Dissertation Defenses

One of the degree requirements for students in Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs is the final defense of a dissertation. A defense is an oral examination that includes a public presentation of the research, and an examination/evaluation by the faculty (this portion is closed to the public).

The table below lists the defenses scheduled for the current semester. The public is invited to attend. Students enrolled in Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs might find it particularly helpful to attend so that they know what to expect during a defense. Dissertation defenses may be held in person or virtually via Zoom or Teams. If a dissertation defense is held virtually, you may contact the department for link and log-in information.

Spring 2024

Student NameTitle of DissertationCommitteeCollege/ProgramDate, Time, Location
Kelley GloverSistas Vibin’: A Critical Embodied Perspective of Educational Leadership Through the Lens of Black Women Music EducatorsDr. Melissa A. Martinez, Chair
Dr. Judy A. Alston,
Dr. Dionne L. Davis,
Dr. James W. Koschoreck,
Dr. Miguel A. Guajardo

 
College of Education - School Improvement

February 27, 2023 
11 a.m. 
Zoom


Contact department for Zoom link.

Nathan SmalleyTeaching in Flux: Mindfulness & Conditionality in Pedagogical PracticeDr. Duncan Waite, Chair
Dr. Michael O’Malley,
Dr. Rolf Straubhaar,
Dr. Robert White
 
College of Education - School Improvement

March 6, 2024
10:30 a.m.
Zoom


Contact department for Zoom link.

Tijani MohammedMulti-Scale Investigation, Characterization, and Microstructural Analysis of Alternative Cementitious Materials for Sustainable DevelopmentDr. Anthony Torres, Co-chair
Dr. Federico Aguayo, Co-chair,
Dr. Xijun Shi, Dr. Carlos Moro Martinez, Dr. Meysam Khaleghian
College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization

March 5, 2024,
2:00 p.m.
Zoom


Contact department for Zoom link.

Sandra LunaLatina Leaders Steadfast Disposition to Empower and Pave Pathways to Leadership in K-12 EducationDr. Khalid Arar, Chair
Dr. Miguel A. Guajardo,
Dr. Clarena Larrotta,
Dr. Melissa A. Martinez
 
College of Education - School Improvement

March 18, 2024
11:00 a.m.
Zoom


Contact department for Zoom link.

Mariah MoeFinding the Missing and Unidentified: The Application of Predictive Modeling, Ground Penetrating Radar, and Drone-based Infrared Imaging for the Detection of Unmarked Graves in South TexasDr. Timothy Gocha, Co- chair
Dr. Kate Spradley, Co-chair
Dr. Nicholas Herrmann,
Dr. Alberto Giordano
College of Liberal Arts - Applied Anthropology

April 1, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Zoom


Contact department for Zoom link.

Kaelyn DobsonInfluences of Captive Primate Facility Characteristics on Saimiri Microbiomes: Protocol ConsiderationsDr. Jill Pruetz, Chair
Dr. Beth Erhart,
Dr. Deborah Cunningham,
Dr. Camila Carlos-Shanley
College of Liberal Arts - Applied Anthropology

April 5, 2024
9:00 a.m.
Zoom


Contact department for Zoom link.

Elizabeth RoanExplaining the Mathematical Expressions Undergraduate STEM Majors Construct to Model Dynamic ScenariosDr. Jennifer Czocher, Chair
Dr. Alejandra Sorto,
Dr. Hamilton Hardison,
Dr. Gregory Passty,
Dr. Nicole Panorkou
College of Science and Engineering - Mathematics EducationMarch 21,
2024
1:00 p.m.
Comal Building,
Room 212
Khan Bin AsadInvestigating the Impact of Different Spatial Scales on Human Movement Patterns Extracted from Geospatial Big DataDr. Yihong Yuan, Chair
Dr. T. Edwin Chow,
Dr. Nathan Currit,
Dr. Rasim Musal
College of Liberal Arts - Geographic Information ScienceMarch 29, 2024
11:30 a.m.
Evans Liberal Arts Building,
Room 344

Previous Defenses

  • Student NameTitle of DissertationCommitteeCollege/ProgramDate, Time, Location
    Donna KubenaBeginning Teachers’ Experiences During the Entry Year: A Phenomenological StudyDr. Stephen Gordon, Co-Chair
    Dr. Rolf Straubhaar, Co-Chair
    Dr. Barry Aidman
    Dr. Kim Higdon
     
    College of Education - School Improvement

    August 24, 2023 
    1 p.m. 
    Zoom


    Contact department for Zoom link.

