancer education, awareness and screening among African American males.

Internal interdisciplinary collaboration: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Division of Research and Innovation,, TSU Advance Health Equity Program, TSU Institute for Health Equity Advancement, Research and Training, TSU Advance Health Equity Program, Community Engagement Core of Center for Biomedical and Minority Health Research, TSU Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Center

External interdisciplinary collaboration: Houston Methodist Hospital, Sankofi Research Institute, Progressive New Hope Baptist Church, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Herman Cancer Center, African American Male Wellness

TSU Advance Health Equity Program

Dr Veronica Ajewole, Director

Dr Ivy Poon Associate Director

Office Phone: 713-313-1233

Website: https://linktr.ee/cectxsouthernu

Institute/Center Description: The goal of Advance Health Equity Program is to advance health equity in Priority Tier 1 and 2 communities through COVID-19 related and health equity promotional activities conducted by Community Health Workers (CHWs). This aligns with the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s mission to reduce COVID-19 related health disparities and promote health equity among racial/ethnic minority populations. It also aligns with Houston Health Department (HHD)’s goal to build community infrastructure in health promotion to minoritycommunities through CHWs.

Internal interdisciplinary collaboration: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Division of Research and Innovation, TSU Advance Health Equity Program, TSU Institute for Health Equity Advancement, Research and Training, TSU Aggressive Prostate Cancer Study, Community Engagement Core of Center for Biomedical and Minority Health Research, TSU Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Center, MH REACH

External interdisciplinary collaboration: San Jose Clinic, LegacyCommunity Clinic, Bread of Life

Institute of Drug Discovery and Development (iD3)

Dr. Huan Xie: Founding Director

Dr. Dong Liang, Dr. Omonike Olaleye: Co-Directors Office Phone: 713-313-4340

Institute/Center Description: Texas Southern University (TSU) has been selected to participate in the Chemical Biology Consortium (CBC), the discovery engine of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Experimental Therapeutics (NExT) Program, administered through the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR), a federal national laboratory sponsored by the NCI, part of the National Institutes of Health, and currentlyoperated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. For the next 5 years (2022-2027), TSU will participate in the CBC, which conducts oncology drug discovery in the NExT Program. Dr. Huan Xie, Principal Investigator, a

Research Centers & Institutes

Professor of Pharmaceutics and Director of the Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, leads a team of TSU faculty for this highly competitive, comprehensive, and nationally renowned research engagement. A one-of-akind Institute of Drug Discovery and Development (iD3) is built to provide unique, highly translational, and specialized research services to accelerate novel drug discovery and development. The vision of iD3 is to grow to be an independent self-sufficient research entity leading TSU from an R2 Research University to an R1 Research University further increasing cutting-edge research and opportunities at TSU.

The mission of the NExT Program is to advance clinical practice and bring improved therapies to patients with cancer by supporting the most promising new drug discovery and development projects. The CBC within NExT is a highly collaborative drug discovery consortium funded by the NCI that is designed to integrate all aspects of early-stage drug discovery from target validation through candidate selection, leading to the discovery of new molecular entities suitable for entry into clinical development. The participating centers will provide project teams with the technical expertise and the scientific personnel that are needed to navigate scientific roadblocks and advance projects through the NExT pipeline. Centers on multidisciplinaryCBC drug discovery teams will enable the translation of basic research findings for the benefit of cancer patients.

Among the 18 selected institutions, 7 are universities, which include Texas Southern University. TSU is the only consortium representative from Texas and the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the nation selected for this award.

The TSU iD3 will be built upon two currently funded large centers: the GCC Center for Comprehensive PK/PD and Formulation (CCPF), supported by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), and the Center for Biomedical and Minority Health Research (CBMHR), supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), MPI: Drs. Omonike Olaleye and Huan Xie). The iD3 team includes Dr. Huan Xie, as Founding Director, Drs. Dong Liang and Omonike Olaleye, as Co-Founding Directors, Drs. Song Gao, Yun Zhang, Kehinde Idowu, Anuoluwapo Egebejimi, Alamenu Sundaresan and Daniel Vrinceanu, as

faculty experts. The iD3 team will work closely with Intellectual Concepts, LLC (IC) to perform program and contract management.

Dr. Xie and Dr. Olaleye will also participate in CBC Steering Committee Meetings for the next 5 years. TSU will provide highly qualified staffing, technical expertise, and scientific leadership to advance projects that begin as highly ranked concepts and advance through the milestones established by the project teams. Scientific leaders from CBC Centers will participate on the CBC Steering Committee to assist NCI: 1) to evaluate the merits of project proposals and concepts, and 2) to develop the critical milestones, experiments, and resources required to formulate project plans. The CBC centers will respond to Requests for Proposals that define projects objectives resulting from Concept Reviews. In addition to conducting reviews and the development of project plans, the CBC Steering Committee Meetings will provide a forum for feedback and guidance to project teams, discussions of emerging drug discovery technologies, and feedback to NCI regarding operational inefficiencies.

TSU Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Center

Dr. Veronica Ajewole, Director OfficePhone:713-313-4424 Website: https://linktr.ee/TSUBreastcareclinic

Institute/Center Description: TSU BCSPC provide breast cancer screening mammogram and diagnostic workup for uninsured and underinsured women at no cost. We also provide patient navigation and barrier reduction services. Our services are provided at Harris, Grimes, Walker, Matagorda, and Wharton for eligible women.

Internal interdisciplinary collaboration: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Division of Research and Innovation,, TSU Advance Health Equity Program, TSU Institute for Health Equity Advancement, Research and Training, TSU Aggressive Prostate Cancer Study, Community Engagement Core of Center for Biomedical and MinorityHealth Research

External interdisciplinary collaboration: Trinity Church, Lilly Grove Baptist Church, Good Hope Baptist

Research Centers & Institutes

Church, Houston Canterbury, Dominion International Center, Willing Workers Baptist Church, MT. Rose City of Refuge, The Fountain of Praise, San Mateo Iglesia Episcopal, PowerHouse Church, Emancipation Park, Texan YMCA, City of Houston Northeast Multi-service center, Buckner Family Hope Center, Precinct 2, SurviveHer, Christopher Pichon Foundation, Gulfton National group Realtors Helping Realtors, Breast of Us, Susan G Komen, Cancer Alliance of Texas, AKA/Alpha Alpha Eta Omega Chapter, Navasota Public Library, Houston Police Department, Houston Housing Authority, Avenue 360, BeeBusyWellness Center, Lonestar Circle of Care, Houston Methodist Hospital, The Rose, Your Houston, Communities in School Eisenhower (AldineISD), District 131 State Representative, Alma Alas, Crespo Elementary (HISD), Crusaders for Colon, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Precinct 1 (executed), Texas Health EquityAlliance for BreastCancer

CPRIT GCC Center for Comprehensive PK/PD & Formulation (CCPF)

Dr. Dong Liang, Director, Principal Investigator Office Phone: 713-313-1986 Website: https://www.gcc-ccpf.com

Institute/Center Description: Preclinical drug development usually takes several years from the identification of a new chemical entity (NCE) to advance to clinical testing. Most of these pharmacokinetics (PK)/ pharmacodynamics (PD) and formulation evaluations are required for Investigational New Drug (IND) applications. Two aspects are generally involved for an NCE at this stage: 1) in vitro PK characterizations (physiochemical properties, metabolism, stability, and cellular and gastrointestinal permeability); and 2) in vivo PK and PD evaluations in animal models. In addition, most NCEs are either unstable or unsuitable for conventional routes of drug administration. Thus, developing an optimal dosage formulation is critical for further NCE candidate development.

Gulf Coast Consortia (GCC) Center for Comprehensive PK/PD & Formulation (CCPF), funded by Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) in 2018 with $5.1M., is a state-of-the-art drug development core facility with experienced faculty from Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Science (TSU

COPHS), University of Houston College of Pharmacy (UHCOP), and the GCC for Quantitative Biomedical Science. Our primary focus is on preclinical drug development to facilitate rapid advancement of novel cancer drug candidates to clinical trials. We are proud to provide critically needed PK/PD and formulation services to streamline drug development of potential anti-cancer drug candidates identified in existing drug discovery cores, individual labs, and small companies throughout Texas.

Internal/External interdisciplinary collaboration:

1. Dr. Peter Grace, MD Anderson Cancer Center, “PK/ PD studies of PTDP and its metabolites for potential treatment of patients with cancer”.

2. Dr. Shiaw-Yin Lin, MD Anderson Cancer Center, “Pharmacokinetics and metabolic evaluations of a novelanticancer agentR14”

3. Dr. Cara Gonzales, UT San Antonio, “Pharmacokinetic studies of a novel anticancer agent CIDD150228”

4. Dr. Johanna Webb, RiverWalk Therapeutics, “LCMS/MS quantification of novel anti-breast cancer agents C2 and C3 in mouse plasma and tissue samples”.

5. Dr. Song Gao, Texas Southern University, “PK/PD studies of novel agents for the treatment of chemotherapyinduced GItoxicity”

Community Engagement Core of Center for Biomedical and Minority Health Research

Dr Veronica Ajewole, Director

Dr Ivy Poon, Associate Director

Dr Nkechi Ogboh, Health Equity and Community Engagement Pharmacist Office Phone: 713-313-1233 Website: https://linktr.ee/cectxsouthernu

Institute/Center Description: The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) is a program under the National Institute of Health (NIH)’s National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparity (NIMHD). The RCMI program develops and strengthens the research infrastructure necessary to conduct state-of-the-art biomedical research and foster the next generation of researchers from underrepresented populations. Texas Southern University (TSU), one of the nation’s largest HBCUs, recently received a $8.63 million RCMI award

Research Centers & Institutes

for the Center for Biomedical and Minority Health Research (CBMHR) which consists of 4 major components: Research Infrastructure Core; Community Engagement Core and Investigator Development Core and a research project on prostate cancer. The Community Engagement Core (CEC) works directly with the Greater Houston Community to identify and address health related concerns. The CEC provides healthrelated resources to the community through partnerships with healthcare systems, Federally Qualified Health Centers, as well as community and faith-based organizations. The CEC hosts health education events across the Greater Houston Community to increase clinical trials awareness and reduce health disparities related to communities of color. For more information, visit us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @CECTxSouthernU

Internal interdisciplinary collaboration: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Division of Research and Innovation, TSU Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Center, TSU Advance Health Equity Program, TSU Institute for Health Equity Advancement, Research and Training, TSU Aggressive Prostate Cancer Study

External interdisciplinary collaboration: Trinity Church, Lilly Grove Baptist Church, Good Hope Baptist Church, Houston Canterbury, Dominion International Center, St. Luke's Episcopal Church , Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Holman Street Baptist Church, The Fountain of Praise Church, Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church, Progressive New Hope Church, Saint Monica's Catholic Church, Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church, Loyal Missionary Baptist Church, Our Mother of Mercy, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Holman Baptist Church, Shape Community Center, TSU Aging and Intergenerational Resources, DAWN Center, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Third Ward Community Cloth, American Heart Association, CenterWell, NRCDC Go neighborhoods, Research Match, Friends of Riverside Park Houston, Hester House Houston, 50 Hoops legend, Collaborative, Baker Ripley, Care Connection, 5th Ward NRCDC, KEW Learning Center, Law Harrington Center, Santa Maria Hostel, Cuney Homes, Sisters Network , AWARE for All, Lupus foundation,

Igniting a Robust Culture of Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

Emancipation Park, Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, Legacy Community, Bee Busy Wellness Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, University of Texas Medical Center Galveston, Genentech, Janssen, GSK, Merck, 3rd Ward Multi-Service Center, Houston Health Department, City of Houston Parks and Recreation-Emancipation Park, Houston Texans YMCA, YMCA International, NAACP, T.O.M.A.C., Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Greater Commission Missionary Baptist Church, Houston Police Department, The DAWN Center, Fallbrook Church

Center for Transportation Training and Research (CTTR)

Dr. Gwendolyn Goodwin, Director Office Phone: 713-313-1925

Institute/Center Description: The Center for Transportation Training and Research (CTTR) is a research arm of Texas Southern University and a companion to the Masters of Science program in Transportation Planning and Management. CTTR began in 1983 under the leadership of Dr. Naomi Lede, with a grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Currently, CTTR staff has amassed more than 150 years of direct transportation experience. The center's focus was on public transit, however, over the last 30 years the research has expanded to include highways, land use, evacuation planning, automated and connected vehicle technologies and other transportation components. Still, public transportation research remains strong and relevant to industry needs. Also, with the University's role as a special institution of higher education for urban programming in mind, CTTR's research continues to expand. In keeping with key aspects of smart growth, public engagement and inclusion of low income and minority persons in the mainstream of transportation planning and decision making will be an integral part of that growth.

Internal interdisciplinary collaboration: CTTR is collaborating with the School of Pharmacy on several grants and proposals.

External interdisciplinary collaboration: CTTR is current collaborating with Harris County, Houston-

Research Centers & Institutes

Galveston Area Council (HGAC), North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOGs), Houston METRO, and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA’s) UniversityTransportation Center (UTC) program.

TSU S.H.A.P.E .Initiative

Dr. Grace Loudd, Director

Dr. Dominique Guinn, Director

Office Phone: 713-313-1975

Website: http://www.tsu.edu/academics/colleges-andschools/colabs/social-work/social-work-shape/contactus.html

Institute/Center Description: The TSU S.H.A.P.E. Initiative (TSI) is a Texas Southern University and community-based partnership designed to support sexual and mental health wellness among youth, adolescents, and older adults on campus, in the Greater 3rd and 5th ward communities, and throughout Greater Houston. S.H.A.P.E. represents core targets: Substance Use, Mental Health, HIV/AIDS, and Prevention Education aligned with its mission to promote holistic-based sexual health awareness, action, and empowerment for all. TSI remains committed to addressing health disparities through the provision of easily accessible and culturally sensitive service delivery. It offers free and confidential in-person and virtual sexual health screenings, community-based referrals, individual and provider educational and volunteer opportunities, and service linkage. The program is located in the Public Affairs Building, Suite 302 and available for community-based outreach events.

Internal interdisciplinary collaboration for FY 2024: University Counseling Center, Student Health Center, Campus Organizations, Department of Social Work, Center for Emotional Health & Wellness; Department of Health, Kinesiologyand Sports Studies

External interdisciplinary collaboration for FY 2024: Bee Busy Wellness Center, City of Houston Health Department, KEW Learning Academy, Shape Community Center, Center for Recovery & Wellness Resources, AIDS Foundation Houston; United AIDS; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; UT Health; Houston Housing Authority, Harris County Juvenile Probation; Houston Playback Theatre; UTMB Institute for

Translational Sciences; Center for Civic and Public Policy Improvement

Forensic Science Learning Lab

Dr. Ashraf Mozayani, Executive Director

Dr. Jasmine Drake, Laboratory Coordinator Office Phone: 713-313-7332 Website: https://www.tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/bjml -school-public-affairs/departments/administration-ofjustice/degrees/forensic-science-learning-lab

Institute/Center Description: The mission of the Forensic Science Learning Lab (FSLL) is to provide specialized forensic science education and training for any Texas Southern University students interested in pursuing careers in the field of forensic science and to provide training opportunities for current practitioners in the field aspiring to expand and update their knowledge and skills. Internal interdisciplinary collaboration for FY 2023: TSU Leadership, Education, & Advancement in Undergraduate Research Pathways (TSU-LEAP) Trainees, TSU Bioscholars Summer Program (Youth Camp), TSU Parent -Child Learning Center STEM Demos, TSU Tier Two FacultyMember, Student Academic Support Services

External interdisciplinary collaboration for FY 2023: MOU Between the Texas Southern University Forensic Science Learning Laboratory and the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau/ the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education, CentralDepartment of Missions (CDM), MOU Between FSLL and Harris County Sheriff Forensic Digital Lab.

Center of Excellence for Housing and Community Development Policy Research (HCDPR)

Jeffrey S. Lowe, Ph.D., Director

Laura Solitare, Ph.D., Associate Director Office Phone: 713-313-4826

Institute/Center Description: HCDPR advances transdisciplinary research and debate on affordable housing and community development policy useful to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and low-income communities of color in the six major Texas

Research Centers & Institutes

cities (Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio), Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Investigators assume research projects under the following two thematic and interconnected areas: 1) individual and community wealth building and housing security and stability; and 3) planning and infrastructure inequityaffecting underserved communities.

Founded by Dr. Jeffrey S. Lowe and Dr. Laura Solitare, faculty members in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy, at Texas Southern University (and the only HBCU with an accredited professional urban planning program west of the Mississippi River), HCDPR aims to expand the ability of Texas Southern University to conduct transdisciplinary academic and empirical research in housing and community development. As a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Center of Excellence (one of three at an HBCU), HCDPR intends to become a destination point for supporting the innovative research projects of seasoned and emerging scholars within and outside of Texas Southern University that help foster collaboration and stimulate policy debate. In partnership with Alabama A&M University, University of Texas at Austin, Florida A&M University, Texas Tech University, and University of the Virgin Islands, HCDPR investigators conduct research with assistance from graduate and undergraduate students and, thereby, extends the pipeline for conveying future housing and community development researchers and scholars of color.

Internal interdisciplinary collaboration: Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy, Barbara Jordan -Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs; Department of Journalism, School of Communication; and Department of Mathematical Sciences, College of Engineering, Science & Technology

External interdisciplinary collaboration for FY 2022: Department of Community and Regional Planning, Alabama A&M University; School of Architecture + Engineering Technology, Florida A&M University; Center of Excellence in Climate Resilient Equitable Housing Innovation Center, Texas Tech University; Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience, and Shimberg Center, University of Florida; Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Hurbert H. Humphrey School of

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Public Affairs, University of Minnesota; School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City; Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California; Equitable Technologies for Housing Innovation Center, Department of Community and Regional Planning, and University of Texas Law School, University of Texas at Austin; and Eastern Caribbean Center, Universityof the Virgin Islands.

Center for Justice Research

Dr. Howard Henderson, Director Office Phone: 713-313-6843 Website: www.tsu.edu/justiceresearch

Institute/Center Description: The Center for Justice Research at Texas Southern University is a premier interdisciplinary research think tank dedicated to addressing pressing issues within the criminal justice system through innovative research and collaboration. In our ongoing mission to create evidence-based solutions and policy reform, we are excited to present our latest initiatives during University Research Week. These initiatives include trauma-informed gun violence research, prosecutor decision-making, researcher development, and crime-based need assessments in Houston and Chicago:

Smart Suite Diversity Initiative: A collaborative effort aimed at diversifying the programming of the Bureau of Justice Assistance's Smart Suite Project. The initiative focuses on creating a searchable database of researchers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), MinorityServing Institutions (MSIs), and those who employ culturally responsive research approaches, while providing training and support to these researchers to enhance their skills and foster engagement with diverse communities nationwide.

Prosecutor decision-making: Prosecutorial discretion plays a critical role in determining case outcomes and contributes to disparities within the criminal justice system. CJR investigates the factors that influence prosecutor decision-making, exploring ways to enhance transparency, fairness, and consistency in prosecutorial practices. Our research informs policy recommendations aimed at reducing biases and promoting equitable

Research Centers & Institutes

outcomes in the justice system.

Researcher development: At CJR, we are dedicated to fostering the growth of the next generation of criminal justice researchers. Our researcher development program provides students and early-career professionals with opportunities for mentorship, training, and hands-on research experience. This initiative helps cultivate a diverse group of researchers who are equipped to address the complex challenges facing the criminal justice systemtoday and in the future.

Criminal Justice Research Hub: The Criminal Justice Research Hub is a collaborative platform designed to connect researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community organizations working to address critical issues in the criminal justice system. As part of its mission, the Research Hub focuses on conducting a comprehensive violent crime needs assessment in Houston, aiming to identify the most pressing issues related to criminal justice, public safety, and community well-being in the city.

