Current McNair Scholars

Isabella Arroyo is a senior at Our Lady of the Lake University majoring in Biology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Her research with Dr. Manpreet Semwal in the Department of Biology focuses on DNA quality and preservation in muscle and keratinized tissue during decomposition. Using DNA extraction and comparative tissue analysis methods, she examines which tissue types provide more reliable DNA for forensic analysis and how these findings may contribute to improved evidence recovery in cold cases. Isabella presented her research proposal at the Baylor University McNair Research Conference and at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is currently continuing her research through laboratory analysis and tissue comparison studies. Following graduation, she plans to continue her education in forensic science and DNA analysis while gaining additional laboratory and investigative experience. Her long-term career goal is to work on a crime scene investigation team specializing in forensic DNA analysis. Contact: isaearroyo@gmail.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/isabella-arroyo-14a7a0366

Gilberto Castro is a double major in Criminology and Psychology at Our Lady of the Lake University under the advisement of Dr. Jazmine Garcia. His current research project, Thinking Like the Predator: Cognitive Profiling and Behavioral Analysis in Serial Killer Investigation, examines the psychological strategies and tactical triggers associated with serial killers through an in-depth qualitative case study of five offenders. His work focuses on improving the understanding of behavioral patterns and investigative profiling in violent crime analysis. Castro utilizes qualitative research methods and comparative case study analysis to examine offender cognition, behavioral escalation, and investigative implications. He has presented his research at Stony Brook University, the University of New Mexico, Baylor University, and Our Lady of the Lake University. In addition, he completed an internship with the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office. His long-term goal is to contribute to serial offender investigations worldwide through research, education, and criminal behavioral analysis. Contact: cjastrogil1419@gmail.com

Gabriela Guadarrama is a junior at Our Lady of the Lake University majoring in Education EC–6 with bilingual and ESL certification under Dr. Apolonio Trejo in the Department of Education. Her research with Dr. Cindy Peña focuses on bilingual teacher preparation and the role of the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO) in shaping identity, advocacy, and persistence among Latina pre-service bilingual teachers. She uses qualitative methods, including interviews and case study approaches, to examine lived experiences in teacher preparation programs. Gabriela is a McNair Scholar and has presented her research at the University of New Mexico, Baylor University, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. She developed an interest in bilingual education through BESO and reflection on how bilingual instruction could have influenced her own education. Her goal is to become a bilingual teacher, pursue graduate studies, and continue advocating for equitable education. Contact: bilingualeducator2026@gmail.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gguadarrama2028

Kevin Rubio is an undergraduate Business student at Our Lady of the Lake University (¾«¶«Ó°Òµ), where he conducts research under the mentorship of Dr. Watts. His research examines how business leaders perceive the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on decision-making and operational efficiency. Using a qualitative case study approach, he explores how AI-driven business intelligence tools influence organizational performance and strategic planning. This work contributes to a better understanding of AI’s role in modern business practices. During the summer of 2025, Kevin conducted undergraduate research focused on artificial intelligence, business intelligence, and organizational decision-making. He also completed a marathon in 2026, demonstrating discipline, perseverance, and commitment to long-term goals. Prior to and during his academic career, he gained experience in construction, roofing, and university administration, providing practical insights into leadership, operations, and workforce management. His long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Business Finance and conduct research on the intersection of artificial intelligence, business intelligence, and organizational performance. Email: kenid05@icloud.com | LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/kevin-rubio-mxjefe

Clarissa Briones is a junior at Our Lady of the Lake University, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with minors in Child Studies and Environmental Science & Sustainability. Driven by a passion to pursue a career as a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. Clarissa is a McNair Scholar currently working on research with Dr. Karla Garza, which focuses on how maternal linguistic input varies across different environmental settings and activities. Findings from this study will hopefully contribute to a better understanding of how everyday environments and materials can influence language development and encourage strategies to support early communication skills in young children. Contact: clarissabriones79@gmail.com | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-briones-77861829a

Emilio Gutierrez is an Our Lady of the Lake undergraduate student with a Psychology: Pre-Counseling major and an Environmental Science and Sustainability minor being advised by Dr. Kathryn Anderson. His research focus is in cognitive psychology, to understand whether the power of words is capable of interfering with a person's attitude about their self. Using a mixed methods self-assessment survey approach, the research experiment is optimized for random assignment and an efficient, enjoyable experience. Emilio has been accepted into the McNair post baccalaureate achievement program and the TExAs Fast Scholars LLC program. His main goal is to contribute to the field of psychology both by earning a PhD in psychology and by continuing research at selected graduate programs. Contact: emilio.nic.gutierrez361@gmail.com | www.linkedin.com/in/emilio-gutierrez-amdg

Francisco Barraza Segura is a Computer Information Systems & Security major with a minor in Environmental Science & Sustainability at Our Lady of the Lake University. His research focuses on applying machine learning techniques to create optimized predictive models for cybersecurity and data analysis applications. He seeks to explore how machine learning algorithms can be used to improve accuracy, efficiency, and improve positive decision making in intricate digital environments while addressing real-world technological issues. His approach is a mix of model training, data analysis, and evaluation using programming and machine learning techniques and frameworks. Francisco is both a McNair and TExAs Fast scholar and is looking to present and publish his work in the near future. Through academic courses, research and self-study he has cultivated foundational experience in Python programming, machine learning, and cybersecurity. He aims to pursue a career in machine learning and cybersecurity research, where he hopes to create practical and optimized technological solutions that improve automation, security, and data-driven problem solving. Contact: Franciscobs0101@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-barraza-segura-836086410