     

    Sojung Huh

     

    Unpacking Geography Teachers’ Pedagogical Reasoning and Action while Teaching Sustainable Development in AP Human GeographyDr. Injeong Jo, Chair
    Dr. Michael Solem
    Dr. Ronald Hagelman III 
    Dr. Yun-Wen Chan
    College of Liberal Arts - Geographic Education

    October 16, 2023
    9:00 a.m.
    Zoom


    Contact department for Zoom link.

    Alex KatrompasRecurrence and Temporal Attention Synergy for Optimal Time-Series Modeling and InterpretabilityDr. Vangelis Metsis, Chair
    Dr. Apan Qasem
    Dr. Ioannis Schizas
    Dr. Mylene Queiroz de Farias
    College of Science and Engineering - Computer ScienceOctober 10, 2023
    10:00 a.m.
    Comal Building
    Room 212
    Mei YangColorectal cancer risk factors and geographical variations of these factors in the United KingdomDr. Ben Zhan, Chair
    Dr. Yihong Yuan, 
    Dr. Sarah Blue 
    Dr. Vagheesh Narasimham, 
    College of Liberal Arts - Geographic Information ScienceOctober 20, 2023
    9:00 a.m.
    Evans Liberal Arts Building,
    Room 142
    Barrie McGeeAmplifying Faculty Voices on the Field of Developmental Education: A Critical Examination of Practitioner Discourse

    Dr. Emily Suh, Chair
    Dr. Sonya Armstrong
    Dr. Jodi Holschuh
    Dr. Theresa Catalano

    College of Education - Developmental Education

    October 19, 2023
    10:00 a.m.


    Contact department for Zoom link

    Md Abdul HalimMagnetic, Optical, and Electrochemical Characterization of Tetracyanonickelate Based Metal-Organic Frameworks

    Dr. William J Brittain, Co-Chair
    Dr. Gary W Beall, Co-Chair
    Dr. Kevin Lewis
    Dr. Christopher P. Rhodes
    Dr. Maggie Chen
    Dr. William T. Chittenden 

    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization

    October 12, 2023
    8:00 a.m.


    Contact department for Zoom link

    Adam AlejandroNakum tu Kuānitāp: Influences on Indigenous Men's Resource Seeking at Tribal Community CollegesDr. Carlton Fong, Chair
    Dr. Taylor Acee,
    Dr. Jameson D. Lopez,
    Dr. Eric Paulson
    College of Education - Developmental Education

    November 2, 2023
    1:00 p.m.


    The Education Building,
    Room 3070
    Contact department for Zoom link

    Tasnuva UditaPrioritization of Riparian Conservation Opportunities in the Upper Guadalupe River Basin (UGRB), South-Central TexasDr. Kimberly Meitzen, Chair
    Dr. Jason Julian,
    Dr. Nathan Currit,
    Dr. Jacquelyn Duke
    College of Liberal Arts - Geographic Information ScienceOctober 27, 2023
    12:30 p.m.
    Evan Liberal Arts Building, 
    Room 344
    Cassandra GonzalesRadicalizing Latina/o/x Students' Academic Help-Seeking: Exploring the Role of Community Cultural Wealth, Sense of Belonging, and Campus ClimateDr. Carlton Fong, Chair
    Dr. Taylor Acee,
    Dr. Jodi Holschuh,
    Dr. Michael Nava
    College of Education - Developmental Education

    November 3, 2023
    2:00 p.m.


    Academic Services Building North,
    Room 408
    Contact department for Zoom link

    Stephanie FinauAn Analysis of White Women Literacy Instructors at Texas Postsecondary Institutions Near the U.S. Southern BorderDr. Emily Summers, Chair
    Dr. Sonya Armstrong,
    Dr. Jodi Holschuh,
    Dr. Tamara Bertrand Jones

     
    College of Education - Developmental Education

    November 2, 2023
    10:00 a.m.


    Contact department for Zoom link

    Delorean WileyCrafting Water Stewardship: Texas Craft Breweries as Water Advocates - a Participatory Action Research Project Dr. Colleen Myles, Chair
    Dr. Samantha Krause,
    Dr. Eric Sarmiento,
    Dr. Alida Cantor
    College of Liberal Arts - Geography

    November 7, 2023
    3:00 p.m.


    Evans Liberal Arts Building,
    Room 142

    Barbara DinkinsMeasurement of Rape Myth Acceptance and Juror Decision-Making Regarding Internet-Facilitated RapeDr. Shayne Jones, Chair
    Dr. Angela Jones,
    Dr. Donna Vandiver,
    Dr. Eric Beauregard 
     
    College of Applied Arts - Criminal Justice

    October 30, 2023
    2:00 p.m.