Be sure to look for these exciting initiatives on our website by signing up for ournewsletter at www.tsu.edu/justiceresearch.

Internal interdisciplinary collaboration:

• Researcher Development Institute with Jasmine Drake, PhD

• External interdisciplinarycollaboration for FY 2024:

• Cost-benefit Analysis of Prosecutor Diversion Study with Claremont Graduate School, Justice System Partners, and Mental Health Colorado

• Criminal Justice Research Hub

Center for Transformative Health

Ms. Zuri Dale, Executive Director Office Phone: 713-313-7445

Institute/Center Description: In minority communities, the pandemic has been a magnifier for common health problems underscoring the need for a public health agenda beyond COVID-19 and has necessitated ongoing health initiatives to prevent and manage disease occurrence while improving livability to transformlives.

At the Center for Transformative Health, we strive to conduct research and help develop multi-level interventions that not

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only drive change in population health, but further the science that transforms lives. The primary goal of the center is to improve health and quality of life and serve as a resource center that will focus on health outcomes of diverse populations for the city of Houston and beyond. We work with local communities to develop, test, and evaluate solutions to 21st century problems, while developing creative and innovative approaches to improve public health. The Center’s overall initiative is structured around the following:

• Engaging stakeholders and community coalitions in conducting research focused on health promotion and disease prevention

• Implementing multi-disciplinarycommunity-based research initiatives

• Designing opportunities thataddress the prevention and controlofinfectiousdiseases

• Expending access to mental health resources and providers

• Continuing to analyze the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and be prepared to assist in the next public health emergency.

Center for Aging and Intergenerational Resources

Ms. Lena Bean, Program Director

Institute/Center Description: The objective is to improve the quality of life for older adults through providing comprehensive education and training, information and referral services. The goal is to mobilize the efforts of the campus and the community in identifying and linking existing resources to form a comprehensive, Intergenerational community-based delivery system for an aging society, with a special focus on empowering family caregivers and older adults through education, relevant and current information services.

The Center On The Family Aging and Intergenerational Resources is positioned as a training ground for students aspiring to pursue careers in any aspect of gerontology. Throughout the past decade, the dramatic increase in the number of older adults has introduced

Research Centers & Institutes

significant challenges to a broad range of community resources. This condition is exacerbated by the increasingly complex needs of aging minority populations.

Our services allow us to continue to mobilize the efforts of the campus and the community while identifying and linking existing resources to form a comprehensive, intergenerational community-based delivery system for an aging society and the family caregivers. All program and services are supported in part by the following:

• Texas Southern University

• Houston-Galveston Area Council Area Agency on Aging

• The City of Houston acting as the Harris County Area Agency on Aging

• The Texas Department on Aging and Disability Service

Research is seeing what everybody else has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought.

Albert Szent-Györgyi

Igniting a Robust Culture of Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

Sterling Student Life Center Tiger Room 3rd Floor

9:15 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

Sterling Student Life Center Tiger Room 3rd Floor

Event Schedule

Monday, March 18, 2024

Opening Breakfast

Opening Plenary Fireside Chat Dr. Ramamoorthy Ramesh, Executive Vice President for Research, Rice University

10:00 a.m.–10:10 a.m. BREAK

10:10 a.m.–11:10 a.m.

Sterling Student Life Center Tiger Room 3rd Floor

Funding Opportunity: Small Business Administration. SBIR/STTR Program Target: AI, Biomedical, Sensors, Cybersecurity, Space Exploration, Energy Presenters: Mr. Winston Labbe’ & Mr. Robert Johnson

11:15 a.m.–11:25 a.m. BREAK

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Sterling Student Life Center Tiger Room 3rd Floor

Federal Government Contracting: Small Business Administration Presenter: Ms. Ida Benson

12:35 p.m.–1:25 p.m. LUNCH

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

Sterling Student Life Center Tiger Room 3rd Floor “Howard University and PNC Entrepreneurship Center at TSU” An Overview of Regional Structure and Activities by Mr. Robert Dunlap and Dr. Rashid Mosavin

CLOSED MEETING

12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Sterling Student Life Center

4th Floor Presidents Lounge

8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

Sterling Life Center 4th Floor Presidents Lounge

9:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Sterling Student Life Center

Tiger Room 3rd Floor

12:05 p.m.–1:05 p.m.

Sterling Student Life Center 4th Floor Presidents Lounge

1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Sterling Student Life Center 4th Floor Presidents Lounge

9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Sterling Student Life Center 4th Floor Presidents Lounge

10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Sterling Student Life Center

Tiger Room 3rd Floor

11:05 a.m.–12:05 p.m.

Sterling Student Life Center Tiger Room 3rd Floor

RCMI | CBMHR | ID3 Executive Advisory Board Meeting

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Continental Breakfast and Registration

Poster Presentations (Students, Faculty, Staff)

Student Researchers Luncheon

Target: Graduate Students, LEAP, LSAMP, Ronald McNair, TRIO, NSF-PREP, TF Freeman Honors College

Oral Presentations (Faculty, Staff, Students)

Target: Graduate Students, LEAP, LSAMP, Ronald McNair, TRIO, NSF-PREP, TF Freeman Honors College

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

RCMI | CBMHR | ID3 Symposium for Health Equity and Justice

Student Entrepreneurship Resource Fair (No registration required)

Student Pitch Competition (Open to all students who preregistered)

Igniting a Robust

Culture of Innovation

Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

8:00 a.m.–8:50 a.m.

Virtual

9:00 a.m.–9:50 a.m.

Virtual

10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m.

Virtual

11:05 a.m.–12:05 p.m.

Virtual

Event Schedule

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Funding Opportunity: NIH/NIMHHD

Dr. Carlos Garrido, Social and Behavioral Sciences Administrator

Funding Opportunity: NSF opportunities in emerging fields

(QISE, AI, Advanced Computing, Advanced Energy, Disaster Risk and Resilience)

Dr. Brandon Jones, Directorate for Geosciences

Dr. Tomasz Durakiewics, Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Dr. Subrata Acharya, Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering

Funding Opportunity: National Endowment for the Humanities

Ms. Beauty Bragg, Senior Program Officer

11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Sterling Student Life Center Tiger Room 3rd Floor

Funding Opportunity: NSF opportunities in Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships

Dr. Edda Thiels, Directorate for Technology, Innovations & Partnerships/Information Technology Ecosystems

Dr. Tomasz Durakiewics, Directorate for Technology, Innovations & Partnerships/Division of Translational Impacts

Friday, March 22, 2024

Award Recognition Celebration and Closing Luncheon

Target Audience: PIs, research and grant support staff, published authors, 2024 RIW oral and poster presenters, and student pitch competitors

With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Igniting a Robust Culture of Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

Opening Session

Research and Innovation Week 2024 Monday, March 18, 2024

Sterling Student Life Center - Tiger Room – 3rd Floor

8:00-9:00 am Breakfast and Registration

9:00 am

OPENING PLENARY SESSION

Opening Remarks/Facilitator

Dr. Linda M. Gardiner, Director Research Enhancement and Compliance Services

Welcome

Dr. Mary E. Sias, Interim President

Greetings

Dr. Carl B. Goodman

Provost/Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs

9:15-10:00 am

Fire Side Chat:

Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

Opening Remarks/Facilitator

Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall Vice President of Research and Innovation

Dr. Ramesh Ramamoorthy, Executive Vice President for Research Rice University

10:00–10:10 am ~Break~ Facilitator

Dr. Linda M. Gardiner, Director

Research Enhancement and Compliance Services

10:10-11:10 am

Funding Opportunity: Small Business Administration.

SBIR/STTR Program

(Target: A, Biomedical, Sensors, Cybersecurity, Space Exploration, Energy)

10:10–10:40 am

Mr. Winston Labbe, Lead Lender Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

10:40-11:10 am

Mr. Robert Johnson, Entrepreneur, Innov8 at the University of Houston Technology Bridge

Igniting a Robust Culture of Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

Opening Session

Research and Innovation Week 2024 Monday, March 18, 2024

Sterling Student Life Center - Tiger Room – 3rd Floor

11:15–11:25 am ~Break~

11:30 -12:30 pm

Federal Government Contracting:

Small Business Administration

Ms. Ida Benson

12:35-1:25 pm ~LUNCH~ 1:30–2:30 pm

“Howard University and PNC Entrepreneurship Center at TSU”: An Overview of Regional Structure and Activities

Mr. Robert Dunlap

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to our 20th - Year Event! We hope you will be inspired by:

Thank you for coming!

Thank you for participating!

Dr. Rashid Mosavin, Dean,

Igniting a Robust Culture of Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

Session: Opening Plenary Fireside Chat

Prof. Ramamoorthy Ramesh, Ph.D. Executive Vice President for Research

Department of Physics & Astronomy Department of Materials and Nanoengineering, Rice University

Ramesh pursues key materials physics and technological problems in complex multifunctional oxides. Using conducting oxides, he solved the 30-year enigma of polarization fatigue in ferroelectrics. He pioneered research into manganites coining the term, Colossal Magnetoresistive (CMR) Oxides. His work on multiferroics demonstrated electric field control of ferromagnetism, a critical step towards ultralow power memory and logic elements.

His extensive publications on the synthesis and materials physics of complex oxides are highly cited (over 100,000 citations, H-factor >150). He is a fellow of APS, AAAS & MRS and an elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, a Foreign member of the Royal Society of London, the Indian National Science Academy, the Indian National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the American Academy for Arts and Sciences. His awards include the Humboldt Senior Scientist Prize, the MRS Turnbull Lectureship Prize, the APS Adler Lectureship and McGroddy New Materials Prize, the TMS Bardeen Prize and the IUPAP Magnetism Prize and Neel Medal and the Europhysics Prize in 2022. He was recognized as a Thomson-Reuters Citation Laureate in Physics for his work on multiferroics.

He served as the Founding Director of the successful Department of Energy SunShot Initiative in the Obama administration, envisioning and coordinating the R&D funding of the U.S. Solar Program, spearheading the reduction in the cost of Solar Energy. He also served as the Deputy Director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Associate Lab Director at LBNL. Most recently, he served on the Biden-Harris Transition Team for Energy. He is also a co-founder of Kepler Computing, which is focused on low power computing using ferroelectrics. Starting 15 August, he is serving as the Executive Vice President for Research at Rice University

Meet the Speaker

Session: Funding Opportunity: Small Business Administration SBIR/STTR Program

Mr. Winston Labbé

Winston Labbé joined the U.S. Small Business Administration in May 2020 as an Outreach & Marketing Specialist. However, in July 2021 he was promoted to Lead Lender Relations Specialist. Prior to joining the SBA, Winston was the Chief Lending Officer for a local community bank, and he has over 25 years of commercial lending experience, specializing in SBA, C&I, not-for-profit, and real estate lending. Winston is a native Houstonian and an honor’s graduate of Texas Southern University, where he graduated with a degree in finance. He also attended Houston Community College where he earned an associate degree in real estate. Prior to attending college, Winston served four years of active duty in the U.S. Army. Winston has served on several boards including the Boy Scouts of America, The Furniture Bank, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, and the Lone Star Certified Development Company, respectively. He is also a graduate of the Fort Bend Chamber Leadership Forum. Winston lives in Missouri City with his wife Tammy and is an active member of the Fort Bend Church in Sugar Land.

Session: Funding Opportunity: Small Business Administration

SBIR/STTR Program

Mr. Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson is a graduate of California Baptist University with a BA in Philosophy and attained his MA in Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma. He has founded multiple businesses, a couple of them technology oriented. Robert has certifications in WKI and ESB and has co-founded several entrepreneurship accelerator programs. One program emphasizes SBIR/STTR commercialization plan development called Innov8 at the University of Houston Technology Bridge.

Commercialization

Session: Federal Government Contracting: Small Business Administration

Ms. Ida Benson

Meet the Speaker

Ida Benson has been with the US Small Business Administration (SBA) for over twenty (20) years. She has extensive experience working with the small business community, and understands in great detail the different federal certifications and contracting programs. Currently, she is assigned to SBA’s Houston District Office as a Business Opportunity Specialist (BOS). Ms. Benson responsibilities include: promoting SBA programs and services through outreach and marketing; the recruitment, training, education and development of small businesses interested in doing business with federal, state, and local government entities. She also consults small businesses and works with SBA’s Procurement Center, and Commercial Market, Representatives (PCRs/ CMRs) to identify the needs of government organizations and their primes/sub- contractors to assist them with meeting their small business goals, and engages in linking and matching the needs of those organizations to the capabilities of small businesses through business matchmaking and other outreach and marketing initiatives.

Session: “Howard University and PNC Entrepreneurship Center at TSU”

Mr. Robert Dunlap

Robert Dunlap is the Regional Director for Howard University & PNC National Entrepreneurship Center. Robert earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from San Francisco State University. His previous professional experience includes working in corporate America as an auditor with Lockheed Martin, East Bay Municipal District, Prudential, and Brinker International after becoming a Certified Public Accountant while working at Williams, Adley & Company in Oakland, California. Robert continued developing his passion for fundraising by serving as Western Regional Director at Enactus. This organization focuses on educating, inspiring, and supporting young people to use innovation and entrepreneurship to solve the world's biggest problems. Recently, he was the Assistant Programs Regional Director for INROADS South Central

Region, responsible for all operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. This role included recruitment and screening talent, placing college students in internships, creating and delivering leadership development sessions. He was responsible for cultivating and stewardship of various Fortune 500 companies. He is a Lifetime Member of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. where he served on the National Board of Directors in various roles related to program development. He is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Houston Chapter where he served on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. Dunlap is eager to use his past experiences to align with the goals of the Regional PNC Entrepreneurship Center Director at Texas Southern University.

Session: “Howard University and PNC Entrepreneurship Center at TSU”

Dr. Rashid Mosavin

Dr. Mosavin received his B.S. in Pharmacy at the University of Kansas and went on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned a PhD. in Molecular Pharmacology. After earning his PhD., he completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan School of Medicine in Gene Therapy. In 2003 he earned a M.B.A. from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. Dr. Mosavin began his pharmacy career at the University of Illinois, Chicago. In 2004, Dr. Mosavin joined the faculty of Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy where in his 15 years of service he held several academic administrative positions including the last 3 years in which he served as the Executive Associate Dean. While at Loma Linda, Dr. Mosavin was awarded Teacher of the Year, the Spiritual Life Service Award, and the Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Mosavin is a member of Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society, numerous other national pharmacy organizations, and a member of Rotary International. After a successful career at Loma Linda University, Dr. Mosavin relocating to Houston, Texas in July 2019 as he accepted the position of Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Texas Southern University where he serves as the Chief Academic Officer of the Doctor of Pharmacy program as well as ten Health Science programs where he continues his work to educate quality health care professionals.

1. Challenges in Moving Towards the Electric Vehicle Era

Ms. Vivian Otieno

The need to promote a clean and healthy transportation system cannot be overlooked especially with the different challenges the world is facing currently such as climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion. The transportation system is the largest source of climate-altering U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it critically important to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) (CSE, 2023). According to White House (2021), the President signed an Executive Order that sets a determined new target to make half of all new vehicles sold in the US in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles. Despite the growing enthusiasm for EVs, the transition to an electric mobility paradigm has not been flawless. It has presented numerous challenges such as the limited driving range of EVs that hinder seamless transition to the EV era. However, some of the challenges have not been fully discussed by the existing studies, such as the equity problem in EV adoption, and EVs' impacts on traffic congestion and safety. In addition, the potential solutions for addressing these challenges have not been investigated in depth. To fill these gaps, this study is to fully explore all the challenges in the wide adoption of EVs to achieve the 2030 half zero-emissions vehicle goal. In addition, some potential solutions for addressing these challenges, their limitations, and strengths are discussed, and some innovative solutions are also proposed.

Methodology

The paper carried out a thorough literature review of the research work done by previous authors on electric vehicle mobility and equity issues in the transportation industry. The paper also builds up on the recommendations given by the previous authors for further research and tries to bridge the gaps by exploring further the issues hindering EV adoption.

Results and findings

The paper highlighted the challenges that are hindering the seamless integration of electric vehicles into the transportation industry. These challenges include concerns about the limited driving range, longer charging time, inadequate charging infrastructure, the higher upfront costs of EVs compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, and the proper disposal and

POSTER PRESENTERS Students

recycling of EV batteries. Furthermore, the paper gave possible solutions that can mitigate the challenges and ensure that the goal of half of all new vehicles sold in the US in 2030 being zero-emissions vehicles is achieved. These solutions include the adoption of mobile chargers for EVs, swap battery strategy, adoption of fast chargers, Recycling of depleted EV batteries, and the implementation of incentive programs. Additionally, the paper delved into the effects of EVs on transportation, suggesting that mini EVs can help manage traffic congestion. Lastly, the paper found out that electric mobility especially EVs can lead to a high rate of accidents, especially concerning pedestrians.

Conclusion

The potential benefits of EVs have gained a lot of popularity over the past few years and their adoption continues to increase globally. However, the transition to a cleaner transportation system has not been seamless. There are so many challenges slowing down the adoption of EVs such as equity problems, limited driving range, etc. Although we face these challenges, there are solutions, such as incentive programs and mobile chargers. These solutions can help address the identified challenges. If we apply them appropriately, the vision of achieving half of the vehicles sold in the US by 2030 being zero emission will be a reality and may even come early. This work calls for all stakeholders such as auto-makers, policy-makers, and consumers to work together to be part of the solution by ensuring that the resources needed to escalate the adoption of EVs are available and equally distributed.

2. Community Health Worker

Intern Curriculum at an HBCU

Ms. Markala Butler; Mr. Haseeb Malik

Background: Low health literacy impacts patients ability to make conscious decisions regarding their health. As a result, Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as a liaison and advocate to provide cultural mediation between health care, social services, and the community. Our initiative involves a collaborative effort of a clinical and academic entity to formulate and implement a pilot training curriculum designed to train CHWs and enhance the skills needed.

Methods: The training, funded by CDC/HHD at Texas Southern University, aimed to address health disparities and improve health literacy by deploying CHW interns to

Igniting a Robust Culture of Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

community sites. The curriculum was implemented over a course of 8 weeks. CHW interns were required to complete 6-8 hours of outreach by signing up for a TSU outreach event, Bread of Life, or Legacy Community Health; plus 2 hours self-paced online content towards CHW licensure via Microsoft Teams. The goal was for CHWs interns to understand the key elements and application of communication and interpersonal skills, as well as expanding their knowledge base on specific health issues in both clinical and community settings. The sessions included didactic and skills practice modules for each skill.

Results: A survey was distributed to CHWs interns to evaluate the effectiveness of the training methods, instructors, and relevance. Interns found the training useful, particularly in patient interaction skills. The leadership acknowledged the program's relevance and noted its impact.

Conclusion: This initiative aimed to empower CHWs with the necessary skills to address health disparities and promote health literacy within communities.

3.

Comparative Analysis of Forensic

Audit and Traditional Audit Practices: Implications for Fraud Detection

Ms. Tracey Heywood

Auditing practices play a vital role in safeguarding the interests of firms, investors, and stakeholders against the pervasive threat of financial fraud. Traditional audit methods primarily focus on ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial accounts. On the other hand, forensic audit methodologies are instrumental in identifying and collecting evidence of fraud for legal purposes. It is imperative to distinguish between these two approaches in order to enhance efforts in detecting and preventing fraud.

This research employs a comparative case study methodology to examine the disparities between forensic and traditional audit procedures and their impact on fraud detection. By conducting an in-depth investigation of two specific case studies, this study aims to shed light on the effectiveness of different approaches in uncovering and mitigating fraudulent activities. The findings derived from this investigation contribute significantly to the existing knowledge base of auditing methods and the detection of financial crime.

