Digital Commons Network^™

Towards A Robust Hydrologic Data Assimilation System For Hurricane-Induced River Flow Forecasting, Peyman Abbaszadeh, Fatemah Gholizadeh, Keyhan Gavahi, Hamid Moradkhani

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Hybrid Ensemble and Variational Data Assimilation framework for Environmental Systems (HEAVEN) is a method developed to enhance hydrologic model predictions while accounting for different sources of uncertainties involved in various layers of model simulations. While the effectiveness of this data assimilation in forecasting streamflow has been proven in previous studies, its potential to improve flood forecasting during extreme events remains unexplored. This study aims to demonstrate this potential by employing HEAVEN to assimilate streamflow data from United States Geological Survey (USGS) stations into a conceptual hydrologic model to enhance its capability to forecast hurricane-induced floods across multiple locations within …

Llm Music Creation And Recommendation Applications, Curtis Robinson, Allan Yang, Thomas Liu

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

This thesis explores the application of large language models (LLMs) in music analysis, creation, and interaction, focusing on their potential to reshape traditional workflows in the music domain. The study begins by contextualizing the role of artificial intelligence in music technology, particularly emphasizing the emergence of LLMs like GPT and their unique capabilities in multimodal and musical contexts. A comprehensive survey of current research and toolsets highlights both creative and analytical implementations, ranging from text-based music generation to music information retrieval. The core contribution is an experimental framework that integrates LLMs with music processing libraries, enabling novel interactions such as …

The Grd Companion, Julius Gamboa, Muti Shuman, Tro Hovasapian

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

This project introduces the design and development of the GRD Companion. This gesture-controlled reminder device aims to support individuals with special needs in their daily routines, in the hope of them being more independent. The system we designed integrates a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, PAJ7620U2 gesture sensor, and audio playback components, all housed in a custom 3D-printed case. Some of our key design priorities included accessibility by relying only on gesture recognition to control the device, eliminating screens and buttons, as well as portability, enabling all users to carry the device anywhere. The device is paired with our WaveLink …

Documentation-Aware Code Generation Via Retrieval Augmented Generation, Daniel Amirtharaj, Rahmin Norwood

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Modern large language models (LLMs) increase the speed of software development but frequently hallucinate code, forcing developers to debug and rewrite generated code manually. This project introduces Documentation-Aware Code Generation, a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework that injects authoritative documentation into the LLM prompt to reduce hallucinations in generated code. We build an ingestion pipeline that scrapes, cleans, chunks, and embeds official API documentation into a Pinecone vector database, then design a retrieval and re-ranking pipeline that retrieves the most relevant snippets for each user query. Results show that augmenting prompts with documentation lowers code hallucination by up to 60%. The …

Lock And Roll, Varun Mangla, Zachary Common, Gaby Gamarro-Gomez

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

As electronic bikes continue to increase in popularity, cycling has become a means of daily travel for more and more people. However, as the price and quantity of these consumer bicycles increase in public areas, so does the probability of their theft. Newer bikes, especially those with onboard electronics, are a priority target for thieves.

Lock and Roll, therefore, is an advanced smart bike wheel lock that aims to address the growing demands for increased bike security. By providing a variety of security features, such as GPS positioning, a gyroscopic alarm system, and remote monitoring, Lock and Roll represents a …

Emg Vocal Translations, Lucas Amlicke, Raphael Kusuma, Cole Heider, Kayleigh Vu, Monica Sommer

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

In this paper, we propose a novel augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) framework for silent speech. Many individuals with speech impairments are unable to vocalize effectively due to various conditions that affect the vocal cords. To engage in social activities, many rely on AAC devices that often lack flexibility and expressiveness. Users may still find self-expression and spontaneity difficult with such devices. This project presents a novel approach to developing a silent speech interface (SSI), providing a more adaptable and user-centered solution to give the vocally impaired a voice. Using surface electromyography (sEMG) alongside machine learning techniques, we aim to …

Santa Clara Radio Astronomy Project Iv: Data Acquisition, Nicholas Alva, Peter Lattimer