    Contact department for Zoom link

    Danielle SmilovskySpatiotemporal Analysis of Land Deformation in West Texas and the Arizona Willcox Groundwater Basin Using Remote Sensing InSARDr. Jennifer Jensen, Chair
    Dr. Ronald Hagelman,
    Dr. Yanan Li,
    Dr. Franz Meyer
    College of Liberal Arts - Geographic Information ScienceNovember 6, 2023
    2:00 p.m.
    Evans Liberal Arts Building,
    Room 344
    Chijioke AnyanwuSpatial Association Between Maternal and Early-Life Exposure to Air Pollution and Acute Respiratory Infection Among Children in Nigeria.Dr. Ben Zhan, Chair
    Dr. Yongmei Lu,
    Dr. T. Edwin Chow,
    Dr. Harold Perkins
    College of Liberal Arts - Geographic Information ScienceDecember 4, 2023
    9:00 a.m.
    Evans Liberal Arts Building,
    Room 344
    Justin Z. GoldsteinExploring Microstructural Signatures of Physiological Stress Through Cross-Sectional Geometry and Cortical Bone HistologyDr. Timothy P. Gocha, Chair
    Dr. Nicholas P. Herrmann, Co - chair,
    Dr. Daniel J. Wescott,
    Dr. Amanda M. Agnew,
    Dr. Corey M. Maggiano
    College of Liberal Arts - Applied AnthropologyOctober 9, 2023
    11:00 a.m.
    Grady Early Building, Room 104
    Devora GleiberInvestigating Variation in Trabecular and Cortical Bone Structure due to Mobility Impairment: A Natural Experiment in Reduced LoadingDr. Daniel J. Wescott, Chair
    Dr. Deborah Cunningham,
    Dr. Nicholas Herrmann,
    Dr. Adam Sylvester
    College of Liberal Arts - Applied AnthropologyNovember 10, 2023
    9:30 a.m.
    Grady Early Building, Room 102

    Nekia Becerra

    A Narrative Inquiry Analysis Centering the Voices and Validating the Lived Experiences of Mothering Black Teen Students through High School and Post - Secondary Opportunities 

    Dr. Melissa A. Martinez, Chair
    Dr. Rolf J. Straubhaar,
    Dr. Clarena Larrotta,
    Dr. Dessynie Edwards
    College of Education - School Improvement

    October 24, 2023
    1:00 p.m.


    Contact department for Zoom link

    Sascha Betts

    Six Black Women Educators Coming Undone Together: The Power of Collective Healing and Self-Recovery Writing on Our Journeys Toward Emancipation 

    Dr. Rolf Straubhaar, Chair
    Dr. Dionne Davis,
    Dr. Miguel Guajardo,
    Dr. Melissa A. Martinez,
    Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd 

    College of Education - School Improvement

    November 1, 2023
    3:00 p.m.


    Contact department for Zoom link

    Marissa De Hoyos

    Formation and Erosion of El Mar: Utilizing Storytelling to Analyze the Women of Color Assistant Principal Idenity

    Dr. Rolf Straubhaar, Chair
    Dr. Melissa A. Martinez,
    Dr. Miguel A. Guajardo,
    Dr. Dionne L. Davis

    College of Education - School Improvement

    November 7, 2023
    3:00 p.m.


    Contact department for Zoom link

    Zachary Thomas

    Making Space for Creativity Exploring Creativity in Praxis; An Arts-Based Autoethnography 

    Dr. Rolf Straubhaar, Chair
    Dr. Melissa A. Martinez,
    Dr. James Koschoreck,
    Dr. Miguel Guajardo 

    College of Education - School Improvement

    November 6, 2023
    11:30 a.m.


    Contact department for Zoom link

    April MoutonThe Sounds of Blackness: A Genealogical Participatory Study of Identity, Community, and rooting

    Dr. Miguel A. Guajardo, Chair
    Dr. Khalid Arar,
    Dr. Dionne Davis,
    Dr. Christopher Janson

    College of Education - School Improvement

    October 18, 2023
    1:00 p.m.


    Contact department for Zoom link

    Amanda Bryant

    It’s Not Easy Being Green: The Effects of Conventional and Alternative Agricultural Practices on Stress Physiology and Immune Function in Tadpoles

    Dr Caitlin Gabor, Chair
    Dr. Laure Fuess,
    Dr. David Rodriguez, 
    Dr. Jessica Hua, 
    Dr. Blake Hossack

    College of Science and Engineering - Aquatic Resources and Integrative BiologyDecember 12, 2023
    12:00 p.m.
    Supple Norris Building,
    Room 376
  • Student NameTitle of DissertationCommitteeCollege/ProgramDate, Time, Location
    Navid HemmatiCharacterization of Polymer Modified Asphalt Binders Containing Processed OilDr. Soon Jae Lee, Chair 
    Dr. Harlan Beverly 
    Dr. Byoung Hee You 
    Dr. You Jae Kim 
    Dr. Jung Yeon
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization

    July 7, 2023 
    9 a.m. 
    Zoom


    Contact department for Zoom link.