POSTER PRESENTERS Students

Through a comprehensive comparison of forensic and traditional audit methodologies, this study provides valuable insights for auditors, regulators, and legislators. It offers practical guidance to strengthen fraud detection techniques and prevention measures. By understanding the distinct advantages and limitations of each approach, organizations can allocate resources more effectively and implement targeted measures to mitigate the pervasive risks associated with financial fraud.

Keywords: Forensic audit, traditional audit, financial fraud, auditing practices, fraud detection.

6.

Curcumin and Compound 20

(a synthetic form of Curcumin Improves Toxic Effects of Acrolein in Rat Kidney by Improving Creatinine, Albumin and Triglyceride Levels

Ms.

Sandra Erue

Introduction: Acrolein is an unsaturated aldehyde used as an intermediate reactive aldehyde in the chemical industry. The primary source of acrolein is derived from the incomplete combustion of wood, plastic, fossil fuels, the main component of cigarette smoke, the burning of fats and overheating of oil. Acrolein has been studied in the pathology of various respiratory and neurodegenerative disorders, but the mechanisms resulting in kidney damage are not fully understood. This study investigated the possibility of curcumin and compound 20 (an analog of curcumin) in prevention of the induction of inflammatory and oxidative response caused by acrolein in the rat’s kidney.

Curcumin is the yellow pigment, lipophilic polyphenol substance that gives turmeric medicinal properties. It is also the primary bioactive substance in turmeric with antiinflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Autophagy inhibits inflammatory responses induced in acute kidney injury (AKI) through the regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. And help in the regulation of inflammatory responses through the nuclear factor kappa B pathway which is beneficial to the recovery of kidney tissues.

Design and Method: In vivo, male Sprague–Dawley rats received curcumin or compound 20 mixed in peanut butter via voluntary oral consumption followed by intraperitoneal (IP) administration of acrolein. The animals were randomly divided into groups (n=5) of control and treatment. All the rats fasted between 4 to 5 hours daily

Igniting a Robust Culture of Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

throughout the duration of study (30 days). The treatment group received acrolein dose of 2mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal and others were treated as follows: Curcumin(100mg/kg/day), Compound20(10mg/kg/day), Acrolein(2mg/kg/day) + Curcumin(100mg/kg/day) and Acrolein(2mg/kg/day) + Compound 20(10mg/kg/day), via oral consumption. Creatinine, albumin and triglyceride activities levels were measured using ELISA kits from ABCAM and bioassay. The results were analyzed using unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA and data with P values P<_0.05 shows significant change.

Results: The result showed increased creatinine and triglyceride levels with group treaded with acrolein while the group treated with compound-20 and curcumin showed decreases. Also, the result for Albumin test showed a decrease in Albumin level in group treated with acrolein while addition of compound-20 and curcumin showed improved level compared to the control group.

Conclusion: These results suggest that curcumin and compound-20 might be a preventive and useful agent against the induction of inflammatory and oxidative response caused by acrolein in the rat’s kidney.

7. Advance Health Equity Program

Ms. Harriet Sampson; Mrs. Justina Nwokem

Introduction: The Advance health equity program is a half a $0.5M dollar sponsored program by the CDC/HHD, the main purpose of this program is to recruit interns to train them to become certified community healthcare workers. The program recruited TSU students and disturbed them to different community sites which included Bread of life, legacy health clinic, TSU, and San Jose, to volunteer while completing assignments of 160 hrs. Stipend was awards to interns as well.

Methods:

Interns were required to complete 8 hours a week to volunteering at their various sites as well as complete a self-paced study for the CHW licensure. Interns were certified through the University of Texas Health School of Public Health.

At Bread of Life, interns assisted in packing supply boxes containing a variety of items such as skincare products, cleaning supplies, and food. Additionally, they distributed educational pamphlets to the community, promoting

POSTER PRESENTERS

Students

awareness of regular supply distributions occurring on the first and third Saturdays. Interns also volunteered at churches and other community service centers, where they educated individuals about breast cancer and encouraged women aged 50 and above to register for free mammograms. At clinics like San Jose and legacy Clinic, interns focused on reconciling patient information and clinical records, while also providing education to patients on diabetes management and blood pressure monitoring.

Results:

The AHEP program significantly impacts the community by enhancing access to healthcare and preventive health services. One notable aspect is the provision of mammogram screenings and health education, which are vital for early detection and prevention of breast cancer. Interns play a crucial role in this process by educating community members about the importance of mammograms, assisting them in scheduling appointments, and providing support throughout the screening process.

Furthermore, through their involvement in the program, interns develop strong relationships with community members, fostering trust and rapport. Interns become well -informed about the specific needs and challenges within the community, enabling them to tailor their services and support accordingly. Overall, the AHEP promotes preventive measures such as mammogram screenings and health education for the minority community to create more awareness and improving quality of lives

Discussion:

At Bread of Life, interns assisted in packing supply boxes containing a variety of items such as skincare products, cleaning supplies, and food. Additionally, they distributed educational pamphlets to the community, promoting awareness of regular supply distributions occurring on the first and third Saturdays. Interns also volunteered at churches and other community service centers, where they educated individuals about breast cancer and encouraged women aged 50 and above to register for free mammograms. At clinics like San Jose and legacy Clinic, interns focused on reconciling patient information and clinical records, while also providing education to patients on diabetes management and blood pressure monitoring.

Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

(a) Introduction

8. Lifestyle

Versus Drugs for Alzheimer’s Disease

Progression: A Multidimensional Examination Across Symptoms, Biomarkers, Mechanism of Action

Ms Thao Ha Ton

One of the main objectives of healthcare is to discover effective treatments and preventative measures for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Unfortunately, therapeutic approaches have not yet succeeded in developing a treatment plan that results in sustained cognitive improvement. There is currently no known way to stop or reverse the cognitive deterioration brought on by AD, despite the introduction of medications that may be able to slow down the disease's rate of progression. According to recent research, the course and intensity of the condition are influenced by several factors, including nutrition shortages, stress, sleep, diet, lifestyle, mental health, sociability, and pollutants, according to recent research. (1-3) Thus, there is growing evidence that dietary and other lifestyle modifications may be useful in preventing, delaying, or even stopping the advancement of AD.

The goal of the study is to assess Lifestyle versus medications as interventions to moderate AD progression. Specific objectives include the following: Compare the dimensions of AD symptoms, markers, and mechanism of action across mild, moderate, advanced AD stages; (2) Assess lifestyle compared to drugs respective mechanisms of action across these dimensions; (3) Discuss brain health outcomes with drugs versus lifestyle interventions from a pharmacists' perspective. The pharmacist perspective recommends considering drug side effects as opposed to lifestyle interventions that also positively affect management other chronic illnesses.

(b) Materials and Methods

Reviewers screened 4,935 records and included 150 articles based on the following inclusion criteria

Full- text availability of original literature or narrative review

Published between 2019-2024

Content that components in the pathway of lifestyle intervention and medications for Alzheimer disease

POSTER PRESENTERS Students

(c) Results/Findings

1. Characteristics of early onset to late onset Alzheimer’s involved in more frequent delay in diagnosis, higher prevalence of traumatic brain injury, less memory impairment and greater involvement of other cognitive domains on presentation, and greater psychosocial difficulties.

2. Aβ and tau, two plasma indicators, combine to form plaques and tangles that turn healthy neurons into diseased areas.

3. A nutritious diet, including meals, supplements, and eating habits, can prevent cognitive deterioration by consuming antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and wine.

4. Medication designed to alter the course of a disease aims to reduce cognitive and memory loss.

5. Medications that alleviate or temporarily stabilize symptoms by interfering with a specific chemical involved in the transmission of information between brain nerve cells.

6. Pharmacist roles need to be caution when prescribing medication due to adverse effect that can have an elderly patient by adjusting to accommodate an individual's cognitive impairment.

7. Lifestyle interventions has no side effects compared to drugs and repair oxidized membrane.

8. Exercise decreases Aβ buildup by blocking BACE-1 activity, improving Aβ40 and 42 clearances, boosting γsecretase action by releasing a sizable APP ectodomain that protects the brain and nervous system.

(d) Conclusion/Summary

Finding efficient therapies and preventative measures for AD is a primary goal of healthcare. Therapeutic techniques have not yet been able to produce a treatment plan that leads to long-term cognitive improvement. Though there are now drugs that may be able to slow down the disease's progression, there is presently no known way to stop or reverse the cognitive decline caused by AD. Consequently, there is mounting evidence that dietary changes and other lifestyle adjustments may help prevent, slow down, or even reverse the progression of AD due to antioxidant effects.

9.

Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Houston’s Soils

Mr. Raymond Rhodes

Introduction: Urban surface soils can be polluted by trace metals (e.g., lead, cadmium), pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzo(a)pyrene) released from various sources such as industrial activities, vehicle emission, waste disposal and incineration, etc. Exposure to these pollutants may cause a wide range of adverse health impacts on humans. One of the major concerns in Houston and many other cities is unequal distribution of major polluters like refineries and manufacturing facilities. For example, almost all major polluters in Houston areas are located in the eastern and southeastern parts but no major polluters in the western part. Most underprivileged low income communities are close to these major polluters and likely exposed more to the pollutants from these polluters. However, it has not been investigated whether this unequal distribution of major polluters can make unequal soil pollution. The aim of this research is to evaluate the relationship between community economic status and closeness to the trace metal emitting facilities and surface soil pollution by trace metals

Materials & Methods: The 33 zip codes were divided into four groups to represent their economic level (median annual household income less or higher than $40,000) and industrial emissions. A total of 81 surface soil samples were collected from community parks (n = 75) and primary schools (n = 6) within those categories. Soil samples were extracted using nitric acid and microwave digester. Trace metals (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb) were analyzed and quantified using ICP-MS. Cancer and noncancer risk of trace metals through inadvertent soil ingestion was quantified using a toxic unit model.

Results/ Findings: The hazardous index was much higher in low-income and high emission neighborhoods; meaning that residents are inclined to suffer from health issues at a greater rate than those who live in high-income and low emission communities. Cancerous health risk of arsenic ranged from 1.02 x 10 1 to 9.66 x 10 1 without significant differences between all four groups. To properly forecast the risk from arsenic, further research is required because arsenic concentrations in all sites surpassed the soil screening level.

POSTER PRESENTERS Students

Conclusion: Additionally, it is anticipated that communities that are economically underprivileged and close to industrial sites may have increased health risks related to organic pollution. In order to reduce negative health consequences, the overall health risk of hazardous chemicals in residential surface soils needs to be given more consideration.

11.

Shining a Light on Energy

Equity: A Microgrid Feasibility Study in Houston's Third Ward

Ms. Olajumoke Ogbebor

Access to renewable energy technology remains a critical concern for disadvantaged communities (DACs) as the Department of Energy (DOE) strives to promote clean energy adoption. This study presents an investigation into the technical, legal, policy, economic, and regulatory feasibility of implementing a community microgrid with distributed renewable energy sources in the Third Ward neighborhood of Houston, Texas. Focusing on the Cuney Homes affordable housing complex and Texas Southern University (TSU), both located in a predominantly African-American community, the study aims to address the challenges associated with renewable energy technology deployment in DACs. A desk review of policies, regulations, laws, and planning documents was conducted. The research explores the factors, both legal and community-related, that either hinder or facilitate the achievement of DOE's clean energy technology adoption goals in DACs. The study also evaluates the feasibility and economic benefits of various energy configurations in community microgrid solutions tailored to this case study. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Re-opt tool was utilized to determine optimal technology combinations, sizes, and to provide comprehensive financial and resilience assessments. Our results reveal that Solar PV Community Microgrids, when adeptly integrated with traditional generation, can yield marginal lifecycle cost savings, particularly for DACs with low conventional energy prices. Additionally, while integrating storage into these solar systems may increase lifecycle costs, it enhances the resilience of the grid and generates positive social impacts. It was found that utility policies were paramount among roadblocks for prospective community microgrids, while substantial barriers and opportunities exist related

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to legal frameworks, community engagement, and economic viability. This study holds particular significance as it will inform the HBCU Consortium's communityuniversity partnership model, which drives the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at TSU. Furthermore, it will contribute to the development of TSU's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) funded Environmental Careers Worker Training Program, Justice40 Initiative, and other initiatives, leveraging private foundation funding. The findings from this research will guide the design of future renewable energy microgrid projects in other disadvantaged communities, ensuring that the lessons learned from this case study can be applied to similar contexts. This study contributes valuable insights into advancing renewable energy access in DACs, promoting environmental justice, and fostering sustainable development in marginalized communities.

12. Evaluating the

Impact of State-Mandated De-escalation Training on Police Use of Force Incidents: A Case Study of the Austin Police Department

Mr. Marshall McDonald

De-escalation training has gained significant attention in law enforcement, prompted by high-profile incidents involving police use of force. States, including Texas, have responded by implementing laws mandating de-escalation training for police officers. This study examines the effectiveness of state-mandated de-escalation training in reducing police use of force incidents, focusing on the Austin Police Department (APD) as a case study.

Texas enacted Senate Bill 1849 in 2017, requiring licensed police officers in the state to undergo 8 hours of de-escalation training every 2 years. However, limited research exists on the impact of such training. To address this gap, use of force data from the APD for 2010-2022 was collected. The City of Austin, with a population of approximately 843,000, is served by around 1,809 sworn police officers.

Analysis of the data reveals a concerning trend. From 2010 to 2017, the average number of force incidents reported was 3,140, while from 2018 to 2022, it rose to 5,273. Although this analysis is limited to a single agency, it highlights an increase in use of force incidents among

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both police officers and citizens since the implementation of state-mandated de-escalation training.

This research emphasizes the need for further investigation into the effectiveness of de-escalation training. Factors contributing to the observed increase in force incidents despite mandated training should be examined. Evaluation should consider barriers to effective implementation, officer compliance, and the impact of training on decision-making in high-stress situations.

13. Quantification of

Heavy Metals and Microplastics in Soil and Houston Area Lakes

Ms. Carla Hyppolite

Ms. Victoria Tran

The increasing prevalence of heavy metals and microplastics continues to present a growing threat to the environment. Human activities such as mining, farming, and the manufacturing of goods, textiles, and machinery have impacted the environment and are the leading cause of current health problems. Long-term consumption of microplastics can cause metabolic, developmental, and reproductive disorders. Heavy metals and metalloids containing arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc can cause significant toxic impacts. Microplastics such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, poly(methyl methacrylate), and polyethylene could take thousands of years to decompose, giving animals and humans ample opportunity to consume these contaminants. The current research focuses on quantifying heavy metals and microplastics from planting soil from a hardware store and lake water in the Houston area 7 years after Hurricane Harvey. We believe that since the original study, the contaminants have increased in the Houston Area Lakes. Heavy metals and microplastics are prevalent in our soil due to the increasing threats to our environment and health. The method that will be used for heavy metals involves removing metals from the contaminated water and soil by utilizing acid digestion to aid the heavy metal extraction process. Heavy metals can be detected using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy to conduct trace metal analysis within the processed sample. The extraction methods that will be used for microplastics are filtration and centrifugation. Microplastics can be determined by HPLC and FTIR.

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14. Investigation of the Impact of Low-Dose X-rays on Human Lymphocytes

Dr. Vivek Mann; Ms. Stephanie Suniga

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system, defending the body against infections and diseases. Lymphocytes, making up the second most abundant category of white blood cells, account for roughly quarter of the overall circulating white blood cell count. B lymphocytes serve as immune cells facilitating the generation of antibodies to defend the body, whereas T lymphocytes target viruses and cancer cells for elimination. Different cells and tissues within the human body exhibit varying levels of sensitivity to radiation; while some are highly sensitive, others display resistance. Of note, blood components stand out as particularly susceptible to radiation exposure.

Materials and methods: B cells, MTT assay, Apoptosis assay, fluorescence microscopy. Results: Our findings shed light on the modulation of cellular processes, including DNA damage, apoptosis, and potential alterations in immune response pathways. Furthermore, we assess the implications of these observed effects on human health and discuss potential avenues for further research and clinical application.

Conclusion: This study delves into the intricate interplay between low-dose X-ray radiation and human lymphocytes, aiming to illuminate the potential effects on cellular dynamics and function.

Through a comprehensive investigation encompassing in vitro experiments and analytical methodologies, we scrutinize the response of human lymphocytes to varying X-ray doses. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the impact of low-dose X-rays on human lymphocytes, offering valuable insights into radiation biology and its implications for medical practice.

16. Impacts of Eco-driving as a Sustainable Transportation Strategy

Mr. Paul Akpabio

Significant amounts of fossil fuel are used in road transportation, contributing significantly to global CO2 and pollution emissions. One important and frequently disregarded factor affecting how well a car performs is its driver. One quick and inexpensive way to drastically cut fuel use and emissions is to practice ecodriving. This research examines the key elements, study techniques, and use of eco-driving technology, a method of increasing vehicle fuel efficiency and lowering CO2 emissions. According to the literature, efficiencies from eco-driving vary based on route choices, traffic characteristics, road slope, and the individual effect measurement method. This work examines the influence of eco-driving instruction on fuel savings and CO2 emissions in a well-designed field trial, with an emphasis on specific impacts based on road type. The methodology consists of a trial on multiple road sections under varied traffic situations, a processed dataset to combine and clean the information, and a systematic evaluation. This study further examines the key elements, investigative techniques, and application of eco-driving technology.

The Methods used in eco-driving research include a set of advanced AI technologies, such as deep learning, reenforced learning, Convolutional Neural network (CNN). Using simulation data from the models,. an eco-driving strategy can be developed for conventional automobiles approaching intersections. This study involves calibrating the modeling process with field test data and testing the effectiveness of proposed eco-driving tactics in a simulator.

Result/Finding;

This study is aimed to educate policy makers and road users with three things: (1) understanding the sustainable potential of eco-driving strategies; (2) promising avenues for successful policy implementation; and (3) promoting scientific driving behavior with the most successful transportation strategies.

Even though it can be challenging to compare or aggregate data from studies with different definitions of eco-driving, it is possible to confidently answer the final two questions ("How much does it save?" and "How is it promoted?") with two generalizations. Initially, car end users have the option to lower energy and emission

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intensities when using their vehicles, in addition to the impact of behaviors during the vehicle's purchasing and upkeep phases. Furthermore, there is still a great deal of effort to assist those end users in achieving and maintaining the most significant amount of safe and feasible advances. Most existing research papers evaluate the efficacy of a single driving environment promotion technique.

Whilst some may argue that the impact of eco-driving is not sustainable and may impact traffic flow, it is imperative to note that further studies show that policy makers are interested in understanding the difference between technical potential and practical results when a population of users is involved. This was never refuted by Corporate Average Fuel Economy (café) standards, but they did make an effort to push the on-road fleet's overall technical fuel economy potential in the desired direction while accounting for driver behaviors that may have facilitated or obstructed progress toward this objective.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that drivers can use eco-driving tactics on urban highways with various traffic control specifications (e.g., roundabouts and pedestrian crossings) to reduce fuel consumption necessary for abrupt acceleration and deceleration. One idea for transportation planners is to deploy a "green wave" of synchronized traffic signals along routes with intense traffic flows to ensure a consistent pace by preventing unexpected accelerations/decelerations, and enable eco driving.

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changes in potential exposures from carcinogenic compounds within low-income neighborhoods as these pollutants are redistributed due to flooding. The increase of industrialized facilities in surrounding communities like Galena Park and Pleasantville, TX, which are communities located near the Port of Houston Ship Chanel with higher diversity, experienced more hazardous events and exposure. Low-income families cannot relocate easily due to the lack of financial means.

