Seven Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) students proudly represented the Environmental Science & Sustainability (ESS) program and TExAS FAST Scholars Program at the IDEA Conference and Career Fair 2026, hosted by Texas State University’s NextGen grant team on Friday, October 30.
For many students, the conference marked an exciting milestone: their first opportunity to present research and experiential learning projects at an academic conference! Through poster presentations, students shared their summer experiences, highlighting opportunities that took them beyond the classroom and into the world of environmental science and sustainability. Their work reflected a variety of experiences, including international study in Germany, marine conservation through the Middlebury School of the Environment, specialized training at Rutgers University, and a prestigious Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at Binghamton University.
Student presentations included Hailey Harrison’s comparison of organic farming in the United States and Germany; Emily Hamilton’s exploration of marine conservation; Jaylem Covarrubias’s experience in animal science and sustainability; Amy Gutierrez’s research on the physiological and reproductive effects of microplastics and other chemicals on C. elegans; Coral James’s investigation of microplastics and fertility in C. elegans; and Liliana Obregon’s research on water infiltration and red harvester ants.
Beyond sharing their research, students connected with USDA professionals, networked with Texas State University students, and engaged with individuals pursuing careers in agriculture, natural resources, and environmental science. Their presentations were evaluated on research comprehension, audience engagement, and communication skills, giving students valuable opportunities to strengthen their professional and academic skills.
OLLU is especially proud to recognize the three LSAMP scholars who participated and extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Teresita Munguia for her continued support of student research opportunities. Special thanks go to Professor Adam Bynum for accompanying and supporting the students throughout the conference and Dr. Briana Salas for helping make these transformative experiences possible.
Experiences like the IDEA Conference reflect the mission of the TExAS FAST Scholars Program: connecting classroom learning with meaningful research, hands-on experiences, professional development, and pathways to careers in environmental and agricultural sciences.
We celebrate our students for their dedication, curiosity, and courage to step outside their comfort zones, share their discoveries, and represent OLLU with pride. Their accomplishments demonstrate the power of experiential learning and the bright future of environmental science and sustainability!
Clarify the student countMake the story more conciseStrengthen the opening hook