    Dmytro KatrychukGenerating realistic eye images to evaluate photosensor oculography eye-tracking for portable headsetsDr. Oleg Komogortsev, Chair 
    Dr. Vangelis Metsis 
    Dr. Martin Burtscher 
    Dr. Dan Witzner Hansen
    College of Science and Engineering - Computer Science

    July 6, 2023 
    9:30 a.m. 
    Comal 212 & Zoom


    Contact department for Zoom link.

    Michael T. OtaParent Perspectives of Autistic Students on Factors of Denial from Special Education in Texas: A Multiple Case StudyDr. Melissa A. Martinez, Chair 
    Dr. David DeMatthews 
    Dr. Miguel Guajardo 
    Dr. Larry Price
    College of Education - School Improvement

    June 28, 2023 
    9 a.m. 
    Zoom


    Contact department for Zoom link.

    Humberto de Faria SantosData Science Professionals' Reflections on and Learning About Issues of Privacy and Autonomy: A Phenomenological StudyDr. Joellen Coryell, Chair 
    Dr. Craig Hanks 
    Dr. Floyd Quinn 
    Dr. Jeremy Bohonos
    College of Education - Adult, Professional, and Community EducationJune 26, 2023 
    10 a.m. 
    Comal Building, Room 116
    Mehmet KirmiziThe Mediating Role of Teacher Expectancy on Participation in Mathematics Whole Class DiscussionsDr. Sharon Strickland, Co-Chair 
    Dr. Hiroko Warshauer, Co-Chair 
    Dr. Cody Patterson 
    Dr. Kate Melhuish 
    Dr. Naneh Apkarian
    College of Science and Engineering - Mathematics Education

    June 21, 2023 
    3 p.m. 
    DERR 336 & Zoom


    Contact department for Zoom link.

    Tuhin DeyGrowth and Characterization of Germanium Tin Carbide Alloys: Possible Photonic Materials for Lasers and AmplifiersDr. Mark A. Wistey, Chair 
    Dr. Mark W. Holtz 
    Dr. Edwin L. Piner 
    Dr. Ravi Droopad 
    Dr. Seth R. Bank
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization

    June 21, 2023 
    9 a.m. 
    RFM 3219A & Zoom


    Contact department for Zoom link.

    Ashraf DemianA Characterization of College Algebra Assessment During the Transition to Emergency Remote TeachingDr. Alex White, Chair 
    Dr. Sharon Strickland 
    Dr. Samuel Obara 
    Dr. Taylor Acee
    College of Science and Engineering - Mathematics EducationJune 14, 2023 
    1 p.m. 
    DERR 339
    Christina G. HernandezThe Gibbous and Crescent of La Luna: Emergent Bilingual Educator Experiences in the K-20 Public School System as Student and EducatorDr. Miguel Guajardo, Chair 
    Dr. Melissa A. Martinez 
    Dr. Rolf Straubhaar 
    Dr. Liliana Patricia Saldaña
    College of Education - School Improvement

    June 9, 2023 
    10 a.m. 
    Zoom


    Contact department for Zoom link.

  • Student Name Title of Dissertation Committee College/Program Date, Time, Location
    Nitindra Chowdary Pavuluri Lempel-Ziv (LZ) Based Compression Algorithms with Adaptive and Parallel System Configurations Dr. Dan Tamir, Chair
    Dr. Apan Qasem
    Dr. Tanzima Islam
    Dr. Semih Aslan
    College of Science and Engineering - Computer Science April 14, 2023
    3:30 p.m.
    Comal 212
    Isha Desai Direct Capture and Amplification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Using Novel Molecular Buoys From Wastewater Samples Dr. Shannon Weigum, Chair
    Dr. Tania Betancourt
    Dr. Keisuke Ikehata
    Dr. Sean Kerwin
    Dr. Rodney Rohde
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization

    April 14, 2023
    2:30 p.m.
    Zoom


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Sophia Mavroudas An Exploration of Histological Variation in the Human Rib: Applications for Age Estimation Methods in Applied Anthropology Dr. Nicholas P. Herrmann, Chair
    Dr. Christian M. Crowder
    Dr. M. Kate Spradley
    Dr. Daniel J. Wescott
    College of Liberal Arts - Applied Anthropology