To determine the effects of the plant placements, we utilized tools such as Toxic Release Index, County Health Rankings, Census Data, and Geographic Information System Mapping. Each tool allowed us to analyze the type of pollutants released, calculate where they were released, and determine who they mainly affected; evidently, it was people of color in fence-line communities.

To further emphasize the significance of this matter, the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council stated that smug and smut are major public health menaces that disproportionately impact people of color in economically distressed communities.

After conducting this research, we concluded that poor people of color are more susceptible to the dangers of Chemical and LNG Plants due to them being located in their communities; as a result, there should be better laws regarding toxic releases and plant placement established.

19. Chemical & LNG Site: Mapping and Plant Analysis of Harris County

Ms. Madison Malone; Ms. Kayla Jackson

This research project aimed to determine how socially vulnerable communities are impacted by the placement of Chemical and Liquid Natural Gas sites and how it negatively affects their environment and health. When disasters like Hurricane Harvey happen, there are

Inhibition of FOXO1 Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Reverses Anticancer induced Cell Death.

Ms. Danielle Walker

Introduction: Forkhead box (FOX) proteins make up a family of transcription factors that regulate numerous cellular processes such as cell proliferation, cell death, and redox homeostasis. FOXO is a subfamily of the FOX family of transcription factors. Four members make up the FOXO subfamily in humans: FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4 and FOXO6. FOXO1 is the predominant member found in the bone. In this study, the effect of FOXO1 on cell cycle progression and response to anticancer drug treatment in osteosarcoma was investigated. Osteosarcoma is the major bone cancer found in children and adolescents.

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Materials and Methods: The small molecule inhibitor, AS1842856, was used to inhibit FOXO1 in a panel of osteosarcoma cell lines. Cells were pretreated with AS1842856 followed by cell cycle analysis or treatment with the anticancer drug camptothecin.

Results/Findings: AS1842856 induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M in all cell lines investigated. AS1842856 also reversed camptothecin-induced cell death in all cell lines investigated.

Conclusion/Summary: The results of this study suggest that FOXO1 has a pro-death function in camptothecininduced cell death. The results also suggest that the mechanism of FOXO1 inhibition-induced protection against camptothecin treatment is mediated by cell cycle arrest.

22.

Predicting the Entropy Forming Ability of Alloys Using Machine Learning

Ms. Jaelyn Sykes

Introduction: Consider an ordered lattice of carbides that’s decorated by different elements. Out of these elements, we want to predict which combinations have the best ability to form a single phase as predicted by the entropy forming ability (EFA). Through machine learning with the Python based sci-kit learn libraries, we worked to predict the ability of multi-component compositions to form a high entropy single phase. This can be predicted using the EFA descriptor which is based on the energy distribution of different decorations of the parent lattice. We started with a previously trained model that used a set of 56 carbides with a specific set of features. Following that, we successfully extended it to include new features which were found to have a higher importance than the original set. We applied the new features to different systems such as perovskites and silicates, as well as the original carbides. These materials have applications in aerospace and energy-generation technologies, including in high-temperature components of gas turbine energies and in solar cells. We also tested various different machine learning algorithms, and were able to compare various results to identify the best model. This project used the five fold cross validation method to measure the size of the errors. Further research would involve testing these machine learning methods with the hyperoptimizations on materials other than carbides, perovskites, and silicates.

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Materials and methods: we utilized the Python based scikit learn libraries for their machine learning models. The models we tested were Gaussian Process Regression, Neural Networks, Decision Trees, K Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Regression, Polynomial, Lasso, Linear Regression, Linear Ridge Regression, Random Forest, and Kernel Ridge Regression. Since there are a great number of different possible combinations and adjustments, we used previously generated data for two-component and multi-component systems to train these models.

results/findings: After testing out the different machine learning models, Training the models with the set of carbides with added features produced improved the accuracy of the EFA predictions. Out of the models tested, Kernel Ridge Regression gave the most accurate prediction score, and using Linear Ridge Regression along with some added features gave an accurate prediction score.

Conclusion/ summary: Being able to adjust the variables in certain models allowed for even better results than the default settings did. By adjusting the variables in each method and by adding different kernels to each method, the Python code was able to generate a more accurate prediction to what the EFA of each tested material would be. Other than the carbides, testing on the perovskite materials also gave us better insight on how accurate these training models are.

24. A Study on Environmental Vulnerability of Landfills on the Communities

Mr. Sasidhar Parasa

Landfills are a major source of environmental pollution and waste management, but they also have significant social and ethical implications. This study aims to review the existing literature on the environmental vulnerability of landfills on the communities of color, who often live in close proximity to these facilities and suffer from their adverse effects. The study adopts a systematic review methodology, following the PRISMA guidelines, to identify, select, appraise, and synthesize the relevant studies from various databases and sources.

The study uses a thematic analysis approach to categorize the findings into four main themes: environmental impact, health impact, socio-economic impact, and environmental justice. The study discusses the key findings and gaps in

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the literature, and provides recommendations for future research and policy.

The study concludes that landfills are not only an environmental problem, but also a manifestation of environmental racism and injustice, and that more attention and action are needed to address the vulnerability of the communities of color to these facilities.

25. Improved User Interfaces for

the sPHENIX Experiment at the Brookhaven National Laboratory

Mr. Jerry Breda

The sPHENIX experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) is located on the campus of the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Of note, the upgraded sPHENIX detector is the first major improvement to a nuclear physics experiment in the US in two decades and will be the final experiment taking data at RHIC before the construction of the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) at BNL. The experiment is currently in the commissioning phase but has already taken some physics-grade data. While taking data, the shift crews that operate the detector periodically review a number of monitoring displays that show the proper functioning of the individual components of the detector apparatuses. While there are actual (usually audible) alarms for conditions that require immediate attention, the displays in question focus more on the physics performance of the sPHENIX detector. This project outlines a comprehensive effort to enhance the user interfaces (UIs) and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) within the sPHENIX data acquisition system. The main objective is to optimize operational efficiency and improve user experience by implementing intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. Leveraging the capabilities of Python 3 and the Tkinter GUI toolkit, we successfully redesigned the interfaces, simplifying tasks, and enabling operators to navigate the system more effortlessly. The implementation of the data acquisition log webpage was a necessity for the sPHENIX experiment at the RHIC. This important user-friendly tool offers a centralized platform for the shift crews to efficiently manage and monitor the numerous experimental runs that occur at sPHENIX. By providing a comprehensive record of each run, it facilitates the tracking of experiment parameters, data quality, and any anomalies that may arise during data collection.

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26. Simvastatin Induces Autophagy-Mediated Cell Death in Metastatic

Breast Cancer Cells

Ms. Jessica Allagoa

Introduction: Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. Due to the limited effectiveness of current anticancer drugs, ongoing research has extended towards alternative drug categories for potential treatments. Recent findings indicate that statins possess the ability to suppress tumors across various cell types. Traditionally, statins are known as a class of cholesterollowering agents and function by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in the mevalonate pathway. However, statins can also suppress cell proliferation and ultimately lead to cell death, which includes Type I autophagy-induced cell death or Type II apoptosis-induced cell death. Autophagy is a vital physiological cellular process that facilitates the intracellular degradation and removal of misfolded proteins and damaged organelles. Initially, autophagy was considered a prosurvival process, however, other reports have shown that improper balance of autophagic pathways can also exert pro-death pathways. One type of statin, simvastatin, has been shown to induce autophagy in prostate cancer cells. However, its effects on other tumors remain poorly understood. In this study, we hypothesize that simvastatin induces autophagy-mediated cell death in breast cancer cells.

Materials and Methods: We used two metastatic breast cancer cell lines as a model for tumors which typically exert resistance to anticancer treatments. Cells were treated with simvastatin at various concentrations up to 48 hr. Cell morphology was examined microscopically, and induction of autophagy was measured using Western blotting.

Results: Following treatment with simvastatin, we observed increased rounding of cells in both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells. Moreover, increase in protein expression of one autophagy marker, LC3-II, was markedly enhanced following a dose response treatment of simvastatin. To determine if the rounded cells were indicative of cell death, we performed a Trypan blue exclusion assay. Cell death was dramatically increased in a dose-dependent manner following simvastatin treatment. Moreover, we co-treated cells with simvastatin

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and chloroquine, which blocks autophagy, and observed that cell death was reduced as compared to simvastatin alone, suggesting that autophagy contributed to cell death.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that simvastatin suppresses cell proliferation through induction of autophagy in breast cancer cells. Therefore, simvastatin may serve as an attractive anticancer agent to target advanced breast tumors.

27. Uniformization of VPN Queue

Analysis and Adaptive Control Strategies

Mr. Idris Yusuf

INTRODUCTION

The VPN - Virtual Private Network is not a new technology, but COVID outbreak has given more recent prominence to its embrace as it provides a secured connection from remote site to an enterprise network for seamless experience. Several independent sources have cited data about unprecedented surge in VPN adoption during the duration of lockdown – March 2020 and since then it has not gone down. It is projected that revenue generated by VPN market would from $45B in 2022 to $350B in 2032 yielding a staggering 87% increase. VPN deployment can either be Cloud-based or On-Premise. While many Cloud-based VPN deployments offers scalability and ease of management from experts, some organizations do prefer on premise deployment. Both options also have bottlenecks and concerns and businesses often rely on security experts in making careful decision. Furthermore, the United States executive order mandating the adoption of Zero Trust policy which by design is not a product to be acquired but a renewed strategic paradigm on how information should be managed even within trusted insider has beckoned on the need to review how to get more from vanilla VPN set up.

VPN connectivity is not a one-stage action. It happens in stages with IKE1 through IKE2 before successful connection. IKE1 which acts as a precursor to IKE2 also has a number of checklists to complete before moving on. Thus, users may experience delay depending on a number of factors. In this work, we model the VPN technology as M/M/S Queue with Markovian memoryless properties having poison arrival and exponential service time and we theoretically derived a stable Bellman Equation from its underlining assumption using uniformization method by

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converting it from a CTMC – Continous Time Markov Chain to a DTMC – Discrete Time Markov Chain. With this step, we posit that there are a number of optimization goal that can be done like priority (phase) management and adaptive threat control by turning it to a reinforcement learning (RL) problem. For the purpose of the reinforcement learning, we implemented a value iteration to solve the RL problem with different rewards functions. Our contribution is the ability to form a theoretical basis on how a VPN can be made to accomplish more through interaction with the environment as a reinforcement learning problem that can be solved through optimal search.

Materials and Method /Experimental Set up

M(S, A, P, R, ϓ)

Result and Findings

Using the basis SMDP – Semi Markov Decision Process, we are able to get a stable representation of the Bellman Equation

Where expected discounted reward, r(s_n,a_n) = k (s_n,a_n )+ C(s_n,a_n )/(∝+β)

Then our Bellman equation can be written as v(s)=r(s,a)+λ∑_(jε S)^∞▒〖(P(j|s,a)v(j)〗

Which effectively means the sum of immediate reward plus discounted future reward.

Using a sample value for the tuple, we also got a convergence leading to minimal difference in subsequent Q-values

Conclusion and Summary

We have been able show case that we can model VPN as a queue and then transform it to a reinforcement learning problem which thus make it possible to achieve any goal through interaction with the environment.

29. Houston Independent School District

Lead Poisoning in Drinking Water

Ms. Destiny Okonkwo, Ms. Gloria Ekezie

This research examines the critical issue of lead poisoning in Houston, TX, in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) water supply and its effects on the health and well-being of students, staff, and Houston, TX. Lead contamination in water sources poses a serious threat due to its potential to impair cognitive development,

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particularly in young children. The research provides an overview of the sources and causes of lead contamination within HISD's water infrastructure, discussing factors such as aging plumbing systems and water treatment practices.

Furthermore, the research will highlight lead exposure's immediate and long-term health effects, including cognitive impairments, developmental delays, and behavioral issues. The disproportionately higher vulnerability of children to lead exposure is emphasized, underlining the importance of early detection and prevention. The researchers use Geographic mapping to lead levels to answer their research question: Do Schools associated in minority/low-income communities have higher levels of lead pollution than their counterparts. Methods used for the research included water sample data and GIS mapping of Harris County. Water samples were taken from all Houston ISD school locations, showing higher levels of lead exposure in schools with higher percentages of African Americans and low-income communities.

This research explores potential mitigation strategies that HISD can adopt, including comprehensive water testing, infrastructure upgrades, and the implementation of effective filtration systems. It also addresses communication strategies to ensure that parents, staff, and students are informed about the risks and proactive measures being taken.

Finally, the research aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to address lead poisoning in HISD water, fostering a safer and healthier learning environment for the entire school community. By understanding the causes, effects, and mitigation strategies, stakeholders can collaborate to prioritize the well-being of students and actively work towards ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water within the HISD system.

30. The Impact of Misuse of

Forensic Evidence of Juvenile Delinquents: Long-Term Detention and Trauma

Mr. Darius Johnson

This study explores the repercussions of the misuse of sufficient forensic evidence during pretrial proceedings in juvenile court, explicitly focusing on the prolonged stays

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experienced by juvenile delinquents and the resulting trauma. Despite an average stay of twenty-seven days to two years, even a brief juvenile detention can negatively affect a young person's trajectory. Additionally, the financial burden of court costs, fines, fees, and restitution further exacerbates the impact on youth and their families, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. Each of these incidents contributes to the trauma experienced by the juveniles and their families. Research conducted by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department through a quantitative study reveals that incarcerated young individuals often develop mental health issues as a result of prolonged interaction with juvenile probation. A survey conducted in 2017 among youth in custody found that two-thirds of them had one or more physical health care needs, including dental, vision, or hearing issues, acute illnesses, or injuries.

Furthermore, these adolescents frequently suffer from long-term mental health problems, which can be attributed to the failure to present pretrial evidence during court proceedings. The primary objective of this study is to establish a correlation between the timing of forensic evidence presentation from pretrial to trial, the duration of detention, and the subsequent trauma experienced by juvenile delinquents. The trauma endured during their time in custody becomes an attachment to the criminal justice system and the criminal world, perpetuating a downward spiral of criminal behavior.

Keywords: forensic evidence, juvenile delinquents, trauma

(a) Introduction:

31. Comprehensive Analysis

of Forensic Evidence in Wrongful Conviction Cases: A Case Study of the Amanda Knox Case

Ms. Lashundria Small

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of forensic evidence within wrongful conviction cases, focusing on the notable Amanda Knox case. Spanning from 2017 to the present, the research aims to identify recurring patterns in the criminal justice system that contribute to wrongful convictions.

(b) Materials & Methods:

Scholarly literature from journals like the Sage Journals, European Journal of Women's Studies, and Forensic Science International offers significant theoretical

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frameworks and methodological tools for the systematic examination of court documents and forensic reports. Techniques such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and outcome assessment are employed to identify factors contributing to DNA contamination and misinterpretation.

(c) Results/Findings:

The results emphasize the critical importance of adhering to standard protocols, implementing rigorous quality control processes, and maintaining ethical legal practices in forensic analysis. This investigation enhances understanding of the pivotal role of forensic science in wrongful convictions and advocates for reforms in forensic protocols, legal practices, and prosecutorial oversight.

(d) Conclusion/Summary:

The study recommends a comprehensive reevaluation of forensic protocols, training procedures, prosecutorial oversight, and witness assessment to prevent wrongful convictions. Ultimately, the research emphasizes the need for systemic reforms to foster public trust in the criminal justice system, ensuring a fair and reliable framework that prevents miscarriages of justice.

32.

Diaphragm Muscle Activation

During Airway Occlusion is Modulated by Lung Volume and Posture

Ms. Johnelle Sayee

We tested the hypothesis that large tidal breathing with an open airway after airway occlusion does not alter muscle fiber curvature despite an increased muscle shortening compared to that during quiet breathing. To test this hypothesis, radiopaque markers were attached along peritoneal surface of three neighboring midcostal muscle fibers in six beagle dogs (8.2-9.5 kg). Threedimensional locations of the markers were tracked by a biplane video fluoroscopy during quiet spontaneous breathing (SB), as well as large tidal SB with an open airway following airway occlusion at lung volumes spanning the vital capacity at functional residual capacity (FRC), FRC+1/2 inspiratory capacity (IC) and total lung capacity (TLC) in the supine and prone postures. At those breathing conditions, diaphragm muscle shortening, maximum muscle principal curvature, and diaphragm volume displacement (VD) were computed using MATLAB and Rhino 6. At end of quiet SB as well as after airway

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occlusion at FRC, FRC+1/2IC, and TLC, values of diaphragm muscle fiber curvature were essentially maintained. Muscle shortening and VD relative to that during quiet SB were increased. Our data demonstrate that large tidal breathing increased muscle shortening and VD of the diaphragm but had no effect on its maximum curvature. The diaphragm is capable of maintaining its shape, and hence it is able to transmit tension into transdiaphragmatic pressure during large tidal breathing. The mechanism responsible for increased muscle shortening during large tidal breathing is likely due to an increased velocity of muscle shortening at end of inspiratory efforts compared to that during quiet breathing.

34.

Disparities of Breast Cancer Screening Among Minority Populations

Ms. Reem Matti; Ms. Jasmine Pham

In the United States, breast cancer occurs within every racial and ethnic group. Despite the advancements in treatment, due to racial or cultural norms, many women are reluctant to seek medical help for breast issues; as a result, it increases their death rate due to late detection of the condition. Breast Cancer is considered to be the most prevalent type of cancer in females across the world. Periodic mammography screening is an effective method for decreasing mortality and reducing the impact of the disease. The main objective of this review is to perform a meta-analysis to explore the benefits of raising awareness about early health screening. While performing our research, we observed many factors contributing to the lack of early health screening, including low socioeconomic and educational levels and medical mistrust. As a result, throughout our experience in the LEAP program, we have seen the importance of increasing education through social media, churches, and events, which has benefited us by raising awareness about early prevention and health screening. Implementing awareness campaigns for free mammograms and free health screening to avoid low levels of adherence in vulnerable populations. Focusing on promoting the benefits of health screening and working on diversity, cultural acceptance, and respect with healthcare workers

of

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would help improve breast cancer screening adherence worldwide.

35. Characterization of Protein

Foldon Physical Energy Landscapes

Ms. Rachel Gilbert

Natural proteins quickly and reliably fold into energetically minimized structures. Foldons, however, are protein segments that can independently fold into stable local structures and appear in folding intermediates. We believe the folding process can be accelerated by protein segments stably folding in parallel while leaving the overall protein minimally frustrated. Diseases like Alzheimer’s stem from protein misfolding, and understanding components that assist in the reliability and efficiency of protein folding can give insights into the prevention of such diseases. The following methods were used for protein foldon identification. •Calculate AWSEM energies of protein foldon beginning from the N-terminus to index j and its globular states • Calculate AWSEM energies of the remainder of protein beginning from index j to the C-terminus and its globular states • Calculate the average of Θ values of protein foldon and remaining protein structure • Determine foldon end index j with maximum average Θ value • Identify the next foldon (start index=j) using the same procedure. In reviewing the results from graphs comparing foldons of different protein families, related proteins Leghemoglobin and Myoglobin show similar conservation in their exon junctions. Furthermore, foldon and exon junctions appear to overlap with one another, though additional foldons in other proteins must be identified to conclusively determine their relationship. To further this study, the evolutionary pressure experienced by foldons to fold should also be examined by calculating foldons’ DCA energies.

