Digital Commons Network^™

Compliant Mechanisms For Scalable Systems And Precision Deployment, Jared Rodney Hunter

Theses and Dissertations

Compliant mechanisms offer advantages in precision applications where size, scaling, and environmental effects render traditional mechanisms inadequate or likely to fail. However, designing compliant mechanisms and integrating them into larger, more complex systems remains a challenging problem. This thesis presents work that addresses this issue with analytical models and experiments on flat springs, scalable compliant mechanisms, and origami arrays. Storing and releasing energy in tiny, flat compliant mechanisms opens the door for the design of innovative actuators and products in space-constrained situations. Scaling compliant mechanisms allows novel systems to be made that can operate across scales. By designing for scalability …

Human Gut Commensal Alistipes Timonensis Modulates The Host Lipidome And Delivers Anti-Inflammatory Outer Membrane Vesicles To Suppress Colitis In An Il10-Deficient Mouse Model, Ethan Older, Mary K. Mitchell, Andrew Campbell, Xiaoying Lian, Michael Madden, Yuzhen Wang, Lauren E. Van De Wal, Thelma Zaw, Brandon N. Vanderveen, Rodney Tatum, E. Angela Murphy, Yan-Hua Chen, Daping Fang, Melissa Ellermann, Jie Li

Faculty Publications

Correlative studies have linked human gut microbes to specific health conditions. Alistipes is one such microbial genus negatively linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the protective role of Alistipes in IBD is understudied, and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, colonization of Il10-deficient mice with Alistipes timonensis DSM 27924 delays colitis development. Colonization does not significantly alter the gut microbiome composition, but instead shifts the host plasma lipidome, increasing phosphatidic acids while decreasing triglycerides. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from Alistipes are detected in the plasma of colonized mice, carrying potentially immunomodulatory metabolites into the …

Modeling And Simulation Of Tensegrity Structures With Continuous Cables, Austin R. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a novel approach for modeling and simulating tensegrity structures with continuous cables. A Python-based simulation framework package was developed to address limitations in existing tensegrity modeling software, particularly the inability to model cables passing through multiple nodes. The framework utilizes virtual work methods to solve for equilibrium configurations of 2D, 2.5D and 3D tensegrity systems. Key features include: • A YAML-based input system for easy definition of tensegrity topologies. • Algorithms for handling continuous cables spanning multiple nodes. • Optimization techniques to find stable equilibrium states. • Capability to simulate 2.5D structures wrapped around cylindrical surfaces. • …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

Treatment And Activation Effects On Kaolinite-Based Earth Concrete, Mojtaba Kohandelnia, Maroua Zerzouri, Ammar Yahia, Kamal H. Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Self-consolidating earth concrete (SCEC) addresses the long construction process of conventional earthen constructions and their structural limitations, while further efforts are needed to enhance its sustainability. This study explores the development of a kaolinite-based self-consolidating earth paste (SCEP) due to their blended powder system, incorporating raw and treated (calcined and ground-calcined) kaolinite under various activation techniques, such as water hydration, sodium hexametaphosphate (NaHMP), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) activation. The synergistic effect of calcination and mechanosynthesis on rheological, mechanical, structural, and microstructural properties of SCEP were investigated. Mechanically treated kaolinite increased yield stress, plastic viscosity, storage modulus evolution, and build-up index, …

Low-Cost, High-Performance Electrodes For Pgm-Free Aem Water Electrolyzers: Structural Optimization Of Nimo-Based Cathodes, Mahmoud Amirsalehi, Noor Ul Hassan, Venkata Sai Sriram Mosali, Ian Street, Marjanul Manjum, Saheed Adewale Lateef, Jasmine Bohannon, Sam Mckinney, Ashutosh G. Divekar, Paul A. Kohl, Mustain E. William

Faculty Publications

Water electrolysis technologies for hydrogen production are receiving significant attention due to a drastic reduction in the cost of renewable energy sources in recent years. Though traditional alkaline and proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers are receiving the most commercial attention, the anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMEL) has the potential to be much lower in cost. AEMELs have recently shown remarkable progress in terms of performance and durability. However, they are still mostly operated with expensive platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts on both the anode and cathode. To achieve low cost, either PGM-free or ultra-low loading PGM catalysts are needed. …

Bloom Pattern Data, Zhongyuan Wang, Robert J. Lang, Larry L. Howell

ScholarsArchive Data

This data is the supplementary material of the paper "Bloom Patterns: Radially Expansive, Developable, and Flat-Foldable Origami" by Zhongyuan (Kelvin) Wang , Robert J. Lang, and Larry L. Howell.

