Source: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN submitted to
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM AT TWO HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTIONS ON WATER FOR AGRICULTURE, FOOD SAFETY AND CHILDHOOD OBESITY & PREVENTION
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1010773
Grant No.
2016-38422-25760
Project No.
TEXW-2016-03514
Proposal No.
2016-03514
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
NJ
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2016
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2021
Grant Year
2016
Project Director
Keniry, M. E.
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN
1201 W. UNIVERSITY DRIVE
EDINBURG,TX 78539-2999
Performing Department
Biology
Non Technical Summary
The goals of this program are to recruit and retain underrepresented students to B.S. and M.S. programs, provide student experiential learning for undergraduate and graduate students, and channel them to Ph.D.-level studies or to USDA careers in the NIFA priority areas of Water for Agriculture, Food Safety and Childhood Obesity and Prevention. This project provides financial support and mentoring for student researchers, GRE preparation, paid interships at USDA facilities and a USDA seminar series. This program will strengthen UTRGV and TAMUK experiential learning programs that attract and retain outstanding underrepresented students to the USDA and national scientific work forces.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
0%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
10270101040100%
Goals / Objectives
HSI Education Grants Program Goals and ObjectivesOur program will engage students in experiential learning in research labs which study areas related to USDA goals. Our recruitment base (UTRGV) is composed of approximately 90% underrepresented students. Furthermore, our students are often financially challenged and the stipend support will go a long way to help the students complete their degrees and prepare them for careers in USDA focus areas. This program is an integral part of a larger UTRGV initiative to transform undergraduate studies to include experiential learning opportunities. Our program was one of the first experiential learning initiatives on campus with our model being adopted and expanded to have included hundreds of students in experiential learning on campus through subsequent USDA, NSF and NIH funded programs.This program will support students with Internships at USDA facilities, travel funds, materials, and supplies that will enhance their experiential learning experience. We also have incorporated a GRE preparation course that will aid the students to perform better on the GRE exam, thus enhancing their chances of entering graduate school. To gain greater visibility we will institute a USDA seminar series that will allow faculty and USDA scientists to present their work and to ignite interest in many UTRGV students outside of the core program.In this proposal we set the stage for underrepresented students to gain the necessary training and skills to be competitive in the food, agricultural, natural resources and human nutrition fields through experiential learning. We further enhance this principle by providing external 8 week summer internships at USDA facilities, where students can get experience in the operations of USDA labs which they can translate into applying for permanent jobs within the USDA. We are very fortunate to have a USDA representative on our campus, Ms. Ruby De La Garza, who is the Regional Director for South Texas from the Hispanic Serving Institutions National Program Office. She will help the students navigate the USDA Jobs website and direct them where and how to apply for USDA-related jobs. This proposal contains a continuation of our 13 year record of serving the needs of the students of the region. This program started in 2003 and over the course of 13 years has had a transformational influence on undergraduate training opportunities at UTPA (which is now part of UTRGV). With the previous grants we have helped support a high school summer internship program in cooperation with the Rio Grande Valley Science Association. Many of our undergraduate students come from the local community colleges, South Texas College (STC) and Texas State Technical College (TSTC). Finally, this proposal continues the strong collaboration that has existed between UTRGV and the Texas A&M Kingsville Citrus Center for the past 13 years. This program has USDA internships in place to ensure that all students in the program have an opportunity to obtain hands-on training experience and USDA career networking.
Project Methods
Plan of Operation and Methodology.In the 4 previous iterations of this program (2003-2015), the P.D.s have been successful in graduating 100% of participants and transitioning 44 students (55% of all program participants) to graduate studies at either the M.S. or Ph.D. levels.The recruitment and selection procedures for the program participants will be as follows:The program will be disseminated to Department of Biology students at UTRGV via posters, the program web site, the Department of Biology faculty and faculty visits to classes.The UTRGV Office of Engaged Learning and Scholarship is compiling a centralized, campus-wide application for experiential student learning initiatives (encompassing UTRGV, USDA, NIH, NSF and HHMI funded programs) to increase student participation in programs and success. Criteria for selection will require a personal statement, how the program could further their educational goals, an academic transcript and two letters of recommendation. A subgroup of qualified applicants will be selected for personal interviews. Final program students will be selected by USDA mentors in this proposal based on these criteria: major related to the food and agricultural sciences, G.P.A., leadership activities and community service, potential to participate in the HSI's Education Grants Program cohort activities and the potential for adding diversity.Students will be given initial training in lab safety, basic laboratory techniques and the operation of lab equipment. The students will choose a research project in Water for Agriculture, Food Safety or Childhood Obesity and Prevention. Program participants will be mentored by either the P.I. of the lab and/or senior undergraduate/graduate students in the lab.Students will participate in cohort activities in parallel with other USDA, NIH, and HHMI programs; this is designed to give the cohort a common experience. Among these activities there will be weekly meetings for mentorship and to present work, a GRE preparation course, attendance at national scientific meetings and attending seminars by outside visiting speakers at UTRGV and TAMUK-CC. We will also schedule several social activities to allow the students to interface as a cohort.At least 2 students will be given the opportunity per year to summer intern at a USDA facility. One student will intern at the USDA APHIS in Mission, TX and the other will intern at the USDA-ARS in Houston TX for 8 weeks during the summer.Primarily responsible for the administration of the grant will be P.D., Dr. Megan Keniry at UTRGV, Co-P.D. Dr. Michael Persans (UTRGV) and Co-P.D. Dr. Eliezer Louzada at TAMUK-CC. The advertisement and recruitment of the student program participants will be performed in concert with a centralized Office for Engaged Learning and Scholarship directed by Dr. Robert Dearth who will oversee UTRGV campus-wide recruitment of students into experiential learning initiatives such as USDA programs as well as the NIH RISE program. There will be one centralized application for all experiential learning programs to maximize student placement and success. All mentors will work with the Office of Engaged Learning and Scholarship to select students from the centralized pool. Organization of student cohort activities including seminars and weekly meetings, as well as the program's website will be the responsibility of Dr. Keniry. The contracted external program evaluator, Dr. Michelle Burd, will be responsible for program assessment and development of assessment metrics. We will also participate in the USDA HSI sponsored Meta-Evaluation as prescribed by the RFA for this grant.Dr. Keniry will devote 20% of her time (academic year) and 8.3% (summer). Dr. Louzada will devote 3% of his time (calendar year). The mentors Persans (also Co-P.D.), Schuenzel, McDonald, Torres-Avila and DeYoe will dedicate 8% of their time (calendar year). The USDA-APHIS and USDA-ARS members will participate as mentors for the 8 week summer internships.If the students participate in the program for one year, the program has the potential to fund up to 8 undergraduate and up to 8 graduate students. However, students who make good progress in the internship program may renew their application to the program and may be supported for additional years. If students cycle out of the program early due to graduating, then more students will be recruited and the total number of students supported would increase.

Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience:The primary target audience for our USDA-HSI Program was UTRGV undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields. UTRGV is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas which is a region of intensive agricultural activity with a major USDA presence. UTRGV is a national leader in awarding B.S. and M.S. degrees to Hispanic students in STEM fields. Our USDA HSI Program additionally targeted USDA scientists and employees as well as UTRGV faculty through a seminar series to increase collaboration. This seminar series was held each month during the academic year and reached hundreds of UTRGV students during the first year of our program. Each seminar had at least one hundred UTRGV students attend (including undergraduate and graduate students). Each seminar had USDA scientists attend from the Moore Airforce Base in Mission, TX and the Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX. USDA scientists were able to use the seminar series to interact with faculty at UTRGV and recruit students to their laboratories. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The ELU2 Program supported by this grant provided a host of opportunities to students to give research experience and career development. All students performed research in a laboratory setting providing "hands on" training. Students met with Ruby De La Garza to set-up USAjobs.gov accounts and learn about career opportunities. All students attended a seminar series, which exposed them to USDA research, careers and job opportunities. Many students met with guest speakers from the USDA seminar series, allowing for networking. Students networked with each other through their work in the lab and through attendance to scientific meetings. Students participated in an online GRE course. Students presented their work at group meetings, meetings with USDA scientists and national conferences. • 6 graduate students performed mentored research in the areas of cell biology and water quality • UTRGV Mentor Keniry's MS students: David Flores, Yaiajra Macias, Shania Pintor • 3 graduate students performed mentored research at Texas A&M Citrus Center Mentor Eliezer Louzada's students: • Dr. Louzada had one student ( Victoria de Leon) who graduated in May and got a job at Texas A&M AgriLife right away as a technician, because of the work she did. Also her research article was submitted. Another student (Olivia Segura) will graduate in May 2022. Another student, Franco Guerra received I believe one month from this grant and will graduate May 2022. • USDA seminar series (once per month during academic year: until the pandemic, we rescheduled for fall in an online format and have already hosted one of the online seminars) hundreds of students, UTRGV faculty, USDA scientists • Weekly group meetings, one-on-one meetings with mentors and meetings with peer mentors • Training session with Ruby De La Garza: students created USAjobs.gov accounts and learned about job opportunities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from the USDA ELU2 project were disseminated through a website, publications, scientific presentations, fliers, posters and a seminar series as well as through information sessions held by Ruby De La Garza. A website promoting the USDA ELU2 Program was established: http://www.utrgv.edu/step2usda/mentor-list/elu/index.htm Dr. Persans had a graphic designer make update a flier to advertise the ELU2 Program. Dr. Persans also made a large poster (4 feet by 3 feet) for USDA Programs at UTRGV to recruit students and have greater visibility. Presentation De Leon, V., M. Kunta, J.-W. Park, and E.S. Louzada. 2020. Investigation of 'CandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus' Prophages in Texas and Florida. 74thannual meeting of the Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society, Weslaco, TX The website was updated on a regular basis. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The USDA HSI program ELU2 financially supported six graduate students with either scholarships or direct wage. Three of the graduate students worked under Dr. Eliezer Louzada at the Texas A&M Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX; three graduate students worked with Dr. Keniry Additional students were supported by supplies in all three groups. Dr. Louzada had one student (Victoria de Leon) who graduated in May and got a job at Texas A&M AgriLife right away as a technician, because of the work she did. Also,her research article was submitted. Another student (Olivia Segura) will graduate in May 2022. Another student, Franco Guerra received I believe one month from this grant and will graduate May 2022. Dr. Keniry supported three MS-seeking students: David Flores (graduated August 2021, applying to doctoral studies), Yajaira Macias (graduated May 2021 and teaches biology), and Shania Pintor (current student who will seek doctoral studies). Funds also were used for Dr. Persans' research supplies. Presentation De Leon, V., M. Kunta, J.-W. Park, and E.S. Louzada. 2020. Investigation of 'CandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus' Prophages in Texas and Florida. 74thannual meeting of the Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society, Weslaco, TX The website was updated on a regular basis. Dr. Carol Vargas gave a seminar to our students to aid in recruitment to the doctoral Programs at Texas A&M. The USDA seminar series was attended by hundreds of UTRGV students, as well as USDA scientists, Texas A&M Citrus Center scientists and UTRGV faculty. The seminar series gave the USDA greater visibility at UTRGV, especially to students. Excitingly, I'm happy to report that the seminar series has become institutionalized! The Biology Department now has a sponsored weekly seminar series (including monthly USDA seminars). Here are seminars that we hosted this funding period: Dr. Veronica Ancona-Contreras, from the Texas A&M Citrus Center, Kingsville, who will present on "Reduction of beneficial citrus root-microbe associations in response to disease pressure" in ourBiologyResearchSeminarSeries Dr. Bryce Blackman from the USDA-APHIS-PPQ will present on "Exploring Alternative Irradiation Sources for the Mexican Fruit Fly Sterile Insect Technique Project" in ourBiologyResearchSeminarSeries Dr. Xavier Gonzalez Topic: health disparity among Hispanics, nutrition education, health professionals Biomedical Science and JAMP Faculty Director, Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Co-Sponsored with USDA Dr. Pushpa Soti. Topics: Invasion Ecology. Department ofBiology/SEEMS, COS, Dr. Erin Schuenzel. Human-pathogenic bacteria found in mass-rearing facilities. Department ofBiology, COS, UTRGV. Co-Sponsored with USDA Dr.DeSantiagowill be presenting "Identifying and Overcoming Genomic Impediments in Upland Cotton." UT Austin The USDA HSI Project updated the website and held a training session with Ruby De la Garza for students to create USDAjobs.gov accounts. Results from the USDA ELU2 project were disseminated through a website, publications, scientific presentations, fliers, posters and a seminar series as well as through information sessions held by Ruby De La Garza. A website promoting the USDA ELU2 Program was established: http://www.utrgv.edu/step2usda/mentor-list/elu/index.htm Dr. Persans had a graphic designer make update a flier to advertise the ELU2 Program. Dr. Persans also made a large poster (4 feet by 3 feet) for USDA Programs at UTRGV to recruit students and have greater visibility.