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

Santa Clara Radio Astronomy Project (SCRAP) is a multi-year project that aims to make radio astronomy accessible to the Santa Clara University community. Previous iterations have focused on constructing and improving a parabolic radio telescope located on the balcony of the fourth floor at The Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation at Santa Clara University. Until this year, the radio telescope has been stationary. As a consequence, the telescope is only capable of observing celestial objects directly above it, severely limiting the data capture area. This thesis describes the contributions of SCRAP IV Data Acquisition to the project: enabling 2D …

Enhancing Gpr Reliability For Concrete Infrastructure: Integrating Signal Processing And Deep Learning For Defect And Corrosion Assessment, Priyam Chowdhury

Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses the critical issue of deteriorating civil infrastructure by utilizing GPR integrated with advanced signal processing and machine learning. Employing the Conquest 100 system, four concrete slab configurations were tested: multi-layer rebar with defects, single- and double-layer rebar setups, varied rebar spacing, and pre-corroded rebars (0–30% mass loss). GPR B-scans collected over 3–60 days demonstrated that detection accuracy varied significantly with curing time, structural complexity, and moisture levels. A custom-developed Python script surpassed EKKO_Project software in rebar localization, achieving lower position errors (0.4–0.7 inches compared to 0.5–1.25 inches). Notably, the amplitude of GPR signals unexpectedly increased with corrosion …

Netgen: Network Traffic Generator, Arya Pefourque, Cole Fettkether, Johnathon Maschler

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

This project will investigate the development of a transformer-based machine learning model (NetGen), with the purpose of generating realistic and usable synthetic network traffic from natural language inputs. Network research and testing in the cybersecurity field depend on publicly available packet data (PCAP). Many of these datasets are either outdated or fail to represent more modern traffic patterns. We attempt to address this issue by preprocessing available network data into structured and tokenized sequences, suitable for training a transformer model. The transformer architecture allows us to translate user-provided descriptions—“simulate a TCP handshake from IP A to IP B”—into structurally accurate …

Medpez Dispenser, Hannah Hoeptner, Brian Lee, Liam Reese

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

MedPez is a compact, portable device designed to improve medication adherence for individuals who struggle with remembering to take their pills. The device features a modular design, including a universal housing that is paired to a compatible cartridge. The housing is the top half of the device where users insert and store their medication. The main hardware components, such as the microcontroller are housed here. The cartridge is the bottom half of the device that contains the internal mechanisms to dispense the user’s pills and stores the main pilltracking components. A built-in alert system notifies users when it’s time to …

A Versatile Platform For Designing And Fabricating Multi-Material Perfusable 3d Microvasculatures, Nathaniel Harris, Charles Miller, Min Zou

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Perfusable microvasculature is critical for advancing in vitro tissue models, particularly for neural applications where limited diffusion impairs organoid growth and fails to replicate neurovascular function. This study presents a versatile fabrication platform that integrates mesh-driven design, two-photon lithography (TPL), and modular interfacing to create multi-material, perfusable 3D microvasculatures. Various 2D and 3D capillary paths were test-printed using both polygonal and lattice support strategies. A double-layered capillary scaffold based on the Hilbert curve was used for comparative materials testing. Methods for printing rigid (OrmoComp), moderately stiff hydrogel (polyethylene glycol diacrylate, PEGDA 700), and soft elastomeric (photocurable polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) materials were …

Ergonomic Human Robot Handovers Using Surface Electromyography (Semg) Sensors, Maya Murphy, Michael Mishkanian

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

For decades, robots have been kept in cages in industry. With the advances of collaborative robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI), there is a shift towards humans and robots working together. In this research, we propose an ergonomically friendly collaborative robotic cell that enables a human and a collaborative robot to work synergistically to assemble a mobile robot. The collaborative robot provides the parts while explaining the process through a computer, and the human co-worker follows the instructions to complete the assembly. The proposed collaborative robotic cell is evaluated in a user study to ensure that the handovers of the parts …

Passive Radar In Metropolitan Environments (Prime), Hannah Bajakian, Carson Crisafulli, Dylan Olson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

Radio Detection and Ranging (radar) is a core application of RF engineering, traditionally implemented through active systems that transmit high-power signals and process their reflections to estimate target range and velocity. However, active radar systems require significant power, cost, and regulatory overhead. This thesis explores the design and implementation of a passive radar system as a low-power, cost-effective alternative for real-time aircraft tracking.

