Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. Three students in the Biotechnology Program at Del Mar College are already making a name for themselves in the field after earning awards for poster presentations at local and national conferences. Biotechnology majors Maria Hernandez, Elizabeth Rocklage, and Trinity Storr are students of Dr. Daisy Zhang, Professor of Biotechnology; all three students are conducting research on bacteriophages – viruses that specifically infect and replicate only within bacterial cells – under the direction of Dr. Zhang. The work the students have completed to date is already earning awards. Rocklage and Storr were both awarded a Student Award for Excellence at the National Science Foundation’s 2024 Advanced Technological Education conference in Washington, D.C., in October while Hernandez placed first in Best Poster Presentation at the 2024 Health Sciences and Technology Research Symposium at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) on Oct. 26. At both conferences, all three DMC students competed against university students (both undergraduate and graduate students) as well as medical students. Here's some details about each student: Del Mar College Biotechnology Major Elizabeth Rocklage Elizabeth Rocklage earned a Student Award for Excellence at the ATE Conference for her work on isolating and characterizing the bacteriophage Erock, which demonstrates the growing potential of viruses to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. A graduate of Veterans Memorial High School in 2022, Rocklage’s early academic interests were rooted in biology and agricultural science. “In high school, I was fascinated by the study of living organisms, especially how they interact with each other in the natural world,” Rocklage said. This passion for biology led her to enroll at DMC in fall 2022, where she quickly decided to double major in Biotechnology and Biology. Rocklage’s research project, The Characterization and Isolation of the Bacteriophage Erock, centers on isolating a bacteriophage — a virus that infects bacteria — from a soil sample. In summer 2023, she successfully isolated the bacteriophage Erock and characterized its DNA, morphology, and behavior. By using Mycobacterium smegmatis, a bacterium closely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the causative agent of tuberculosis), Rocklage and her fellow researchers were able to explore the potential of bacteriophages as a targeted treatment for bacterial infections, especially those that are resistant to antibiotics. “The idea is that bacteriophages could serve as a last-resort option for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” Rocklage explains. “These viruses only target specific bacteria, so they hold promise as a more precise alternative to antibiotics. If we can use them effectively, it could open up new possibilities for treating drug-resistant infections, including tuberculosis.” Rocklage plans to graduate from DMC in spring 2025 and attend the University of Missouri to pursue a degree in biotechnology. Del Mar College Biotechnology Major Trinity Storr  Trinity Storr earned a Student Award for Excellence at the recent ATE Conference for her work on the potential therapeutic applications of bacteriophages. “Being recognized on a national level was such an honor,” Storr says. “It motivated me to continue my work with even more dedication and passion.” Storr began her college education as a dual-enrollment student at Gregory-Portland High School in 2019, taking nine college-level courses at DMC while still in high school. After a gap year, she officially enrolled at Del Mar College in 2022, initially pursuing a major in Biology. However, after being introduced to biotechnology by her academic advisor, Storr discovered a new path that would ignite her interest even further. “Biotechnology is the perfect combination of everything I enjoy: chemistry, microbiology, biology, and even environmental science. It’s a field where you never stop learning,” says Storr. “It blends so many areas of science and allows you to find real-world solutions to complex problems.” Storr’s research project, titled The Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriophage Pepbellie, investigates the use of bacteriophages — viruses that infect bacteria — as potential vectors, or a DNA molecule used as a vehicle to carry a specific DNA segment into a host cell as part of a cloning DNA technique, for gene therapy. Working with a bacteriophage isolated from soil, Storr studied its ability to infect Mycobacterium smegmatis, a close relative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. “We wanted to see if the bacteriophage could help treat antibiotic-resistant infections, particularly tuberculosis,” Storr explains. “This virus could potentially be used to target and destroy harmful bacteria, offering a new approach to tackling drug-resistant strains.” The practical applications of her research are significant, as bacteriophages offer a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially for treating infections that are resistant to conventional treatments.  