We examine Spanish proficiency levels in young children under the age of 10 in a Spanish Heritage Language Saturday school, En Nuestra Lengua. We observe the effects on proficiency level depending on the number of Spanish-speaking parents in the household and the parental motivations to pass on the language to their children. Sending children to these heritage language schools boosts their performance and builds community, but this focus on Spanish sometimes hurts these children when it comes to going to their English school, as they fall behind on their English proficiency (Yilmaz 2016). Our study explores the motivations of Latino parents (N=40) of whether to socialize their children as Spanish-speakers and part of the Latino community or not. 20 of the parents will have children in the En Nuestra Lengua program, and the other 20 will be community members of the Ann Arbor area. We use Spanish survey responses as our data collection method because of their efficiency and anonymity. We also measure the Spanish proficiency of these children to see the effects of those motivations, as well as if having one Hispanic parent versus two affect this proficiency. The questionnaires for the parents also include questions to collect information about other resources the parents use to keep the culture alive. We hypothesize that the most effective strategy for preserving culture is an emphasis on the Spanish-speaking and culturally engaged Latino community. Additionally, this study aims to identify optimal strategies for transmitting language and cultural traditions to Latino children, providing guidance for future parents with limited resources.

Yuliana Garcia

Undergraduate Student

UROP | Mechanical Engineering 

yulianag@umich.edu 

Title: ARC-LIGHT: Algorithm for Robust Characterization of Lunar Surface Imaging for Ground Hazards and Trajectoryspani 

Safe and reliable lunar landings are crucial for future exploration of the Moon. The regolith ejected by a lander’s rocket exhaust plume represents a significant obstacle in achieving this goal. It prevents spacecraft from reliably utilizing their navigation sensors to monitor their trajectory and spot emerging surface hazards as they near the surface. As part of NASA’s 2024 Human Lander Challenge (HuLC), the University of Michigan team developed an innovative concept to help mitigate this issue. We proposed to develop and implement a machine learning-based sensor fusion system, ARC-LIGHT, that integrates sensor data from the cameras, lidars, or radars that landers already carry but disable during the final landing phase. Using these data streams, ARC-LIGHT will remove erroneous signals and recover a useful detection of the surface features, to then be used by the spacecraft to correct its descent profile. It also offers a layer of redundancy for other key sensors, like inertial measurement units. The feasibility of this technology was validated through development of a prototype algorithm, which was trained on data from a purpose-built lunar testbed. Based on these findings, a development timeline and risk analysis for ARC-LIGHT to be deployed on a lunar landing was created.

The family Poeciliidae constitutes an important component of Neotropical freshwater fish fauna, especially in Middle America (Central America and insular Caribbean regions). In the West Indies, the genus Limia is the largest freshwater clade of the region and is thought to have experienced explosive speciation, with Hispaniola (Haití and Dominican Republic) as the center of said radiation, where 19 out of the known 22 species occur. Limia has been proposed as a case of adaptive radiation, nevertheless, this hypothesis has not been tested. To understand patterns and mechanisms of diversification in this group we conducted extensive fieldwork to sample all species of Limia present in the Dominican Republic, with collections spanning their known distribution throughout the country. We used a reduced-representation genomic approach (i.e., ddRAD) to sequence and compare thousands of loci from across the genome of Limia to build a species-level phylogeny for the genus. We also characterized intraspecific genetic diversity among contemporary populations. This high-resolution species-level phylogeny of Limia will serve as a comparative backbone to test hypotheses of both biogeographic and macroevolutionary processes underlying the diversification of Limia in Hispaniola. 

