Current McNair Scholars

Although there has been research done on the relationship between math and computer programming, there has been little to no research done on how a student's understanding of math affects their computer programming skills. If a student's understanding of math affects their computer programming skills, we can assume that helping a student hone their math skills will also help them succeed in their computer programming classes. In this study, I will measure a student's understanding of math and its impact on computer programming courses. Considering how math is one major component of how computer science came to be, it would make sense for a student in that field to have a good understanding of math. The methods used will be a self-efficacy test along with student's grades in their math and computer programming courses. I will be comparing the students’ grades and getting the mean from all the participants in their respective courses.

This study explores how YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok influence the racial perceptions and beliefs of white Gen Z adults (aged 18-27). Social media platforms are a significant source of information and exposure to diverse viewpoints, potentially shaping users' understanding of race. Research often uses secondary data online to analyze the influence of social media on perceptions and beliefs, but self-reported effects of social media use are understudied. It is important to understand if social media users themselves value social media as influential on their perceptions and beliefs, especially regarding White individuals as privileged members of society. Using Q methodology, participants will rank the influence social media use has had on their understanding of race-centered topics (i.e., racism, reverse-racism, racial equality). Participants whose Q sort data aligns with specific trends identified in the ranking process will be interviewed to gain deeper insight into their responses.

The Microbiologically Induced Research Project or M.I.C, will be utilized to identify the bacteria that are present when metals in the Gulf of Mexico corrode. Through DNA extraction and PCR, we will isolate and amplify bacterial DNA from our samples to conduct further research and experiments on the present bacteria. This will aid in the construction and maintenance of metal boats, ships, oil rigs, and other metal objects in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

This research focuses on health and community building in San Antonio’s Queer Community from 1980-2000. During this historical period, the Queer social climate changed immensely, such as the AIDS Epidemic and the rise of discrimination against Queer individuals. The goal of this research is to determine how these external factors allowed for these Queer individuals to build their community. Furthermore, Queer voices whose stories have yet to be explored will be able to be told. Primary sources in the form of periodicals written by the Queer community will be analyzed to observe how Queer individuals dealt with the changing social climate, and their ability to adapt. In addition, secondary sources will also be referenced to provide further historical context of Queer life.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), a term used to characterize conditions of the heart and blood vessels, is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. Through several observational studies and clinical trials, researchers have come to understand the impact that low-muscular strength has on cardiovascular related mortality. However, not many have come to understand the correlation between handgrip strength and cardiovascular risk factors in older women, whose CVD symptoms are often harder to interpret. So, the objective of my research is to explore how some cardiovascular risk factors can influence an individual's handgrip strength measurements.

Cultural values endorsing traditional gender roles (or belief in machismo/marianismo values) are associated with diminished mental health functioning among Latinx populations. Attendees will increase awareness of cultural values and beliefs (marianismo) that are prevalent within the college-aged Latina population. The relationship between marianismo beliefs and mental health help-seeking behaviors will be explored.

This presentation highlights a mixed methods study that aims to investigate the role of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and treatment techniques in addressing mental health and self-advocacy skills in individuals with complex communication difficulties. AAC devices aid individuals with complex communication difficulties as they supplement an individual's speech or provide an alternate mode of speech. These devices play a vital role in facilitating communication for individuals with communication difficulties, yet there is a gap in understanding their influence on mental health and self-advocacy. This study will employ a combination of Likert scale surveys and interviews to capture the perspectives of AAC users, parents/guardians of AAC users, and speech-language pathologists to identify valuable treatment techniques needed for addressing mental health and self-advocacy skills in AAC users.

Administrative segregation is a non-punitive way to separate an offender from the general prison population for the sake of safety, security, and order. It is previously known as solitary confinement and it was hoped by many researchers and the public that with a change in name would come a change in policy. However, described as non-punitive, administrative segregation occurs at the discretion of prison administration. With that, administrative segregation continues to be a national and global ethical concern. My study aims to identify the effect of administrative segregation on the mental health of prisoners’ in Texas. It is qualitative research where data will be collected through structured interviews of men/women between the ages of 18-64 who have either been previously incarcerated or have/ currently work as mental health faculty within the prison. The study will be analyzed using thematic analysis through the identification of key words such as mental health, suicidal thoughts, and administrative segregation in regard to length/time. The findings of the research intend to better identify the issue within the Texas prison system and act as advocated by furthering the literature defending the rights of prisoners.

