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Data Driven Analysis Of Samara Seed Kinematics And Dynamics, Shashwat Sparsh

Master's Theses

Samara Seeds are a class of fruit most famously belonging to the Acer species and are characterized by their single-bladed geometry and their auto-rotation response during descent. This steady-state auto-rotation response is the subject of aerodynamic analysis which aim to quantify the performance. The period prior to the beginning of steady-state auto-rotation is classified as the transition regime and has not been the subject of intense scrutiny.

This thesis employs a data-driven approach to analyzing the kinematic and dynamic response of these seeds during both the transition and auto-rotation stages of flight to quantify the performance with respect to the …

Assessing Students’ Attitudes And Self-Efficacy In Introductory Statistics Courses, Kendall Hipes

Master's Theses

This study investigates the cognitive factors that shape students’ experiences in introductory statistics courses, with particular emphasis on the role of self-efficacy sources on student attitudes (mastery experiences, verbal persuasion, vicarious experiences, and physiological and emotional states) measured across multiple time points. Using linear multilevel models and qualitative interview data, the research examines patterns in students’ perceptions of interest, difficulty, effort, value, cognitive competence, and affect throughout an academic quarter. Findings indicate that higher levels of mastery experiences consistently predict more positive outcomes across all attitude dimensions, underscoring the importance of early and ongoing opportunities for success in fostering engagement …

Spatial And Functional Metrics For Analyzing Seedling Roots, Irina Ivchenko

Master's Theses

To study the complicated structure of a maestro pea seedling root, we investigate three spatial metrics and one functional metric. The spatial metrics are fractal dimension which measures the complexity, convex hull area which measures the occupied space, and Euler characteristic which topologically describes the shape of the root. We discuss the successes of various metrics and the possible limitations they bring to analysis. As a functional metric, we study the rhizosphere: the volume radially around the root branches from which the plant accesses nutrients and water. We investigate the relationship of the rhizosphere to the root, and propose how …

Comparative Study Of Experimental And Fea Strain Data For Cnt-Coated Fiberglass Sensors, Extensometers, And Metal Foil Strain Gauges, Omar Dwidar

Master's Theses

Material testing is essential across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction, playing a critical role in verifying material selection, diagnosing failures, and understanding the development of flaws in structures. These insights are key to designing successful, reliable systems. Conventional metal foil strain gauges are low cost and reliable but provide limited sensitivity with a typical gauge factor around 2. Extensometers provide highly sensitive strain measurements with the disadvantage of a bulky form factor. With advanced materials such as carbon nanotubes, it is possible to manufacture a sensor with the sensitivity closer to that of an extensometer with the small …

Hybrid Computing For Real-Time Model Predictive Control Of A Buck Converter, Grace Paladichuk

Master's Theses

Advancements in power electronics require high switching frequencies which the digital control routines of the systems cannot keep up with. Analog computing is added to digital control systems to prevent bottlenecks and allow real-time implementation. This paper proposes a hybrid computing model predictive control system for a buck converter. The control system implements the gradient dynamics of the optimization function using digital computing, and the gradient dynamics for the penalty function and integrator using analog computing. For the full simulations of the entire system, the PLECS RT Box is used to simulate the controller in real time with a 1 …

Bentonite Erosion And Cation Exchange Effects On Hydraulic Conductivity Of Geosynthetic Clay Liners, Grace Paananen

Master's Theses

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are used in municipal solid waste landfill (MSW) liner and cover systems as an alternative to thick compacted clay layers. Previous field studies have revealed potential for bentonite erosion in GCLs when subjected to wet-dry cycles that occur when GCLs are placed on slopes, covered with a geomembrane, and left exposed without additional soil cover. A laboratory test program was conducted to quantify the effects of bentonite erosion on hydraulic conductivity of sodium-bentonite geosynthetic clay liners and samples subjected to cation exchange treatment in addition to bentonite erosion. This test program determined what level of bentonite …

Biostride - Prosthetic Charging Stand, Abigael Howard, Brett Matich, Allie Mcauliffe, Liam Harwood