Looking ahead, Storr plans to graduate from DMC in December and transfer to TAMU-CC to pursue her bachelor’s degree and continue her academic journey in the field of pharmacology. “I’m particularly interested in drug development and therapeutic interventions,” she says. “My goal is to contribute to advancements in pharmacology, researching new drug targets, and developing innovative treatments for diseases.” While Storr’s focus is on advancing her education and career in research, she also values the collaborative environment of DMC’s Biotechnology program. “We all love being part of the Biotechnology program,” Storr says of her peers. “It’s a place where we can work together, explore new ideas, and learn from each other. That sense of community is really motivating.” Biotechnology major Maria Hernandez  Maria Hernandez, an aspiring biotechnologist, has quickly made her mark as a dedicated and passionate student at DMC, where she is currently pursuing an associate degree in biology and an applied associate degree in biotechnology. In October, she took first place in the Best Poster Presentation category at the Health Sciences and Technology Research Symposium at TAMU-CC.  Hernandez, a graduate of Sinton High School (with a brief stint at St. John Paul II High School), graduated in June 2022 with honors, earning a spot in the National Honor Society and ranking in the top 10% of her class.  In spring 2023, Hernandez enrolled at DMC with an initial interest in marine biology. However, after discovering the fascinating world of biotechnology, she shifted her focus. “Biotechnology is intriguing to me because it’s a field that directly impacts humanity, from small-scale innovations to large-scale technological advancements,” Hernandez said. Her research project involved isolating a potential bacteriophage and conducting experiments to explore its interactions with other bacteria. By examining how this bacteriophage could impact antibiotic resistance, Hernandez was able to hypothesize its potential for medical applications, including use as a vector treatment or for targeting bacterial infections. “The most exciting aspect was seeing how the bacteriophage could reduce antibiotic resistance,  a growing issue in medical science,” Hernandez said. “The potential for this kind of research to contribute to solving real-world health challenges is what makes biotechnology so powerful.” This spring, Hernandez made her debut at a poster competition where she presented her findings. Hernandez credits the support of her professor, Dr. Daiyuan “Daisy” Zhang, for her successful presentation.  Looking to the future, Hernandez has set clear goals. She plans to graduate from DMC with both her biology and biotechnology degrees in spring 2025 and continue her studies at TAMU-CC, where she intends to earn a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratories.  Beyond her research and academic goals, Hernandez is quick to highlight the collaborative spirit among her peers. “We’re all very passionate about our work,” she says. “We enjoy working in the lab together, and I think that enthusiasm helps drive our success.”

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. Dr. Willard Rushton has seen a world of change during his years at Del Mar College. He got his start in higher education as a student at the College back when No. 34 – Dwight D. Eisenhower - was in office in the early years of the Cold War. He’s now winding down his long teaching career as the 46th U.S. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. serves out his remaining days in office. The College’s Social Sciences Department celebrated Dr. Rushton’s 90th birthday and his career with a party in C302 in the General Academic and Music Building Phase II (GAMBI) on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Faculty and staff gathered to enjoy cupcakes and light snacks while taking the opportunity to wish Dr. Rushton a “Happy Birthday,” along with well wishes as he formally concludes his extensive teaching career in higher education – a career that spans nearly six decades with much of that time spent educating Del Mar College students.  