    April 14, 2023
    10 a.m.
    Grady Early Building, Room 102

    Amanda Gregory Viability Study of the BIPV-PCM Microfacility Under Severe Weather Conditions Dr. Tongdan Jin, Chair
    Dr. Jana Minifie
    Dr. Yoichi Miyahara
    Dr. Eduardo Perez
    Dr. Byoung Hee You
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization

    April 13, 2023
    10 a.m.
    Zoom


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Yusik Choi Patterns of Space, Time, and Theme Inscribed in Texas Official Historical Markers Dr. Alberto Giordano, Chair
    Dr. Ronald Hagelman
    Dr. Edwin Chow
    Dr. Kenneth Foote
    College of Liberal Arts - Geography

    April 11, 2023
    8 a.m.
    Zoom & ELA 344


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Ghadeer Ahmed Alabandi Optimizing Parallel Graph Analytics through Advanced Innovative Techniques Dr. Martin Burtscher, Chair
    Dr. Keshav Pingali, UT Austin
    Dr. Apan Qasem
    Dr. Jelena Tesic
    College of Science and Engineering - Computer Science April 10, 2023
    3:30 p.m.
    Comal 310
    Eulogia Martinez A Pedagogy of Hopes and Dreams: An Invitation to a Dynamic Critical Learning Process Dr. Miguel Guajardo, Chair
    Dr. Monica Valdez
    Dr. Clarena Larrotta
    Dr. Rolf Straubhaar
    College of Education - School Improvement

    April 10, 2023
    3 p.m.


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Luis Baeza Narratives Of Older Male Latino Migrant Workers From A Texas Border Town Dr. Clarena Larrotta, Chair
    Dr. Jeremy W. Bohonos
    Dr. Miguel A. Guajardo
    Dr. Melissa A Martinez
    College of Education - Adult, Professional, and Community Education

    April 10, 2023
    11:30 p.m.


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Yolanda G. Grijalva The Journey of Interrogating the Impostor: Four Maestras Narrate the Transformational Process of Authoring a Collective Story of Latina Leadership Dr. Miguel Guajardo, Chair
    Dr. Melissa A. Martinez
    Dr. Rolf Straubhaar
    Dr. Leticia Grimaldo
    College of Education - School Improvement

    April 6, 2023
    11 a.m.
    Zoom 


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Luciano Castro Using Autoenthogrpahy to Re-Frame School Turnaround: Praxis Through the Eyes of a Chicano School Leader in Texas Schools Dr. Miguel Guajardo, Chair
    Dr. Khalid Arar, Co-chair
    Dr. Benjamin Grijalva
    Dr. Melissa A Martinez
    Dr. James W. Koschoreck
    College of Education - School Improvement

    April 6, 2023
    9 a.m.
    Zoom 


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Gentry Atkinson Mitigating the Effects of Label Noise in Time-Series Sensor Data Using Deep Feature Extraction Dr. Vangelis Metsis, Chair
    Dr. Ju Gao
    Dr. Ziliang Zong
    Dr. Vassilis Athitsos
    College of Science and Engineering - Computer Science

    April 5, 2023
    5 p.m.
    Comal 212

    Venancio Saldaña The Educational Struggles of Three Emergent Bilinguals: A Critical Ethnography Dr. Miguel Guajardo, Chair
    Dr. Khalid Arar, Co-chair
    Dr. Benjamin Grijalva
    Dr. Melissa A Martinez
    Dr. James W. Koschoreck
    College of Education - School Improvement

    April 5, 2023
    1 p.m.
    Zoom 


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Lee Hinkle Deep Neural Network Representations of Physiological Time-Series Sensor data for Improved Recognition Performance Dr. Vangelis Metsis, Chair
    Dr. Hee (Anne) Ngu
    Dr. Apan Qasem
    Dr. Damian Valles Molina
    College of Science and Engineering - Computer Science April 5, 2023
    12 p.m.
    Comal 212
    Araceli "Sally" Sosa Latinas Negotiating Borders in Formal Education: A Deeper Spectrum Understanding of the Mestiza Dr. Melissa Martinez, Chair
    Dr. Patricia Guerra
    Dr. Clarena Larrotta
    Dr. Sarah Jean Baker
    College of Education - School Improvement

    April 5, 2023
    10 a.m.
    Zoom


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Heriberto Arambula Acosta Story of Re-Creating Home: Learning as a Tool for Healing Post Military Service

    Dr. Miguel Guajardo, Co-chair
    Dr. Khalid Arar, Co-chair
    Dr. Rachel V. Gonzalez-Martin
    Dr. Melissa A Martinez
    Dr. Rolf J Straubhaar

    College of Education - School Improvement

    April 4, 2023
    2:30 p.m.
    ASB-South Room 306 (Conference Room)