Publications


    Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21

    Outputs
    Target Audience:The primary target audience for our USDA-HSI Program was UTRGV undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields. UTRGV is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas which is a region of intensive agricultural activity with a major USDA presence. UTRGV is a national leader in awarding B.S. and M.S. degrees to Hispanic students in STEM fields. Our USDA HSI Program additionally targeted USDA scientists and employees as well as UTRGV faculty through a seminar series to increase collaboration. This seminar series was held each month during the academic year and reached hundreds of UTRGV students during the first year of our program. Each seminar had at least one hundred UTRGV students attend (including undergraduate and graduate students). Each seminar had USDA scientists attend from the Moore Airforce Base in Mission, TX and the Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX. USDA scientists were able to use the seminar series to interact with faculty at UTRGV and recruit students to their laboratories. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The ELU2 Program supported by this grant provided a host of opportunities to students to give research experience and career development. All students performed research in a laboratory setting providing "hands on" training. Students met with Ruby De La Garza to set-up USAjobs.gov accounts and learn about career opportunities. All students attended a seminar series, which exposed them to USDA research, careers and job opportunities. Many students met with guest speakers from the USDA seminar series, allowing for networking. Students networked with each other through their work in the lab and through attendance to scientific meetings. Students participated in an online GRE course. Students presented their work at group meetings, meetings with USDA scientists and national conferences. • 6 graduate students performed mentored research in the areas of cell biology and water quality • UTRGV Mentor Keniry's MS students: David Flores, Yaiajra Macias, Shania Pintor • 3 graduate students performed mentored research at Texas A&M Citrus Center Mentor Eliezer Louzada's students: • Dr. Louzada had one student ( Victoria de Leon) who graduated in May and got a job at Texas A&M AgriLife right away as a technician, because of the work she did. Also her research article was submitted. Another student (Olivia Segura) will graduate in May 2022. Another student, Franco Guerra received I believe one month from this grant and will graduate May 2022. • USDA seminar series (once per month during academic year: until the pandemic, we rescheduled for fall in an online format and have already hosted one of the online seminars) hundreds of students, UTRGV faculty, USDA scientists • Weekly group meetings, one-on-one meetings with mentors and meetings with peer mentors • Training session with Ruby De La Garza: students created USAjobs.gov accounts and learned about job opportunities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from the USDA ELU2 project were disseminated through a website, publications, scientific presentations, fliers, posters and a seminar series as well as through information sessions held by Ruby De La Garza. A website promoting the USDA ELU2 Program was established: http://www.utrgv.edu/step2usda/mentor-list/elu/index.htm Dr. Persans had a graphic designer make update a flier to advertise the ELU2 Program. Dr. Persans also made a large poster (4 feet by 3 feet) for USDA Programs at UTRGV to recruit students and have greater visibility. Presentation De Leon, V., M. Kunta, J.-W. Park, and E.S. Louzada. 2020. Investigation of 'CandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus' Prophages in Texas and Florida. 74thannual meeting of the Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society, Weslaco, TX? What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The USDA HSI program ELU2 financially supported six graduate students with either scholarships or direct wage. Three of the graduate students worked under Dr. Eliezer Louzada at the Texas A&M Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX; three graduate students worked with Dr. Keniry Additional students were supported by supplies in all three groups. Dr. Louzada had one student ( Victoria de Leon) who graduated in May and got a job at Texas A&M AgriLife right away as a technician, because of the work she did. Also, her research article was submitted. Another student (Olivia Segura) will graduate in May 2022. Another student, Franco Guerra received I believe one month from this grant and will graduate May 2022. Dr. Keniry supported three MS-seeking students: David Flores (graduated August 2021, applying to doctoral studies), Yajaira Macias (graduated May 2021 and teaches biology), and Shania Pintor (current student who will seek doctoral studies). Funds also were used for Dr. Persans' research supplies. Presentation De Leon, V., M. Kunta, J.-W. Park, and E.S. Louzada. 2020. Investigation of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' Prophages in Texas and Florida. 74th annual meeting of the Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society, Weslaco, TX The website was updated on a regular basis. Dr. Carol Vargas gave a seminar to our students to aid in recruitment to the doctoral Programs at Texas A&M. The USDA seminar series was attended by hundreds of UTRGV students, as well as USDA scientists, Texas A&M Citrus Center scientists and UTRGV faculty. The seminar series gave the USDA greater visibility at UTRGV, especially to students. Excitingly, I'm happy to report that the seminar series has become institutionalized! The Biology Department now has a sponsored weekly seminar series (including monthly USDA seminars). Here are seminars that we hosted this funding period: Dr. Veronica Ancona-Contreras, from the Texas A&M Citrus Center, Kingsville, who will present on "Reduction of beneficial citrus root-microbe associations in response to disease pressure" in our Biology Research Seminar Series Dr. Bryce Blackman from the USDA-APHIS-PPQ will present on "Exploring Alternative Irradiation Sources for the Mexican Fruit Fly Sterile Insect Technique Project" in our Biology Research Seminar Series Dr. Xavier Gonzalez Topic: health disparity among Hispanics, nutrition education, health professionals Biomedical Science and JAMP Faculty Director, Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Co-Sponsored with USDA Dr. Pushpa Soti. Topics: Invasion Ecology. Department of Biology/SEEMS, COS, Dr. Erin Schuenzel. Human-pathogenic bacteria found in mass-rearing facilities. Department of Biology, COS, UTRGV. Co-Sponsored with USDA Dr. De Santiago will be presenting "Identifying and Overcoming Genomic Impediments in Upland Cotton." UT Austin The USDA HSI Project updated the website and held a training session with Ruby De la Garza for students to create USDAjobs.gov accounts. Results from the USDA ELU2 project were disseminated through a website, publications, scientific presentations, fliers, posters and a seminar series as well as through information sessions held by Ruby De La Garza. A website promoting the USDA ELU2 Program was established: http://www.utrgv.edu/step2usda/mentor-list/elu/index.htm Dr. Persans had a graphic designer make update a flier to advertise the ELU2 Program. Dr. Persans also made a large poster (4 feet by 3 feet) for USDA Programs at UTRGV to recruit students and have greater visibility. ?

