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Natural Science Students Present Research, Earn Undergraduate Grants

West Texas A&M University geology students presented their research at the Geological Society of America (GSA) Connects 2026 conference, held Oct. 11-14 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.

GSA Connects is a leading geoscience conference that brings together researchers, educators and students from around the world to share research, explore discoveries and build professional connections.

WT students collaborated with Dr. Carla Eichler, Assistant Professor of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, on research spanning geoscience education, natural history collections and the geology of the Ogallala Formation.

The student poster presentation included:

Emilie Schumacher and Dr. Eichler: “From Collection to Classroom: Developing a Raman Spectral Library for Research and Geoscience Education”

Ember Hines and Dr. Eichler: “Beyond Cataloging: Developing Sustainable Curatorial Practices for University Natural History Collections”

Caleb Butler and Dr. Eichler: “The Origin of Quartzites within the Miocene Ogallala, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado”

Madeline Wright and Dr. Eichler: “A Trail through Time: Retracing the Journey of the Ogallala Formation's Rhyolitic Gravels from Volcano to Sediment in the Southern High Plains of Texas”

Alexandra McKinney and Dr. Eichler: “Microfossil Analysis for Provenance of Carbonate Gravels in the Ogallala Formation, Texas”

Margaret Harr and Dr. Eichler: “Basaltic Detectives: Determining Source Regions and Paleodrainage Across the Southern High Plains, North America by Petrographic Analysis of Ogallala Basalt Cobbles”

In addition to presenting their research, students also received recognition through Undergraduate Research Grants from the South-Central Section of the Geological Society of America. Each student received a $1,000 grant to support their undergraduate research.

The conference provided students an opportunity to share their research with the broader geoscience community, gain presentation experience and connect with professionals and fellow researchers from across the country.

WT ACS Student Chapter Earns First-Ever Green Chemistry Recognition

West Texas A&M University's American Chemical Society Student Chapter has earned Green Chemistry Chapter recognition for the 2025-2026 academic year, marking the first time the chapter has received this national distinction.

Presented by the American Chemical Society, the Green Chemistry Student Chapter Award recognizes student chapters that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to incorporating green chemistry into their annual activities. To qualify, chapters must host at least three green chemistry events each year and explain how each connects to the 12 principles of green chemistry, which promote safer, more sustainable chemical processes and help reduce waste.

"It is great to see our Student Chapter continue to find ways to enhance educational outcomes for our students," said Dr. Flynn.

The recognition highlights the chapter's commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world applications of chemistry and sustainability.

WTAMU Faculty Co-Authors Nanomaterials Research

WTAMU chemistry faculty are advancing nanomaterials research through a new collaborative study published in the American Chemical Society's peer-reviewed journal ACS Applied Nano Materials.

Dr. Juganta K. Roy, assistant professor of chemistry in WTAMU’s Department of Chemistry and Physics, co-authored the article, “Magnetic Cellulose Nanocrystal Composites Functionalized with Benzalkonium Chloride for Potential Pathogen Control.” The research brought together scientists from WTAMU, the University of Dayton, the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Cincinnati.

The research team developed sustainable, cellulose-based magnetic nanomaterials with antibacterial properties by combining cellulose nanocrystals, magnetic nanoparticles and an antimicrobial compound. Testing demonstrated promising antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, two bacteria relevant to food safety and public health.

Researchers also combined laboratory experiments with computational modeling to understand the materials’ properties and interactions better. The findings could help inform future developments in food safety, antimicrobial coatings and advanced disinfection technologies.

The publication highlights WTAMU’s participation in interdisciplinary materials science research and collaboration with universities across the country. The study was also selected for a supplementary cover feature in ACS Applied Nano Materials.

Natural, Agricultural Sciences Students Named Homecoming Finalists

West Texas A&M University students representing natural and agricultural sciences were among the finalists for Homecoming Queen and King, announced Oct. 24 during WT's 69-14 victory over Western New Mexico State University.

Karyme Martinez, a senior biology major from Seminole, was crowned Homecoming Queen, representing the Student Government Association.

Other finalists and nominees from the college included Kennadi Hanlin, a senior agribusiness and economics major from Littlefield; Molly Babcock, a senior agricultural media and communication major from Groom; Boone Begert, a senior agriculture major from Allison; Kooper Cox, a senior agricultural media and communication major from Canyon; Ava Olivas, a senior biology major from Seminole; and Elizabeth Rankin, a senior agriculture major from El Dorado Hills, California.

The students' involvement highlights the college's representation in campus leadership and Homecoming traditions. The Homecoming court received flowers provided by the WT Horticulture Club.

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