We present bloom patterns as a family of radially expansive, flat-foldable, and developable origami patterns, many of which are rotationally symmetric. Bloom patterns are defined with a generalized definition and a standardized definition. A classification scheme for bloom patterns is identified, and several types of bloom patterns are analysed. The distinct helical nature that characterizes bloom patterns is described, and a set of compatibility conditions is derived to help determine if …

Highway-Transportation-Asset Criticality Estimation Leveraging Stakeholder Input Through An Analytical Hierarchy Process (Ahp), Kwadwo Amankwah, Sarah Hernandez, Suman Kumar Mitra

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Transportation agencies face increasing challenges in identifying and prioritizing which infrastructure assets are most critical to maintain and protect, particularly amid aging networks, limited budgets, and growing threats from climate change and extreme events. However, existing prioritization approaches often lack consistency and fail to adequately incorporate diverse stakeholder perspectives. This study develops a systematic, stakeholder-informed method for ranking transportation assets based on their criticality to the overall transportation system. As a novel approach, we use the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and present a case study of the applied approach. Six criteria were identified for ranking assets: annual average daily traffic …

Eliminating Assay Background Of A Low-Cost, Colorimetric Glutamine Biosensor By Engineering An Alternative Formulation Of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis, Joseph P. Talley, Tyler J. Free, Tyler P. Green, Dallin M. Chipman, Bradley Charles Bundy

Faculty Publications

Glutamine is an essential biomolecule that plays a pivotal role in many diseases, such as cancer, where it can serve as fuel for rapid proliferation. Treatments for these diseases can be monitored and optimized through the detection of glutamine, though standard glutamine detection procedures are costly and require complex instrumentation. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) has recently enabled a paper-based, colorimetric glutamine sensor that carries the potential to increase test accessibility while dramatically reducing consumer cost to enable at-home, rapid treatment monitoring. Test sensitivity remained limited by residual assay background, thus motivating this work where CFPS reactions traditionally formulated with glutamate …

From Vigilance To Veracity: Hallucination Detection, Mitigation, And Safety Enhancement In Large Language Models, Sharanya Dasgupta

Master’s Dissertations

Human cognition, driven by complex neurochemical processes, oscillates between imagination and reality and learns to self-correct whenever such subtle drifts lead to hallucinations or unsafe associations. In recent years, large language models (LLMs) have garnered widespread attention due to their adeptness at generating innovative responses to the given prompts across a multitude of domains, yet they exhibit a critical limitation: the propensity to produce factually incorrect and potentially harmful content while preserving syntactic coherence and logical structure. In this work, we hypothesize that these deficiencies in LLMs originate from their internal representational dynamics. Our observations indicate that, during passage generation, …

Enhancing Autonomous Truck Navigation In Underground Mines: A Review Of 3d Object Detection Systems, Challenges, And Future Trends, Ellen Essien, Samuel Frimpong

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Integrating autonomous haulage systems into underground mining has revolutionized safety and operational efficiency. However, deploying 3D detection systems for autonomous truck navigation in such an environment faces persistent challenges due to dust, occlusion, complex terrains, and low visibility. This affects their reliability and real-time processing. While existing reviews have discussed object detection techniques and sensor-based systems, providing valuable insights into their applications, only a few have addressed the unique underground challenges that affect 3D detection models. This review synthesizes the current advancements in 3D object detection models for underground autonomous truck navigation. It assesses deep learning algorithms, fusion techniques, multi-modal …

Guidelines For Energy Technology Demonstrations, Ian M. Shapiro

SyracuseCoE

This document is intended to provide guidance to companies developing new products, researchers, organizations sponsoring product development, demonstration hosts, resident organizations, and policymakers. The guidelines were prepared to maximize the chances for success of energy technology field demonstrations. Guidance is provided for effective site recruitment, project scoping and design, installation, onsite research, and related work such as public communication and risk management, all in ways that fully engage demonstration hosts.

