Dr. Claudia Verdin, professor of Math at Northwest Vista College, joined three of her students to present at a STEM conference this past October in Puerto Rico.
CIMA is an undergraduate research program held every summer for 10 weeks. Claudia is the co-principal investigator for the L-SAMP CIMA NSF grant.
These students were accepted to present in the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science – SACNAS Conference 2022 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to present their research from last Summer 2022.
Abstract from Nahal Ranjbar- NVC
The Smart Solar Planter
In many homes, growing plants, especially fruits and vegetables could be very challenging due to different circumstances such as unpredicted weather, animals, and insects. The Smart Solar Planter (SSP) was constructed in Solidworks and incorporates an Arduino Nano, which we programmed to function as an autonomous planter that provides synthetic sunlight, an automated water system, temperature and humidity sensors, and a timer that alerts you when it is time to replace the soil. One great feature about this planter is that it is solely powered by a solar panel that was calculated to provide enough voltage to the Arduino functions which will not only save energy in the future but requires no outside input other than a change of water.
Abstract from Benjamin Jacobs – NVC:
Quantifying Interfacial Tensions Through Drop Shape Analysis for Underground Carbon Dioxide Sequestration
Globally, CO2 emissions account for the largest contributor towards climate change. To mitigate the impact of CO2 in our atmosphere, scientists are placing an increasing emphasis on carbon capture and storage. This project is concerned with the sequestration of CO2 in deep saline reservoirs and depleted oil fields. Supercritical CO2 can be dispersed as bubbles in American Petroleum Institute (API) brine at high temperatures and pressures in order to mimic the harsh conditions encountered in underground environments.
Abstract from Alyssa Arcos – SAC:
Quantifying Inequitable Exposure to Air Pollution in Bexar County, Texas
High concentrations of airborne particulate matter small enough to enter the human bloodstream (<2.5 micrometers in diameter, PM2.5) can cause serious health complications. As such, it is important to understand the characteristics of the urban atmosphere to justify adaptation and mitigation efforts where necessary to promote public health.