    Publications


      Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20

      Outputs
      Target Audience:The primary target audience for our USDA-HSI Program was UTRGV undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields. UTRGV is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas which is a region of intensive agricultural activity with a major USDA presence. UTRGV is a national leader in awarding B.S. and M.S. degrees to Hispanic students in STEM fields. Our USDA HSI Program additionally targeted USDA scientists and employees as well as UTRGV faculty through a seminar series to increase collaboration. This seminar series was held each month during the academic year and reached hundreds of UTRGV students during the first year of our program. Each seminar had at least one hundred UTRGV students attend (including undergraduate and graduate students). Each seminar had USDA scientists attend from the Moore Airforce Base in Mission, TX and the Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX. USDA scientists were able to use the seminar series to interact with faculty at UTRGV and recruit students to their laboratories. Changes/Problems:This year, we had the pandemic. We couldn't host several speakers from USDA for seminar. They were rescheduled for fall 2020. We've already hosted one online seminar. This is our last year of funding. Dr. Persans will apply again to keep this program going. The UTRGV Biology Department has over 3000 students. This program helps to funnel students into USDA careers. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The ELU2 Program supported by this grant provided a host of opportunities to students in order to give research experience and career development. All students performed research in a laboratory setting providing "hands on" training. Students met with Ruby De La Garza to set-up USAjobs.gov accounts and learn about career opportunities. All students attended a seminar series, which exposed them to USDA research, careers and job opportunities. Many students met with guest speakers from the USDA seminar series, allowing for networking. Students networked with each other through their work in the lab and through attendance to scientific meetings. Students participated in an online GRE course. Students presented their work at group meetings, meetings with USDA scientists and national conferences. 15 students performed mentored research in the areas of cell biology and water quality 6 undergraduates performed mentored research at UTRGV UTRGV Mentor Keniry's MS students: Carl Litif, Yaiajra Macias, Leetoria Hinojosa, Shrey Udawant, and David Flores UTRGV Mentor Persans' student: Carlos Solis, Giavanina Hinojosa and Mauricio Pena. 2 graduate students performed mentored research at Texas A&M Citrus Center Mentor Eliezer Louzada's students: Estephanie Bernal and Victoria de Leon. Estephanie graduated and is currently working for a biotech company in Austin. Victoria will graduate December 2020. Victoria de Leon received the College outstanding graduate student award for 2019-2020. GRE preparation course (Manhattan Prep GRE course) USDA seminar series (once per month during academic year: until the pandemic, we rescheduled for fall in an online format and have already hosted one of the online seminars) hundreds of students, UTRGV faculty, USDA scientists Weekly group meetings, one-on-one meetings with mentors and meetings with peer mentors Training session with Ruby De La Garza: students created USAjobs.gov accounts and learned about job opportunities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from the USDA ELU2 project were disseminated through a website, publications, scientific presentations, fliers, posters and a seminar series as well as through information sessions held by Ruby De La Garza. A website promoting the USDA ELU2 Program was established: http://www.utrgv.edu/step2usda/mentor-list/elu/index.htm Dr. Persans had a graphic designer make update a flier to advertise the ELU2 Program. Dr. Persans also made a large poster (4 feet by 3 feet) for USDA Programs at UTRGV to recruit students and have greater visibility. The results of our research were disseminated in presentations: National Poster Presentation: Hinojosa, G. A.**, Chavez, L. M.**, Pena, M.**, Rodriguez, A.*, Leija, J.**, Shah, E.**, Schier, B.**, Keniry, M., Deyoe, H., Persans, M., (March 5, 2020). Flow cytometry, lipid analysis, and fluorescence microscopy as tools to analyze microalgae for biofuel production, USDA HSI Program Managers meeting/American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education in Costa Mesa CA. National Poster Presentation: Persans, M., Louzada, E., Deyoe, H., Schuenzel, E., McDonald, J. Andrew, Barr, N., Thompson, D., Keniry, M., (March 5, 2020). USDA H.S.I. Program at UTRGV and TAMUK Citrus Center: Experiential Learning Program at Two Hispanic Serving Institutions on Water for Agriculture, Food Safety and Childhood Obesity & Prevention, USDA HSI Program Managers meeting/American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education in Costa Mesa CA. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The ELU2 Program will continue providing experiential learning experiences at UTRGV, Texas A&M Citrus Center and the USDA. Scholarship support will be provided for two graduate students at the TAMUK Citrus Center in Weslaco and for one or two Master's student(s) at UTRGV. One or two undergraduate student(s) will receive scholarship support at UTRGV. Students will partake in experiential learning and will obtai academic credit instead of scholarship support. The USDA seminar series will continue with USDA scientists, Texas A&M faculty and UTRGV faculty presenting their research. High school students will participate in a summer research program to gain research experience and exposure to USDA careers. Students will partake in career development activities such as taking a GRE course, attending scientific meetings to present work, attending mentoring sessions and attending training sessions with Ruby De La Garza. Our evaluator pointed a few shortcomings of our program that could be improved. Another problem was that even though the GRE prep course was available, students didn't feel that they got much benefit. Students will be required to complete modules in the GRE program to stay in the program. In addition, even though hundreds of students attended the seminar series, students in the program weren't always able to attend. This year, we will provide a zoom link to the seminars and record the seminars to make sure that all students can participate.

      Impacts
      What was accomplished under these goals? The USDA HSI program ELU2 financially supported four graduate students and one undergraduate student with either scholarships or direct wage. Two of the graduate students worked with Dr. Eliezer Louzada at the Texas A&M Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX; one graduate student worked with Dr. Keniry (MS student Yajaira Macias) and one student worked with Dr. Persans (MS student Giovanina Hinojosa, who completed her degree). One undergraduate student worked with Dr. Persans at UTRGV. Additional students were supported by supplies from grant funds including four additional graduate, six additional undergraduate and five high school students for a total of fifteen supported students last year. One student partly supported with GRE training and supplies completed graduate studies (Carl Litif) in Biology (MS) at UTRGV and started doctoral studies at University of Wyoming (Biomolecular and Cellular Life Sciences Program). Another student (Giovanina Hinojosa) is now a lecturer at UTRGV. Students partook in an online GRE course to prepare to apply for graduate programs. Dr. Carol Vargas made numerous visits to our students to aid in recruitment to the Genetics doctoral Program at Texas A&M. Students gave two scientific presentations on their work. The USDA seminar series hosted monthly seminars. The USDA seminar series was attended by hundreds of UTRGV students, as well as USDA scientists, Texas A&M Citrus Center scientists and UTRGV faculty. The seminar series gave the USDA greater visibility at UTRGV, especially to students. Excitingly, I'm happy to report that the seminar series has become institutionalized! The Biology Department now has a sponsored weekly seminar series (including monthly USDA seminars). Support from the USDA was crucial in starting this effort, which has led to expanded opportunities and institutional support for a seminar series! The USDA HSI Project updated the website and held a training session with Ruby De la Garza for students to create USDAjobs.gov accounts.