La familia Poeciliidae constituye un componente importante de la fauna de peces de agua dulce neotropical, especialmente en América Central y las regiones insulares del Caribe. En las Indias Occidentales, el género Limia es el clado de agua dulce más grande de la región y se cree que ha experimentado una especiación explosiva, con La Española (Haití y República Dominicana) como el centro de dicha radiación, donde se encuentran 19 de las 22 especies conocidas. Limia se ha propuesto como un caso de radiación adaptativa; sin embargo, esta hipótesis no se ha probado. Para comprender los patrones y mecanismos de diversificación en este grupo, realizamos un extenso trabajo de campo para muestrear todas las especies de Limia presentes en la República Dominicana, con colecciones que abarcan su distribución conocida en todo el país. Utilizamos un enfoque genómico de representación reducida (es decir, ddRAD) para secuenciar y comparar miles de loci de todo el genoma de Limia y construir una filogenia a nivel de especie para el género. También caracterizamos la diversidad genética intraespecífica entre las poblaciones contemporáneas. Esta filogenia a nivel de especie de alta resolución de Limia servirá como una columna vertebral comparativa para probar hipótesis tanto de procesos biogeográficos como macroevolutivos que subyacen a la diversificación de Limia en La Española. 

A wide array of organisms use conspicuous signals to warn predators of secondary defenses in order to avoid predation, a strategy known as aposematism. In poison-dart frogs aposematism has evolved quickly and dynamically, with multiple independent origins of conspicuously colored and chemically defended lineages. Although the ecological and behavioral processes guiding the evolution of aposematism in poison frogs are relatively well known, the underlying evolutionary genetic and biogeographic mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this talk I will explore the possible molecular and evolutionary genetic mechanisms behind the correlated evolution of aposematic coloration and toxicity in Phyllobates poison-dart frogs from population genetic, biogeographic and developmental perspectives, focusing on how these processes lead to convergent evolution of integrated multi-trait pheotypes. 

This panel features Latine physicists from the University of Michigan who will discuss the influence of their cultural heritage on their scientific careers and share insights into balancing their research career with their family and cultural roots. Along with sharing their personal experiences, the panelists will also describe their physics research, explore how Latine traditions shape their approach to science, and how their experiences can enrich the field of physics. 

While Latinx students are enrolling at universities at a higher rate than in the past (National Center for Education Statistics, 2021; Zell, 2010), they face many structural barriers in their pursuit of higher education, including discrimination (McGee, 2016; Yosso et al., 2009). However, there is limited research examining discrimination faced by Latinx college students (Flink, 2018). This study aims to help close this gap by investigating gender disparities in the number and types of discrimination experiences encountered by Latinx students at a predominantly white institution (PWI) in the Midwest. Utilizing a mixed method study, two-hundred forty-four Latinx (69% female) undergraduate (n = 102, Mage = 20), and graduate (n = 115, Mage = 28) students completed a survey that captured their experiences as Latinx students. The results of an independent t-test show that the number of discrimination experiences among females was not significantly higher than for males (p = .095). However, chi-squared analyses indicated that there is a significant relation between sex and microaggressions (p=.039). The findings indicate that while there is no significant difference in the overall number of discrimination experiences reported between male and female students, females reported a higher prevalence of microaggressions compared to males. These results suggest that gender disparities may exist in certain aspects of discrimination experiences among Latinx students and emphasizes the need for institutions to address the intersectionality of gender and ethnicity when creating inclusive environments. However, the lack of a significant relationship between sex and the other types of discrimination challenges expectations and warrants further exploration. 

