TAMIU Undergraduate Researchers to Present at Upcoming Conference in Austin

A group of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Honors and Undergraduate Research Program students will participate at The Capital of Texas Undergraduate Research Conference (CTURC), happening Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the University of Texas at Austin.  

Presenting at CTURC is Cintya Medina Rangel, a senior Biology major. A group presentation will be offered by Anahi Estrada, Berea Magness (in absentia), Leonardo Gómez and Bianca Velázquez (in absentia), all of whom are senior Communication Disorders majors.

Medina Rangel’s research, “Metabolic Modulation of Hippo-Yorkie Signaling Drives Tumor-like Eye Overgrowth in Drosophila Melagnogaster,” focuses on a hippo signaling pathway commonly considered a conserved tumor suppressor regulating tissue growth. However, recent evidence indicates that Hippo Yorkie signaling interacts with components of insulin signaling pathways. Results from this research suggest insulin signaling positively regulates Yki-driven tissue growth.

Medina Rangel’s faculty mentor is Dr. Guiassudin Ahmed, assistant professor of Biology.

The group presentation, “Expanding Hearing Assessment, Intervention to Achieve the UN Education Agenda: Impacts and Challenges in Thailand,” evaluates the implementation of Universal Newborn Hearing Screenings (NBHS) in Thailand, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4 to ensure inclusive and equitable early-childhood education. An analysis of NBHS data from major hospitals across Thailand’s four regions revealed that screenings were possible. However, challenges remain in diagnostic follow-ups, a shortage of licensed and specialized professionals, and a lack of parental awareness.

The group research project is led under the faculty mentorship of Dr. Sumalai Maroonroge, clinical associate professor of Communication Disorders.

The CTURC is a student-organized event hosted by The University of Texas at Austin. Volunteers from the Undergraduate Research Committee and the Texas Undergraduate Research Journal work together to organize and host this annual conference. The opportunity allows undergraduate researchers from all majors and universities in Texas and surrounding states, to present and receive feedback on their original research.

The opportunity to present undergraduate research at CTURC is made possible through TAMIU’s Honors and Undergraduate Research Program, which aims to enhance students’ critical thinking and communication skills. This initiative supports the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)LEARN, or Learning Experientially: Active Real-World Navigation, which focuses on enhancing experiential learning opportunities to foster career readiness in undergraduate students. LEARN is part of the University’s accreditation process and serves as a campus-wide initiative aimed at supporting student success.

For more information on the University’s Honors Program or QEP, contact Pérez at CihtlalliG.Perez@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2714 or visit https://go.tamiu.edu/qep.