JANUARY 12, 2022 — UTSA environmental science major Alex Roush originally set her sights on becoming a Roadrunner because of the university’s environmental science program in the College of Sciences, but is now broadening this to include astrophysics. She envisions a path of researching solar system planetary atmospheres to gain a greater understanding of terrestrial climate change.
Roush will apply what she’s learned in the classroom at UTSA to speak at IR2022, an international astronomy conference being held virtually in February and hosted by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Her presentation will highlight the carbon emissions saved by holding the program remotely rather than in-person.
Roush’s presentation involves carbon dioxide calculations and how engaging in online services, as opposed to traveling and meeting in person, can reduce CO2 emissions. She’ll also compare the reduction in emissions to tangible results, such as the amount of oil barrels saved, or how many trees would be needed to offset the emission if IR2022 were held in person.
Roush hopes to change how her audience thinks by taking the qualitative idea of how it’s better not to travel and presenting a more engaging and quantitative estimate of its true impact on the environment.
Roush is increasing the initial scope of her presentation and tailoring it to a more international approach. She’s taking the list of places from around the world where participants would be coming from, and estimating the total CO2 footprint they would have made had they traveled in person. She’s comparing those figures against the estimated footprint of extra computer power and Zoom servers to show a substantial amount of savings.
At UTSA, Roush has had several opportunities to grow and learn from her faculty mentors. Those experiences helped prepare her for IR2022. She recalls Chris Packham, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, encouraging her to reach her full potential. Last summer, Packham, along with Lindsay Fuller, assistant professor of research in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Carmen Fies, associate professor of STEM education at UTSA, served as faculty mentors to Roush when she helped teach the climate change portion of the San Antonio Teacher Training Astronomy Academy.
“Alex worked with us on ensuring the materials were clear and helped to get the points across about climate change and atmospheres,” Packham said. “We worked closely as a group, and she did an exemplary job.”
Roush has begun mentoring the next generation of students as well. Last October, she began teaching at Girlstart, an afterschool STEM program hosted by Windcrest Elementary. She also recently participated in the NASA L’SPACE Mission Concept Academy, a semester-long workforce training program. Currently, she enjoys helping others feel connected on campus and works as a science mentor at the UTSA College of Sciences’ Student Success Center.
Roush discovered that her student experience is most rewarding when she engages in her interests.
“UTSA has such a great environment for students. There are organizations for so many different interests, and many of them are warm and welcoming to new students,” Roush said. “There are also so many resources and opportunities for students to improve themselves.”
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Come experience a Hispanic Market with us!
Rowdy StatueWe will be reading For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez. We will meet on Zoom to discuss the book. The book is free for students who request it, please email multicultural@utsa.edu to request the book and/or to join the Book Club and receive messages and information about this and future readings and discussions.
Virtual EventCome and practice your Spanish in a friendly and engaging environment! You will also learn about Hispanic cultures with us as we play games, watch videos, sing, and participate in many other language and cultural activities! All levels are welcome! ¡Nos vemos!
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusIn partnership with UTSA Libraries and the Consulado General de México en San Antonio, Carriqui will host Ven a Tomar, where guests will sample mezcal, cocktails and unique bites to celebrate UTSA's Mexican Cookbook Collection.
Carriqui, 239 E Grayson St San Antonio, TX 78215The UTSA Orchestra will be performing Rapsodia Mexicana, a captivating concert celebrating Mexican music and the confluence of cultures in South Texas. Joined by organist Colin Campbell (Texas A&M International University) and UTSA's Mariachi Los Paisanos, watch as the orchestra brings to life the essence of Hispanic culture through their powerful performances.
UTSA Recital Hall, Main CampusA fun night for UTSA students to relax and play loteria. Student Success Centers will also have recourses for students to learn more about programs and services.
Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28,) Main CampusCome play a game of Loteria sponsored by the UTSA College of Education and Human Development (COEHD), UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA) and UTSA Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education.
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to ending generations of discrimination and inequity. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.