Biomedical Engineering

This Final Report outlines the development of a lower limb prosthetic docking and charging station to address a critical need for individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputations who use microprocessor-controlled prosthetics. This project is focused on designing and producing a secure, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing stand to store and charge prosthetic limbs overnight, targeting the lack of commercially available, functional prosthetic storage. The absence of a functional storage solution points to a failure in meaningfully addressing the human needs of prosthetics users, exacerbating user frustration through the perpetuation of issues including prosthetics falling over into inaccessible positions, and tripping hazards due …

Skip The Grid: Bringing Solar To The Navajo Nation, Samuel B. Mcclintock Ii

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is a student-driven, interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to improving access to electricity for families of the Navajo Nation. The project focuses on educational equity by addressing barriers to home study, such as insufficient lighting and energy. These issues stem from the Navajo Nation's remote nature and the families' access to resources. In March of 2025, a group of 24 students and faculty from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), representing six different educational departments, traveled to Arizona to partner with the Chinle Unified School District in addressing educational equity in the Navajo Nation. The effort allowed students to …

Building Confidence, Building Careers: An Industry-Informed Evaluation Of A High School Aec Camp, Madisen Berube

Construction Management

This study assesses the effectiveness of the Girls Build Summer Academy, an architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) summer camp for high school girls, and similar programs by gathering and analyzing feedback from industry professionals. The research aims to identify which program elements most successfully inspire interest and build foundational skills for young women considering careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. An anonymous survey was distributed to AEC professionals, some who were familiar with the program. The survey included multiple choice, rankings, and open-ended questions to evaluate areas for improvement and future curriculum development. Findings revealed strong support for interactive learning …

2025 Annual Hackathon Redesigning Safety Fall Protection, Cole Lewis

Construction Management

The Verifying Everyone’s Safety Together (VEST) Hackathon is an annual event organized by construction management and social science students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Its purpose is to redesign a specific piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve usability, comfort, and inclusivity, with a focus on providing equitable safety for all workers. This hackathon centered on fall protection, specifically safety harnesses, which are essential for protecting workers at height but often lack comfort and user-friendliness. Students, faculty, and industry guests gathered to examine current harness designs and develop practical, worker-informed improvements. The event space was outfitted …

Shipping Container Library Project: Preconstruction Strategy And Planning, Chris Lochner

Construction Management

This report outlines the preconstruction planning phase for the development of a shipping container library to be deployed to a community in Sub-Saharan Africa. The library is designed as a modular and sustainable solution for delivering access to educational resources. Preconstruction efforts have focused on finalizing design documentation, procurement planning, trade coordination, permitting considerations, and site logistics. While no construction has begun, two 40-foot high-cube containers have been ordered—one for prototyping and one for shipment. One container is currently staged at Tilden-Coil Constructors’ yard in Riverside, California, and the project is approaching the procurement and mobilization phase. All tracking of …

Cal Poly Leaning Pine Arboretum Gazebo, Tyler Higgins

Construction Management

Located on the north end of California Polytechnic State University’s campus, the Leaning Pine Arboretum gazebo stands as a place of gathering, relaxation, and functionality. Taking the place of a smaller existing structure, this project transforms the area, creating new opportunities and laying a foundation for future growth over the coming years. Along the way, several challenges arose, including design complications, permitting issues, and time constraints. Through this process, it became clear that obstacles were inevitable, and overcoming them taught valuable lessons in teamwork, coordination between multiple parties, relationship building, and project management. From September to December 2024, work continued …

Skip The Grid: Energizing Navajo Nation, Eiley Q. Eichten

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service project aimed at providing reliable and clean energy to families living in Navajo Nation. Cal Poly partnered with Heart of America, SOLV Energy, and Nextracker to help bring this plan to fruition. Twenty students were selected to contribute to the planning, coordinating, and fundraising for the project. After the preparation was completed, Cal Poly students joined representatives from Heart of America, SOLV Energy, and Nextracker. The trip commenced with a hands-on, productive five day visit to Chinle, Arizona. The first working day commenced with Cal Poly students attending a total of five schools …

Assessing Fire Risks In San Luis Obispo: The Impact Of Building Construction And Landscaping On Wildfire Vulnerability, Zachary A. Pollock