Effect Of Thermal History On The Fracture And Fatigue Behaviors Of Semi-Crystalline Polymers Prepared Via Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing, Ava M. Lea, Khaled Matalgah, Arief Yudhanto, Trevor J. Fleck

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM) is transforming the design and production of complex structures, providing reliable on-demand components. However, the effect of thermal history on the resultant microstructure and damage tolerance of MEX-AM materials is not fully understood. This research investigates the critical role of interfacial thermal history, which is dependent on processing conditions, in determining the fracture and fatigue behaviors of semi-crystalline polymers, as exemplified by polyamide-6 (PA-6). Utilizing infrared thermography, the thermal history, and its dependence on nozzle temperature of extruded PA-6, was investigated. Quasi-static and cyclic tests of compact tension specimens were used to evaluate fracture …

Three And Two Phase Rotating Field Inductive Couplers For Wireless Power Transfer With One Phase Per Layer Windings, Donovin D. Lewis, Lucas Gastineau, Omer Onar, Dan M. Ionel

Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Research

Multiphase inductive wireless charging coils have been proposed recently to improve coupler surface power density, reduce component stress and size, and provide near-constant power delivery to charge mobile electric systems. Several aspects for the fundamental characterization of multiphase coils are explored up to six phases including approximate mutual inductance with size and turn variation, induced voltage, and output power estimation. The relative component stress and size of passive components for resonant operation are compared between the multiphase variants. A combination of an experimentally validated 3D electromagnetic finite element analysis (FEA) and power electronic co-simulations are used to validate the estimated …

Prepare Lora Physical Layer For Testing In Low Earth Orbit On A Cubesat, Sammy Brunton

Electrical Engineering

This project is a collaboration with OWL Integrations, a company that specializes in adaptable, low-cost communication systems. OWL has developed a board specifically designed for space applications called the Space Quacker Advanced Development (SQuAD), which is an adaptation of their existing board called the Quaker Advanced Development (QUAD).

This project focuses on testing the existing SQuAD board design to make sure that it is flight-ready for deployment on Cal Poly CubeSat’s satellite, SAL-E. To achieve this, the project must ensure compatibility with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) conditions by testing the integrated high-power long-range (LoRa) receiver and enhanced hardware to meet …

From Tarmac To Timetable: A Data-Driven Study Of Airline Delay Performance In Nigeria, Kelechi V. Iwuagwu

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This capstone project investigates the patterns, causes, and impacts of flight delays in the Nigerian aviation sector from January 2024 to January 2025. Utilizing a dataset containing flight details—including scheduled and actual departure/arrival times, routes, and airline information—the study employs advanced data analytics and visualization techniques to uncover critical insights. The research highlights discrepancies between scheduled and actual flight performance, identifies delay patterns across airlines and timeframes, and explores the ripple effects of delays on subsequent flights.

Furthermore, Nigerian passengers frequently express frustrations over flight delays, cancellations, and poor communication from airlines, yet no publicly available data systematically documents these …

Sla Evaluation And Composition In Reconfigurable Cloud-Based Services, Michael Iannelli

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Given the business model of offering data and computing services in a cloud setting, a major question arises: How do the services of one cloud provider compare to those of others? With the ubiquitous use of smartphones and tablets, the ability of a cloud provider to support QoS and client mobility becomes paramount. This research proposes a methodology for evaluating service-level agreements (SLAs) between cloud providers and their consumers, with a particular focus on dynamic SLA composition to adapt to changes in the application requirements and the external environment—such as traffic surges, security threats, or evolving business models.

In one …

Analysis Of The Effects Of Extractor Orientation On The Performance Of An Electrospray System, Hannah Grace Sargent

Masters Theses

In this thesis, a single-emitter porous electrospray thruster was tested at nine different extractor electrode positions. The nine positions were: center, four slightly offset in each cardinal direction, and four significantly offset in each cardinal direction. Slightly offset was defined as ~25% of the distance from the center to the edge of the extractor orifice (~125 ± 2 μm) and significantly offset was defined as ~60% of the distance from the center to the edge of the extractor orifice (~302 ± 2 μm). Three diagnostic measurements were recorded to determine the effect of the extractor electrode position on thruster operation: …

Assessment Of White Matter Changes Using Quantitative T1Ρ Mapping In An Open-Field Low-Intensity Blast Mouse Model Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (Mtbi), Dina Moazamian, Shengwen Xie, Jiyo S. Athertya, Qingbo Tang, Roland R. Lee, Eric Y. Chang, Jeffrey M. Tomlin, Catherine E. Johnson, Jiang Du, Yajun Ma