A longtime member of the DMC Sociology faculty, Dr. Rushton began teaching the subject and economics courses in 1966. He then moved upward to serve as Chair of the Sociology Department for seven years. Dr. Rushton left as a tenured full professor in 1985 after teaching thousands of students who took his Introductory Sociology, Sociology of Minority Groups and Social Problems courses. Dr. Rushton also taught Sociology of Black Americans and Rural Sociology courses at his alma mater, Texas A&M University (TAMU) in College Station, and the Research Methods in Social Work course at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He returned to DMC and taught truck driving in the Department of Transportation for seven years, retiring in 2010. That same year, he began serving as an Adjunct Sociology Instructor – a role that he has continued to fill through this fall. Over the years, technology has come to play a key role in the classroom, and Dr. Rushton says he’s had to lean on the Information Technology team to help him keep up with those changes. “I've had to learn a lot of stuff. The IT folks have been very helpful,” he says. When asked if his current class knows that they will be the last students he will teach, Dr. Rushton says, “They do. I think they are happy for me.” His final adjunct assignment is teaching a DMC Dual Enrollment sociology class Mondays and Fridays at the School of Science and Technology off Saratoga Boulevard. Asked to share a few highlights of his long career with the College, Dr. Rushton responds modestly: “The biggest highlight has been the opportunity to be associated with the great folks in the Social Science Department.” As previously noted, Dr. Rushton’s connection to the College began during his undergraduate days. After starting his collegiate education at DMC in 1954, he attended TAMU, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics. Afterward, he moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Rural Sociology from The Ohio State University (OSU); and as a doctoral student, he served as the sociologist on a research team whose goal was to identify factors related to effective farm management. Dr. Rushton earned his Ph.D. in Rural Sociology from OSU in 1970. Back in Texas, Dr. Rushton also served as a research associate for a faculty group at the College of Veterinary Medicine at TAMU that sought to identify factors related to effective clinical teaching as part of a two-year post-doctoral study in adult and extension education. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Rushton has contributed to several journal articles as well. So, what’s next for Dr. Rushton now that he is completely done with teaching and is at last ready to focus on leisurely pursuits? “I have a workshop full of woodworking tools that I plan to start using,” he says with a smile.

Article by DMC CRO  Media Relations and Dr. Paul Bissell The Del Mar College (DMC) Music Department’s Dr. Paul Bissell, Professor of Music and Director of the Sound Recording Technology Program, gathered past and present Music students, faculty and community members for a recording session on Saturday, Nov. 9, for some studio fun on the Heritage Campus. Dr. Bissell says that the first song, “Do It Again,” by Steely Dan “was to be the sound track of an ‘art project’ I have had in my mind for a while. I wanted the paintings and murals that I like to magically come to life and interact with the music. Thus, a crash course in motion graphics…and a dedication to Mike Anzaldúa.”   The late Anzaldúa, Professor Emeritus of English, was a beloved faculty member with the College’s English & Philosophy Department who passed away in December 2012 and was considered DMC’s Plato or Socrates as an educator, leader, advisor and friend. “Mike” was very involved with the College’s chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education as well as the establishment of the Mexican American Studies degree program. Of the first video, Dr. Bissell says, “The Chicano movement of the 1960 and70s influenced artists and musicians alike. Steely Dan’s ‘Do It Again’ clearly shows how two jazz guys from New York took in the sounds and happenings coming out of Los Angeles in 1970.”  He notes that the second song, “Kodachrome” by Paul Simon, is a quick and simple classic from 1973.  “Here, too, is the influence of culture so evident,” he says. “For this recording, quintessential New Yorker Paul Simon recorded in both Malaco and Muscle Shoals sound studios in Mississippi and Alabama, respectively, and it sounds like it.” Dr. Bissell notes that there’s nothing fancy about the second video … it’s “just showing the band playing Take 2.” And, if you want to learn more about Del Mar College’s Sound Recording Technology Program, visit www.delmar.edu/SRT. Enjoy! (Click on each video to expand and play in a pop-up box.)   

