About The Texas Academy of Science History First founded by teachers as the Academy of Science in Texas in 1880, the organization as we know it now emerged around 1929 and included a physicist, a botanist, a mathematician and two biologists as its founding members. Now, TAS publishes a peer-reviewed journal (The Texas Journal of Science since 1949), conducts an annual meeting that highlights research across 17 sections across the sciences, provides substantial funding opportunities for students (~$25,000 awarded annually) and facilitates expert testimony on policy issues related to STEM or science education. TAS membership approaches 600 individuals, with a large portion of the membership as students. Mission As part of its overall mission, the Texas Academy of Science promotes scientific research in Texas colleges and universities, encourages research as a part of student learning and enhances the professional development of its professional and student members. TAS possesses a complex, intriguing and long-standing educational mission. Strategic Planning The Texas Academy of Science (TAS) Board of Directors recently approved a vision for a 5-year Strategic Plan: “to increase the visibility and effectiveness of TAS in promoting strong science in Texas.” As part of that initiative, the Academy seeks to reach out to foundations and organizations that support and benefit the Texas science community. We believe that a number of opportunities exist for strategic partnerships that could bolster the impact of organizations that raise the profile of science in Texas. Our ultimate goal will be to make TAS the premier state academy in the United States; however, this cannot be accomplished without funding from both individuals and corporations. It should also be noted that 100% of the contributions given to TAS for student awards goes directly to the award. 1 INCORPORATED IN 1929; AFFILIATED WITH THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE Letter from the President of the Academy Welcome to the 121st annual meeting of the Texas Academy of Science at Midland College! Annual meetings have long been a significant function of the Academy and the fulfillment of our mission. The Academy promotes scientific research in the state, encourages research as part of student learning, and enhances the professional development of its professional and student members. First founded by teachers as the Academy of Science in Texas in 1880. Over a century later, the Academy continues to promote research through disciplinary sections at the annual meeting held each spring. Activities at this year’s meeting include scientific talks and posters by students, scientists, and educators. The meeting will culminate with presentations by the Academy’s Distinguished Scientist and its Outstanding Texas Educator for 2018, with an awards banquet to follow. With 16 active sections of the Academy spanning most scientific disciplines, TAS has a strong commitment to interdisciplinary networking and relationship building, research dissemination, and education. An important aspect of the Academy is a strong focus on student research. Many of this year’s presentations will be from undergraduate and graduate students. We are proud to offer this platform for students to share their progress in science and mathematics research. Thank you for attending and making your contribution to this important event! Every year, there are many people working behind the scenes to make our annual meeting successful. These volunteers spend countless hours building the program, reviewing abstracts, booking the facilities, planning the events and menus, and other planning activities. It is a great deal of work and is amongst the most important contributions our members can provide. This year’s meeting would not be possible without these important volunteers. This year’s Program Chair, Dr. Keith Pannell, local hosts, Dr. Thomas Ready and Dr. Margaret Wade, and the TAS Coordinator of Information Technology, Dr. Chris Vitek, were all instrumental in putting this year’s program together. I would also like to thank the 32 Section Chairs and Vice Chairs who 2 reviewed and edited the many abstracts within their field. Our section leaders are the front line of our organization! Thanks to all of you who have served in this important capacity. I also encourage others to get involved in your section leadership. It is a very fulfilling experience. Please take the time to thank your section leaders for all their hard work! In addition to those listed above, Dr. Jason Locklin, Immediate Past President and Elections Chair, headed the 2018 officer election. Drs. Cathy Early, Karen Grant, Shannon Hill, and Don Harper coordinated the judging of presentations, posters, and research grant proposal submissions. Also remember, the Texas Journal of Science is back on schedule this year and continues to actively seek submissions. This is great news for the Academy and I’d like to thank Drs. Andy Kasner, managing editor of TJS, and Allan Nelson, the previous manuscript editor of TJS. I would also like the thank Kathryn Perez for stepping into the role as our new manuscript editor in 2018. Finally, please enjoy the 121st meeting of the Texas Academy of Science. And to our student members, remember this great Academy when you graduate and move into your career. Bring your students to TAS so that they can also reap the benefits of this historic and important organization. I did! Neil Gray, Ph.D. President, Texas Academy of Science 2017-2018 3 4 STATE OF TExAs OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Greetings: As Governor of Texas, I am pleased to welcome everyone to the 1215t aimual meeting of the Texas Academy of Science. The 21 St century continues to usher in a landmark era of ingenuity and scientific exploration, demanding an increasingly specialized workforce capable of building on the progress that has been achieved. Texas’ workforce must be continually renewed and refined through education if we want to maintain our edge and compete for jobs. For more than a century, the Texas Academy of Science has done just that taking bold steps to realize the full potential of young Texans by awarding thousands of dollars in research grants. I commend the scientists and educators present for their ongoing commitment to obtaining knowledge and life experiences that will lead to success and achievement. Whatever your profession in years to come, if you remain committed to excellence, you will make a difference. First Lady Cecilia Abbott joins me in sending best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable evening. Sincerely, Greg Abbott Governor 5 6 February 22, 2018 Dr. Keith Pannell President-Elect and Program Chair Texas Academy of Science (TAS) 1201 West University Drive Edinburg, TX 78539 Dear Dr. Pannell, It is a pleasure to join you in marking the opening of the 121st Texas Academy of Science meeting. As aspiring and established scientists from across Texas and many disciplines gather in Midland for three days of engagement on research and possibilities, it is an honor to welcome and encourage them in their endeavors. At the heart of every scientist is the courage to ask “Why?”, a question that can be transformative when pursued with passion, perseverance, and scientific integrity. The ability to take the answers to that question and turn them into cures and solutions means opportunities never imagined before each discovery. The discoveries made every day by the people gathered here give hope to our world and take us to exciting new horizons. It is organizations like TAS that foster collaboration, expedite implementation of solutions, and advance research at extraordinary speeds. Married with the revolutionary technology found in Texas college and university laboratories, the attendees here today are a part of a remarkable time in the history of science. As you prepare to engage on research and topics that are critical to the lives of Texans and Americans, let us remember the words of Isaac Newton who once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Everyone attending stands on the shoulders of brilliant and bold men and women whose relentless efforts have made possible the extraordinary research discussed over the next 3 days. Our thanks goes to those who established the Texas Academy of Science and those who made possible this meeting. Their leadership, innovation, and guidance have made TAS a dynamic part of our state and nation’s scientific community. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of those present as you work to turn your questions into action for the benefit of our world and nation. May each of you never lose your hunger for answers. Sincerely, Ted Cruz United States Senator 7 Midland, Texas Originally named “Midway”, Midland, Texas has been the historical way-station for travel and trade between Dallas and El Paso. This feature became definitive when the Texas-Pacific Railroad was built across Texas. The original drivers of the local economy were cattle and agriculture (primarily cotton farming). In the 1920’s a large, extended series of oil reservoirs were discovered in the area and termed the “Permian Basin” after the geological era in which they were formed. Oil production has been the predominant industry in the area ever since. The Permian Basin has been one of the most prolific oil producing areas ever. The city of Midland has served as the unofficial capital of oil production in the Permian Basin since the 1940’s when many of the major oil companies set up their regional offices here. New technologies in oil production continue to make the Midland area a vital hub in the energy sector. Midland has a (est.) population of 150,000 and its sister city, Odessa, also has a (est.) population of 150,000. The city has a variety of cultural attractions including Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale, the Petroleum Museum, the Commemorative Air Force Museum, and the Museum of the Southwest (with planetarium) to name a few.