36. Differential IL-6 and IL-10

Cytokine Response in IL-23

Knockout Mice Against Streptococcus pneumoniae

Infection

Ms. Keyona Stubbs

Respiratory pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is a leading cause of death in the U.S. and developing countries. In

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addition to the antibiotic resistance, overt inflammatory responses brought on by the inability to clear the infection is a major contributor to high mortality. Resident macrophages, a key effector of the innate host immune defense, are instrumental for the protection against lung infection caused by S. pneumoniae. Ironically, the histopathological and clinical findings of pneumonia are caused by the inflammatory response can be sparked by various macrophage populations, triggered by the recognition, phagocytosis and the release of signaling molecules or cytokines (e.g., IL-23, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-10) that recruit inflammatory cells (e.g., neutrophils and monocytes) and antigen presenting cells to the site of infection to initiate downstream cell-mediated adaptive humoral antibody and T cell responses (Jain 2022). Previous studies in our laboratory have shown opposing influences of IL-12 and IL-23 regulation in mediating cytokine response against S. pneumoniae. The purpose of the current study was to determine the relationship between IL-6 and IL-10 controlling for IL-23, a key mediator of IL-17A-induced neutrophil recruitment and activation. We hypothesized that IL-23 deficiency would result in a. decrease in IL-6, while increasing IL-10. The results demonstrate a potential compensatory mechanism for IL-6 despite a decrease in IL-10.

38. Magmatic Plumbing System

Development with Synemplacement Shear, Southern Wallowa Mountains, Oregon

Mr. Joshua Farley

The Southern Wallowa Mountains expose numerous, large dikes associated with the Colombia River Flood Basalts (CRFB). The CRFB is Earth’s youngest and best-preserved flood basalt province, allowing for detailed study of the development of flood basalt plumbing systems. Moreover, this region of the Wallowa Mountains has experienced the greatest regional uplift exposing deeper levels of the dikes compared to those elsewhere. North of Cornucopia, the Pine River Valley runs parallel to the boundary between the Cornucopia Stock and older metasedimentary and metavolcanics. Many shear indicators are observed in the wallrock near this boundary, including shear bands, sigmoidal hydrothermal veins, and grain-size reduction. Using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) we have mapped the morphology of these

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dikes in three dimensions on a ridge to the East of Cornucopia. We observed densely populated and anastomosing dikes generally aligned sequentially along Pine Valley. In the margins of these dikes, indicators of dextral shear in wall-rock penetrate into the dike margins, indicating that dike emplacement was contemporaneous with shear. This is an important finding, given that CRFB dikes are often considered pure tensile fractures, and provides corroborating evidence of the influence of the Pine Valley transtensional Graben, located just to the south of the field area, during the emplacement of the dikes. These observations, taken in sum, indicate that mechanical anisotropy focused the multiple magma pulses along this narrow region of intense deformation. Dike morphology in this region is often amoeboid, with rather large aspect ratios for dikes, indicating that inelastic deformation of wall-rock was a key feature for magma accommodation. Notably, with inelastic deformation, the dike is less prone to closure during depressurization phases, leaving the conduit open as long as the system remains molten. We hypothesize that this region is an exposed, fossilized fissure system that may have repeatedly fed significant volumes of magma to surficial lava flows of the CRFB. Our model may provide an effective mechanism for protracted magma mobilization from deep to shallow crust by reutilizing pre-existing dike structures.

39. The Interferometric Analysis

of the Santa Elena Peninsula's Tectonic Deformation

Ms. Haley King

Tectonic Setting

Costa Rica is located on the southwest of the Caribbean plate. This area contains many boundary interactions some of which are represented by the red arrows on the map. This includes subduction by the Cocos and Caribbean plate (CO(CA)), Central Costa Rican Deformed Belt strike slip fault from the Caribbean plate and Panama microplate (PM(CA)), and North of Central America we have a transform fault from the North American Plate and the Caribbean Plate. The Cocos Plate is subducting obliquely under the Caribbean plate at a rate of 88mm/yr with an angle of 10 degrees counterclockwise at the Middle American Trench. Our area

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of focus is Santa Elena, which is a 15 km wide 40 km long peninsula located on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. The geological map of the Santa Elena Peninsula by Javier Escuder- Viruete and Peter O. Baumgartner (2014).

This map provided clear delineated fault systems to study. Cerros Santa Elena consist of our Area A and B. Loma Boquerones, Fila La Penca, and Loma Nacé make up our Area C. Fila Playa Blanca and Cerros Murciélago are the areas on the velocity map that are less concentrated by pixels.

Methods

Two images are used to create an interferogram and are acquired at two separate times. Electromagnetic waves are reflected from the surface and collected by sensor. Once the two images of an area are combined an Interferogram is produced that can be used to show changes in the area.

52 images were utilized in generating 122 interferograms, each spanning 12 to 24 days, to identify persistent scatterers. This process enabled the resolution of a time series using STAMPS, revealing the changes within each area.

Using the fault lines proposed in the Virute-Baumgartner map, we sectioned the peninsula into three areas for detailed evaluation of displacements that could be attributed to tectonic deformation associated to the activity of the many faults that bisect the peninsula.

Results

InSAR average velocity map, from the persistent scatterers obtained on the interferograms of the Santa Elena Peninsula. The colors represent displacement in the line of sight (LOS) of the satellite. Blue is decreasing distance to the satellite (LOS), and the red is increasing distance to the satellite in the LOS.

The left side is divided into two colors, blue pixels (Area A) and red pixels (Area B), we assume there lies a fault between A and B causing the two portions to move in opposite directions.

The right side of the peninsula (Area C) is predominantly green which we can associate with minimal displacement (between 1.4 and 0.3 cm).

Conclusion

After reviewing the data of each area and their corresponding displacements we have come to the conclusion that the west part of the peninsula could be rotating. The Santa Elena fault dividing the region

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potentially could be the cause of the North and South’s movement in opposite directions. We will verify our findings using ALOS-2 data and field work to verify these findings.

40. Statistical Analysis of Spatiotemporal

PM2.5

Concentrations from a Public Air Monitoring Network in Houston, Texas

Ms. Jordan Newton

Population growth caused by urbanization can be directly attributed to increases in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and pose a risk to human health by extension. Furthermore, anthropogenic sources from the petrochemical complex in Houston also contribute to the PM2.5 concentration. Researchers have studied PM2.5 to model spatiotemporal concentrations in the atmosphere; however, face the obstacle of geographical variations and inconsistent hourly forecasts. The purpose of this study was to apply statistical methods to data acquired from relatively low-cost Clarity Nodes, a type of air monitoring sensor, to ubiquitously predict PM2.5 concentrations across metropolitan Houston. To accomplish this, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis techniques were carried out to evaluate the seasonal PM2.5 concentrations between December 2021 and November 2022. The results of this work will give insight into the seasonal variability of PM2.5 in Houston, Texas, particularly at locations devoid of air monitoring stations.

41. The Benefits of Telehealth Among Disadvantaged Communities

Ms. Anoosh Arshad

Introduction

Technology is always changing to better serve patients’ needs and enhance functioning across all health facilities. In this research paper, I will address “The Benefits of Telehealth Among Disadvantaged Communities”. Telehealth is a health platform that uses communication technologies which allows doctors and patients to meet virtually through video appointments and telephone visits ensuring that patients receive high-quality care. It can revolutionize healthcare and become extensively used among

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underserved, older patients, and those with disabilities in rural locations which guarantees they receive quality care. I have found some research on telehealth; however, there is still more research needed that will specifically address the impact on the underserved communities. I chose this topic because I wanted to know how the extensive integration of these services affects these communities. Furthermore, I discovered that it would be beneficial to perform interviews/surveys to collect more information and share my results with others to help increase awareness and reduce health disparities.

Materials & Methods

I used JSTOR and articles I collected from the internet to conduct my research. When I researched thoroughly on my topic, I found reputable articles that shared common major themes and presented compelling arguments.

Results/Findings

The government could also implement revised policies and health programs which ensures that insurance companies cover the medical expenses of low-income individuals, doctors provide health education to patients on how to manage their conditions, and that they receive equal access to healthcare like their counterparts. It’s believed that implementing telehealth services across remote locations allows disadvantaged patients to meet with their doctors which lowers health disparities, but the statistics collected from these human subjects contradict this belief. Telehealth has various benefits for disadvantaged populations such as reducing the chances of getting the Covid-19 virus and transmitting it to others through virtual meetings, guarantees that all patients despite their location get equal access to healthcare, improves care coordination, and lowers travel time and expenses allowing them to receive efficient care. According to the journal “Rapid Transition to Telehealth and the Digital Divide”, the study included results for physicians who provided care to patients in high-SVI (Social Vulnerability Index) locations explaining that physicians in this area were more prone to using telephone services and less prone to using videoconferencing compared to physicians in high-SVI locations, but it didn’t address health worker’s difficulties and patients unclear responses about telehealth challenges due to these being chosen the least relative to other options that were chosen more frequently by participants. Even though all physicians quickly transitioned to telehealth, there were variations among several communities in the main approach for using

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telehealth services and the types of challenges that physicians encountered. Physicians in high-SVI areas were nearly twice as common as physicians in low-SVI areas to use telephones as their main telehealth modality. Whereas 18.7% of physicians in high-SVI areas and 33.7% of physicians in low-SVI areas utilized video appointments as their main approach to using telehealth. However, information on these telehealth challenges was still gathered, but not thoroughly researched and compared with other telehealth challenges among high-SVI and lowSVI areas which increases health disparities among underserved populations.

Conclusion/Summary

Telehealth can change the industry of healthcare and become widespread among underserved populations, older patients, and those with disabilities in isolated regions, allowing them to receive the utmost care.

42. Cadmium In Public Drinking

Water and the Association to Chronic Kidney Disease

Ms. Lauretta Ndu

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming prevalent in some African countries as a result of diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus, and hypertension, but a noticeable part of the population is diagnosed with CKD and without etiology.

Studies indicate that hypertension and albuminuria in children and young adults with APOL1 are prone to CKD and are worse in those affected with sickle cell or HIV disease. APOL1 is a genetic risk heritage common among west African population farmers having CKD without known etiology. APOL1 expressions induces cell death in cell cultured organisms and the podocyte expressions influences kidney disease development. Farmers are exposed to cadmium from soil and fertilizers used in farming. Cadmium is a natural occurring element, found in fertilizers, metal coating, pigments, and batteries etc. Bioaccumulation can damage the heart, liver, kidney and cause death.

Identification of another likely root cause of CKD is the aim of this study. The objective is to present a neglected plausible cause, evaluate water cadmium concentration and its health burden. The study was conducted on commercially packaged drinking sachet water sold in five

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states of southeast region of Nigeria: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states. The rationale is that underground water used in production has cadmium of an unknown amount.

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy revealed cadmium concentrations of 0.0005 to 0.022 ppm and some above 0.005 ppm EPA maximum contaminant level. Cadmium bioaccumulation could be an additional cause of chronic kidney disease with health burden.

KEYWORDS:

APOL1, CKD, Cadmium, Bioaccumulation, Etiology and Podocyte.

43. Environmental Injustice

Across Houston Neighborhoods

Mr. Michael Vouffo

The City of Houston has had longstanding air pollution, whether it be from vehicle emissions, the large industrial base, or constant construction. I wanted to focus on an issue that affects a diverse population, especially minority groups. Since minority groups represent much of the population of Houston then it would be them who are most at risk. With these factors in mind, people don’t ever try to deny this fact but often they never try to consider who themselves are being affected. With the usage of public access system that presents data on the environment, it can be understood where these emissions are most prevalent and who is most affected by them. This data shows that minority groups that have an income of $52,000 and below reside in East Houston which faces the highest risk in terms of carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic pollutants. The emissions evidence also shows most of the point sources of pollution are within the East Houston area.

44. Death of a Rainbow:

The Victimization of Black LGBT Hate Crimes vs White Gay Men

Mr. Neal Howard

Introduction: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals has historically and notoriously been known for being ostracized, criminalized, and victims of some of the most abhorrent and heinous acts of violence

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due to their sexual orientation. Moreover, LGBT individuals sexual identifications have also been on the forefront of persecution and prosecution due to their sexual orientation. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and theorize the violent hate crimes committed against Black LGBT. This in return will also help understand the impacts such violent acts have on LGBT individuals in comparison to White gay men.

Methods:

A mixed method approach of qualitative and quantitative research will be conducted. Survey research of the LGBT population and collection of various opinions and behaviors of the severity of violence specific LGBT individuals experience will allow for a certain specified amount of validity and reliability within the study. The survey research conducted will allow for a multivariate data set to be constructed along with either a positive or negative skewed linear regression based on the survey responses.

Results:

The data indicated by previous research concluded that LGBT individuals do experience a great deal of violent acts of hate crimes, physically, mentally and emotionally as a whole community. However, the data is inconclusive in terms of racial violence in comparison to Black LGBT individuals and White gay men.

Conclusion:

The existing research on the relationship between Black sexual orientation and violent hate crimes has provided valuable insights into the underlying causes of violent hate crimes, but there is still much to be learned (Meyers, 2008). Future research should focus on filling the gaps in knowledge, how experiences of hate crime impact individuals, they suggest ways in which practitioners could identify, and thus manage, the resulting perceptions, emotional reactions, and behavioral responses to hate crimes, while also helping to mobilize actions against them.

(Paterson, Brown, & Walters, 2015).

45. Disproportionate Health

Risks of PM2.5 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Ms. Janyl Madykova

Introduction. Atmospheric concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have been surging in many low- and

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middle-income countries, such as Kyrgyzstan. One of the major concerns in public health management is the disproportionate exposure of residents to PM2.5.

Materials & Methods. This study analyzed PM2.5 concentrations measured at 34 sites, covering all parts of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, between March 2021 and February 2022 with a focus on disproportionate access to cleaner energy for space heating. The monitoring sites were divided into 3 groups based on accessibility to district heating and natural gas distribution infrastructure.

Results/Findings. A large fraction of low-income households in group 3 areas uses coal for space heating due to affordability and limited access to district heating and natural gas pipelines. Annual mean PM2.5 concentrations in group 1 (district heating; 23 µg/m3), group 2 (gas and/or electricity; 35 µg/m3), and group 3 (coal; 56 µg/m3) exceeded US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) ambient air quality standards (12 µg/m3) by 1.9 to 4.7 times and World Health Organization ambient air quality standards (5 µg/m3) by 4.7 to 11.3 times, showing highly elevated health risks, particularly for residents in group 3. The cancer risk of lifetime exposure to PM2.5 was calculated to estimate the probability of lung cancer development. Cancer risks were 2.3 × 10-4, 3.5 × 10-4, and 5.6 × 10-4 for residents in group 1, group 2, and group 3, respectively which is much higher than the USEPA guideline limit (1 × 10-4) indicating a greater chance of developing lung cancer for the population in Bishkek.

Conclusion/Summary. Although responsive actions are warranted to lower the risk of PM2.5 for residents in all three groups, more attention is required for residents in group 3. As residents in Bishkek are predicted to experience colder winters more frequently due to climate change, PM2.5 emissions from coal combustion for space heating are expected to increase, leading to worse health outcomes in vulnerable populations especially in lowincome communities, unless clean heating solutions are implemented. If you can dream it, you can do it.

Walt Disney

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46. Exploring the

Age Dependency Of Breast Cancer Driven By Mutant p53

Mrs. Jyotsna devi Godavarthi

Introduction:

Breast cancer (BC) is an age-related disease. Its incidence increases in women after age 40, yet it is more aggressive in younger women. How age impacts BC remains unknown. Genetic alterations in BC most frequently occur in p53, with most mutations occurring somatically at arginine 248 (R248; R245 in mice). This study aims to compare p53R245Wdriven mammary tumors initiated at 2 months (corresponding to a human age of ~20 years old) and 10 months old (corresponding to a human age of ~50 years old) mice.

Materials & Methods:

Utilizing previously generated conditional mouse p53wmR245W allele, mutant p53 was induced in the epithelial cells of the mammary gland by delivering the adenovirus expressing Cre into the mammary ducts of p53wmR245W/+ mice. Following injection, the mice were monitored by palpation three times per week for breast tumor development. Palpable tumors were measured with a digital caliber three times per week. Animals were sacrificed when the dimension of the primary tumor reached 2 cm and the tumors as well as lungs, livers, and brain, the organs that mutant p53 driven mouse breast tumors would metastasize were collected into formalin,80C, and the tumor cells were cultured.

Paraffin embedding and sectioning, as well as hematoxylin and eosin staining, was carried out to examine tumor histology and metastasis. At the same time, DNAs and RNAs were extracted from the frozen tissues. The expression of breast cancer molecular subtype markers, Esr1, Pgr, and Erbb2, will be examined by quantitative Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Tumor incidence, latency, and growth rate, animal survival, metastasis, and the spectra of histological and molecular subtypes of tumors will be compared between mice injected with Ad-Cre at the age of 2 or 10 months.

Results:

The tumors initiated at the 2- and 10-months in mice driven by p53R245W were compared and the results

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showed that the tumor latency period between the two groups was 7- to 12- months. The tumor growth rate in 2month mice was more aggressive and progressed faster than the 10-month-old mice. The tumors collected in formalin were sectioned and analyzed by histopathologists to identify the metastasized and non-metastasized tumors. Furthermore, the DNA and RNA were extracted from the non-metastasized tumors and the samples that confirmed recombination through PCR were sequenced to determine the alterations in gene expression. The results from sequencing will show us the signaling pathways that are either up- or down-regulated due to mutant p53 in both the mice groups. The molecular sub-types and loss of heterozygosity were also determined using PCR.

Conclusion:

This study furthered our understanding of age dependence and may allow the tailoring of therapeutic strategies to breast tumors.

47. Computer Vision Approach to Investing

Mr. Furlon Borders

The Problem

With real wage earnings only increasing 0.3% from January 2023 to January 2024 and current inflation rate being around 3%, the average 9 to 5 worker is not in a very good position in today's economy. On the other hand the stock market made all time highs in 2023. The S&P 500 rose 24%, the Dow Jones rose 14%, and the Nasdaq gained a massive 43% in 2023. If everyday wage earners had a way to capitalize off of those increases like the top 10% of wealthiest Americans they could keep up with or even outpace inflation. Not everyone has the time to learn the intricate workings of the market but what if we could train a computer to look at the market like a professional investor?

The Solution

The market only does one of three things: breakout trend, breakout reverse, or consolidate-meaning trade in a range with no significant swings in either direction. We propose using the YOLOV8 library, to develop software that tracks the market and give predictions based on real time candlestick chart patterns. To begin the training of the model, we collect the data which are basically examples of the three market conditions and use some annotation software to label the examples and export the label data in the YOLO format. Then we would test the trained model

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on a set of images for validation. After the model has been trained it would be ready for export and to be deployed in real time; after getting the accuracy to your liking.

48. DFTInvestigation of Secondary Organic Aerosols (SOA)

Ms. Breiann Seymore

Introduction:

Secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) are gaseous hydrocarbons released by plants that serve as cloud chemical irritants and have a substantial effect on cloud formation precipitation (rain) and elevated temperature. Hence, the mechanisms and effects of SOAs interactions with cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), which are particles that function as seeds for cloud droplets, are not well understood. This study aims to address our knowledge gap by investigating how the mixing of valencene, β-caryophyllene, farnesene, and α-humulene, types of SOAs called sesquiterpenes, influence CCN in distinct phases.

Materials & Methods:

We will use computational chemistry to simulate the interactions between SOAs and CCN in two phases: gas and aqueous.

Results/Findings:

We expect that sesquiterpenes will alter the chemical composition and properties of CCN, affecting their ability to absorb water and dissolve in the cloud droplets.

Conclusion/Summary:

Our results will provide new insights into the SOAs and CCN interactions and their impact on cloud formation and precipitation. This will help climate science to better understand and predict weather patterns and global changes.

