NMSU students win awards for research at National Diversity in STEM Conference

Four New Mexico State University students in the College of Arts and Sciences were honored at the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) awards at The 2019 National Diversity in STEM Conference in Honolulu in November. The awards recognize the next generation of underrepresented researchers and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) leaders while also giving visibility to their research and schools.

Four New Mexico State University students were honored at the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) awards at The National Diversity in STEM Conference October 31 through November 2 in Honolulu.

The student researchers represented areas of study from sociology to biology and chemistry and biochemistry as well as conservation ecology.

“We are proud to see our students presenting their research at the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM event in the country,” said Enrico Pontelli, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “SACNAS has a solid history of serving the purpose of engaging and encouraging underrepresented students in the STEM fields.”

Daniel Aguirre, who is conducting research in NMSUs’ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, presented a poster in the chemistry category titled, In-Silico Dual Specificity Protein Phosphatase Differentiation Via Molecular Dynamic Simulations. His presentation included research about Dual Specificity Protein Phosphatases and if they play a role in the development of cancer, obesity and autoimmunity.

Isabella Terrazas, who is studying microbiology, presented about her research “Cortical Granule Motility in Response to Hormone Stimulation during Sea Star Meiosis.” She is studying how fertilization and proper development is required for sperm to bind. This activation of Rho, G proteins and actin, cell division plays a role in promoting translocation of cortical granules (CG’s) to the cell surface.

Valerie Brewer, who is studying conservation ecology, presented her research “Effects of Urbanization on Extra-Pair Paternity in the Song Sparrow. She explored how urbanization can affect the behavior of free-living animals. Preliminary results suggested that there are higher rates of extrapair offspring and nests in rural areas compared to urban.

Riva Silver, an unclassified student, presented her sociological research “Exploring the Pathway Model Connecting Water and Education in West Texas Colonias Using Quasi-Youth Participatory Action Research; A Mixed Methods Approach.” Through youth participatory action research, the study explored the connection between water infrastructure and high school graduation rates in unincorporated communities in rural areas that don’t have access to city water and sewer services. The results suggest improved water infrastructure increases quality of life and education, which promotes higher high school graduation rates.

The students were among 82 graduate and undergraduate underrepresented groups in sciences. These awards also help encourage students to continue pursing STEM fields. The organization serves a community of over 20,000 supporters, more than 6,000 members and more than 115 student and professional chapters throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

“The SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference partners with institutions by providing a venue where students and professionals are able to enhance their science communication skills. As a multidisciplinary scientific society, the opportunity to present research to a general scientific audience fosters skills needed to not only build public support for science but also ensure that science is accessible to everyone. Through the awards, we recognize and celebrate presenters that make STEM inclusive,” said Sonia Zárate, SACNAS President.

To learn more about SACNAS and the presentations by NMSU students visit sacnas.org.