This project delves into the often-overlooked challenges faced by system-impacted individuals within the Latinx community, shedding light on the pervasive stigmas and barriers that hinder their personal and professional growth. System-impacted individuals, having navigated through the criminal justice system, often encounter societal prejudice and internal community stigmas that hinder their reintegration and pursuit of success. The research explores the multifaceted nature of these obstacles, encompassing social, economic, and emotional dimensions. By conducting in-depth interviews and community engagement initiatives, we aim to amplify the voices of system-impacted individuals, unraveling the intricate layers of discrimination they face within their own community. The primary objective is to initiate a transformative dialogue within the Latinx community, fostering empathy and understanding. Through storytelling, workshops, and awareness campaigns, we strive to dismantle these stigmas and barriers, paving the way for a more inclusive environment. Empowerment strategies, mentorship programs, and skill-building initiatives will be implemented to catalyze positive change. Ultimately, this project seeks to create a narrative shift, turning system-impacted individuals into success stories within their community. By addressing stigmas head-on and fostering a culture of support and collaboration, we aspire to contribute to the broader societal shift towards recognizing the potential, resilience, and value that system-impacted individuals bring to our shared community. This research serves as a call to action for communities to unite in breaking down barriers and collectively building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Femicides resulting from domestic violence have risen sharply in Puerto Rico since 2018, yet statistics fail to account for undocumented immigrant survivors. While research exists on domestic violence and immigration as separate phenomena, little explores their intersection. Using the theories of Intersectionality and Social Constructivism, this mixed methods study examined student perspectives and professional experiences regarding the challenges faced by undocumented domestic violence survivors. Social science students were surveyed on their attitudes and beliefs about myths and misconceptions regarding this vulnerable population. Additionally, interviews with professionals working directly with undocumented domestic violence survivors highlighted the acute barriers and injustices they face in securing fundamental human rights protections. Results reveal deep concerns on both fronts - students lack understanding of the interconnected dynamics of domestic violence and immigration even while largely disagreeing with common myths and misconceptions. At the same time, interviews with social workers exposed the excessive hardships undocumented survivors endure when seeking safety and support. Undocumented domestic violence victims can be further victimized by inadequate government assistance, budget cuts decimating specialized organizations, and profound systemic xenophobia. Students and professionals alike perceive systematic mistreatment and barriers to reporting. These results highlight the need for greater awareness, advocacy, and policy changes to protect undocumented domestic violence victims, some of the most marginalized members of society.

This project encapsulates a comprehensive series of workshops meticulously crafted and conducted by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office within the School of Social Work. Aimed at cultivating a deeper understanding among aspiring social workers, the workshops delve into the multifaceted challenges, stigmas, and obstacles encountered by the Hispanic and Latinx community. The overarching goal is to equip future social workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to address these issues, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. The workshops are designed to unravel the intricacies of the unique struggles faced by the Hispanic and Latinx community, highlighting the pervasive stigmas that often hinder their social integration and access to vital resources. By fostering an empathetic understanding of these challenges, the initiative aims to empower future social workers to contribute to breaking down barriers and creating success stories within the community. Throughout the series, participants engage in dynamic discussions, case studies, and experiential learning activities, fostering a proactive approach to addressing systemic issues. Emphasis is placed on developing culturally sensitive and community-specific strategies to support individuals within the Hispanic and Latinx community. The ultimate aspiration is to inspire the creation of success stories by leveraging the skills and insights gained from the workshops, while simultaneously fostering a commitment to advocacy, equity, and social justice within the field of social work.

Este proyecto engloba una serie integral de talleres meticulosamente elaborados y conducidos por la oficina de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión (DEI) en la Escuela de Trabajo Social. Dirigidos a cultivar una comprensión más profunda entre los futuros trabajadores sociales, los talleres exploran los desafíos multifacéticos, estigmas y obstáculos enfrentados por la comunidad hispana y latinx. El objetivo principal es dotar a los futuros trabajadores sociales con el conocimiento y las habilidades necesarias para abordar estos problemas, fomentando un entorno más inclusivo y solidario. Los talleres están diseñados para desentrañar las complejidades de las luchas únicas enfrentadas por la comunidad hispana y latinx, destacando los estigmas pervasivos que a menudo obstaculizan su integración social y acceso a recursos vitales. Al fomentar una comprensión empática de estos desafíos, la iniciativa busca empoderar a los futuros trabajadores sociales para contribuir a derribar barreras y crear historias de éxito dentro de la comunidad. A lo largo de la serie, los participantes se involucran en discusiones dinámicas, estudios de caso y actividades de aprendizaje experiencial, fomentando un enfoque proactivo para abordar problemas sistémicos. Se hace hincapié en el desarrollo de estrategias culturalmente sensibles y específicas para apoyar a individuos dentro de la comunidad hispana y latinx. La aspiración final es inspirar la creación de historias de éxito mediante el aprovechamiento de las habilidades y percepciones adquiridas en los talleres, al mismo tiempo que se fomenta un compromiso con la defensa, la equidad y la justicia social en el campo del trabajo social.