Construction Management

As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity across California, understanding and mitigating residential fire risk has become a public safety priority. Communities in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), such as San Luis Obispo, are especially vulnerable due to their proximity to natural vegetation and the prevalence of older housing stock. While state and local agencies have introduced regulations and educational campaigns, there remains a need for accessible, scalable tools that help identify fire risks at the individual home level. This project assessed wildfire vulnerability across 140 homes in San Luis Obispo, California, using a custom visual grading rubric informed by academic …

Assessment Of Mental Wellbeing Programs In The Construction Industry, Evan James Olszak

Construction Management

Mental health problems are very prevalent within the construction industry, and there is not enough attention put towards the mental wellbeing of employees in the industry. The construction industry is ranked #2 for deaths by suicide, and #1 when mining and extraction are included (CDC, 2021). Previous research has been done to understand the severity of the issue, and some programs have been started to spread awareness and train employees. The issue arises in a lack of analysis of these programs. The programs that are being used are still in their infancy and require a comprehensive review to understand the …

Ace Mentor Program Of America, Dayana Flores Reyes

Construction Management

This senior project examines my role and experience as a student mentor in the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program's Central Coast Chapter. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world application, utilizes simplified terminology for early learners, and provides structured deliverables tailored to the project at hand. This year, the program targeted students from San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande High School. The project involved designing a new fire station to replace Fire Station No. 4 in San Luis Obispo, which was chosen due to its mixed-use properties. Over the course of nine weeks, the students engaged in the …

Skip The Grid: Empowering The Navajo Nation Through Solar Energy, Gerardo L. Luna

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service project through California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), aimed at providing sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities. In Spring 2025, I participated as a rooftop safety lead and solar installer in Chinle, Arizona, where our team partnered with SOLV Energy, Goal Zero, and Heart of America to bring solar power to 40 off-grid homes across the Navajo Nation. As a member of Red Team #3, I was directly responsible for ensuring safe ladder setup, supervising rooftop work, mounting solar panels, and managing exterior cable routing for 8 successful installations. Beyond …

How Mass Timber Supports Sustainability During Construction: An Industry-Based Analysis, Nicholas T. Mayton

Construction Management

As the construction industry explores new ways to reduce environmental impact, mass timber has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional materials. While much of the existing research on mass timber focuses on life-cycle assessments and carbon comparisons, few studies capture insights from professionals directly involved in building with it. This paper analyzes a series of industry interviews with contractors, designers, and sustainability consultants who have experience working on mass timber projects. The aim is to understand how sustainability plays out during the construction phase—not just in theory, but in practice. Using qualitative methods and word pattern analysis, three core …

Son Care Foundation – Pergola Structure Construction, Jackson Landless

Construction Management

This paper covers the construction process of a pergola structure for the Son Care Foundation in San Luis Obispo, California. The project’s goal in this study is to create a welcoming outdoor space for clients their dogs. Excavating four footings, fabricating custom rebar cages, and pouring concrete using fast-setting mix were all part of the construction efforts. Framing the structure required precise calculations to accommodate for the slope and corner braces. The matching white paint and corrugated PVC roof further achieved the desired aesthetic the client requested. Trial and error, practical experience, and cooperation with local material suppliers and maintenance …

Concrete Patio Demolition And Construction, Tyler Nielsen

Construction Management

A 6.25 cubic yard unreinforced concrete patio was constructed for the non-profit organization. This project included three phases: concrete slab demolition, grading and formwork, and concrete pouring. Each phase was estimated and then received owner approval prior to execution. The demolition phase involved obtaining city permits for a roll-off container for debris removal. This phase also included two days of work with over 10 demolition crew members, who were given the required training and equipment to ensure safety and productivity. The following weeks included grading and setting up formwork. Once the grade was complete, the formwork was laid out and …

Evaluating The Barriers To Virtual And Augmented Reality Adoption In The Construction Industry, Hayden C. Werts

Construction Management

Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies have demonstrated the ability to enhance design coordination, safety training, and field accuracy in the construction industry; however, their utilization remains limited. This study examines and assesses the gap between the capabilities of VR/AR and their actual implementation in the construction industry, utilizing a literature review and an analytical survey of 52 construction professionals. Survey results revealed that only 27% of construction managers have utilized VR/AR in their careers, although those with experience in these technologies rated them highly for their ability to reduce errors and improve coordination. Key barriers to adoption included high …