The system capitalizes on existing ultra-high frequency (UHF) television broadcast signals as illuminators of opportunity. These signals, along with their reflected signals from airborne targets, are received using Yagi-Uda directional antennas and captured using a USRP B210 …

Synergizing Stem And Ela: Exploring How Small-Group Interactions Shape Design Decisions In An Engineering Design-Based Unit, Deana Lucas, Emily Haluschak, Christine H. Mcdonnell, Selcen Guzey, Greg J. Strimel, Morgan Hynes, Tamara J. Moore

School of Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

While small group learning through engineering design activities has been shown to enhance student achievement, motivation, and problem-solving skills, much of the existing research in this area focuses on undergraduate engineering education. Therefore, this study examines how small-group interactions influence design decisions within a sixth-grade engineering design-based English Language Arts unit for multilingual learners. Multilingual Learners make up 21% of the U.S. school-aged population and benefit from early STEM opportunities that shape future educational and career trajectories. Grounded in constructivist learning theories, the research explores collaborative learning in the engineering design process, using a comparative case study design. Specifically, this …

Microfluidic Intracranial Pressure Monitoring Sensor, Andrea Pader, Anthony Sukendro, Tripti Pandey

Bioengineering Senior Theses

This thesis presents the design of a novel microfluidic sensor for continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP), intended as a less invasive alternative to current monitoring techniques. The sensor targets patients with critical and chronic neurological conditions, aiming to provide real-time data on ICP fluctuations. The microfluidic intracranial pressure sensor is designed for implantation beneath the skull, on the dura mater, and integrates a PDMS-based microfluidic strain sensor with wireless data transmission. Initial testing focuses on optimizing sensor design and integration with a microcontroller. Preliminary benchtop testing demonstrates the sensor's capability to detect ICP with a minimum sensitivity of 5 …

Litter-Acy, Justin Chung, Aster Li, Andrew Nguyen

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

This project for Santa Clara University School of Engineering’s annual Senior Design, Litter-acy, addresses the critical societal issue of improper waste management and the lack of public knowledge regarding proper sorting techniques. These contribute significantly to environmental pollution and deterioration. Through recognizing how traditional educational methods often fail to engage younger audiences and combat the ”adolescent dip” in sustainability interest, Litter-acy proposes an innovative solution: an iOS mobile application that gamifies waste management education.

The app features multiple interactive mini-games focused on sustainable waste sorting, including Connections, Catcher, and Trivia, designed to make learning engaging and accessible. It incorporates key …

Autonomous Vehicle Software Update With Blockchain: A Simulation Platform, Hudson Strauss

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

The rapid growth of connected and autonomous vehicles demands robust and scalable security solutions. This project introduces AVSWU-Pack, a modular simulation framework designed to evaluate and simulate blockchain-based communication in autonomous vehicular networks adapted directly from Dr. Gabriel Solomon’s work(2). Built on top of Veins, SUMO, INET, and OMNeT++, the platform enables vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communication with secure data exchange via gRPC-based integration with a Polkadot blockchain node. The simulation framework utilizes a Veins-like project built with Polkadot-Substrate to simulate a VANET that communicates vehicle information to the blockchain. Deployable in a basic VirtualBox environment, the system enables controlled experimentation, …

Beyond Campus, Sophia Miranda, Jenna Chinn, Dev Gupta

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

College is often regarded as a formative period for building lasting friendships, but many students - particularly new, transfer, or socially reserved individuals - struggle to form connections. Beyond Campus is a social networking platform designed specifically for college students to foster meaningful friendships through interest-based matchmaking. The platform leverages a custom algorithm to suggest compatible peers, supports the formation and discovery of community groups, and o↵ers secure, user-friendly messaging. Unlike existing social apps like Bumble BFF, ZeeMee, and GroupMe, which lack a dedicated focus on the college experience, Beyond Campus targets university communities directly. By providing a modern, inclusive, …