49. The Advancements of Artificial intelligence In The Criminal Justice System

Ms. Tanycia Lensey

Adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the criminal justice system introduces significant advancements, enhancing law enforcement, judicial decision-

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making, and correctional operations. Predictive policing models, powered by AI, forecast crime locations accurately, optimizing resource allocation. Additionally, AI's capacity to analyze extensive data sets uncovers patterns and speeds up investigations, a task challenging for human analysts. It’s ability to analyze large data sets uncovers patterns, expediting investigations. Crucial uses for AI include, digital analytics, DNA analysis, gun recognition, judicial proceedings, bomb recognition, and radiological image interpretation. When using AI to prevent crime, geospatial imagery, and surveillance camera footage help to pick up patterns and connections. There are AI enable bots being created with the capacity to detect bombs, drugs, and explosives. Machines such as "Amazon Rekognition" are currently being initiated into the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This approach could yield statistical likelihoods for various outcomes, shedding light on the potential dynamics of the crime, including its timing, the individuals involved, and the perpetrator. Nonetheless, the integration of AI raises ethical issues, including privacy and bias, calling for strict oversight and transparency. The commitment to continuously improving AI technologies and responsibly integrating them into the criminal justice field is a pursuit of innovation and a commitment to justice, equity, and societal well-being. The discourse extends to AI's role in predictive policing and enhancing public safety, underlining the imperative for transparency and accountability. Conversations like this contribute to ongoing discussions on policy, ethical technology integration, and the best practices in the criminal justice system.

Every time you state what you want or believe, you’re the first to hear it. It’s a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. Don’t put a ceiling on yourself.

Oprah Winfrey

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17. The Crimes of Acrolein

Asa K. Yousefipour (Erasmiaans Gymnasium)

Objective: As a result of industrial revolution, as countries became more industrialized, new pollutants were released in the environment through different processes. Exposure to these pollutants seems to be the cause of many illness in the modern life. Today, one of the common pollutants found in environment is a chemical known as acrolein. Many studies have reported the existence of this compound in the air due to the incomplete combustion of organic materials such as automobile fuel. However, it has been shown that there are other processes that can cause accumulation of acrolein in human’s circulatory system, such as consumption of foods that have high level of acrolein. This project was designed to study the effects of

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential.

Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.

Pope John XXIII

exposure to acrolein in rats and effectiveness of a natural antioxidant, curcumin, and its analog, compound 20 (C20), in prevention of the damage. This work hypothesized that acrolein disrupts body’s natural system by damaging antioxidant enzyme and increasing the activity of the enzymes that contribute to the generation of the free radicals. Design and method: 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in six different groups (each having six rats); control, acrolein treated (2mg/kg/day i.p), curcumin treated (100mg/kg/day oral), compound 20 treated (10mg/kg/day oral), acrolein plus curcumin treated (same doses), and acrolein plus compound 20 treated (same doses). The protocol for animal study and treatment was approved by TSU’s Animal Welfare Committee before the start of the work. For this project, we were provided with a piece of liver tissue from all the rats in each group. Rat’s homogenized tissue was used to estimate total protein, generation of free radicals (Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Detection Assay Kit from ABCAM), total cholesterol (Total Cholesterol & Cholesteryl Ester Colorimetric Assay Kit from ABCAM), superoxide dismutase activity (Superoxide Dismutase Activity Assay Kit from ABCAM), GST activity assay (GST Assay Kit from ABCAM) and western blot for NADPH oxidase protein. Results: Acrolein increased generation of ROS and reduced SOD and GST activity in acrolein treated rats and addition of curcumin and C20 reduced ROS generation while increased SOD and GST activity. There was an increase in expression of NADPH oxidase protein in group treated with acrolein alone which was reversed after addition of curcumin and C20. The results were analyzed using unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA and data with P values P<_0.05 indicating a significant change. Conclusions: Based on our data we are concluding that effect of acrolein on generation of ROS in rat is partially due to alterations of SOD, GST and NADPH oxidase. We are also concluding that intake of natural antioxidants such as curcumin or its analogue, C20, reduce damage by acrolein by reducing ROS, improving SOD and GST and preventing changes in NADPH oxidase.

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33. Python for All: Simplicity

and User-Friendliness of Python in Introductory Programming Courses

Mr. Corey Cox (Summer Creek High School)

Introduction

Python is a high-level, versatile, and interpreted programming language known for its simplicity, readability, and ease of learning. Python’s design philosophy emphasizes code readability with the use of significant indentation. Python is dynamically typed, and garbage collected. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including structured, object-oriented, and functional programming.

Method

This is an open-source programing language, meaning that its source code is freely available and can be modified and redistributed. It is Community-driven Development - a thriving global community of developers actively contributes to the language's evolution, ensuring continuous improvements and support. Jupyter notebook built-in on Anaconda (version3 2021.11), a distribution of the Python was used, with the focus of the learning introduction to python programming language and how it is used in many aspects of today's society.

Result/Findings

In the study, highlighted applications of Python include data Science and analytics. Python's libraries, such as NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib, make it a powerhouse for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization. Furthermore, artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), TensorFlow and PyTorch, among others, contribute to Python's dominance in AI and ML, fostering innovation in these fields. Likewise, python’s simplicity makes it an excellent choice for automating tasks and creating scripts for enhanced efficiency. These applications have improved tasks like medical image analysis, predictive analytics, and clinical decision support systems, and automation.

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Conclusion

Python's widespread acceptance can be attributed to its simplicity, readability, and versatility, making it a powerful tool for developers across a spectrum of applications. This study therefore invites all to explore the world of Python, where endless possibilities await. Embrace the language that unlocks creativity, efficiency, and innovation.

We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.

Mary McLeod-Bethune

4. Targeting the Host

Transcriptional Response for COVID-19 Therapeutic Intervention

Dr. Scott Widmann

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARSCoV-2), has taken an unimaginable toll on the global population. Furthermore, post-acute sequelae of COVID19 (long COVID), is debilitating and estimated to affect 10% of the global population. In the first year of the pandemic in the United States, underrepresented minorities experienced higher rates of severe COVID-19 compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. Addressing severe COVID-19 and long COVID with novel therapeutics can directly impact the health disparities exacerbated by the pandemic. An abundance of public transcriptomic data, including both bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing of COVID-19 patients, has been generated since the start of the pandemic. By leveraging modern machine learning algorithms, this data can be exploited to investigate therapeutic opportunities based on the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Materials & Methods

Ensemble and gradient-boosting decision tree machine learning models were utilized to search for targetable genes of the host using publicly available bulk RNAsequencing data from severe cases of COVID-19 and healthy controls. Feature selection and importance analyses were conducted to determine genes used by the models to classify COVID-19 status. These genes were then used for biological pathway analysis and crossreferenced with drug databases, such as DrugCentral, NIH Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS), and ChEMBL, to identify drugs with associated activity. Drugs will initially be screened in vitro for inhibition of cytopathic effects (CPE) of the SARS-CoV-2 surrogate Betacoronavirus strain OC43 (HCoV-OC43) in human host cells. The effects of candidate drugs on viral entry into host cells will be assessed using a spike protein pseudotyped lentivirus. Finally, drugs that pass the initial screening for CPE inhibition of HCoV-OC43 will be further screened for CPE inhibition of SARS-CoV-2.

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Results/Findings

Feature selection analyses produced a COVID-19 gene signature comprised of 626 genes that are important for severe COVID-19 status classification. Using the severe COVID-19 gene signature, 44 Drugs from the DrugCentral database, which includes clinically approved drugs from the U.S., Europe, and Japan, were identified that affect various pathways such as the cell cycle, autophagy, interferon response, and estrogen response. Using the LINCS L1000 chemical perturbagen database, 3,622 small molecules were found that can either increase or repress the expression of various sets of genes in the COVID-19 gene signature. Of the 626 genes in the COVID19 signature, 159 have drugs in the ChEMBL database with reported activity less than or equal to 10 micromolar; examples of associated pathways include MYC signaling, Immune response, and apoptosis.

Conclusion/Summary

There is currently a lack of approved drugs for severe COVID-19 and long COVID. Broadening therapeutic options has the potential to improve clinical outcome of severe cases, reduce long COVID incidences, and address the health disparities prevalent with COVID-19. Utilizing machine learning algorithms and the transcriptional profiles from severe COVID-19 patients, this project has identified potential drugs directed at the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In future studies, drug candidates will be experimentally investigated for their ability to modulate viral entry into host cells and attenuate cytopathic effects of viral infection.

37. Racial Disparities in

Maternal Mortality in Texas and Harris County

Ms. Cecilia Torres

Introduction: The death of a woman during pregnancy results not only in multiple years of potential life lost but also leaves living children forever impacted by the loss of their mothers. While rates of maternal mortality gradually increase throughout the United State, high rate continue to be seen in Texas and Harris County with the African American population being disproportionately affected. The aim of this project is to complete a scoping review of maternal mortality in Texas and assess the racial disparities

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present across various social determinants of health. The goals are to describe the trends of racial disparities in maternal mortality, highlight the influence of social determinants of health on racial disparities in maternal mortality, and assess areas of improvement in tracking maternal mortality. The main objective is to centralize the most up-to-date maternal mortality data so that it can be utilized to improve maternal health, promote the need for maternal health programming, and serve as a toolkit for policy creation and advancement.

Materials & Methods: PubMed, Texas Southern University Library, Google Scholar, and relevant organizational websites at the federal, state, and county levels were utilized to compile literature assessing racial disparities and social determinants of health surrounding maternal mortality across the United States, State of Texas, and Harris County.

Results/Findings: Despite societal advancements and housing the world’s largest medical center (Texas Medical Center), Texas and Harris County continue to experience increased maternal mortality rates that are disproportionately impacting the non-Hispanic Black population. These racial disparity trends in maternal mortality are seen despite controlling for various social determinants of health. Through the literature, we observe that in Texas non-Hispanic Black women have a 2.3- and 4.0-times higher pregnancy-related mortality rate than their non-Hispanic White and Hispanic peers despite variables such as income, education, urbanization, zip code, and age.

Conclusion/Summary: The reported findings highlight the urgent need for a synergistic effort to address maternal mortality in African Americans and contribute to the knowledge of women’s health by centralizing maternal mortality data related to racial disparities across Texas and Harris County, and demonstrating the need for up-todate data to be provided by state and local health departments. Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th time.

Julie Andrews

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20 Breakthroughs from 20 Years of Science aboard the International Space Station (ISS)

1. Fundamental disease research

2. Discovery of steadily burning cool flames

3. New water purification systems

4. Drug development using protein crystals

5. Methods to combat muscle atrophy and bone loss

6. Exploring the fifth state of matter

7. Understanding how our bodies change in microgravity

8. Testing tissue chips in space

9. Stimulating the low-Earth orbit economy

10. Growing food in microgravity

11. Deployment of CubeSats from station

12. Monitoring our planet from a unique perspective

13. Collecting data on more than 100 billion cosmic particles

14. A better understanding of pulsars and black holes

15. Student access to an orbiting laboratory

16. Capability to identify unknown microbes in space

17. Opening up the field of colloid research

18. The evolution of fluid physics research

19. 3D printing in microgravity

20. Responding to natural disasters

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5. The Role External Review Letters Play On The Road To Rank, Tenure, and Promotion Texas SouthernUniversity

Dr. Dwalah Fisher; Mr. Billy Rosenberg

Academic administrators often view ERLs as the most impartial and critical components of tenure and promotion portfolios, providing qualitative, independent evaluations of candidates' past accomplishments, reputation, potential, and the prospect of continued, sustainable contribution levels (NSF, 2022). Validity and bias are extensively examined through external review letters (ERLs) throughout academia. ERLs play a significant role in promotion and tenure (P&T) outcomes in Higher Education nationally; potentially, ending the careers of some yet allowing other researchers career enhancing opportunities. Through ERL coding data collection, there were a total of 2071 coded candidates, yet 10,959 ERLs were submitted, coded, and analyzed from letter writers at various institutions as part of P&T portfolios. Of the 2071 coded candidates, this study will more specifically, discuss the findings of 131 candidates from Texas Southern University, a participating institution, and the relationship ERLs played in the decision making of P&T. The relationship with P&T committees’ number of positive votes by department, college, and university committees was examined. In addition, data referencing the total number of citations, the total number of external grants served as a PI & Co-PI, and candidate’s role/status was examined. Lastly, the ERL features candidates’ characteristics (ethnicity and gender) and the P&T outcome was investigated. The purpose of this study is to (1) highlight the findings of the initial study, ERL Coding, and (2) collect data that will later determine whether future candidates recommends the addition of ERLs to their Rank, Tenure, and Promotion packet.

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8. Extending Differential Evolution to Matrix and Tensor Variables

Dr. Ismet Sahin

We propose a Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm for the optimization of systems characterized by parameters arranged in multidimensional arrays. Some examples of such systems include the computation of the optimal demixing matrix for blind signal separation and the computation of the best clustering in unsupervised machine learning methods. The DE algorithm is originally defined for optimization problems involving only one-dimensional vector spaces. Therefore, whenever a tensor system needs to use it, the system’s tensor must first be converted into a single-dimensional vector, and then the output of the DE algorithm needs to be converted back to the original tensor form. Such back-andforth transformations increase computational complexity and decrease efficiency, especially when the number of parameters is large. The proposed algorithm performs DE operations directly on the multi-dimensional arrays, this way avoiding transformations between the one-dimensional vector and higher dimensional tensor forms. We present two examples to illustrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed algorithm.

10. Exploring Human Health Risks

from Lunar Dust Exposure and Lunar Gravity in Moon Missions

Dr. Vivek Mann

Introduction: As humanity prepares for prolonged lunar exploration and potential habitation, understanding the risks posed by lunar dust exposure and altered gravitational conditions on human health is imperative. Lunar dust (LDS), a pervasive and potentially hazardous substance, presents unique challenges to human health. Its fine particulate nature raises concerns regarding respiratory health, with potential implications for lung function and inflammation. Additionally, the abrasive properties of lunar dust may exacerbate skin irritation and pose risks to ocular health. Furthermore, the potential toxicity of lunar dust, including its chemical composition and reactivity, remains an area of active investigation.

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The altered gravitational conditions experienced on the moon compared to Earth introduce novel physiological stresses on human bodies. Lunar gravity, approximately one -sixth of Earth's gravity, may impact cardiovascular function, musculoskeletal integrity, and fluid distribution within the body. Understanding how prolonged exposure to lunar gravity influences these systems is essential for mitigating health risks and optimizing astronaut performance during lunar missions.

Materials and Methods: This study aims to investigate the impact of LDS on skin fibroblasts, and lung epithelial cells. Analysis involved cytotoxic assays including LDH assay, Cell proliferation assay (MTT), Comet assay, scratch assay, epifluorescence microscopy.

Results/ Findings: Initial findings suggest mutagenic effects on lung cells, heightened inflammatory mediator levels in immune cells, and disrupted focal adhesion kinase regulation in fibroblasts. Detailed analysis of affected signaling pathways and mechanisms will be provided in this study.

Conclusion: This study proposes a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the complex interactions between lunar dust exposure, altered gravitational conditions, and human health. Future aims of this study is to characterize the health risks associated with lunar exploration and develop effective countermeasures to safeguard astronaut well-being. Ultimately, by elucidating the health risks posed by lunar dust exposure and altered gravitational conditions, this study will contribute to the advancement of lunar exploration and facilitate the development of strategies to ensure the safety and resilience of future astronauts embarking on moon missions.

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15. Mutational Changes in Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-COV-2 Variants and Structural Stability of the RBD–ACE2 Interaction

Dr. Kehinde Idowu

INTRODUCTION

Every virus, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, change over time. Most changes have little to no impact on the virus’s properties. However, some changes may affect the virus’s properties, such as how easily it spreads (transmissibility), the associated disease severity, therapeutic medicines, molecular interaction with host receptors, structural stability and many more. Some more infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged globally since SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. For instance, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, EG.5, BA.2.86 are currently circulating variants of interest (VoIs) with D405N, G446S, N460K and R408S mutations. While XBB, XBB.1.9.1, and XBB.2.3 are currently circulating variants under monitoring as of January 29, 2024. This study evaluates the impact of mutational change(s) on receptor binding domain of various variants of SARS-CoV-2 on the molecular interactions between the viral Spike protein and human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (hACE-2), structural stability of the complex and binding affinity between the proteins.

METHODS

The spike proteins receptor binding domain (RBD) of different variants was docked with the hACE-2 using haddock servers. To understand and establish the effects of the mutations on the structural stability and flexibility of the RBD-hACE-2 complex, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of the docked complexes was performed (using TSUBioRACC computing cluster) and evaluated after 50 ns trajectory.

The best way to predict the future is to create it.

Peter Drucker

RESULTS/FINDINGS

The result of the binding free energy showed that variants BQ.1.1 (-48.45 Kcal/mol), CH.1.1 (-39.54 Kcal/mol), EG.5 (42.90 Kcal/mol), EG.5.1 (-43.75 Kcal/mol), XBB.1 (-44.41 Kcal/mol), XBB.1.5 (-41.01 Kcal/mol), XBB.1.9.1 (-42.48 Kcal/

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mol), XBB.2.3 (-46.92 Kcal/mol), and BA.2.75 (-48.37 Kcal/ mol) have higher binding affinity towards hACE2 than the wide type (WT) with binding energy of -35.24 Kcal/mol. The study further showed that increase in the binding affinity of the variants is directly associated with increase in the number of Hydrogen (r = 0.51), Van der Waal (r = 0.56 and electrostatic (r = 0.30) bonds that exist between the complexes.

CONCLUSION

The structural stability and flexibility evaluation of variants’ systems as evidenced by the decreased average RMSD values showed that mutations on the variants (with exception of XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9.1 and XBB.1.9.2) does not disturbed the structural stability of RBD-hACE2 complex. This study, therefore, assumed these variants have high receptiveness towards hACE-2 than the BA.5, BQ.1, XBB.1.6.1 and BA.2.86 variants and the WT, and thereby, responsible for their increase in transmission. This study provides molecular insight on impact of the mutational changes associated with each variant on stability and molecular interactions between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and hACE-2.

18. Professional Development

and Practicum Overseas An Approach beyond Language

Dr. Haiqing Sun

Introduction:

In the era of globalization, with the fast increased demands from students for oversea experiences in languagecultural studies and career development, the researcher from TSU Spanish program has practiced educational strategies in cultural learning, multi-disciplinary coordination, and academic approaches in the development of Overseas Immersion Programs.

(b); (c); and (d) Conclusion/

Materials & Methods:

The researcher studies different sample programs from Europe, the Caribbeans and South America in an attempt to specify viable channels that facilitate students’ and faculty’s

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outreach to the world, with course work experiences that fortify expertise in specific fields (e.g. pharmacy, communication, business, health service), hence new projects for funding applications, especially for undergraduate students, become possible, and proposals of practicums are enroute for initial trials.

Results/Findings,

Students in the trial programs not only gain knowledge in language and culture through immersion learnings, but also obtain course work experiences that fortify expertise in their own academic fields. The experiences also help enhance social maturity, self-motivation, intellectual progress, and communicative skills.

Summary

The three steps taken in developing such programs for undergraduate students provide both students and faculty members an opportunity to benefit from educational resources on campus and from international partnerships.

20. Optimal Task Admission

Control of Private Cloud Data Centers with Limited Resources

Dr. Yuhong Zhang

In this paper, we study a private data center (PDC) serving both priority and non-priority tasks with limited resources. To make full use of the data center (DC) resources, e.g. virtual machines (VM), any task request in a non-priority task with a large computing requirement may exhaust all available VMs that is not currently used by the priority task. While receiving rewards for serving nonpriority tasks, there is also the cost of holding and processing the tasks in the system. By balancing rewards and costs, our goal is to decide whether to accept or reject non-priority tasks. The first validation of optimization policies for embracing non-priority tasks is control limit policies by translating the problem into stochastic dynamic planning. The innovation of this paper is the development of DC related stochastic dynamic programming and the study of how to get clear optimization control limit policy results. These developments and studies are of great practical value

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for the theoretical analysis and design of various DC models with optimized reward and system utilization.