      Publications


        Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19

        Outputs
        Target Audience:The primary target audience for our USDA-HSI Program was UTRGV undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields. UTRGV is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas which is a region of intensive agricultural activity with a major USDA presence. UTRGV is a national leader in awarding B.S. and M.S. degrees to Hispanic students in STEM fields. Our USDA HSI Program additionally targeted USDA scientists and employees as well as UTRGV faculty through a seminar series to increase collaboration. This seminar series was held each month during the academic year and reached hundreds of UTRGV students during the first year of our program. Each seminar had at least one hundred UTRGV students attend (including undergraduate and graduate students). Each seminar had USDA scientists attend from the Moore Airforce Base in Mission, TX and the Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX. USDA scientists were able to use the seminar series to interact with faculty at UTRGV and recruit students to their laboratories. Changes/Problems:Our evaluator pointed a few shortcomings of our program that could be improved. One area was that students did not attend conferences. This year, we will have departmental funds for students to attend conferences. Students will be strongly encouraged to attend. Another problem was that even though the GRE prep course was available, students didn't feel that they got much benefit. Students will be required to complete modules in the GRE program to stay in the program. In addition, even though hundreds of students attended the seminar series, students in the program weren't always able to attend. This year, we will provide a zoom link to the seminars and record the seminars to make sure that all students can participate. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The ELU2 Program supported by this grant provided a host of opportunities to students in order to give research experience and career development. All students performed research in a laboratory setting providing "hands on" training. Students met with Ruby De La Garza to set-up USAjobs.gov accounts and learn about career opportunities. All students attended a seminar series, which exposed them to USDA research, careers and job opportunities. Many students met with guest speakers from the USDA seminar series, allowing for networking. Students networked with each other through their work in the lab and through attendance to scientific meetings. Students participated in an online GRE course. Students presented their work at group meetings, meetings with USDA scientists and national conferences. 15 students performed mentored research in the areas of cell biology and water quality 5 undergraduates performed mentored research at UTRGV UTRGV Mentor Keniry's students: Neftali Vazquez, Alma Lopez, Victoria Cuello, Noel Garza and Kevin Abraham and UTRGV Mentor Persans' student: Carlos Solis, Giavanina Hinojosa and Mauricio Pena. 2 graduate students performed mentored research at Texas A&M Citrus Center Mentor Eliezer Louzada's students: Estephanie Bernal and Andy Ly GRE preparation course (Manhattan Prep GRE course) USDA seminar series (once per month during academic year, hundreds of students, UTRGV faculty, USDA scientists Weekly group meetings, one-on-one meetings with mentors and meetings with peer mentors Summer Meetings for all participants and mentors (held in August 2019) Training session with Ruby De La Garza: students created USAjobs.gov accounts and learned about job opportunities. High School Outreach: two high school students participated in experiential learning in the summer of 2019 with research mentor Keniry How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from the USDA ELU2 project were disseminated through a website, publications, scientific presentations, fliers, posters and a seminar series as well as through information sessions held by Ruby De La Garza. A website promoting the USDA ELU2 Program was established: http://www.utrgv.edu/step2usda/mentor-list/elu/index.htm Dr. Persans had a graphic designer make update a flier to advertise the ELU2 Program. Dr. Persans also made a large poster (4 feet by 3 feet) for USDA Programs at UTRGV to recruit students and have greater visibility. The results of our research were disseminated in a peer-reviewed manuscript: Sahoo, N., Cuello, V.*, Udawant, S.**, Litif, C.**, Mustard, J. A., Keniry, M. (in press). CRISPR Cas9 Genome Editing in Human Cell Lines with DONOR Vector Made by Gibson Assembly. In Dr. Mouldy Sioud (Ed.), RNA Interference and CRISPR-Cas9 Technologies. New York, New York/ Springer: Methods and Protocols, Methods in Molecular Biology/ Springer. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The ELU2 Program will continue providing experiential learning experiences at UTRGV, Texas A&M Citrus Center and the USDA. Scholarship support will be provided for two graduate students at the TAMUK Citrus Center in Weslaco and for one or two Master's student(s) at UTRGV. One or two undergraduate student(s) will receive scholarship support at UTRGV. At least two students will participate in a summer internships with the USDA. Additional students will partake in experiential learning and will obtain academic credit instead of scholarship support. The USDA seminar series will continue with USDA scientists, Texas A&M faculty and UTRGV faculty presenting their research. High school students will participate in a summer research program to gain research experience and exposure to USDA careers. Students will partake in career development activities such as taking a GRE course, attending scientific meetings to present work, attending mentoring sessions and attending training sessions with Ruby De La Garza. To improve student success we are going to ask all supported students to apply for scholarships to attend SACNAS next year and to attend a summer conference at UTRGV to present their work and meet other agricultural scientists. Our evaluator pointed a few shortcomings of our program that could be improved. One area was that students did not attend conferences. This year, we will have departmental funds for students to attend conferences. Students will be strongly encouraged to attend. Another problem was that even though the GRE prep course was available, students didn't feel that they got much benefit. Students will be required to complete modules in the GRE program to stay in the program. In addition, even though hundreds of students attended the seminar series, students in the program weren't always able to attend. This year, we will provide a zoom link to the seminars and record the seminars to make sure that all students can participate.

        Impacts
        What was accomplished under these goals? The USDA HSI program ELU2 financially supported three graduate students and one undergraduate student with either scholarships or direct wage. Two of the graduate students worked with Dr. Eliezer Louzada at the Texas A&M Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX; one graduate student worked with Dr. Keniry. One undergraduate student worked with Dr. Persans at UTRGV. Additional students were supported by supplies from grant funds including five additional graduate, four additional undergraduate and two high school students for a total of fifteen supported students last year. One student completed graduate studies (Neftali Vazquez) in Biology at UTRGV and started doctoral studies at University o Texas at Austin (Biomolecular Sciences Program). Students partook in an online GRE course to prepare to apply for graduate programs. Dr. Carol Vargas made numerous visits to our students to aid in recruitment to the Genetics doctoral Program at Texas A&M. Students gave one scientific presentation on their work. The USDA seminar series hosted monthly seminars: Dr. Carol Vargas (Texas A&M College Station, Dr. Madhurababa Kunta from the Texas A&M Citrus Center in Weslaco, Texas, Dr. Debasish Bandyopadhyay from the UTRGV Chemistry Department, Feola Conz Rafaela Swiss Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ), and Dr. Allan ShowlerUSDA ARS were speakers for the seminar series. The USDA seminar series was attended by hundreds of UTRGV students, as well as USDA scientists, Texas A&M Citrus Center scientists and UTRGV faculty. The seminar series gave the USDA greater visibility at UTRGV, especially to students. Excitingly, I'm happy to report that the seminar series has become institutionalized! The Biology Department now has a sponsored weekly seminar series (including monthly USDA seminars). Support from the USDA was crucial in starting this effort, which has led to expanded opportunities and institutional support for a seminar series! The USDA HSI Project updated the website and held a training session with Ruby De la Garza for students to create USDAjobs.gov accounts.

        Publications

        • Type: Book Chapters Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Sahoo, N., Cuello, V.*, Udawant, S.**, Litif, C.**, Mustard, J. A., Keniry, M. (in press). CRISPR Cas9 Genome Editing in Human Cell Lines with DONOR Vector Made by Gibson Assembly. In Dr. Mouldy Sioud (Ed.), RNA Interference and CRISPR-Cas9 Technologies. New York, New York/ Springer: Methods and Protocols, Methods in Molecular Biology/ Springer.


        Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18

        Outputs
        Target Audience:The primary target audience for our USDA-HSI Program was UTRGV undergraduate and graduate students and Texas A&M Kingsville graduate students in STEM fields. UTRGV and the Texas A&M Citrus Center are located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas which is a region of intensive agricultural activity with a major USDA presence. UTRGV is a national leader in awarding B.S. and M.S. degrees to Hispanic students in STEM fields. Our USDA HSI Program additionally targeted USDA scientists and employees as well as UTRGV faculty through a seminar series to increase collaboration and strengthen the scientific community. This seminar series was held each month during the academic year and reached hundreds of UTRGV students during the first year of our project. Each seminar had roughly one hundred UTRGV students attend (including undergraduate and graduate students). Seminars had USDA scientists attend from the Moore Airforce Base in Mission, TX and the Texas A&M Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX. USDA scientists were able to use the seminar series to interact with faculty at UTRGV and Texas A&M Citrus Center as well as recruit students to their laboratories. One partnering institution, Texas A&M- Kingsville Citrus Center (TAMUK-CC, located in Weslaco, TX), provided educational and job opportunities to the population of the Rio Grande Valley. The Citrus Center has been collaborating with the University of Texas Pan-American (now part of UTRGV) for the past 13 years. Dr. Louzada from the Citrus Center gave a presentation for the USDA seminar series. One Master's degree-seeking student at the Citrus Center was supported this year (mentored by Dr. Louzada). Another partnering institution, USDA Animal & Plant Health and Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) facility located in the Mission/Edinburg area of south Texas provided two UTRGV students with experiential learning internships in the summer of 2017. Seven additional students partook in experiential learning on the UTRGV campus. Four of these students matriculated into graduate studies after completing their Bachelor's degrees in biology. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The ELU2 Program supported by this grant provided a host of opportunities to students in order to give research experience and career development. All students performed research in a laboratory setting providing "hands on" training. One student completed internships at the USDA Moore Airforce Base (Neftali Vazquez). Students met with Ruby De La Garza to set-up USAjobs.gov accounts and learn about career opportunities. All students attended a seminar series, which exposed them to USDA research, careers and job opportunities. Many students met with guest speakers from the USDA seminar series, allowing for networking. Students networked with each other through their work in the lab and through attendance to scientific meetings. Students participated in an online GRE course. Students presented their work at group meetings, meetings with USDA scientists and national conferences. 10 students performed mentored research in the areas of cell biology and water quality 8 undergraduates performed mentored research at UTRGV UTRGV Mentor Keniry's students: Neftali Vazquez, Lilia Sanchez, Victor Fanniel, Saul Tamez, Raechel Cedillo, Alma Lopez, Victoria Cuello and UTRGV Mentor Persans' student: Evelyn Garcia 2 graduate students performed mentored research at Texas A&M Citrus Center Mentor Eliezer Louzada's students: Estephanie Bernal and Andy Ly USDA Summer Internships in the area of Plant Protection at Moore Airforce Base, Mentor Raul Ruiz: student Neftali Vazquez GRE preparation course (Manhattan Prep GRE course) USDA seminar series (once per month during academic year, hundreds of students, UTRGV faculty, USDA scientists Weekly group meetings, one-on-one meetings with mentors and meetings with peer mentors Conference Attendance and Presentations Training session with Ruby De La Garza: students created USAjobs.gov accounts and learned about job opportunities. High School Outreach: two high school students participated in experiential learning in the summer of 2018 with research mentor Keniry. One high student worked with Dr. Persans. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from the USDA ELU2 project were disseminated through a website, publications, scientific presentations, fliers, posters and a seminar series as well as through information sessions held by Ruby De La Garza. A website promoting the USDA ELU2 Program was established: http://www.utrgv.edu/step2usda/mentor-list/elu/index.htm Dr. Persans had a graphic designer make update a flier to advertise the ELU2 Program. Dr. Persans also made a large poster (4 feet by 3 feet) for USDA Programs at UTRGV to recruit students and have greater visibility. The results of our research were disseminated in a peer-reviewed manuscript: Vazquez, N., Sanchez, L., Marks, R., Martinez, E., Fanniel, V., Lopez, A., Salinas, A., Flores, I., Hirschmann, J., Gilkerson, R., Schuenzel, E., Dearth, R., Halaby, R., Innis-Whitehouse, W., Keniry, M. (2018). A protocol for custom CRISPR Cas9 donor vector construction to truncate genes in mammalian cells using pcDNA3 backbone. BMC molecular biology, 19(1), 3. 10.1186/s12867-018-0105-8 Results were disseminated at scientific meetings: Validation of Methods That Distinguish SIT and Wild Fly Collections of Mediterranean Fruit Fly Raul Ruiz-Arce1, Daniel Garza1, Terrance N. Todd1, Norman B. Barr1, Megan Keniry2, Neftali Vazquez2, Eduardo Martinez2, Scott M. Geib3 and Shiena B. Sim3 1 USDA APHIS Science & Technology, Mission Laboratory, 22675 N. Moorefield Rd., Edinburg, TX. 78541 USA, Email: raul.a.ruiz@aphis.usda.gov; 2 The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Tx. USA; USDA ARS Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI Keniry, M., Rodriguez, A., (August 3, 2018). Determining whether AKT Regulates FOXO Nuclear Localization in U87MG and BT549 Cell Lines, High Scholars Program University of Texas Rio Grande Valley COS in Edinburg, TX. Keniry, M., Cuevas, M., (August 3, 2018). Determining whether STAT3 affects FOXO factors' nuclear localization in U87 and BT549 cell lines, High Scholars Program COS in Edinburg, TX. Keniry, M., Rodriguez, A., (May 14, 2018). Investigating How FOXO1 Hinders ZEB1 in U87MG Cells, Intel ISEF Intel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Martinez, E.**, Fanniel, V.**, Sanchez, L.**, Vazquez, N.**, Lopez, A.**, Cuello, V.*, Innis, W., Keniry, M., (April 24, 2018). FOXO Transcription Factors Rewire Metabolism in U87MG Cells, Experimental Biology 2018 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ASBMB/Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in San Diego. Keniry, M., Rodriguez, A., (March 22, 2018). Investigating How FOXO1 Hinders ZEB1 in U87MG Cells, State Science & Engineering Fair in San Antonio, TX. Keniry, M., Rodriguez, A., (February 3, 2018). Investigating How FOXO1 Hinders ZEB1 in U87MG Cells, 58th Annual UTRGV Rio Grande Valley Regional Science and Engineering Fair UTRGV in Brownsville, TX. Keniry, M., C, M., (February 3, 2018). Investigating whether FOXO4 impacts CD44 gene expression in U87MG cells, UTRGV Regional Science Fair UTRGV in Jacob Brown Auditorium in Brownsville. Keniry, M., Martinez, E.**, Vazquez, N.**, Sanchez, L.**, Fanniel, V.**, (November 8, 2017). Investigating the Rewiring of the Insulin Signaling Pathway, USDA Seminar Series USDA in UTRGV in Edinburg TX. Keniry, M., Ruiz, D.*, (September 9, 2017). NFIL3 restricts FOXO induced gene expression in a context dependent manner, UTEP LSAMP Conference NSF in El PAso, TX. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The ELU2 Program will continue providing experiential learning experiences at UTRGV, Texas A&M Citrus Center and the USDA. Scholarship support will be provided for two graduate students at the TAMUK Citrus Center in Weslaco and for one or two Master's student(s) at UTRGV. One or two undergraduate student(s) will receive scholarship support at UTRGV. At least two students will participate in a summer internships with the USDA. Additional students will partake in experiential learning and will obtain academic credit instead of scholarship support. The USDA seminar series will continue with USDA scientists, Texas A&M faculty and UTRGV faculty presenting their research. In addition, starting next spring, the Texas A&M Genetics Program will send professors to UTRGV for a seminar series (paid for by Texas A&M)! This will be great exposure for our students to researchers at a Tier One Institution. High school students will participate in a summer research program to gain research experience and exposure to USDA careers. Students will partake in career development activities such as taking a GRE course, attending scientific meetings to present work, attending mentoring sessions and attending training sessions with Ruby De La Garza. To improve student success we are going to ask all supported students to apply for scholarships to attend SACNAS next year and to attend a summer conference at UTRGV to present their work and meet other agricultural scientists.

