The Texas Academy of Science (TAS) has been promoting scientific excellence in the state of Texas since it was founded in 1880. TAS is an affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and their mission is to foster student mentorship and research excellence through their annual scientific meetings and the publication of the Texas Journal of Science. This year, several TLU students attended and placed during the 126th annual meeting at Angelo State University.
- Angela Garcia – attendee – President of the TLU chapter of TAS and a double-major in Chemistry and Theology.
- Mariluz Gonzalez – 2nd place in Plant Biology poster session – Biology major (#242 Molecular identification of Paspalum specimens collected from Guadalupe and Comal Counties. Mariluz Gonzalez, Mark Gustafson, Alan Lievens, Danielle Grove, Stephanie Perez).
- Leila Martinez – 1st place in plant biology poster session – Biology major. Leila is also the Vice-President of the TLU chapter of TAS. (#198 Molecular identification using DNA barcoding of Carex specimens collected from South Central Texas. Leila Martinez, Mark Gustafson, Alan Lievens, Danielle Grove, Stephanie Perez).
- Aleyna Parra – attendee – Biology major
- Jasmine Sierra - presentation in the Plant Biology poster session – Biology major. Jasmine will be continuing this research project during the upcoming summer. (#259 DNA barcoding using atpB to differentiate between plant specimens in the genus Oxalis from Guadalupe County, Texas. Jasmine Sierra, Mark Gustafson, Alan Lievens, Danielle Grove, Stephanie Perez).
- Andre Villegas – presentation in conservation ecology poster session – Biology major. Andre is also treasurer of the TLU chapter of TAS. (#77 Effects of clearing huisache on plant diversity in central Texas. Andre Villegas, Mark Gustafson, Alan Lievens).
- Linden Williamson – 1st place in Conservation Ecology oral session - Double major in Integrated Science and Biochemistry. (#105 Developmental toxicity of organophosphate flame retardants on the Gallus gallus embryo. Linden Williamson, Kevin Tate).
Faculty in attendance: Dr. Danielle D. Grove, Dr. Mark Gustafson, Dr. Stephanie Perez
In addition to attending the TAS meeting, students and faculty also went on two excursions to San Angelo State Park in San Angelo and the South Llano River State Park in Junction.
Funding for research and event attendance provided by the STEM Undergraduates Reaching for Excellence (SURE) National Science Foundation grant, the Peoples Fund, Student Government Association, the Weston Ranch Foundation, and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.