Jacqueline Gloria is a double major in Social Work and Spanish, also a minor in Comparative Mexican American Studies, at Our Lady of the Lake University under the advisement of Dr. Joy Patton. Her current research focuses on Latinx students in higher education, specifically the Early College High School (ECHS) model, and their persistence towards bachelor's degree based on their family obligations/expectations. She uses a mixed method, (qualitative and quantitative), including surveys and interviews, to study the experiences of students who completed an ECHS program and continued pursuing a postsecondary education. Jacqueline is the first in the family to go to college, first to receive a full-ride scholarship, and soon to be the first to graduate from university. She is a McNair Scholar, a Futuro Leader Scholar, and is awarded the San Antonio Education Partnership Fund. Her academic interests are shaped by her personal experiences of how higher education intersects with her culture. Her goal is to become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), earn a doctoral degree, and advocate for representation of Latinx students in academic spaces. Contact: jackyglori@outlook.com | Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-gloria-ba019a297/

Karis Alcoser is a student at Our Lady of the Lake University studying environmental science. Under the mentorship of Dr. Lash, her current research examines nutrient retention and yield efficiency in hydroponic and traditional soil-based agricultural systems using basil as a model crop. Karis is a McNair Scholar, Texas FAST Scholar, Futuro Scholar, and serves as Student Government Association President. She has presented research at multiple academic conferences and is interested in the intersection of environmental sustainability, urban agriculture, and food accessibility. Following graduation, she plans to pursue graduate study and continue research focused on sustainable agricultural systems and environmental resource management. Contact: Karisalcoser@gmail.com

Larissa Ortega is a Junior who is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology at Our Lady of Lake University. Her current research employes a mixed-methods approach to examine parents’ perspectives on adolescent’s social media use and its impacts on adolescents' well-being and behavior under the mentorship of Dr. Maria de La Cruz. Through this work, she seeks to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of family dynamics and mental health in the digital era. Her research combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to better capture parental experiences and perspectives regarding adolescent social media use. In addition to her academic work, Larissa serves as the Vice President of Our Lady of the Lake’s First-Generation Organization and is pursuing her Biliteracy Certification. She aims to build a career focused on mental health advocacy, culturally informed research, and community engagement. Contact: larissaortega339@yahoo.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/larissaortega003

Nayeli Cordova is a senior Mathematics major and McNair Scholar at Our Lady of the Lake University. A dedicated future educator, she is a recipient of the prestigious Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers. On campus, Nayeli demonstrates strong leadership and community engagement as the current President of Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority Inc., and as an active member of both the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO) and the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE). Under the mentorship of faculty advisor Dr. Jessica Quintero and Dr. Eduardo Hernandez, she is conducting a qualitative research study titled, "Digital Tool Dependency vs. Conceptual Understanding in Secondary Mathematics." Her work utilizes semi-structured interviews with educators to explore how universal access to graphing software like Desmos impacts 9th-grade Algebra I students. Specifically, her project investigates the "remediation trap" where procedural shortcuts potentially mask foundational learning gaps, with the ultimate goal of designing a pedagogical framework that balances technology use with critical thinking and "productive struggle." This upcoming fall, Nayeli will further her classroom preparation by beginning her clinical teaching residency within Edgewood Independent School District. Upon graduation, she intends to pursue a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in education, aiming to eventually transition into the field of education administration to influence instructional leadership and policy. Contact: n.cordova3805@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nayeli-cordova01

Sofia Santacruz is a Senior at Our Lady of the Lake University majoring in Pre-Counseling Psychology with a minor in Environmental Science and Sustainability under Dr. Jessica Quintero and Dr. Yvette Longoria through the McNair Scholars Program. She is also a Texas FAST and Futuro Leadership Scholar. Her research focuses on food insecurity and body image among Hispanic and Latina college women. Specifically, she examines how Hispanic and Latina college women with experiences of food insecurity describe culturally specific body image labels and the meanings attached to them. She uses qualitative methods and a phenomenological approach, including one-on-one interviews, to better understand participants' lived experiences. Her long term goal is to become a school counselor and support students through culturally informed and accessible mental health services. Contact: angelinasanta05@gmail.com

Star Sanchez is a senior at Our Lady of the Lake University, where she is double majoring in Pre-Counseling Psychology and Social Work under the advisement of Dr. Anderson. Her research project, Grieving the Loss of a Romantic Relationship: Ambiguous Loss, Attachment Styles, and Emotional Regulation, examines how attachment styles and emotional regulation predict coping with breakup-related grief. The goal of her study is to better understand how differences in emotional regulation influence the intensity of grief following the loss of a meaningful romantic relationship and to help inform more effective support strategies and Interventions. Using a quantitative research design, Star is collecting data through Qualtrics and analyzing it with SPSS to examine the relationships among attachment styles, emotional regulation, and grief. She has represented undergraduate psychology students during a student-led discussion with master's and doctoral students when Wendi Williams, President of the American Psychological Association, visited the university. In addition, she serves as President of the Psychology Honor Society. Following graduation, Star plans to pursue a career as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, where she hopes to support individuals experiencing grief, emotional distress, and other mental health challenges. Contact: starisabelsanchez@gmail.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/star-sanchez-876bb140b/

Yezenia Perez is currently studying Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science and minor in Psychology at Our Lady of the Lake University. Her current research with Dr. Emily Sauers titled, Active Aging: The Role of Exercise in Self Esteem and Meaning in Life, examines the relationship between exercise frequency and its effects on older adults’ well-being, focusing on self-esteem and meaning in life. She will use both a qualitative and qualitative approach; her data collection will be done through questionnaires and a short conversation. Her long-term goal is to be an occupational therapist and bring light to the importance of independence in individuals. Contact: yezenia8perez@gmail.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yezenia-perez-a17a20390