    Holly Shinn Developmental Educators’ Perspectives of Online Teaching and Learning within a Community of Inquiry Framework Dr. Jodi Holschuh, Chair
    Dr. Taylor Acee
    Dr. Sonya Armstrong
    Dr. Doug Holschuh
    College of Education - Developmental Education April 4, 2023
    2 p.m.
    ASBN 450-B and via Zoom
    Mark Cantú Nuestra Historia: A Multi-Sited Critical Ethnography Dr. Miguel Guajardo, Chair
    Dr. Khalid Arar, Co-chair
    Dr. Melissa Martinez
    Dr. James Koschoreck
    Dr. Benjamin Grijalva
    College of Education - School Improvement

    April 3, 2023
    1 p.m.
    Zoom


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Chandan Howlader Ink Formulation for Antisolvent-Free Tin-Based Perovskite Thin Film Deposition and Application in Solar Cells Dr. Maggie Yihong Chen, Chair
    Dr. Ravindranath Droopad
    Dr. Ir. Wilhelmus J. Geerts
    Dr. Semih Aslan
    Dr. Sanjoy Paul
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization

    April 3, 2023
    11 a.m.
    Ingram 2001

    Maria G. Narvaez Latinx Parent and Family Engagement Within the Bilingual Community: Building Collective Learning Partnerships Through the Use of Non-Conventional Methods Dr. Miguel Guajardo, Co-chair
    Dr. Khalid Arar, Co-chair
    Dr. Benjamin Grijalva
    Dr. Melissa A Martinez
    Dr. James Koschoreck
    College of Education - School Improvement

    April 3, 2023
    11 a.m.
    Zoom


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Molly Miranker Principles of Humanitarian Gisci: Migrant Death Along the Texas-Mexico Border, 1990–2020 Dr. Alberto Giordano, Chair
    Dr. Jennifer Devine
    Dr. Eric Sarmiento
    Dr. Kate Spradley
    College of Liberal Arts - Geography

    April 3, 2023
    10 a.m.
    Zoom & ELA 344


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Cody Blakeney Reducing Training Cost and Improving Inference Speed Through Neural Network Compression Dr. Ziliang Zong, Chair
    Dr. Tanzima Islam
    Dr. Yan Yan
    Dr. Vangelis Metsis
    College of Science and Engineering - Computer Science

    March 31, 2023
    9 a.m.
    Comal 116

    Ikechukwu Okechi Carbonation and Chloride-ion-Induced Corrosion in Alternative Cementitious Material Concrete Dr. Anthony Torres, Co-Chair
    Dr. Federico Aguayo, Co-Chair
    Dr. Yoo-Jae Kim
    Dr. Meysam Khaleghian
    Dr. Xijun Shi
    Dr. Ted Moffatt
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization

    March 28, 2023
    9 a.m.
    Zoom


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Autumn Guel An Examination of Adult Undergraduate Students' Perceptions of Career Development, Lifelong/Continuous Learning, and The Development of Possible Selves After Participating In A Career-Based Capstone Experience Dr. Jovita M. Ross-Gordon , Co-Chair
    Dr. Joellen E. Coryell, Co-Chair
    Dr. Ann K. Brooks
    Dr. Robert F. Reardon
    College of Education - Adult, Professional, and Community Education

    March 27, 2023
    9:30 a.m.
    Zoom


    Please contact department for Zoom information

    Peg Richmond How Adult Entrepreneurs Perceive and Resolve Differences in their Own and Others' Assessments of Their Entrepreneurial Competence: A Study of Self-directed Learning and Coping Dr. Joellen E. Coryell, Co-Chair
    Dr. Robert F. Reardon, Co-Chair
    Dr. Jana R. Minifie
    Dr. Larry R. Price
    College of Education - Adult, Professional, and Community Education