Continuous Monitoring Of Dynamic Levels Of Sepsis-Associated Biomarkers In Blood For Early Diagnosis, Aidan Burke, Jake Chansky, Anders Kouhia, Brian Mostofi

Bioengineering Senior Theses

Sepsis is a general diagnosis related to a dysregulated immune response to a source of infection that, if left untreated, will most likely result in organ failure and eventual death. Sepsis affects 49 million people annually, and is responsible for 11 million annual deaths, according to Jarczak 1. A recent study has shown that over 80% of sepsis deaths may be preventable with earlier diagnosis and treatment, and that the risk of mortality increases by 8% for every hour that sepsis goes untreated 5. Thus, our team identified that the timeliness of sepsis diagnosis is a paramount healthcare need.

We …

Secure Your Hardware With Randomization And Redundancy, Dennis Cao, Joseph Khamisy, Sumeet Upadhya

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Differential Fault Analysis (DFA) is a potent hardware attack that threatens cryptographic security by injecting faults into a cipher implementation to reveal secret keys. This project aims to mitigate DFA attacks on the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) by implementing targeted countermeasures in an embedded AES-128 encryption core. Two key techniques are explored: Randomization and Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR). The randomization approach introduces unpredictability into the encryption process, which involves inserting dummy rounds, artificial noise, and random delays, to disrupt an attacker’s timing and analysis, while TMR provides redundancy by replicating critical rounds of computation and using majority voting to correct …

Investigation Of Stability And Control Shortcomings Of The North American X-15, William Lorenzo, Ramana Grandhi, Timothy T. Takahashi

Faculty Publications

There is growing interest in the design of maneuvering high-speed aircraft to fly within or at the edge of the atmosphere. We identify and develop novel quasi-static vehicle screening methodologies, suitable for use during preliminary design, to better predict an incipient loss of control due to the dynamic effects of feedback. We validate these metrics by reverse-engineering Neil Armstrong’s 1962 loss of control and inadvertent atmospheric skip while piloting the X-15. In 1962, then-extant flight dynamics screening methods did not forecast likely troubles. We assemble and refine a collection of predictive metrics which operate upon basic quasi-static aerodynamic data and …

Control Strategies In Wind Energy Systems: A Comprehensive Overview, Abeer Awad, Mohamed Al Hasheem

Future Engineering Journal

This paper reviews different control methods used in wind energy systems to improve how they work and connect to the power grid. It covers simple control methods like Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers, as well as more advanced ones like Sliding Mode Control and intelligent controls such as fuzzy logic and neural networks. The strengths and weaknesses of each method are discussed, focusing on how well they handle changes in wind and load, keep power quality high, and stay stable. Challenges like system complexity and unpredictable wind are also explained. The paper ends by suggesting that future work should focus on combining …

A Hybrid Ai-Based Framework For Real-Time Epileptic Seizure Detection In Intracranial Eeg Signals Using Brain-Computer Interfaces, Ahmed, M. Salaheldin Dr., Manal Abdel Wahed Prof., Neven Saleh

Future Engineering Journal

Epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. This study proposes a novel method for the detection and mitigation of epileptic seizures through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and a brain-computer interface (BCI) system. Statistical features were extracted from intracranial electroencephalography (IEEG) signals using a multi-resolution decomposition technique and used to train five classification algorithms: support vector machines (SVM), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), Naïve Bayes (NB), artificial neural networks (ANN), and long short-term memory (LSTM). The model demonstrated strong performance, achieving classification accuracies of 98.28% (SVM), 93.88% (KNN), 95.73% (NB), 95.73% (ANN), and …