R.A.C.E. Matters Precast Concrete Bench Construction, Jack Alexander Ritchie

Construction Management

This senior project details the collaborative design, fabrication, and installation of three precast concrete benches for the nonprofit organization R.A.C.E. Matters in partnership with the San Luis Obispo Conservancy. The benches were designed to act as platforms for public art, amplifying diverse racial narratives through murals. A multidisciplinary team of students from Construction Management, Architecture, and Architectural Engineering worked together, with each discipline contributing to distinct phases of the project. Bench installations took place at the Pismo Preserve, the Octagon Barn, and Kathleen’s Overlook. This paper reflects on the hands-on construction process, the challenges of interdisciplinary coordination, and the real-world …

El Chorro Park Lumber Rack & Trailhead Kiosk Project, Nolan Christopher Gumm, Marvin Michael Garliepp

Construction Management

The EL Chorro Park Lumber Rack and Kiosk project was a collaboration with San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation. Located at El Chorro Regional Park in San Luis Obispo, California, the project involved building a 12-foot-long, 6-foot-wide, and 8-foot-tall lumber rack and reconstructing an outdated trailhead kiosk. The lumber rack addressed the need for organized storage of wood and metal pipes, while the kiosk was rebuilt to better serve park visitors. Recycled sheet metal from the client was used for the roof, and local suppliers were selected to support sustainability efforts. Funded entirely by a government entity, there were …

Designing Augmented Reality (Ar) Simulations For Construction Scheduling Education: A Process-Based Approach, Luke Sutherland

Construction Management

This paper presents the design and implementation of an augmented reality (AR) testing protocol developed to assess construction students' planning, sequencing, and real-time decision-making skills. Using Microsoft HoloLens, the simulation exposed students to realistic jobsite scenarios that required them to interpret plans, develop task sequences, and respond to evolving conditions in the field. The protocol was conducted with over 30 construction management students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and included three progressively complex scenarios focused on underground utilities, concrete formwork delays, and overhead MEP coordination issues. Data was captured through AR interaction logs, time tracking, instructor observation, …

Designing Augmented Reality (Ar) Simulations For Construction Scheduling Education: A Process-Based Approach, Spencer B. Gardner

Construction Management

Construction students often understand what’s being built, but not how it gets built. The process, which is timing, sequencing, adapting to real-world issues is harder to teach with traditional tools like plan sets and Gantt charts. To close that gap, this study explores how Augmented Reality (AR), using Microsoft HoloLens, can bring jobsite logic into the classroom. We developed three AR simulations, each with increasing complexity, to give students hands-on experience with real-world scheduling and coordination problems. The scenarios ranged from basic utility sequencing to adjusting for delays and correcting out-of-sequence installations. Students started with written planning, then moved into …

Construction Clothing Development Project, Reed A. Kellar, Noah R. Maytum

Construction Management

Relative to other industries, the construction market is slow to innovate. One clear example of this is in the clothing worn by its workers. Over the past 100 years, construction clothing and top brands have remained largely similar, even as workwear has begun marketing to larger, non-construction audiences. Construction clothing has become increasingly fashionable in popular culture, and we see this as an opportunity. To adapt to a modern world, this entrepreneurial project seeks to research which areas of construction clothing are lacking according to those in the industry and use this data to create a competitive product/brand that capitalizes …

The Soldier Settlement Scheme: Rehabilitation At The Cost Of Indigenous And Environmental Devastation, Chloe Waymire

The Forum: Journal of History

No abstract provided.

Le Mélange D’Un People: How Free People Of Color In New Orleans Became “Black” During Reconstruction, Jack T. Martin

The Forum: Journal of History

No abstract provided.

Deception And Profit: The Case Of The Spanish Schooner Esperanza, Jackie Maginnis

The Forum: Journal of History

No abstract provided.

The New Byzantium: The Orientalist Origins Of Modern Russian Imperialism, Luke Fuette

The Forum: Journal of History

No abstract provided.