    February 24, 2023
    9 a.m.
    Zoom


    Please contact CLAS department for Zoom information

    Tanjina Ahmed Magnetic Characterization of the Hard-Magnetic Polymer Composite 3DPrinter Filament for the Development of Magnetic Field Assisted Additive Manufacturing (MFAAM) Dr. Ir. Wilhelmus J. Geerts, Chair
    Dr. Gary W. Beall
    Dr. Jitendra S. Tate
    Dr. Maggie (Yihong) Chen
    Dr. Craig Hanks
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization January 23, 2023
    2 p.m.
    RFM 3219A
    Sindura Subanemy Kularajan STEM Undergraduates' Structural Conception of Situational Attributes Dr. Jennifer Czocher, Chair
    Dr. Jessica Bishop
    Dr. Hwa Young Lee
    Dr. Hamilton Hardison
    Dr. Gloria Stillman
    College of Science and Engineering - Mathematics Education January 20, 2023
    3:30 p.m.
    Derrick Hall, Room 333
  • Student Name Title of Dissertation Committee College/Program Date, Time, Location
    Andrea Flores The Latina Doctoral Student Experience: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Dr. Jovita M. Ross-Gordon , Co-Chair
    Dr. Clarena Larrotta, Co-Chair
    Dr. Melissa Martinez
    Dr. Robert F. Reardon
    College of Education - Adult, Professional, and Community Education December 8, 2022
    10 a.m.
    Contact Dept for Zoom link
    Travis Jack Navigating Identity and Persistence Through Mentoring: The Experiences of Black Male Teachers in Predominantly White Schools Dr. James W. Koschoreck, Chair
    Dr. Bergeron Harris
    Dr. Melissa Martinez
    Dr. April Peters-Hawkins
    College of Education - School Improvement November 9, 2022
    8 a.m.
    Contact CLAS Dept for Location
    Alexis Campbell District Superintendents' Experiences During the Covid-19 Crisis Dr. Rolf J. Straubhaar, Chair
    Dr. Barry Aidman
    Dr. Bergeron Harris
    Dr. Melissa Martinez
    College of Education - School Improvement November 8, 2022
    8 a.m.
    Contact CLAS Dept for Location
    Michael Gildner Bromination of Activated Arenes using Carbene Supported Chalcogen Catalysts Dr. Todd Hudnall, Chair
    Dr. Bill Brittain
    Dr. Sean Kerwin
    Dr. Ben Martin
    Dr. Casey Wade
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization November 7, 2022
    9 a.m.
    Online (Zoom)
    Bhagyashree Mishra Fabrication Of All Aerosol Jet Printed Flexible Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Transistor and Its Application Dr. Maggie (Yihong) Chen, Chair
    Dr. Ravindranath Droopad
    Dr. Gary Beall
    Dr. Semih Aslan
    Dr. Craig Hanks
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization November 4, 2022
    11 a.m.
    Online (Zoom)
    Haitao Gong Improving Pavement Distress Measurement with Deep Learning Dr. Feng Wang, Chair
    Dr. Jelena Tešić
    Dr. Xijun Shi
    Dr. William Stapleton
    Dr. Yaxiong Huang
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization November 4, 2022
    8:30 a.m.
    Online (Zoom)
    Lauren Chaney Civic Education Initiatives in Central Texas: A Descriptive Case Study Dr. Clarena Larrotta, Chair
    Dr. Joellen E. Coryell
    Dr. Emily M. Payne
    Dr. Rolf Straubhaar
    College of Education - Adult, Professional, and Community Education November 3, 2022
    10 a.m.
    Contact CLAS Dept for Location
    Diana Saenz Experiences of Secondary-Aged Latinx English Learner Students in Virtual Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic Dr. Rolf J. Straubhaar
    Dr. Melissa Martinez
    Dr. Chaitra McGrew
    Dr. James Koschoreck
    College of Education - School Improvement October 26, 2022
    10 a.m.
    Contact CLAS Dept for Location
    Molly McDowell Social Disorganization Theory, Gentrification, and Intimate Partner Violence in Austin, Texas Dr. Bob. E. Vasquez
    Dr. Callie M. Rennison (External)
    Dr. Kim Rossmo
    Dr. Mark C. Stafford
    College of Applied Arts - Criminal Justice October 4, 2022
    1 p.m.
    Online (Zoom)
  • Student Name Title of Dissertation Committee College/Program Date, Time, Location
    Shayne R. O'Brien The Influence of Teleconnections on the Presence of North Atlantic Icebergs South of 48 Degrees North: 1983-2020 Dr. Richard Dixon, Chair
    Dr. Yanan (Nancy) Li
    Dr. Nathan Currit
    Dr. Todd Moore
    College of Liberal Arts - Geography August 3, 2022
    3 p.m.
    Online (Zoom)
    Abbie Salcedo Addressing Racial Workplace Injustice: A Phenomenological Comparative Study Between the Perspectives of African American and White Women with Full Professorships Dr. Jeremy Bohonos, Chair
    Dr. Jasmine Austin
    Dr. Joellen Coryell
    Dr. Miguel Guajardo
    Dr. Melissa Martinez
    College of Education - Adult, Professional, and Community Education July 13, 2022
    8 a.m.
    Online (Zoom)
    Mariana Acosta Electrospun Electroactive Polymer Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis Dr. Jennifer Irvin, Chair
    Dr. Tania Betancourt
    Dr. William Chittenden
    Dr. Ryan Peterson
    Dr. Nikoleta Theodoropoulou
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization July 8, 2022
    9 a.m.
    Online (Zoom)
    Thu Ya Aung Policy Trajectories in Myanmar’s Education Reform and the Relationship Between Policymakers and Policy Actors Dr. Rolf Straubhaar, Chair
    Dr. Khalid Arar
    Dr. James Koschoreck
    Dr. Melissa Martinez
    College of Education - School Improvement July 8, 2022
    8 a.m.
    Online (Zoom)
    Ashley Mutchler The Role of Esc2 and DNA in Smc5/6-mediated Sgs1-Top3-Rmi1 Sumoylation Dr. Xiaoyu Xue, Chair
    Dr. Xiaolan Zhao
    Dr. Tania Betancourt
    Dr. Karen Lewis
    Dr. Kevin Lewis
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization July 7, 2022
    11 a.m.
    Online (Zoom)
    Esther Renée Bocanegra El Jardín For Latina Scholars: Cultivating, Nurturing, And Sustaining Pedagogical Spaces For Identity Formation And Community Building Dr. Miguel Guajardo, Chair
    Dr. Melissa Martinez
    Dr. Leticia Grimaldo
    Dr. Bergeron Harris
    College of Education - School Improvement