Bacteria are essential for healthy ecosystems and human-well-being. However, heavy metal contamination from Superfund sites poses a threat to these bacteria communities. This research proposal investigates the potential link between heavy metal exposure and the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria at these sites in San Antonio.

The rise of antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern, and understanding how environmental factors contribute is important. While research suggests a connection between heavy metals and antibiotic resistance in bacteria, data on the prevalence and characteristics of resistant bacteria near San Antonio's Superfund sites is limited. Additionally, the specific mechanisms by which heavy metals promote resistance and the effectiveness of past clean-up efforts are unclear.

Trichogramma dendrolimi is a minute parasitic wasp that targets lepidoptera eggs. T. dendrolimi does this by stinging and injecting venom that terminates development, and then deposits its own eggs within. Like other hymenopterans, it utilizes Haplodiploidy for sex determination. Unfertilized eggs (haploid) develop into males, while fertilized eggs (diploid) become females. While a 50:50 sex ratio is expected, research suggests that temperature can skew this balance towards males at higher temperatures. The stage at which temperatures affect the ratio is unclear. Is this occurring in the primary sex ratio when the mother is egg laying (oviposition) or in the secondary sex ratio when offspring is emerging out of the egg. By observing the T. dendrolimi’s oviposition behavior under different temperature variations, we aim to determine if females are actively adjusting their egg-laying strategy to influence offspring sex ratio. Learning of this behavior provides valuable insights into reproductive strategies of T. dendrolimi. 

The purpose of this research is to determine if there is a connection/correlation between unfettered and/or unsupervised internet access by minors (persons ages 3-18) who report viewing acts of violence, fatalities, pornography and/or acts of a sexual nature which caused them trauma, hurt, disturbance or desensitization to humanity. The research further explores whether this desensitization results in the ability to form connections and healthy relationships and which leads to isolation, feelings of depression, suicide–death by police shootout and thoughts of committing killings and mass injuries of students, teachers, typically at their home schools where they attended. The research results will inform educators, parents, and the overall community about the possible trauma and dangerous influence the internet can pose to minors and what can be done to help their mental health and prevent tragedies.

This presentation examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes cybersecurity by enhancing threat detection, response capabilities, and predictive analytics. AI allows real-time, automated threat identification and management, significantly reducing response times and potential damage. AI systems adapt to evolving cyber threats through continuous learning, identifying anomalies and patterns that traditional methods might overlook. AI-powered systems can predict and preemptively address security breaches by analyzing vast data sets, thus improving overall security posture. The integration of AI in cybersecurity enables organizations to handle complex data, automate routine tasks, and focus on strategic decision-making, optimizing resource utilization and enhancing operational efficiency. AI also brings challenges, such as ethical concerns, data privacy issues, and the risk of manipulation by adversaries, necessitating robust security measures and continuous development to maintain effectiveness.

This study explores how upperclassmen learn coping mechanisms to manage stress during social transitions in college. Existing research focuses on coping mechanisms themselves, not how students acquire them. Through in-depth interviews, the study aims to identify coping mechanisms and understand how social transitions influence their development. A survey will be used to select participants with diverse coping styles. The analysis will explore themes linking social transitions to learned coping mechanisms. While limitations include a small sample size and self-reported data, the findings can inform future research and potentially lead to improved support services or early intervention for students.

Through my research I am attempting to find a correlation, if any, between meditation and a more effective recovery after exercise. In order to do this I will track heart rate variability and sleep quality for one week using a wearable tracker. This week will be used to provide baseline data about the participant. I will then provide the participants with a meditative program instructing them to meditate before bed while also tracking the same measurables mentioned earlier for the same time period. Using the data collected I hope to provide information to all about the benefits, if any, meditation can provide to recovery.