As a first-generation Mexican American, I had no idea what research, college, or being a neuroscientist was all about. In this talk I walk you through my journey going from a New York High school kid to living out in Los Angeles on my own to attend Occidental College. I share with you my experiences of being a first generation college student and working in a psychopharmacology lab, the lessons and skills I learned. I also share with you my struggles of figuring out what to do after college and taking the first job working as a line cook in Japanese restaurants in LA and then NYC. In this talk I walk you through how I realized I wanted to continue my education as a neuroscientist, and how I was able to go from running my own kitchen to running a Clinical Study at Columbia University Medical Center. I highlight the importance of how being a bilingual Mexican American scientist allowed me to run longitudinal neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies on white English-speaking patients as well as predominately Spanish-speaking Hispanic Caribbean immigrants. I find this time of my life and academic career to be one of my happiest times, as I would sit and talk with these subjects for hours listening to their immigration stories, family histories and most importantly getting to experience their culture. As I share with you my time sitting in people’s homes in Washington Heights, it was during this time, that I discovered what I ended up studying in my PhD and now as a post-doctoral fellow. The importance of sounds. Why do some sounds become so integrated into who we are and our sense of selves that even when we have late state Alzheimer’s it can bring us back for a few brief moments. This talk is entitled YHLQMDLG (because obviously bad bunny) but because as a first-generation neuroscientist I didn’t have any preconceived ideas of what this path is supposed to look like, so I charted my own and did what I wanted using the skills I knew I had. I used my experiences as a Latino spending so much time listening to music, being in the kitchen and talking with family members to be able to conduct my neuroscience research. I always say working in a kitchen is like running a lab and that’s the exact line that got me into the Biopsychology PhD at Umich. This talk highlights being true to yourself and using every experience to get further on in life.

Understanding and advancing the carbon-energy-water nexus is key to mitigating the immense threats of climate change and solving many of the related environmental issues we face today. Due to the rapid decrease in the cost of renewable energy, it is now practical to design new engineered carbon reduction devices that use renewable electrons to drive the transformation of CO2 and other waste feedstock (wastewater, food waste, biomass) into high-value fuels and chemicals while also recovering important resources such as water, nutrients, and energy. Overall, these new sustainable technologies can help us decarbonize various sectors and redirect resource flows within a new circular carbon economy. This presentation will discuss opportunities to leverage cutting-edge integrated electrochemical-biological technologies in diverse environmental and chemical applications including water and CO2 electrolysis, sustainable waste-to-energy transformation, bioproduct and biofuel synthesis, solid waste valorization, and reactive CO2 capture and conversion. Current lab scale experiments have demonstrated excellent production rates, titer, and energy efficiencies. Efforts towards improving reactor scalability, expanding the portfolio of products, and integrating new types of waste streams are on-going.

Inertial measurement units (IMUs), self-contained devices that acquire kinematic data such as acceleration and angular rate, have been greatly enhanced due to the expansion of MEMs technology and advanced sensor fusion and estimation methodologies. With increasingly broad applications in biomechanical studies, IMUs have overtaken traditional motion capture technologies due to their affordability and portability. IMUs provide equivalent gait parameters compared to conventional optical-based systems and gait mats, as evidenced by our earlier work demonstrating the functional use of foot-attached IMUs. Utilizing the portability of IMUs, our recent research extends beyond lab parameters, evaluating the impact of medical interventions and investigating circumstances of severe incidents like falls. This presentation will delve into the foundational aspects of inertial sensor technology and data analysis, as well as explore several applications of IMUs, such as long-term monitoring, gait assessment, event reconstruction, and biofeedback.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) decreases bone quality and increases fracture risk. Female subjects with T2D have significantly higher fracture incidence and mortality associated with fracture compared to men. The purpose of this study was to develop a female mouse model to evaluate how T2D affects bone architecture and osteocyte senescence. T2D was chemically induced on C57BL/6 mice using a combination of Streptozotocin (STZ) and High-Fat Diet (HFD) while the control group was on a Low-Fat Diet (LFD) and received sham injections (VEH). 12 weeks-old mice had a diet lead-in phase for 4 weeks. Diabetes induction took 2 weeks, after the diabetic state was established (blood glucose levels higher than 250mg/dl) mice were monitored for 12 weeks. At the study endpoint the diabetic group (HFD+STZ - n=13) displayed significantly higher blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (p<0.0001) compared to the control group (LFD+VEH - n=8). Fasting plasma insulin was lower in the diabetic group compared to the control (p=0.0013). There were no differences in body weight between groups. Diabetes altered body composition by decreasing lean tissue, water content and fat tissue percentages (p= 0.0003, p=0.0425 and p=0.0220 respectively). Osteocyte senescence was evaluated by p16(INK4a) expression, the diabetic group displayed increased the expression of senescence-associated markers compared to control group (p=0.0437). Micro-Computed Tomography (mCT) was used to evaluate changes in femoral diaphysis bone volume (BV), Bone mineral Density (BMD), bone fraction (BV/TV), bone length (BL) and Tissue Mineral Density (TMD)  with T2D. Diabetes significantly decreased TV, BV, BL and TMD compared to the control group (p= 0.0002, p=0.0242, p<0.0001 and p=0.0204 respectively); while increased the bone fraction (p=0.0321). Diabetes was successfully induced in female mice, and it promoted changes in bone architecture and osteocyte gene expression.

