Bellevue University Research Participant Recognized at DELFIN Conference
Ivana Castellanos Morales earned the Best Poster Presentation award at the fourth annual DELFIN U.S. Chapter Conference held July 23, 2026, at Wichita State University. Castellanos Morales, a student at Universidad Anáhuac Veracruz and one of seven summer student researchers at Bellevue University, presented findings on bacteria that can help break down hydrocarbons in contaminated environments.
Key Facts
- Ivana Castellanos Morales won the Best Poster Presentation award at the 2026 DELFIN U.S. Chapter Conference.
- The conference took place July 23, 2026, at Wichita State University.
- Students from Bellevue University, Wichita State University and the University of Texas at El Paso participated in the event.
- The conference marked the fourth annual U.S. Chapter gathering of the DELFIN program.
- Her project focused on analyzing genomes of newly identified bacterial species found in extreme environments.
- The research examined bacteria capable of breaking down hydrocarbons and their potential role in environmental remediation.
Research Recognized at National Conference
Ivana Castellanos Morales received the Best Poster Presentation award during the fourth annual DELFIN U.S. Chapter Conference on July 23 at Wichita State University. Undergraduate students from Latin American countries presented summer research projects developed during a seven-week research experience.
Castellanos Morales, a student at Universidad Anáhuac Veracruz, was one of seven students who participated in the program through Bellevue University. Students representing Bellevue University, Wichita State University and the University of Texas at El Paso shared research findings during the conference.
Research Focuses on Environmental Applications
Working under the mentorship of Dr. John Kyndt, professor of microbiology, nutrition and sustainability at Bellevue University, Castellanos Morales analyzed genomes of newly identified bacterial species found in extreme environments. Her research focused on bacteria capable of surviving in hydrocarbon-contaminated environments. Microbial samples were collected from beaches in Veracruz and Tabasco, Mexico, following oil spills earlier in 2026 that affected fishing, tourism and local ecosystems.
The research is part of an ongoing collaboration between Kyndt and Dr. María Magdalena Uribe Flores, Castellanos Morales' research advisor at Universidad Anáhuac Veracruz in Xalapa, Mexico.
The project examined how these microorganisms break down hydrocarbons, including contaminants associated with oil spills. Researchers hope the findings will advance understanding of how bacteria function in polluted environments and support future environmental remediation efforts in areas affected by contamination.
What makes Ivana's accomplishment especially meaningful is the level of scientific inquiry she brought to a complex environmental issue in just seven weeks of research. Her project combined genomic analysis with real-world applications, demonstrating how undergraduate students can make meaningful contributions to ongoing scientific discovery.
About the DELFIN Program
The Inter-Institutional Program for Strengthening of Research and Graduate Studies in the Pacific, widely known as Programa DELFIN, began in Mexico to encourage student interest in research, strengthen collaboration among universities and motivate young people to contribute through academic preparation.
Participants join research projects led by faculty members at partner institutions and may complete their placements in person or virtually. Opportunities span a range of disciplines and extend beyond laboratory-based research and the traditional sciences.
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 70,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 85 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).