Digital Commons Network^™

Creating Classroom Integrity By Eliminating Punitive Course Policies, Rachel E. Silverman

Feminist Pedagogy

No abstract provided.

Practicing Feminist Disability Pedagogy: Building Interdependence Through A Classroom Participation Menu, Kristen L. Cole

Feminist Pedagogy

Following the lead of Parsloe & Smith (2022), this article explains and advocates possible modes of participation that consider the disabled, chronically ill, and systemically vulnerable students and faculty who are fighting to succeed in higher education. The way participation is measured in college classes is often ableist in nature; thus, it is important to unpack the ableist assumptions that undergird how we arrange and assess participation. Utilizing Knoll’s (2009) explication of interdependency as a practice of feminist disability pedagogy, this article offers a semester long activity called a participation menu, which provides a framework for distributing the responsibility of …

Making (Virtual) Space For Disability Equity In Academia, Melissa Vosen Callens, Cali Anicha, Larry Napoleon Jr.

Feminist Pedagogy

Virtual or hybrid options provide a way for marginalized faculty and staff to fully participate in their fields and on their campuses. As such, an equitable and pandemic-informed academic workplace should include fully accessible and well-resourced hybrid participation options for department meetings and events, office work, and classroom duties. In spring 2023, we created a work group on our campus to address the challenges of hybrid work and co-create campus-wide recommendations for hybrid workspaces. In this article, we share our findings and evidence-based recommendations, many of which draw on Universal Design for Learning, as well as offer suggestions on how …

An Opportunity For Growth: Co-Constructing The Liberatory Classroom, Lakesha Anderson Ph.D.

Feminist Pedagogy

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted education, necessitating a reevaluation of teaching methodologies and priorities. This critical commentary offers feminist pedagogy as a framework for honoring students' pandemic educational experiences and creating liberatory learning environments. Feminist pedagogy, rooted in the vision of an inclusive and liberatory classroom, challenges normative ways of viewing the world and encourages engaged teaching and learning. My experience as the parent of a high school student with ADHD during the pandemic influenced my teaching practice as a college professor. Through this experience, I learned to treat students more equitably, incorporating new teaching strategies, embracing flexibility, and shifting …

Disabling Critique: Structural Barriers To Critical Disability Approaches In Teacher Education, Albert Stabler

Feminist Pedagogy

Considerable research has documented student resistance to efforts at diversity and equity in college curricula. Scholars have also focused on negative attitudes among K-12 teacher candidates toward anti-racist and culturally informed approaches within education, as well as on the instrumental and teacher-centered approaches that typify special education teacher preparation. Through citing this research and drawing on my own experiences as a disabled art teacher education faculty instructor attempting to encourage a critical disability perspective, I make the argument that numerous factors contribute to an anti-critical attitude among teacher candidates preparing to work with students receiving special education services.

Disability, Belongingness, And Accommodations In Post-Pandemic Learning, Madelaine A. Coffman, Meagan Winkelseth

Feminist Pedagogy

During the post-pandemic return to campus, lingering expectations for instructor flexibility illuminated the need for classroom cultures that support inclusivity and belongingness for all students. Yet power asymmetries between students and instructors, along with implicit expectations about what it means to be normal, make disclosure of personal disability, precarity, or other concealable stigmatized identities a risky prospect for those who most need accommodation. By taking a dialogical approach to classroom culture and inviting students to identify areas where flexibility is needed, instructors can increase group cohesion and feelings of belongingness, improve student-instructor relationships, and promote non-stigmatized access to accommodations. In …

Collective Access, Collective Liberation: Disability Justice And Abolitionist Pedagogical Worldmaking Toward Post(?)-Pandemic Futures, Hailey N. Otis

Feminist Pedagogy

This critical commentary poses the question: what if we didn’t return to the “normal” of strict, ableist classrooms policies rooted in the bureaucratic, legalistic framework of “accommodations” and, instead, embraced the Disability Justice principle of collective access? After critiquing the accommodations process used in most higher education settings, I advocate for an approach we might call collective access pedagogy, which works from the fundamental assumptions that (1) all bodies exist on a spectrum of dis/ability and, thus, we all have individual needs based on our unique bodyminds, and (2) that we don’t need the constant threat of a pandemic to …

Teaching Disability (Self-)Advocacy As We “Return To Normal”: Addressing Ableism In Higher Education, Sarah M. Parsloe

Feminist Pedagogy

No abstract provided.