23. How do Congestion Pricing Strategies on High Occupancy Lane Impact the Ground Ozone Precursor?

Dr. Fengxiang Qiao

Introduction. Congestion pricing is a popular and important strategy in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). This research investigates the impact of managed-lane pricing on ground-level ozone-related vehicle emissions. Ground-level ozone is a secondary air pollutant primarily formed through chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC). Highway traffic is a significant contributor to urban atmospheric NOx and HC levels. Various highway management strategies have been implemented to alleviate urban traffic congestion. Among them, toll-managed lanes are designed to regulate traffic flow and density and are widely adopted in numerous urbanized areas. However, the specific impacts of managed lane strategy on ozone-related emissions remain inadequately understood.

Materials & Methods. An experimental test with two test vehicles was conducted on managed and main lanes of the Interstate Freeway I-10 in Houston, with relevant traffic data collected. Vehicle emissions were estimated based on the operation mode bin and a pre-calibrated database model. Travel time, speed, emission rates, and total emissions on managed and mainline lanes were compared for each round and all tests. The selected emissions for analysis are NOx and HC, which contribute to Houston's ground ozone formation.

Results/Findings. Through empirical data collection and analysis, this study reveals that vehicles on managed lanes experience fewer hard accelerations and decelerations and maintain higher average speeds. Results show that the congestion-pricing conditions increase per-vehicle emissions (measured in grams/hour), contrasting with the assumption that managed lanes necessarily reduce emission rates. Despite this, the total emissions from vehicles on managed lanes were roughly comparable to those on general-purpose

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lanes. A significant finding of the study is that total daily NOx and HC emissions from managed lanes constituted only 31.9% to 42.6% of the emissions from general-purpose lanes. Additionally, the research examines the weight ratios between HC and NOx emissions, which is crucial for understanding ground-level ozone formation dynamics. The results indicate that the ground-level ozone formation in the studied area is hydrocarbon-limited, suggesting that emission reduction strategies should prioritize HC reduction.

Conclusion/Summary. This study contributes to understanding the environmental impacts of traffic management strategies, particularly managed-lane pricing. It provides insights into practical measures for controlling ground-level ozone formation in urban areas.

28.

Gene-Specific Primers

Differentially Identify and Quantify Microorganisms DNA Contents in a Competitive Environment of Fermented Foods

Dr. Stella Adeyemo

Background: Fermentation is an age-long method of preserving food. As a result, the shelf life of such food is also extended, the flavor, organoleptic and nutritional attributes are improved, spoilage microorganisms are eliminated, and the foods are further bio-preserved. A group of organisms known as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is responsible for food bio-preservation. LAB are probiotics and produce lactate after fermentation. In addition, they produce organic acids, polyols, exopolysaccharides, and antimicrobial compounds, which protect cellular functions, benefit organisms' health and detoxify Mycotoxins. They also prevent Aspergillus species from growing in the same food during the first few hours of fermentation. Aspergillus sp are filamentous, cosmopolitan, and ubiquitous fungi found in nature. They have a significant worldwide economic impact on food products and cause a major health challenge in humans and animals; producing aflatoxin, if ingested, causes different health problems.

Hypothesis or Goals: Several morphological, biochemical, microscopic, and molecular methods are often employed to identify and isolate LAB and Aspergillus species from

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fermented corn/grains and cassava used as food. Still, these conventional identification methods have limitations and lack quantification of DNA content. Therefore, this study specific aim is to show that in a competitive environment, Gene-specific primers differential amplification (GSP-DA), when combined with Semi-quantitative PCR (qPCR) can be employed to detect Lactobacillus and Mycotoxigenic fungi in competitive environment of fermented foods. To achieve the goal of innovative study, we develop two aims. Aim 1: Gene specific primers will synthesize the DNA of any specific gene of interest from any total RNA pool of cells. Aim 2: Synthesized DNA templates combined with Semiquantitative PCR (qPCR) will identify and quantify DNA content of Lactobacillus and Mycotoxigenic fungi in a competitive environment of fermented foods.

Methods: Typical African diet samples, comprised of garri and ogi, were purchased from local markets and analyzed for the presence of LAB and Aspergillus sp. The diet samples were inoculated into De Mann Rogosa and Sharpe broth and incubated for 48h at 30oC under anaerobic conditions. Gene -specific primers were developed combined with Semiquantitative PCR (qPCR) or RT-PCR/qPCR and were carried out to determine the identities and DNA content of the organisms.

Results: Six different species of LAB and their DNA content Lactobacillus plantarum 1 and 2, L. fermentum, L. acidophilus, L. brevis, and L. pentosus and four different species of Aspergillus and their DNA content; Aspergillus niger, A.nidulans, A.fumigatus, and A. flavus were identified.

Conclusion: Even though PCR methods are well known, its use as combined with GSP-DA and used in this study is yet to be attempted or defined using a competitive environment of fermented foods. Therefore, the advantage of the approach described in this study is that it is a versatile tool easy to employ and use to differentiate and quantify DNA contents between beneficial and detrimental microorganisms growing simultaneously in a competitive environment with limited nutrients.

Keywords: Gene-Specific Primers, Competitive environment, Probiotics, Microorganisms

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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Trivia

1. One of the most significant economic developments in recent business history relates to the _________

(a) Growth of blue-chip corporations

(b) Development of Pacific Rim countries

(c) Entrepreneurial spirit

2. The recent number of job losses in larger corporations compared to the jobs created by small business has changed the perception of _____ for launching a new business.

(a) Prestige

(b) Risk

(c) Financing opportunities

3. Entrepreneurship is a constant process that relies on _____.

(a) Creativity, innovation, and profit

(b) Creativity, innovation, and application in the marketplace

(c) Intellectual property rights

4. The ability to apply creative solutions to problems and opportunities to enhance or to enrich people’s lives is called _____.

(a) Innovation

(b) Entrepreneurship

(c) Creative thinking

5. _____ lateral thinking is somewhat unconventional and unstructured.

(a) Left-brained

(b) Right-brained

(c) Systematic

In youth, we learn; in age we understand. Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

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Ms. Omobolanle David Garuba

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Selected Baby Foods

Introduction

Heavy metal food contamination is a global phenomenon that continues to pose serious threat to human health, perturbing our ecosystem and raising increasing concerns on their contaminating presence in the food chain. They occur naturally, therefore, are a totally unavoidable component of the ecosystem. Industrialization and technological innovations aimed at improving the quality of life have contributed significantly to the increasing long-term environmental heavy metal pollution. Adequate and safe nutrition are important for early childhood optimal growth and development. However, complementary foods, aimed at supporting children from six months of age often contain toxic substances such as cadmium, arsenic, lead and mercury. Dietary exposure to metals is a major route for all ages, although children, are more vulnerable to their toxicity due to their under-developed body systems and immunity. A recent report by the U.S House of Representatives in 2021 indicated that baby foods were with elevated levels of heavy metals such as arsenic (AS), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb). Therefore, the new US FDA initiative known as Closer to Zero (C2Z) action plan seeks to monitor and reduce toxic element exposure from baby foods to the lowest minimum concentration possible. This study was done to evaluate heavy metal contaminations in food products targeted at infant and toddler age groups

Materials and Methods

Ten commercial baby foods from seven leading brands in the United States were purchased from a local store, representing ingredients listed as a diary, fruit; leguminous vegetable; beef, chicken, root vegetable; or grains and were evaluated for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn) lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al) and chromium (Cr) in triplicates using QQQ ICP-MS, a tandem spectrometer method capable of detecting analytes at lower detection limits.. Food categories were either organic, natural or genetically modified and packaged in either plastic, vanish pouches or glass jar.

Result

The tested metals were detected at varying concentrations in all food types. Aluminum ((4.09 µg/g and 2.50 µg/g) and zinc (33.5 µg/g 69.5 µg/g, and 30.2 µg/) were the most elevated in the infant food age group

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while cadmium, lead, nickel, aluminum and chromium in all other food types were observed at levels not exceeding their tolerable limits. The acceptable daily limits of Aluminum and Zinc are 1 µg/g /day and 2-3 µg/g /day. The mixed model generated for this analysis found significant differences in metal concentrations (F6,24=2.75, p=0.03). The overall average metal concentration in the food was 0.96 µg/g. No significant correlations were found between the packaging materials used and the observed metal concentrations (P >0.05, Std error 1.94). Plant based food products exhibited the highest concentrations of all tested metals although none of the food labels reported the levels of these metals in their food products.

Conclusion/Summary

Heavy metal toxicity remains a major threat to human health due the several unpredictable health risks associated with their chronic cumulative nature. This study shows that plant formulated food products showed the highest concentrations, establishing the soil to crop system of contamination. Although most metals in this study did not exceed the proposed MRL standard, low metal concentration is not equivalent to zero adverse effects. While toxicity is dependent on amount ingested, bio-accumulation, health status and age of individuals, the frequency of consumption is also important. The convenience of usage of most of these food products, may increase children’s daily metal consumption. Effective food safety continues to be a challenge and is dependent on the combined efforts of governments, food regulators such as the FDA, farmers, academia, food producers and suppliers. Our study provides scientific data that can help the FDA in fully implementing the C2Z plan.

Ms. Markala Butler

Survey exploring the disparity of access to CPR training in socioeconomic and minority communities within the Greater Houston and surrounding areas to provide a CPR training program utilizing pharmacy students at an HBCU.

Cardiac arrests occur most often at home or residence (72.1%), followed by public settings (17.3%) and nursing homes (10.6%). Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in adults; the lack of immediate initiation of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) is believed to contribute to these outcomes. It has been shown that patients that are Black,

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Hispanic, or live in low socioeconomic neighborhoods were less likely to receive BCPR compared with those in white, higher-income neighborhoods. Prior research has shown targeted training can be conducted in areas which are most at need, such as the minorities and lower socioeconomic neighborhoods, and that these areas can be identified using geographical data and analytic methods. This research aims to establish that a disparity exists regarding the access to CPR training in underserved communities within the Greater Houston and surrounding areas. The goal of the study is to promote CPR awareness, provide education on the importance of CPR, and offer CPR training in low-income and minority communities.

Ms. Amirah Yusuf

The Biological Activities of Medicinal Plant Extracts on Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma.

Introduction

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Cancer is a group of diseases that results in abnormal growth of cells that can metastasize to other parts of the body. Breast, lung, colorectal and prostate cancers are the most prevalent types. A variety of plants used in folklore medicine are crucial to the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents. Some of these natural products have been employed in the prevention, management, and treatment of cancer. Medicinal plants contain phytochemicals that have antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory and anti- cancer properties. Combinations of medicinal plants have been used in different cultures and Ayurvedic medicine. There have been some indications that herbal plant extracts used for cancer treatment possess fewer side effects – individually or in mixture. Studies have shown that the leaf, root, stem, and barks of Azadirachta indica (AI) and Vernonia amygdalina (VA) have anticancer properties. Our study seeks to investigate the biological activities of medicinal plants on the HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line.

Materials & Methods

In this study, we investigated the anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effect of ethanolic leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (AI) and Vernonia amygdalina (VA) using MTT proliferation assay. The leaves of Azadirachta indica (AI) and Vernonia amygdalina (VA) were collected, dried, and

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processed for extraction. The extraction process was carried out using a rotary evaporator. The HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line was used in this study. The HT-29 cancer cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), supplemented with 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum (FBS), and antibiotics-antimycotic. 40 mg of the sample extract were dissolved in 1 ml 100% (v/v) of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and each experiment was performed in triplicate and repeated three times. The 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the cellular toxicity of the ethanol extracts of Azadirachta indica (AI) and Vernonia amygdalina (VA) on cultured cells. The cells were treated with different concentrations of the samples at 31.25 μg/ml, 62.5 μg/ml, 125 μg/ml, 250 μg/ml, 500 μg/ml after incubating for 24 and 48 hours respectively. Furthermore, the powdered leaf of Azadirachta indica and Vernonia amygdalina were subjected to phytochemical tests and screening. Chemical tests were carried out for the qualitative phytochemical screening of the leaves using standard procedures to identify the various phytoconstituents in the plants. The presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones and terpenoids were tested.

Results

Results showed crude extracts of Azadirachta indica and Vernonia amygdalina significantly decreased the growth of HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line. Our study revealed a dose dependent decrease in cell viability at various concentrations of the medicinal plant extract. Individual treatments with AI and VA exhibited the highest cytotoxicity at 125 μg/ml, 250 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml respectively. Similar effects were seen with the combination treatment of both extracts. Furthermore, our studies revealed the presence of phytochemicals such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones and terpenoids in the leaf extracts of both plants.

Conclusion

Our results are indicative that the individual and combined extracts of Azadirachta indica and Vernonia amygdalina possess anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activity against the HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line. Further studies will involve the isolation of anti-tumor compounds and identify the possible mechanism of action of the plant extracts.

Keywords: Anti-proliferation, cytotoxicity, phytochemical, cancer

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Ms. Omokhuwele Umoru

Stellarator Optimization with Boxed Constraints

Introduction:

Stellarators offer advantages over tokamak fusion reactors that depend critically on the design of their complex 3D coil geometries. In this thesis, we present a novel approach to stellarator optimization that uses points that interpolate the coil curves instead of Fourier modes to parametrize the coil geometry and enable the implementation of boxed constraints to measure the planarity and manufacturability of the coils.

Materials and Methods:

We examine techniques for optimizing stellarator coil configurations to improve confinement performance for plasmas, using an integrated modeling approach across physics, mathematics, optimization algorithms, and engineering. Specifically, a new coil parameterization method based on space discretization rather than a Fourier series is formulated to enable greater geometric flexibility. This representation is integrated into a multivariate constrained optimization framework, implementing quasi-Newton method algorithms to optimize plasma confinement capability while respecting engineering constraints on manufacturability.

Results/Findings:

Trade-offs between physics targets, mathematical properties, algorithm performance, and engineering limitations are explored. The integrated optimization approach provides a more holistic stellarator coil design paradigm, leading to configurations with enhanced confinement and balancing practical engineering considerations. This research illustrates the value of cross -disciplinary collaboration and integrated modeling when tackling complex design challenges in fusion energy. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by applying it to several stellarator configurations and comparing the results with existing methods.

Conclusion/Summary:

Our method can produce coil designs that achieve good plasma confinement while satisfying engineering constraints and reducing fabrication costs.

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Ms. Yen Maroney Lawrence; Ms. Ileana Angel; Ms. Erica Jones

Ointment Formulation for Topical Application of Ibuprofen

Introduction

With menstruation often comes a level of discomfort or cramping. Some menstruating persons can experience little to no pain, while others experience severe pain that causes life disruption. Severe menstrual pain can be termed dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea has two classifications: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs at the first onset of menstruation, while secondary dysmenorrhea occurs later in life and can be attributed to physical or lifestyle changes. Examples of these contributing factors are uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and endometriosis. Lifestyle contributing factors can include weight, smoking, and alcohol usage. Age of menstruation onset and previous pregnancy are also factors. Symptoms include but are not limited to abdomen cramping or pain, lower back pain, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.

This research project focuses on developing a topical solution using Ibuprofen to relieve menstrual cramps. The study explored optimal formulation parameters, including ibuprofen concentration and delivery system, to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Providing a convenient and accessible solution for individuals experiencing menstrual discomfort can be achieved through the innovation of alternative administration.

Materials & Methods

By optimizing formulation parameters through quality of design (QbD), such as ibuprofen concentration, auxiliary ingredients, and a structured process, will enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the developed solution, providing a valuable non-oral option for menstrual pain relief. Excipients include propylene glycol, stearyl alcohol, white ceresin wax stearic acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and water.

Upon formulation development, preliminary analysis through NanoDrop UV-Vis was proven successful through absorbance at 260nm . An acceptable extraction method

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and a UPLC analysis method were developed, which provided the ability to characterize and quantify the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API).

Results

Products developed using Design of Experiments (DoE) in formulation were assessed based on their stability. After three months of bench storage at room temperature, the ibuprofen content in two different formulations showed degradation. Additionally, varying textures were observed, attributable to the distinct composition of each formulation. Ibuprofen elutes at 3.482 mins, and UPLC wavelength values 219.5 and 263.6nm confirmed the presence of the compound.

Conclusion

This research project aimed to develop a topical ibuprofen cream for relieving menstrual cramps, evaluating its effectiveness, safety, and feasibility as a non-oral alternative. Future studies for this research include optimizing the formulation and validating the UPLC analysis method. Upon completion of optimization and validation, accurate quantification of Ibuprofen in a topical drug delivery system can occur.

Ms. Sonia Durgan

Relating Air Quality Measurements to Cloud Condensation Nuclei

Concentrations in Southeast Texas for Aerosol-Cloud Interaction Studies

The analysis of coincident observations of aerosols, clouds and the associated meteorological is an important step towards understanding the interactions between convective systems and the spectrum of aerosol effects on the environment. I used observations collected during the TRacking Aerosol Convection interactions ExpeRiment (TRACER) in the Houston, Texas region to determine the properties of small aerosols that contribute to urban and rural pollution and play important roles in cloud formation. Through the usage of computer software such as MATLAB (2016 & 2020) and MobaXterm, I was able to construct plots of aerosol size distribution measurements collected by multiple instruments and calculate mass concentrations of particulate matter with sizes less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5, a quantity often used in air quality studies) and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) number concentrations for different supersaturation values. This analysis allowed me to determine the variability and

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correlation between PM2.5 and CCN concentrations with a goal of investigating how the strength of these correlations varies under different meteorological conditions for use as a proxy for CCN concentrations applied to a regional network of air quality monitors measuring PM2.5. Thus, this project will advance the frontiers of knowledge in environmental, climate, and atmospheric sciences of interactions between deepconvective cloud and aerosols towards better representation of these processes in weather a climate models leading to improved forecasts.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC8547773/

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Dr. Ilnaz Raeisi; Dr. Zivar Yousefipour

Exploring the Efficacy of a Dual-Responsive Nanocarrier Encapsulated with Anti-cancer Drug for Advancing Chemo-photothermal Therapy

Objective: Conventional treatments of cancer require several treatments over a long period of time which can cause extensive toxicity and damage to healthy tissues and contribute to less compliance. Development of more effective drugs and new nanocarrier with high solubility and specificity for the cancerous tissue can overcome these problems. In this project, we proposed synthesizing a novel and highly efficient smart nanocarrier in combination with laser as a new approach to deliver anticancer drug for breast cancer treatment.

Design and method: Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and copper sulfide (CuS) were synthesized as a pH and temperature responsive nanocarrier for the doxorubicin (DOX) loading to enhance targeted and controlled anticancer drug delivery system. Au NPs were modified in a novel formulation to improve the pH sensitivity, stability, and biocompatibility. The DOX loaded delivery systems characterized on the basis of in vitro release behavior under near infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. The structure of nanocomposite was fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The toxicity of DOX loaded nanoparticles was investigated by assessing the viability of KB cancer cells through MTT assay.

Results: Based on our analysis, the NIR-responsiveness of Au NPs@CuS nanocarrier showed high photothermal conversion efficiency and synergistically enhanced NIRresponsiveness derived from Gold nanoparticles. The result displayed that maximum adsorption obtained at pH of 5 and temperature of 35 °C. In vitro DOX release study using NIR indicated 70% DOX were released at pH 5.5.

Conclusion: Based on our data in optimal conditions, the DOX-loaded Au NPs@CuS nanocarrier killed more than 95% KB cells. Our results confirms that Au NPs@CuS nanocarrier is an effective drug-carrier to overcome the

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rapid release of DOX from the simulated cancer fluids. The result of this study has potential use for future chemophotothermal therapy efficacy and improvement of cancer treatment.