Article by Melinda Eddleman They make up nearly 30 percent of Del Mar College’s student enrollment, and they’re already on their way to earning college-level credits toward licensure credentialing through Continuing Education program, certificates or associate degrees within academic program or DMC credits transferable to a Texas public university before they even finish high school. In fact, the credits they earn as DMC Dual Enrollment students show up on a Del Mar transcript and also count toward their graduating from high school. On Nov. 7, Dual Enrollment students currently from 43 partnering Coastal Bend independent school districts as well as future students in the program were the subject of discussion between Del Mar College administrators and area superintendents during a Superintendents Symposium at the Oso Creek Campus. Presentations focused on strengthening DMC-ISD relationships, building more Dual Enrollment student success outcomes and improving ways to provide curriculum and training targeting in-demand workforce needs. That figure translates into more than a 12 percent increase in Dual Enrollment participation from the previous fall with current enrollment including 3,095 taking credit courses while another 2,200 are taking Continuing Education courses––such as health care, construction, welding and others––to complete stackable credits for Workforce Skills Awards that can count toward DMC credit programs, along with high school completions. The College offers the Dual Enrollment program to nearly 50 high schools among 43 partners combined, including regional public  ISDs, parochial schools, charter schools and some home schools. Dual Enrollment students can access computer labs and other facilities, library resources, tutoring and advising services, student life activities and DMC Commencement ceremonies. But, the most significant benefit is that the College offers the Dual Enrollment program at no cost to ALL high school students enrolled in partnering ISDs and institutions, alleviating the financial burden for families facing the cost of higher education after a student graduates from high school. The College began providing Dual Enrollment programming at no cost to all students attending partnering high schools in fall 2023. This move resulted from passage and signing in summer 2023 of House Bill 8, which changed the funding model for Texas community colleges that is now based on outcomes. In turn, Del Mar adapted the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board-funded Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program to expand accessibility beyond those students who originally qualified FAST to provide all regional high school students with partnering institutions tuition-free Dual Enrollment participation. (read release) The College’s Dual Enrollment program allows high school students to start earning college credits and industry-specific credentials in one of over 100 DMC certificate and degree programs among eight career pathways, including:  • Architecture, Aviation & Automotive • Business Administration & Entrepreneurship  • Communication, Fine Arts & Social Sciences • Health Sciences  • Industrial Technology • Kinesiology and Education • Public Service • Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics   During his presentation, Dr. Rivera shared how the College is positioning academic as well as career and technical education (CTE) programs with Texas Education Agency (TEA) curriculum standards and providing Dual Enrollment students with intentional advising to ensure they attain industry and college credentials of value that align with in-demand regional workforce needs identified by the state.   He also covered several DMC initiatives targeting middle school-age students, specifically eighth graders and their parents, to encourage Dual Enrollment participation once they reach high school.  “We’ll specifically target students in the lower 70 to 80 percent tier and give these middle schoolers the opportunity to explore possibilities by touring DMC’s programs to gain a better understanding about their own career interests,” he said. After Dr. Rivera’s remarks, students from Flour Bluff, London, Robstown, St. John Paul II and West Oso High Schools presented a panel discussion, providing education leaders with insight into why they’re taking Dual Enrollment courses from Del Mar College. All five panelists agreed that future high school students should learn about the program sooner and the opportunities available that give participants a head start, building a foundation toward their careers. Previously, Dr. Rivera shared data showing that among students who took DMC Dual Enrollment courses during high school, 42 percent completed a college award such as a certificate or associate degree within four years after their high school graduation. And, almost one-third of the College’s Dual Enrollment students earned a bachelor’s degree. “College degree completion rates among our Dual Enrollment students are well above those high school students who did not participate in our program,” he noted.

Article by DMC College Relations Office On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.  A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-packet-11-12-24.pdf. Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.     

Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. Del Mar College (DMC) is the only awardee in Texas that landed a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) this year. College administrators with the Workforce Development and Corporate Services Department, along with Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, announced on Oct. 30 details about the $200,000 NIST grant that was awarded earlier in October. Overall, 15 grants totaling $3 million were awarded among 11 states. Darcy Shaw, DMC Cyber Center Program Manager, says, “The NIST grant is creating partnerships to promote cybersecurity education and workforce development because cybersecurity professionals are attaining their education, but they are not getting hired. There’s a very large need for cybersecurity professionals not just throughout the country but in our area and across Texas.” The funds the College received will support NIST’s Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) initiative in South Texas. NIST seeks to build multistakeholder workforce partnerships among employers, schools and higher education institutions, and other community organizations through its Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development Program through the funding awarding as part of the RAMPS initiative. The two key objectives of the DMC Cyber Center are: ·      Increase cybersecurity planning, awareness, and compliance ·      Add skills to cybersecurity students To that end, the DMC Cyber Center RAMPS initiative will utilize paid cybersecurity interns (students from DMC and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) to provide planning and training for business owners in the Coastal Bend starting in January. Small and mid-sized businesses are typically more vulnerable to cyber threats due to fewer resources, Shaw says. Shaw notes that the Cyber Center will host clinics for small and mid-sized businesses that utilize undergraduate students from the DMC Department of Computer Science, along with undergraduate and graduate students with TAMU-CC’s Computer Science and Networking and Information Security programs with the College of Engineering and Computer Science, to provide the following services: ·      Network mapping ·      Review and guidance with system security plans and recovery plans ·      Basic cyber hygiene awareness The College’s Cyber Center will manage South Texas’ initiative, which includes partnerships with Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, the Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center, QuickStart Business Services, DMC academic programs as well as TAMU-CC. Additionally, partnership also includes the City of Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi B Corporation (Type B Board). Recently, the Corpus Christi City Council approved a $140,000 grant that also provides funding support for the Cyber Center. Ken Treviño, Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend CEO, says Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend is honored to partner with Del Mar College Cyber Center to open new doors for individuals pursuing cybersecurity careers. “By expanding access to critical training and connecting businesses with skilled professionals, we’re advancing workforce development across the Coastal Bend and supporting the security needs of industries vital to our region,” Treviño says. The DMC Cyber Center RAMPS initiative will allow the Cyber Center to serve Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Refugio, and San Patricio counties. Employees looking to expand their skills set will also have the opportunity to pursue “Grow Your Own” cybersecurity education and certification opportunities through the College’s Cisco Certification occupational track paid for by Skills for Small Business grant funds provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.  “We’re uniquely positioned because of Del Mar College’s existing collaborative relationships with the business community (small and large), business resource partners, the City of Corpus Christi, Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend and University partners to foster and support cybersecurity students seeking entry into the workforce,” Shaw says. “Leveraging the Cyber Center’s role in assisting small and mid-sized businesses with cybersecurity planning, awareness and certification addresses the needs of students for applied experience and the needs of businesses for cybersecurity professionals.” NICE, previously known as the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education and overseen by NIST, funds Cyberseek, which is a tool designed for use by employers, educators and students to, provide data on the jobs outlook for the cybersecurity industry. According to Cyberseek analyzed data, only 83 cybersecurity workers were available for every 100 cybersecurity jobs demanded by U.S. employers between September 2023 and August 2024, and there were 457,433 openings that requested cybersecurity-related skills this year (2024). In Texas, the supply/demand ratio of available cybersecurity jobs relative to employer demand in a particular location is 85%, or 2% more than the national average (83%). The Lone Star State has nearly 37,000 job openings this year according to Cyberseek.   “The need for a skilled cybersecurity workforce continues to grow,” says Shaw. “That’s our mission by offering the new Cyber Center here at Del Mar College: Addressing area employers’ needs while giving students pursuing the field the opportunity to find local employment as cybersecurity professionals.”   Editor's Note: In the banner photo, Dr. David Ma (from left), Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi; Ken Treviño, Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend CEO; Dan Korus, Dean of Workforce Development and Corporate Services at Del Mar College (DMC), DMC Computer Science major Noah Cantu; and Darcy Shaw, Cyber Center Program Manager with the DMC Small Business Development Center, attended the Cyber Center announcement at the DMC Center for Economic Development on Oct. 30.