By Robin Rojas
What is our goal?
Cisco College is partnered with McMurry University on a U.S Department of Education Title V STEM Research Grant. Our undergraduate research team is named Team AI Experts. There are two teams, one of the teams is located at the Cisco Campus while the other is at the Abilene Campus. There are a total of six students, three at each campus. Team AI Experts will explore solutions to animal reproduction problems through participation in artificial insemination research during the 2019-2020 semesters. We have been researching the efficiency of thawing procedures at various temperatures utilizing frozen bovine semen to assess viability. In addition to gaining invaluable research experience, all six members of Team AI Experts will have the opportunity to test for AI Certification. This opportunity will allow us to gain hands on experience that typically is only offered at the graduate level. Being part of Team AI Experts allow us to better ourselves for our future.
What we have accomplished…
We read and break down journal articles that discuss different thawing methods of straws. We have round table discussions about the articles we find and determine how if it can help us reach our goal. Each article ranges between five to fifteen pages.
Team AI Experts (Cisco Campus) are analyzing their articles and comparing their findings. Articles are discussed every Tuesday and Thursday; A new article is brought to every class by individual team members. Team members then lead a discussion over the article of their choice.
All six of Team AI Experts standing in front of the Finch-Gray Science Center at McMurray University with their student badges. The team was able to tour the campus since they are in partnership with McMurray University.
Here is the team pictured with Dr. Wilson, a professor at McMurray University. We were able to ask him questions that we had while he showed us different classrooms inside of the Finch-Gray Science Center.
What is next…
The first month for Team AI Experts was very successful. We have made a lot of progress since our first meeting, we understand advanced terminology and can now dissect a journal article with ease. During October, we will continue to expand our knowledge in Artificial Insemination!