    July 6, 2022
    2 p.m.
    Online (Zoom)

    Elizabeth Lambert Mathematicians as Professors: Narrative Accounts of Their Teaching Experiences and Conceptions of Teaching Dr. Jessica Bishop, Chair
    Dr. Cody Patterson
    Dr. Sharon Strickland
    Dr. Luz Maldonado Rodriguez
    College of Science and Engineering - Mathematics Education

    July 5, 2022
    4 p.m.
    Online (Zoom)

    Allison Fernandez The Impact of Parental Incarceration on Adolescent Offending Dr. Shayne Jones, Chair
    Dr. Ashley Arnio
    Dr. Bob E. Vásquez
    Dr. Josh C. Cochran
    College of Applied Arts - Criminal Justice July 5, 2022
    10 a.m.
    Online (Zoom)
    Andrei Kushkin Cognitively Congruent Color Palette for Emotional Mapping Dr. Alberto Giordano, Chair
    Dr. Injeong Jo
    Dr. Eric Sarmiento
    Dr. Amy Griffin
    College of Liberal Arts - Geographic Information Science

    July 1, 2022
    7 a.m.
    Online (Zoom)

    Keshav Bhandari Motion and Activity Understanding in 360-degree Videos: An Egocentric Perspective Dr. Yan Yan , Co-Chair
    Dr. Ziliang Zong , Co-Chair
    Anne Hee Hiong Ngu
    Dr. Lawrence V Fulton
    Science and Engineering - Computer Science

    June 29, 2022
    2 p.m.
    Comal Building, Room 2012

    Chayanika Singh Examining Spatial Relationship Between Housing Environments and Physical Functioning of Older Americans Dr. Yongmei Lu, Chair
    Dr. Ben Zhan
    Dr. Eric Sarmiento
    Dr. Xi Pan
    College of Liberal Arts - Geographic Information Science

    June 20, 2022
    2 p.m.
    ELA 344

    Sabrina Perez Preservice Teachers’ Journey Towards Cultural Competence Dr. Rolf J. Straubhaar, Chair
    Dr. Miguel Guarjardo
    Dr. Minda López
    Dr. Melissa Martinez
    College of Education - School Improvement

    June 17, 2022
    2 p.m.
    Online (Zoom)

    Jesus Salvador Adame Solorio Ruthenium-Chromium Oxide Aerogels Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts: Structure, Activity, and Stability Dr. Christopher Rhodes, Chair
    Dr. Benjamin Martin
    Dr. Todd Hudnall
    Dr. Chang Ji
    Dr. Craig Hanks
    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization

    June 16, 2022
    9 a.m.
    Online (Zoom)

    Joel Denney The Legitimacy of Police and Courts Around the World Dr. Mark C. Stafford, Chair
    Dr. Bob Vasquez
    Dr. Christine Sellers
    Dr. Justice Tankebe
    College of Applied Arts - Criminal Justice

    June 8, 2022
    10 a.m.
    Hines 104

    Md Abdul Ahad Talukder Growth and Characterization of b-(InxGa1-x)2O3, NiO and their Heterostructures

    Dr. Ravi Droopad, Co-Chair
    Dr. Ariful Haque, Co-Chair
    Dr. Wilhelmus Geerts
    Dr. Maggie Chen
    Dr. Clois Powell

    College of Science and Engineering - Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization

    June 7, 2022
    12 p.m.
    Online (Zoom)