Leetquest, Sanvir Bal, Vladimir Ceban, Matty Herzig, Daryl Ho

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

The technical interview process for software engineering position has drastically changed in recent times to focus on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA). Although, data structures and algorithms are a foundational aspect of several programming languages, the questions asked in the technical interview process do not accurately reflect, in terms of style and difficulty, the experience students and professionals have with DSA from school and work respectively. As a result, many have looked to online resources in order sharpen their DSA problem solving skills. However, the existing solutions are riddled with flaws. In particular, the learning resources they provide are locked …

Real-Time 3d Automated Spotlight Tracking System, Francine Garcia, Mary Hemker

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Commercially available automated spotlight systems tend to be expensive and unattainable for smaller school or community theaters. This project provides a cheap alternative to automated spotlight systems on the market and is compatible with most stage lighting architecture by using the Digital Multiplex (DMX) Protocol.

Circuit boards with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) radio frequency track an actor’s coordinates in a 3D space defined by four UWB anchors. A Raspberry Pi single-board computer acts as a controller and converts the coordinates into pan and tilt angles and maps these calculations to values that the spotlight can read in order to move. These values …

Ascertion: Middleware For Content Moderation, Mia Lassiter, Vani Aggarwal

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

The Internet is dominated by a handful of social media platforms that disproportionately control content curation and moderation. As a result, it is increasingly difficult for users to discern verified and credible information from misinformation and disinformation. Middleware is a specialized software with mechanisms to decentralize platform power and reinstate users with autonomy over their online experiences. We propose middleware that gives users the autonomy to create and consume authentic and trusted content. We achieved a proof of concept for a middleware with mechanisms for verifiable content posting and authentication. Our solution is implemented as a Chrome plug-in that provides …

Portuguese For Mozambican Mothers – A Language Empowerment App, Josh Kindarara, Alexandre Lopes, Gwendolyn Patwardhan, Riana Santos, Sara Wheeler

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

In Mecúfi, Mozambique, the mothers of children who attend school through the DIFF EDUCATION program have a strong desire to learn Portuguese, the country’s national language, due to colonization. However, they have minimal formal education and little to no experience with technology. They are unable to read or write in any language, including their native language, Makhuwa, making many current educational resources unusable. This leaves these mothers without accessible, culturally relevant tools to help address their linguistic needs.

This project focuses on developing an educational application designed for non-literate mothers in rural Mozambique. The app emphasizes visual and auditory learning …

Development Of Aldot's Worker Safety Assessment, Risk Identification, And Control Program, Lana Marji

All ETDs from UAB

This research examines the safety challenges faced by Transportation Maintenance Technicians (TMTs) at the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). By ana-lyzing extensive injury data from 2009 to 2024, along with insights from surveys and interactions with ALDOT personnel, this effort highlights significant trends and relation-ships among injury characteristics such as nature, cause, source, and affected body parts. The findings reveal considerable costs and productivity losses associated with common injury types that warrant the need for targeted interventions. By reviewing successful safety programs across various state Departments of Transportation (DOTs), the study identifies opportunities to enhance safety within ALDOT. This effort …

Visualizing Sustainability Data With Ai, Matthew Van Dyke, Emily Chen, Hayden Le, Dorothy Xu

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

EcoVisor is a prototype system for extracting, structuring, and visualizing sustainability related metrics from natural language articles. The project integrates a FastAPI backend with a Next.js frontend to transform raw text or article URLs into structured sustainability data, detect trends over time, and generate visual outputs for users. Key capabilities include automated scraping of web articles for sustainability semantics, sustainability related metric data extraction, post-processing of extracted values into cleaned segments and sentences using HTML parsing, grouping of metrics by category and year, generation of Chart.js visualizations, and production of concise “comic brief” summaries for accessible storytelling. EcoVisor aims to …

D.A.M.P.E.R.: Delay And Attenuation Modules For Propagation Emulation And Response, Matthew Guntz

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

The DAMPER project, which stands for Delay and Attenuation Modules for Propagation Emulation and Response, is a hands-on system designed to help test how radio signals behave in the real world. When radio waves travel over long distances or through different environments, they often get weaker (attenuated) or arrive later than expected (delayed). DAMPER lets students, researchers, and engineers simulate those conditions in a lab using simple, low-voltage electronics.