The new generation of Latinos, both native-born and immigrant, is the fastest growing college-educated demographic in the US. The enrollment of young Latinos continues to reach record numbers, in fact, in 2023 UCLA admitted the “largest class of underrepresented students ever, Latinos leading the admission as 38% of the class.” This trend continues into institution of higher education at the graduate level. From 2000 to 2021, the number of Latinos with advanced degrees doubled from 700,000 to 2.5 million, and yet Latinos only represent 8% of all advanced degrees awarded in 2021. The disparity permeates into our academic faculty departments where “Latinos compromise only 6% of faculty members…” or “4% of full-time professors.” What does this mean for our new generation of young ambitious Latinos students entering the Class of 2027 and beyond? Where does the structure of academia support diversity, equity, and inclusion and where does it hinder? What are the resources needed to support the advancement of Latinos in academia? In this discussion, the academic and professional challenges faced by young Latinos pursing education in the United States will be analyzed through the lens of a 1St Generation Latina in STEM with the focus on connecting trends between the shift between Undergraduate to Graduate to Professorship. 

La nueva generación de latinos, nativos de EE.UU. y inmigrantes, es el grupo demográfico con educación universitaria de más rápido crecimiento en Estados Unidos. La inscripción de jóvenes latinos continúa alcanzando cifras récord; de hecho, en 2023, UCLA admitió a la “clase más grande de estudiantes subrepresentados de la historia, con latinos liderando la admisión con un 38% de la clase”. Esta tendencia continúa en las instituciones de educación superior a nivel de posgrado. De 2000 a 2021, el número de latinos con títulos avanzados se duplicó de 700.000 a 2,5 millones y, sin embargo, los latinos solo representan el 8% de todos los títulos avanzados otorgados en 2021. La disparidad se extiende a nuestros departamentos académicos donde “los latinos comprometen solo el 6% de miembros del cuerpo docente…” o “4% de los profesores” ¿Qué significa esto para nuestra nueva generación de jóvenes estudiantes latinos ambiciosos que ingresan a la promoción de 2027 y más allá? ¿Dónde apoya la estructura académica la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión y dónde la obstaculiza? ¿Cuáles son los recursos necesarios para apoyar el avance de los latinos en el mundo académico? En esta discusión, los desafíos académicos y profesionales que enfrentan los jóvenes latinos que buscan educación en los Estados Unidos se analizarán a través de la lente de una latina de primera generación en STEM, enfocándose en conectar las tendencias entre el cambio entre pregrado, posgrado y cátedra.

Order of Events 

5:30 PM: Dinner is served with DJ and photobooth 

6:00 PM: Programming Begins

6:45 PM: Raffle for presenters and attendees

7:00 PM: Music, Dancing, and Celebrating

9:00 PM: Event Concludes

Buffet Menu 

Corn Spicy Esquites

Moqueca de Camarones Coconut

Ropa Vieja

Mofongo

Papas en Salsa Verde

Vanilla Tres Leches

Mojito (Mocktail)

Click on the dates below to see the detailed event program for Latinx Research Week 2024