News from Trinity University

SAN ANTONIO – Twenty-five years ago, a Trinity University chemist quietly began what has become a summertime tradition of undergraduate research on campus. Back then, 10 students gathered in chemistry laboratories to extend their learning beyond the academic year. Records show that seven or eight faculty members joined the adventure.

By 2009, the number of summer researchers had grown to 105 students from 19 different disciplines benefiting from the guidance of 43 professors. At a gathering in late July to celebrate a quarter-century of Trinity’s summer research, Diane Smith, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, said, “I’d like to thank the chemists for setting the stage for the great research that takes place at Trinity every summer.”

This summer, chemists were still in labs but they were joined by students majoring in biology, computer science, neuroscience, and a range of social sciences and the humanities. Here is a sampling of topics they studied:

Mackenzie Kelly '10 (right) explains her research to Dennis Ugolini, assistant professor of physics and astronomy.

Mackenzie Kelly ’10, neuroscience major from the Kansas City area, knew that research of some sort was a requirement for graduation. Intrigued by body image work conducted by Carolyn Becker, associate professor of psychology, Ms. Kelly looked for a way to combine her interest in eating disorder research with neuroscience. James Roberts, the Cowles Distinguished Professor of Life Sciences and head of Trinity’s neuroscience program, agreed to blend the two disciplines. As a result, Ms. Kelly analyzed cortisol, a stress hormone, and its relationship to eating disorders. A broader result is that Ms. Kelly is now focused on life after Trinity – which will likely include more research and graduate school.

Wendy Hernandez '11 shares her insights on

body image and female athletes.

Wendy Hernandez ’11, a lacrosse player from Houston who is majoring in marketing and communication, also wanted to look at the issue of body image, but she reviewed the topic through the lens of the female athlete. A McNair Scholar working with Michael Soto, McNair director and associate professor of English, Ms. Hernandez analyzed the depiction of female athletes in magazine ads and television commercials and the resulting effect on consumer behaviors. What she learned is disconcerting: “If someone becomes famous through advertising, it’s because of their looks, not because of their talents.”

Most female athletes appear in seductive poses, with the exceptions being soccer player Mia Hamm and tennis players Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, whom Ms. Hernandez is trying to “break free from the ‘pretty’ stereotype.” A better alternative is to show healthy body images and fitness – not a “perfect” body, she said, adding, “My dream job is to work for Nike,” where she would work to continue activities with themes such as “If you let me play” that encourage inclusion and opportunity for women athletes.

Two computer science majors – Christopher Cavin ’11 of Oklahoma City and Ansell Chiu ’11 of Singapore – researched ways that artificial intelligence could be developed for an iPhone application. Working with Gerald Pitts, the Caruth Distinguished Professor of Computer Science, the two students realized they were among the first to venture into this field. Both are at a decision point about whether to continue pursuing artificial intelligence. “This was a good experience, and the field is interesting, but I’m not sure if it’s for me, long term,” Mr. Chiu said.

Credit for the origins of summer research in 1984 goes to Michael P. Doyle, the first D.R. Semmes Distinguished Professor in Chemistry. Within five years, the chemistry department landed a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for Research Experiences at Undergraduate Institutions that was renewed through 2000, making it the longest running REU in Texas at the time. The science foundation also supported a mathematics REU program at Trinity from 1997 to 2008 and launched a similar program in computer science in 2008.

Other foundations stepped in to award support, including the Welch Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the U.S. Department of Education through the McNair Scholars Program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund, Research Corp., and the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation. Trinity also contributes by offering tuition credit to students and waiving summer housing fees.