As-983-24 Resolution On Graduate Academic Probation Policy, Academic Senate Graduate Education Ad Hoc Curriculum Committee

Academic Senate Resolutions

Resolves that the academic probation policy (attached to the resolution) shall be adopted.

Executive Committee - Minutes, 9/24/2024, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Executive Committee - Agenda, 9/24/2024, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

Academic Senate Retreat - Agenda, 9/20/2024, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

Academic Senate Retreat - Minutes, 9/20/2024, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Finite Element Analysis Of The Bearing Component Of Total Ankle Replacement Implants During The Stance Phase Of The Gait Cycle, S J. Hazelwood, Mohammad N. Noori, Naudereh B. Noori, Timothy S. Jain, Amanda Anderson, Joseph Rencis

Biomedical Engineering

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a motion-preserving treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. An effective tool for analyzing these implants’ mechanical performance and longevity in silico is finite element analysis (FEA). An FEA in ABAQUS was used to statically analyze the mechanical behavior of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) bearing component at varying dorsiflexion/plantarflexion ankle angles and axial loading conditions during the stance phase of the gait cycle for a single cycle. The von Mises stress and contact pressure were examined on the articulating surface of the bearing component in two newly installed fixed-bearing TAA implants (Wright Medical INBONE II and Exactech …

Dynamic Maze Puzzle Navigation Using Deep Reinforcement Learning, Luisa Shu Yi Chiu

Master's Theses

The implementation of deep reinforcement learning in mobile robotics offers a great solution for the development of autonomous mobile robots to efficiently complete tasks and transport objects. Reinforcement learning continues to show impressive potential in robotics applications through self-learning and biological plausibility. Despite its advancements, challenges remain in applying these machine learning techniques in dynamic environments. This thesis explores the performance of Deep Q-Networks (DQN), using images as an input, for mobile robot navigation in dynamic maze puzzles and aims to contribute to advancements in deep reinforcement learning applications for simulated and real-life robotic systems. This project is a step …

Investigation Of Temperature, Solution Strength, And Applied Stress Effects On Cation Exchange Processes In Different Geosynthetic Clay Liner Products, Kendra Fuller

Master's Theses

An extensive laboratory test program was conducted to analyze and compare the cation exchange processes in three different varieties of sodium bentonite (Na-B) geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) over increased conditioning durations up to 32 days and investigate the effects of temperature, solution strength, and applied stress. The goal of this test program was to establish whether the variables of temperature, solution strength, and applied stress improved or degraded the engineering properties of GCLs in laboratory testing and municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill applications. The GCLs were conditioned in liquids of increasing ionic strength, using deionized water and 2, 50, and …

History & Evolution Of Plastic Mulching Technology: An Ethnography Of California Strawberry Plasticulture, Kalea Conrad

Master's Theses

This ethnography draws on key informant interviews and participant observation to produce a case study about plastic mulching as an important industry standard in specialty crop production. It documents the historic adoption and present role of plastic mulching technology in California strawberry production and addresses the characteristics of commercial standard management that inhibit the adoption of alternative mulching practices. It complements extensive research on strawberry pathology and fumigation, breeding innovations, fertilizer and pesticide treatments, and maximization of yields to incorporate participants’ lived experiences and knowledge of mulch origins, the technology adoption process, mulch benefits and drawbacks, the state of agricultural …

Dual Base Sige Is-Hbt For Use In Biosensing Applications, Liam Stephen Hayes

Master's Theses

The proposed research is for a novel SiGe-based Ion-Sensitive Dual Hetero-junction Bipolar Transistor (IS-HBT) to be used in both trans-dermal biological sensing as well as Lab-on-Chip (LOC) applications. The end goals for the device designed are two: For one, the research done for this work will be used to substantiate the claims made by Zafar et al. [1] that an HBT-style structure is better suited for biosensing application rather than a conventional Field Effect Transistor (FET) based geometries. Secondly, it provides the final element to be integrated along with a selectivity membrane, as well as with a reverse-iontophoresis system to …

Design And Implementation Of An Inverted Short Baseline Acoustic Positioning System, Jakob Frabosilio

Master's Theses

This document details the design, implementation, testing, and analysis of an inverted short baseline acoustic positioning system. The system presented here is an above-water, air-based prototype for an underwater acoustic positioning system; it is designed to determine the position of remotely-operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in the global frame using a method that does not drift over time.