Ms. Vicky Davis

Asset Mapping as a Tool for Assessing Strengths, Needs, and Disparities in Greater Third Ward

This exploratory analysis describes the assets and available resources in Greater Third Ward located in Houston, Texas, 77004 using asset mapping methodology. Asset mapping encompasses a comprehensive analysis of local resources, facilities, and other assets crucial for community development and planning. The primary objective of this exploratory analysis is to identify, catalog, and evaluate the available and potential assets within 77004 to facilitate informed decision making for community improvement, economic development and strategic planning. The findings aim to highlight areas of strength, opportunities for growth, and gaps in services, thereby enabling stakeholders, including community organizations, local governments and investors to leverage the assets effectively. This research contributes to the broader field of urban studies and community planning by providing a model for asset based community development that can be replicated and adapted to other contexts. Preliminary findings have identified approximately 167 assets in third ward with the least proportion of assets being medical services

Quality is not an act, it is a habit.

Aristotle

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Dr. Hongmei Wang

Survey of Providers' Attitudes and Barriers Toward Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Antiretroviral Therapy in People Living With HIV

Introduction

HIV treatment and prevention have been revolutionized due to highly active antiretroviral treatment (ART); the treatment and prevention efficacy depends highly on patient adherence to drug therapy. ART adherence is the last step in the cascade of HIV care that is crucial to achieving desirable healthcare outcomes and decreasing HIV transmission. Therapeutic drug monitoring is the measurement of medication concentration, which may provide an objective tool to assess accurate medication adherence. The purpose of this study is to survey infectious disease providers' attitudes and barriers toward therapeutic drug monitoring for antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV.

Materials & Methods

A 15-question pilot cross-sectional survey was distributed to infectious disease providers from the Great Houston Area, including physicians, pharmacists, and mid-level practitioners who are practicing in HIV patient care using snowball methods. The invitation with a link to the questionnaire was also distributed via the Houston Citywide Infections Diseases provider network. The survey was anonymous and used Likert 5-point scales ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree, to identify levels of agreement or disagreement with attitudes and potential barriers for using therapeutic drug monitoring. We utilized the online questionnaire built in QualtricsTM. The study was registered with and approved by the Texas Southern University Institutional Review Board.

Demographic information sought from the participants included their age, sex, and clinical roles (physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, and pharmacist). Other information collected includes number of years practiced in infectious diseases and work settings (hospital, clinic, public health department, administration, and academia). Additionally, information was collected from respondents regarding the proportion of patients with HIV patients seen in their clinical practice, the number of patients with HIV seen per month, and the proportion of patients with HIV who achieved viral suppression on antiretrovirals.

Results/Findings

The survey is open for continuous data collection from providers. Among the twelve surveys received, only two providers have ordered antiretroviral drug-level services. Providers commented that the antiretroviral therapeutic drug monitoring would potentially be helpful in patients with poor gut absorption concerns or detectable viral load despite good medication adherence. For the attitude toward therapeutic drug monitoring, eleven out of twelve respondents agree that it will be helpful to add the service, and nine out of twelve respondents agree that the monitoring will have a positive impact on improving medication adherence. Nine out of twelve respondents are interested in attending therapeutic drug monitoring training. For the barrier of using therapeutic drug monitoring, nine out of twelve respondents were unsure how to order it, and eight out of twelve stated a lack of overall knowledge of interpretation or guidance on how to proceed with the results.

Conclusion/Summary

In conclusion, we found that providers have not commonly used antiretroviral therapeutic drug monitoring in current clinical practice in Houston, Texas. Significant barriers to the use of antiretroviral therapeutic drug monitoring were unsure how to order it and lack of overall knowledge of interpretation or guidance on how to proceed with the results.

Dr. Chu-Sheng Tai

On the Contagion Between Banking and Real Estate Industries During the 2007-2009 US Sub-prime Crisis: International Evidence

Introduction: The 2007-2009 global financial crisis originated from the US subprime mortgage crisis has demonstrated that problems in the housing market can have a significant impact not only on the US banking industry, but also on global banking and real estate industries. However, most of the contagion studies have been focusing on the transmission of shocks from a crisis among national stock markets, and there is no global and comprehensive study of the transmission of shocks among national banking and real estate industries. To fill this gap, this research attempts to examine the presence and sources of global and domestic contagions between these two highly

interrelated industries. The empirical findings from this comprehensive inter- & intra-industry contagion study have important implications not only for academics, but also for banking managers and policy makers. Materials & Methods: I examine if there are inter- and/or intra-industry contagions between these two industries during the 2007-2009 Global Financial Crisis using industry return data from 11 countries including five developed countries (Germany, France, Italy, Japan, UK), five developing countries (China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan) and the US. This research attempts to answer the following empirical questions: (1) Was there a global intra-industry contagion from the US banking/real estate industries to global banking/real estate industries? (2) Was there a global inter-industry contagion from the US banking industry to global real estate industries? (3) Was there a global inter-industry contagion from the US real estate industry to global banking industries? (4) Was there an inter-industry contagion between domestic banking and real estate industries? To answer these questions, I develop a three-factor conditional asset pricing model with the use of Multivariate Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity in Mean (MGARCH-M) approach to control for the systematic risks which affect all asset returns in testing the contagion. I can then test whether there is any incremental increase or decrease in the risk exposure with respect to each unexpected return shocks during the crisis period after allowing for an overall return shocks for the entire sample period. This modelling strategy has not been done in the contagion studies.

Results: The empirical results show that (1) the contagion from the US banking industry to global banking industries is only significant in one case (PH). However, (2) the contagion from the US banking industry to global real estate industries are significant in four cases (GM, FR, UK, & HK). (3) The contagion from the US real estate industry to global banking industries is only significant in one case (GM), and (4) there is no contagion from the US real estate industry to global real estate industries. (5) The contagion between domestic banking and real estate industries are significant in 6 cases (GM, FR, IT, UK for developed countries; HK and SG for Asian countries).

Conclusions: The empirical results suggest that the global inter-industry contagion (from US banking industry to global real estate industries; 40%) is more significant than the global intra-industry contagion. This result implies that what is bad for the US banking sector, it is also bad for the global real estate sector. In addition, the domestic

ORAL PRESENTERS Faculty

inter-industry contagion is highly significant (60%). In particular, what is good for the domestic real estate sector, it is also good for the domestic banking sector (GM. FR, SG), and what is good for the banking sector, it is also good for the real estate sector (IT & UK). In terms of policy implication, to deal with excess leverage & excessive risk taking during the US sub-prime crisis, the central bank tended to raise their policy rate. However, even if a higher policy rate reduces some excessively high asset price, it is likely to do so at the cost of a larger output gap.

Dr. Robert Williams

The Second Sex in the Second District: The Policy Effects of Electing Women to County Government

Introduction

Research about women's representation in county governments and whether women's representation at the local level translates into different policy outcomes has been relatively unexplored (Holman 2017). Thus, we ask whether electing a woman to the county legislative body leads to different policy outputs, specifically in areas like education, health, hospitals, housing, and welfare.

Materials & Methods

Our dataset builds on de Benedictis-Kessner and Warshaw's (2020) work on county legislative elections by gender coding candidates, leading to a full dataset of nearly 16,500 gender-coded races for county legislative positions, thus creating the most comprehensive, gendercoded dataset of elections in county governments.

Results/Findings

Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that electing a woman to the county's governing body does not lead to greater spending generally or on social and redistributive policy. Yet there are specific conditions in which they can more easily advocate for their preferred fiscal preferences. For instance, under commission forms of government, electing a woman leads to increased expenditures on welfare. Moreover, electing women has a positive effect on spending when the county is receiving a greater proportion of revenue from higher levels of government.

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Conclusion/Summary

A key takeaway from our analysis is that the role gender plays in local institutions’ budgets depends on the context in which women are making policies. We demonstrate that in certain institutional and financial contexts women can alter fiscal allocations. Specifically, we find that women increase expenditures on welfare under commission forms of government, as expected. This finding also dovetails with the work of Holman (2014) who shows that when women are present in mayor-council city governments, social welfare program budgets tend to benefit. Moreover, we find evidence that electing women appears to be associated with greater overall spending in counties receiving more than 30% of their funding from higher levels of government. Indeed, Goulart and Gomes (2018) demonstrate that women mayors are more adept policymakers in accessing intergovernmental transfers, which our findings also illustrate. The results thus suggest that there are specific conditions under which women are influential over fiscal allocations, and future research would be well-served by exploring other contexts in which women can more easily translate their policy preferences into budgetary outputs.

Indeed, to further scholarly understanding of women in local government. The intersections of gender and race also likely influence whether women in local offices have an impact on budgets. Women are not just women in office; they also have racial, sexual, and other identities that may affect how women legislate. Black women, for instance, navigate specific challenges in office that white women and Black men do not face. Therefore, whether and how women officeholders impact policies at the local level may be the result of a variety of interrelated factors.

ORAL PRESENTERS Faculty

Dr. Madhu Bala Sahoo

Which Students Experience Inclusion from their Study Group Members?

Introduction: Acceptance from group members is crucial for outcome on group projects. However, efforts and sincerity alone does not guarantee group inclusion. We observed some interesting group dynamics in study groups regarding team member inclusion and Decided to study it.

Materials and Methods: Undergraduates from a three business classes volunteered to participate in the study. We studied it through survey research. Main relationship under research is to investigate role of work experience and gender of the student on their impression management skill and group inclusion relationship.

Results: We find interesting two-way moderated relationship among study variables. Results suggest that when it comes to group inclusion, not both genders are equally benefitted by their previous work experience. Men fare better inclusion for their impression management skills if they have prior work experience.

Summary: Study group members experience varied degree of acceptance from other group members depending on extent of their work experience and gender. Women with high work experience perceived lowest degree of inclusion. We discuss implications for study group dynamics.

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Confucius

Igniting a Robust Culture of Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

RCMI Symposium

Igniting a Robust Culture of Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

RCMI Symposium

Commercialization

Meet the Speaker

Access virtual sessions via teams here.

Session: Funding Opportunity: NIH/ NIMHHD (virtual)

Dr. Carlos Garrido, Social and Behavioral Sciences Administrator

Dr. Carlos Garrido is a Social and Behavioral Sciences Administrator (Program Officer) in the Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences at NIMHD. He is a quantitative social psychologist studying health behavior/promotion. Dr. Garrido's research is characterized by identifying psychosocial assets and barriers to health promotive behaviors to develop psychological interventions that promote healthy living and reduce the chronic disease burden.

NSF Session Moderator:

Koren A. Bedeau, Ph. D. , Faculty Engagement Director, PRISSEM Academic Services

Dr. Koren A. Bedeau is Faculty Engagement Director with PRISSEM Academic Services . She has more than 18 years experience in higher education with a career focused on leadership development, graduate education, educational access programs and grant execution for broadening participation. She leverages her extensive experience directing national leadership development programs for women faculty in STEM and STEM faculty at HBCUs to provide thought leadership and deliver holistic faculty development services. Dr. Bedeau earned a Ph D in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Howard University and master's and bachelor's degreesfrom theUniversityofCentralFlorida

Session: Funding Opportunity: NSF Opportunities in Emerging Fields (QISE, AI, Advanced Computing, Advanced Energy, Disaster Risk and Resilience) (virtual)

Dr. Brandon Jones, Directorate for Geosciences

Dr. Jones’ astronautics

research focuses on estimation theory, information fusion, uncertainty quantification, and navigation. His primary focus is on multi-source, multi-target information fusion for the detection, tracking, identification, and characterization of space objects. Recent work leverages Bayesian methods and multi-fidelity approaches for efficient tracking of large constellations and maneuvering objects. Previous work includes scheduling and tasking approaches for cooperative and non-cooperative sensors. In addition to work in space situational awareness, Dr. Jones is developing tractable methods for mission design under uncertainty for satellites in highly perturbed environments. He is also the Director of the Texas Spacecraft Laboratory, and leads a team of students designing and implementing CubeSat-based guidance, navigation, and control technology demonstration missions.

Dr. Jones joined the department as an Assistant Professor in the spring of 2016. He is an Associate Fellow of the America Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and recently finished his tenure as the chair of the American Astronautical Society (AAS) Space Surveillance Technical Committee. Before moving to UT Austin, he was a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he also received his PhD. He has been a contractor at the NASA Johnson Space Center and received undergraduate degrees in mathematics and physics from UT Austin.

Session: Funding Opportunity: NSF Opportunities in Emerging Fields (QISE, AI, Advanced Computing, Advanced Energy, Disaster Risk and Resilience) (virtual)

Dr. Tomasz Durakiewicz , Directorate for Mathematics and Physical Sciences

Tomasz Durakiewicz received his Ph.D. in 1998 in the area of Experimental Physics and joined Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2000, working on the electronic structure of f-electron materials, mostly actinides. Coauthored over 200 peer-reviewed publications cited over 5800 times. Since July 2014 Durakiewicz serves as Program Director at the National Science Foundation for Condensed Matter Physics Program, Division of Materials Research, cross-NSF ExpandQISE Program, and CREST

Igniting a Robust Culture of Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

and HBCU-UP Programs, Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM.

Session: Funding Opportunity: NSF Opportunities in Emerging Fields (QISE, AI, Advanced Computing, Advanced Energy, Disaster Risk and Resilience) (virtual)

Dr. Subrata Acharya, Lead Program Officer, CISE Research Expansion Programs; Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), US National Science Foundation (NSF)

Dr. Subrata Acharya is a computer scientist and the Lead Program Officer for research expansion efforts across the National Science Foundation’s Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering Directorate. Prior to her tenue at CISE, she has served as a Program Officer and disciplinary expert with the NSF Office of Integrative Activities for the Research Capacity and Competitiveness Program. She currently manages a large portfolio of cooperative agreements, standard and continuation grants, aimed at building research capacity, promoting entrepreneurship, stimulating workforce development, and broadening participation across the national STEM enterprise. She leads the CISE Research Expansion Programs and is the CISE co-lead for various NSF cross divisional and cross directorate programs including Expand AI, CISE Research Expansion, HBCUExcellence in Research, Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Campus Cyberinfrastructure, Smart Health and Biomedical Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Data Science, and NSF INCLUDES Big Idea. She has served as a disciplinary expert and external evaluator for the National Security Agency and Department of Defense in the area of Cyber Operations, Risk Management and Compliance. She is an ardent advocate to promote equity and advancement of computing research in all aspects of scientific discovery across our nation.

For over twenty years, prior to Dr. Acharya’s tenure at NSF, she has successfully lent her expertise in leading various academic and leadership positions in collaboration with federal, state, and industrial partners. She received her Ph.D. in Computer Science (Major: Network Security) from

Meet the Speaker

the University of Pittsburgh and M.S. in Computer Engineering (Major: Embedded Systems) from Texas A&M University-College Station. She has served for over fourteen years as a tenured Professor in the Department of Computer and Information Systems at the University System of Maryland-Towson.

Throughout her career, Dr. Acharya has been instrumental in establishing and sustaining research and capacity building efforts in collaboration with numerous academic, industrial, state, and federal partners. She has been instrumental in establishing policies and protocols to ensure healthcare security compliance and contributing to the development of medical accountability in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She has served as a co-lead in establishing the Center for Cyber Operations at the University of Maryland-Towson. Her research endeavors have been effectual in contributing to various interdisciplinary research outcomes aimed at promoting innovation and capacity building across the region. Dr. Acharya has published over eighty peerreviewed disseminations, including as lead inventor for the US patent on Method and Apparatus for Optimizing a Firewall. She continues to lead as a science ambassador and policy advisor to various US federal agencies, including the Office of Science and Technology Policy with goals to promote engagement and advancement for science and its applications towards entrepreneurial and societal outcomes.

Dr. Beauty Bragg, Program Director, National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

Beauty Bragg is a Senior Program Officer in the Division of Research, where she is team leader for the Summer Stipends program. She received her PhD in English from the University of Texas, Austin. Before joining the staff at the NEH, she was Professor of English at Georgia College and State University. She is the author of Reading Contemporary African American Literature: Black Women’s Popular Fiction, PostCivil Rights Experience, and the African American Canon (Lexington Books, 2014) and has contributed essays to collections such as Literary Expressions of African Spirituality (Lexington Books, 2013) and American Literature in Transition, 1980 – 1990 (Cambridge University Press, 2018.

Igniting a Robust

Culture of Innovation Through Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

Awards Recognition Celebration

Research and Innovation Week 2024

Awards Recognition and 20th Year of Research Party and Celebration

Friday, March 22, 20224

11:00am – 1:00pm

Sterling Student Life Center - Tiger Room – 3rd Floor

Opening Remarks/Facilitator

Dr. Linda M. Gardiner, Director

Research Enhancement and Compliance Services

11:05 am

Faculty, Staff and Student

Oral Presentation Winners Announcement

11:15 am

Faculty, Staff and Student

Poster Presentation Winners Announcement

11:30 am

Pitch Competition Winners Announcement

11:40 am

Research Support Staff Recognition

11:50 am 1: 00 pm

Lunch, Party, and End of Research and Innovation Week Celebration

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.

Oprah Winfrey

Victor Migenes/Dr. Alamelu Sundaresan/Dr. Mark

External Grant Recipients

JHJ - Jesse H. Jones School of Business

External Grant Recipients

Key of Colleges & Schools

Ms. Marcia Robin-Stoute

Dr. Erica Cassimere

Dr. Yi Qi

JHJ - Jesse H. Jones

COLABS - College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences

GRAD - The Graduate School

External Grant Recipients

Key of Colleges & Schools

COPHS - College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Dr. Carla Brailey, Dr. Brittany Slatton, Dr. Omonike Olaleye

Dr. Carla Brailey, Dr. Michon Benson-Marsh, Dr. Tomiko Meeks

JHJ - Jesse H. Jones School of Business

COLABS - College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences

GRAD - The Graduate School

External Grant Recipients

Key of Colleges & Schools

BJML - Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs

COPHS- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

TFFHC - Thomas F. Freeman Honors College

COE - College of Education

COM - School of Communication

CTS - College of Transdisciplinary Studies

COSET - College of Science, Engineering & Technology

TMSL - Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Dr. Haiying Sarah Li

Mrs. Marcia Robin-Stoute, Dr. David Olowokere

There are those who say we cannot afford to invest in science, that support for research is somehow a luxury at moments defined by necessities. I fundamentally disagree. Science is more essential for our prosperity, our security, our health, our environment, and our quality of life than it has ever been before. … we can't allow our nation to fall behind.

Barack Obama

External Grant Recipients

Key of Colleges & Schools

JHJ - Jesse H. Jones School of Business BJML - Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs

COLABS - College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences

GRAD - The Graduate School

Dr. Demetria

Dr. Demetria

Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall

Dr. Ivy Poon

Dr. Daniel Vrinceanu, Dr. Mark Harvey, Dr. Bruce Price

- Thomas F. Freeman Honors College

- School of Communication

Dr. Omonike Olaleye, Dr. Dong Liang, Dr. Huan Xie

- Thurgood Marshall School of Law

External Grant Recipients

JHJ

COLABS - College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences

GRAD - The Graduate School

External Grant Recipients

Key of Colleges

&

Schools

COPHS - College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences COM - School of Communication

CTS - College of Transdisciplinary Studies

TMSL - Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Dr. Yi Qi

Dr.

JHJ

External Grant Recipients

Key of Colleges

&

Schools

COLABS - College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences COPHS - College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences COM - School of Communication TMSL - Thurgood Marshall School of Law

GRAD - The Graduate School

- Thomas F. Freeman

CTS - College of Transdisciplinary Studies

External Grant Recipients

Key of Colleges & Schools