KINGSVILLE (April 15, 2025) — At every Texas Legislative Session, college students from public and private universities across the State of Texas get their chance to show off the depth and quality of undergraduate research.
This year, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) was represented by McNair Scholar and Agriculture Science major Melanie Munoz. She presented her research project entitled Elevating the Medicinal Potential of Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): Relative Quantification of Bioactive Compounds in Leaf vs. Stem to Texas legislators during the Undergraduate Research Day on Thursday, April 10 at the Texas State Capitol in Austin.
“Presenting at the Texas State Capitol was an incredibly powerful experience,” Munoz said. “As a first-generation Mexican American woman, I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to share my work in such a meaningful space. It taught me that I’m capable of achieving much more than I ever thought possible.”
Munoz’s research was done under the mentorship of Dr. Greta Schuster, professor of Integrated Pest Management and Plant Pathology for the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Texas A&M-Kingsville. Munoz explored the medicinal benefits of the cilantro plant, demonstrating significant potential as a cost-effective, natural alternative to high-priced pharmaceuticals which benefit low-income communities.
“As an Agriculture Science major with a minor in Anthropology, I created this project out of genuine curiosity about how traditional knowledge and science come together, especially when it comes to accessible, everyday herbs like cilantro,” Munoz said. “This opportunity was made possible through the McNair Scholars Program, which has been a huge part of my journey into research. It opened the door for me to explore what I’m curious about and gave me the support and mentorship I needed to turn that curiosity into something meaningful.”
-TAMUK-