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) occurs when shock waves travel through blood vessels and cerebrospinal fluid, leading to cerebral demyelination, which results in cognitive impairments and neuropsychiatric issues that impact quality of life. This study aims to evaluate myelin changes in white matter in mice with mTBI induced by an open-field low-intensity blast (LIB) using a newly implemented 3D adiabatic T1ρ prepared fast spin echo (Adiab-T1ρ-FSE) sequence for quantitative T1ρ MRI mapping. Thirty male C57BL/6 mice, including 15 mTBI and 15 sham controls, were scanned on a 3T Bruker MRI scanner. Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining was performed to …

Thermomechanical And Thermal Characterization Of Pressureless Sintered Tib2, Simone Taraborelli, Simone Failla, Diletta Sciti, Steven M. Smith, Jeremy Watts, William G. Fahrenholtz, Greg E. Hilmas

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The impact of high-energy milling using WC[sbnd]Co media on the pressureless sintering and properties of TiB₂ was studied. After 30 mins of milling, samples sintered at 2200 °C achieved a high relative density (>98 %) and a fine mean grain size (<2 >µm). In the microstructure WxBy phases, often containing Co, were observed at triple points, due to contamination from the milling media. Moreover, core-rim structures with multiple rims were detected: the cores consisted of pure TiB₂ grains, the rims were (TixWy)B2 solid solutions. The core-rim formation was significantly more pronounced compared to a reference sample of …

Skip The Grid: Installing Solar Systems For Residents Of The Navajo Nation In Arizona, Joshua Zepeda Montero

Construction Management

An interdisciplinary service-learning program called Skip the Grid provides solar energy systems to Navajo Nation homes without consistent access to electricity. A group of 20 California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students from different majors that include Construction Management, Mechanical Engineers, Business, and Electrical Engineers traveled to Arizona from March 23rd to 27th, 2025, to install Goal Zero solar energy systems on over 40 homes from the Navajo Nation. This project was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of SOLV Energy, Heart of America (HOA), Goal Zero, Chinle High School, and Cal Poly. These solar systems help give …

Fused-Silica Microelectromechanical Systems For Relative Gravimetry, Ethan Doerstling

Theses and Dissertations

Gravimeters are devices that measure gravitational acceleration which can be used by the United States Air Force (USAF) in the areas of navigation and remote sensing. Fused-silica microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices offer capabilities to make inexpensive relative gravimeters with higher thermal stability than common silicon devices while maintaining good gravitational sensitivity. The fused-silica devices in this research were designed, simulated, fabricated, and tested to observe their performance as gravimeters. The devices exhibit properties of highly sensitive accelerometers but the current designs do not qualify as gravimeters. This study provides information to improve the sensitivity and stability of these fused-silica MEMS …

Optical Character Recognition For Early Handwriting Legibility Assessment, Franceli L. Cibrian, Kayla Anderson, Yingying 'Yuki' Chen, Lauren Min, Lizbeth Escobedo

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Monitoring children’s handwriting, such as avoiding writing assignments, displaying uneven letter formation, or showing slow writing speed, can help identify developmental and academic issues early. Poor handwriting affects up to 34% of children, leading to academic and self-esteem challenges. Handwriting assessments, typically conducted by teachers, are often delayed due to workload and could be subjective and inconsistent. This paper explores the potential of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to augment and ease handwriting assessments. Based on an evaluation of 10 OCR algorithms using 33 handwriting samples assessed by two experts, the research indicates that Pen to Print and Google are …

Using Hydrologic And Hydraulic Simulations To Predict Near-Term Effects Of Beaver Habitat Restoration On Flood Flows, Luke S. Stewart

Master's Theses

There is a growing need to predict the complex hydrologic and hydraulic effects of beaver-maintained wetlands. This study uses relatively simple inputs and a replicable methodology to predict flood flow impacts of beaver habitat restoration at the site design scale using the engineering industry’s customary hydrology and hydraulic modeling approach. This study focuses on Toro Creek, the primary drainage for a 15.2 square mile watershed on the California Central Coast.

A hydrologic model of Toro Creek watershed was developed in HEC-HMS to approximate saturated soil conditions typical of late-spring flooding events observed in the region. The hydrologic model was calibrated …