        Impacts
        What was accomplished under these goals? The USDA HSI program ELU2 financially supported four graduate students and 2 undergraduate students with either scholarships or direct wage. Two of the graduate students worked with Dr. Eliezer Louzada at the Texas A&M Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX; three students worked with Dr. Keniry and one with Dr. Persans at UTRGV. Additional students were supported by supplies from grant funds including one additional graduate student and two additional undergraduate students for a total of ten support students last year. Two students completed graduate studies (Lilia Sanchez and Victor Fanniel) in Biology at UTRGV and started doctoral studies at Texas A&M College, Station (Genetics Program). Students partook in an online GRE course to prepare to apply for graduate programs. Dr. Carol Vargas made numerous visits to our students to aid in recruitment to the Genetics doctoral Program at Texas A&M. Starting next spring, the Texas A&M Genetics Program will start sending professors to UTRGV for a seminar series (paid for by Texas A&M)! One undergraduate student completed his bachelor's degree and started a research position with Dr. Louzada at the Citrus Center (Texas A&M, Weslaco, TX). Students published a peer-reviewed manuscript; nine supported students past and present were co-authors on this publication. Students also gave scientific presentations on their work. Neftali Vazquez (UTRGV supported graduate student) completed an internship with USDA ARS (mentor Dr. Raul Ruiz), leading to a presentation and manuscript in preparation that included one additional supported student (from last year: Eduardo Martinez). The USDA seminar series hosted monthly seminars: Dr. Rahman, Dr. Kariyat, Dr. Christoffersen, Dr. Keniry, Dr. Braswell, and Dr. Ismael E. Badillo-Vargas were speakers for the seminar series. The USDA seminar series was attended by hundreds of UTRGV students, as well as USDA scientists, Texas A&M Citrus Center scientists and UTRGV faculty. The seminar series gave the USDA greater visibility at UTRGV, especially to students. The USDA HSI Project updated the website and also held a training session with Ruby De la Garza for students to create USDAjobs.gov accounts.

        Publications

        • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Vazquez, N., Sanchez, L. A., Marks, R., Martinez, E., Fanniel, V., Lopez, A., Salinas, A., Flores, I., Hirschmann, J., Gilkerson, R., Schuenzel, E., Dearth, R., Halaby, R., Innis-Whitehouse, W., Keniry, M. (2018). A protocol for custom CRISPR Cas9 donor vector construction to truncate genes in mammalian cells using pcDNA3 backbone. BMC molecular biology, 19(1), 3. 10.1186/s12867-018-0105-8


        Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17

        Outputs
        Target Audience:The primary target audience for our USDA-HSI Program was UTRGV undergraduate and graduate students and Texas A&M Kingsville graduate students in STEM fields. UTRGV and the Texas A&M Citrus Center are located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas which is a region of intensive agricultural activity with a major USDA presence. UTRGV is a national leader in awarding B.S. and M.S. degrees to Hispanic students in STEM fields. Our USDA HSI Program additionally targeted USDA scientists and employees as well as UTRGV faculty through a seminar series to increase collaboration and strengthen the scientific community. This seminar series was held each month during the academic year and reached hundreds of UTRGV students during the first year of our project. Each seminar had roughly one hundred UTRGV students attend (including undergraduate and graduate students). Seminars had USDA scientists attend from the Moore Airforce Base in Mission, TX and the Texas A&M Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX. USDA scientists were able to use the seminar series to interact with faculty at UTRGV andTexas A&M Citrus Centeras well asrecruit students to their laboratories. One partnering institution, Texas A&M- Kingsville Citrus Center (TAMUK-CC, located in Weslaco, TX), provided educational and job opportunities to the population of the Rio Grande Valley. The Citrus Center has been collaborating with the University of Texas Pan-American (now part of UTRGV) for the past 13 years. Dr. Louzada from the Citrus Center gave apresentation for the USDA seminar series. One Master's degree-seeking student at the Citrus Center was supported this year (mentored by Dr. Louzada). Another partnering institution, USDA Animal & Plant Health and Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) facility located in the Mission/Edinburg area of south Texas provided two UTRGV students with experiential learning internships in the summer of 2017. Seven additional students partook in experiential learning on the UTRGV campus. Four of these students matriculated into graduate studies after completing their Bachelor's degrees in biology. Changes/Problems:Year 2 will focus on enhancing interventions to improve student success and to build the research community at UTRGV, including strengthening connections with the Texas A&M Citrus Center and USDA scientists. We will enhance this seminar series to include a meet and greet for students in the program and presenters. In Year 2, we will increase interaction between the Texas A&M Citrus Center trainees and UTRGV trainees by having a yearly meeting where students present their research. Efforts will be made to strongly encourage students to apply for summer internships with HACU and the USDA in order to provide enhanced career development. In Year 2, all students will bestrongly encouragedto complete the online GRE course, to write for a scholarship to attend a scientific meeting, to identify five graduate programs of interest and to write a personal statement for graduate school applications. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training and Professional Development Opportunities for ELU2 Program The ELU2 Program supported by this grant provided a host of opportunities to students in order to give research experience and career development. All students performed research in a laboratory setting providing "hands on" training. Two students completed internships at the USDA Moore Airforce Base. Students met with Ruby De La Garza to set-up USAjobs.gov accounts and learn about career opportunities. All students attended a seminar series, which exposed them to USDA research, careers and job opportunities. Many students met with guest speakers from the USDA seminar series, allowing for networking. Students networked with each other through their work in the lab and through attendance to scientific meetings. Students participated in an online GRE course. Students presented their work at group meetings, meetings with USDA scientists and national conferences. 10 students performed mentored research in the areas of cell biology and water quality 8 undergraduates performed mentored research at UTRGV UTRGV Mentor Keniry: students Neftali Vazquez, Martin Holguin, Simona Ilizarov, Christa Respondek, Raechel Cedillo, Alma Lopez UTRGV Mentor DeYoe: student William Quidilla 2 graduate students performed mentored research at UTRGV andTexas A&M Citrus Center UTRGV Mentor Keniry: student Eduardo Martinez Texas A&M Citrus Center Mentor Eliezer Louzada: student Estephanie Bernal USDA Summer Internships in the area of Plant Protection Moore Airforce Base Mentor Norman Barr: student William Quidilla Moore Airforce Base Mentor Raul Ruiz: student Eduardo Martinez GRE preparation course (Manhattan Prep GRE course) USDA seminar series (once per month during academic year, hundreds of students, UTRGV faculty, USDA scientists, Texas A&M scientists) Conference Attendance and Presentations USDA HSI PI Meeting, Albuquerque: Eduardo Martinez SACNAS: Rebecca Marks ABRCMS: Rebecca Marks USDA ELU2 Program Mentoring: Students in the USDA ELU2 Program met one-on-one with the PI on a regular basis to discuss research and career development. Training session with Ruby De La Garza: students created USAjobs.gov accounts and learned about job opportunities. High School Outreach: four high school students participated in experiential learning in the summer of 2017 with research mentor Keniry. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results from the USDA ELU2 project were disseminated through a website, publications, scientific presentations, fliers, posters and a seminar series as well as through information sessions held by Ruby De La Garza. A website promoting the USDA ELU2 Program was established: http://www.utrgv.edu/step2usda/mentor-list/elu/index.htm Dr. Persans had a graphic designer make a flier to advertise the ELU2 Program. Dr. Persans also made a large poster (4 feet by 3 feet) for USDA Programs at UTRGV to recruit students and have greater visibility. The results of our research weredisseminated in a peer-reviewed manuscript: 1. Martinez, E.**, Sanchez, L.**, Vazquez, N.*, Marks, R.*, Cedillo, R.*, Respondek, C.*, Holguin, M.*, Persans, M., Keniry, M. (2016). A CRISPR View of Biological Mechanisms. Discoveries, Harvard, 4(4), e69. https://www.discoveriesjournals.org/discoveries/D.2016.04.RA.Keniry.pdf 10.15190/d.2016.16 Results were also disseminated in poster presentations at scientific meetings: Keniry, M., Martinez, E.**, Fanniel, V.**, Marks, R.*, Rodriquez, C.*, (February 16, 2017). Investigating FOXO Feedback Mechanisms, USDA P.I. Meeting USDA in Albuquerque. Keniry, M., Persans, M., Deyoe, H., Schuenzel, E., McDonald, J. Andrew, Barr, N., Thompson, D.,(February 16, 2017). USDA H.S.I. Program at UTRGV and TAMUK Citrus Center: Experiential Learning Program at Two Hispanic Serving Institutions on Water for Agriculture, Food Safety and Childhood Obesity & Prevention, USDA P.I. Meeting USDA in Albuquerque. Martinez, E.**, Salinas, A.*, Flores, I.*, Fanniel, V.**, Sanchez, L.**, Lopez, A.*, Holguin, M.*,Vazquez, N.*, Marks, R.*, Hirschmann, J.*, Gilkerson, R., Innis, W., Keniry, M., (December 2016). Investigating Novel Roles for FOXO factors in pten-null Cells, American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting ASCB in San Fransisco, CA. 4. Marks, R.*, Flores, I.*, Salinas, A.*, Martinez, E.**, Vazquez, N.*, Fanniel, V.**, Hirschmann, J.*,Innis, W., Keniry, M., (November 2016). Mutation of FOXO4 leads to Cell Cycle defects in pten null U87MG cells, ABRCMS Annual Meeting ABRCMS in Tampa Florida. 5. Marks, R.*, Flores, I.*, Salinas, A.*, Martinez, E.*, Vazquez, N.*, Fanniel, V.*, Hirschmann, J.*, Innis, W., Keniry, M., (October 2016). Mutation of FOXO4 leads to Cell Cycle defects in pten null U87MG cells, SACNAS, Annual Conference SACNAS in Long Beach, CA. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The ELU2 Program will continue providing experiential learning experiences at UTRGV, Texas A&M Citrus Center and the USDA. Scholarship support will be provided for two graduate students at the TAMUK Citrus Center in Weslaco and for one or two Master's student(s) at UTRGV. One or two undergraduate student(s) will receive scholarship support at UTRGV. At least two students will participate in a summer internships with the USDA. Additional students will partake in experiential learning and will obtain academic credit instead of scholarship support. The USDA seminar series will continue with USDA scientists, Texas A&M faculty and UTRGV faculty presenting their research. High school students will participate in a summer research program to gain research experience and exposure to USDA careers. Students will partake in career development activities such as taking a GRE course, attending scientific meetings to present work, attending mentoring sessions and attending training sessions with Ruby De La Garza.

        Impacts
        What was accomplished under these goals? The USDA HSI program ELU2 financially supported two graduate students and one undergraduate student. One of the graduate students worked with Dr. Eliezer Louzada at the Texas A&M Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX. One of the graduate students (Eduardo Martinez) worked at UTRGV and gave a scientific presentation about his work at the USDA HSI PI Meeting in Albuquerque, NM.Eduardo Martinezalso published a peer-reviewed manuscript (which acknowledged USDA support). Seven additional undergraduate students benefitted from this project and received academic credit for experiential learning. Four of these students matriculated into graduate studies in biology: Simona Ilizarov commenced studies at George Mason University; Martin Holguin commenced studies at the University of North Texas, Rebecca Marks commenced studies at Texas State San Marcos and Neftali Vazquez commenced studies at UTRGV. Rebecca Marks presented her work at SACNAS and ABRCMS in fall 2016. M. Keniry presented work supported by this grant at the American Society for Cell Biology meeting in San Francisco in December 2016 and the USDA HSI PI meeting in 2017 (Albuquerque, NM). Two students completed internships at the USDA Moore Airforce Base in Mission, TX (Eduardo Martinez and William Quidilla, summer 2017). The USDA seminar series was established during the first year of the program.One seminar was given by a USDA scientist (Jason Tidwell), one was given by a Texas A&M Citrus Center faculty member (Eliezer Louzada) and one was given by a UTRGV scientist (Dr. Sota). The USDA seminar series was attended by hundreds of UTRGV students, as well as USDA scientists, Texas A&M Citrus Center scientistsand UTRGV faculty. The seminar series gave the USDA greater visibilityat UTRGV, especially to students. The USDA HSI Project created a website and also held a training session with Ruby De la Garza for students to create USDAjobs.gov accounts.

        Publications

        • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Martinez, E.**, Sanchez, L.**, Vazquez, N.*, Marks, R.*, Cedillo, R.*, Respondek, C.*, Holguin, M.*, Persans, M., Keniry, M. (2016). A CRISPR View of Biological Mechanisms. Discoveries, Harvard, 4(4), e69. https://www.discoveriesjournals.org/discoveries/D.2016.04.RA.Keniry.pdf 10.15190/d.2016.16