A ground-truth positioning system is constructed using a stacked hexapod platform actuator, which mimics the motion of an AUV and provides the true position of an ultrasonic microphone array. An ultrasonic transmitter sends a pulse of sound towards …

Barriers To Implementation Of California Vegetation Treatment Program Projects, Jacquelyn Morales

Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Management Projects

To better defend wild lands within California's state responsibility areas against wildfire, progress toward efficient fuels management is vital. Created in effort to increase pace and scale of forest fuels reduction, the California Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP) serves as method to expedite fire fuel reduction, fuel break development, and ecological restoration projects by streamlining environmental regulatory approval. To better assess the progress of fuels management projects across the state, this professional project aims to look at barriers faced by project proponents when using the CalVTP. A questionnaire was emailed to the project proponents behind the 81 unique CalVTP projects in-progress. …

Engineering-Enhanced Theatre: How Engineering Involvement Can Aid Regional Theatres, Albert M. Le

Architectural Engineering

Engineering and theatre are disciplines not often associated with each other within regional and small theatre companies in the United States. The distinction between the two fields of study is not simply from the fundamental differences between how each field is taught and practiced, but also the difficulties encountered within a scope of theatre often constrained with limited budget and time for each production. However, when beginning to explore the intersection between engineering and theatre, it is found that the empirical nature of current theatrical practices can be countered, and scenic design and construction can be re-envisioned with engineering involvement …

Innovations To Increase Plywood Shear Wall Design Capacity And Resiliency, "Mega Walls", Through Ductile Metal Strapping, Trevor Douglas Reichenberg, Tara Suzanne Reich, Katelyn Marie Lowry

Architectural Engineering

The researchers of this project are three undergraduate Architectural Engineering students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Plywood shear walls are common structural elements in timber structures that resist lateral forces. Since their introduction to the industry in the 1950s, their shear capacities have remained essentially unchanged amongst the innovations of other wooden lateral systems. Prior to this project, Cal Poly undergraduate researchers have taken on the challenge of modernizing the shear wall. The “MeGa Wall” project was born: a system that implements metal gauge strapping which enhances a conventional wall by reducing nail connection failures. Full-scale experimental …

Structural Health Monitoring In A Small-Scale Environment Using Wired And Wireless Communication Device Readings, Gabriela Mcclure

Architectural Engineering

Our goal with this project is to test and develop a structural health monitoring (SHM) device capable of assessing the safety and integrity of building connections and overall structural health. At Cal Poly, a large portion of our structural engineering curriculum focuses on the design of buildings in response to earthquakes and the damage that can be mitigated through proper design. The increasing accessibility of technology in our world allows for the growth and development of systems that can enhance building safety and help us better understand how building practices can evolve to continue prioritizing life safety. Structural health monitoring …

Nasogastric Tube Insertion Aid, Lauren S. Ark, Angela D. Biezins, Zachary B. Crum, Claire E. Nodine, Morgan N. Pope, Natsumi L. Shudo

Biomedical Engineering

The Nasogastric Tube Insertion Aid project, developed under the sponsorship of the BiCEP Program at California Polytechnic State University, aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of nasogastric (NG) tube placement. This initiative was inspired by challenges observed during the BiCEP summer program, where difficulties in NG tube insertions led to multiple attempts, increased patient discomfort, and serious medical risks, including lung punctures and brain trauma. The project's goal was to design an insertion aid that improves placement accuracy while being cost-effective and user-friendly for medical professionals. The device features an external tensioning mechanism that allows controlled deflection of the …

Effects Of Titanium Particulates On Concrete Compressive Strength, Ryan Christopher Brunello

Construction Management

Titanium has the potential to increase the compressive strength of concrete. This experiment investigates the impact of titanium admixture on concrete compressive strength, using three different forms of titanium: shavings, flakes, and powder. This experiment goes further, evaluating the effects of varying proportions of titanium admixture, ranging from 1% - 5% by the weight of cement, resulting in 15 different concrete test cylinders and one additional cylinder as the control variable with no titanium admixture. This experiment aims to identify the optimal recipe for concrete mix with titanium admixture which can provide valuable insight to the industry as to how …

Value Of Electrical Heavy Civil Machinery In The American Construction Industry, Kaston Wong

Construction Management

Every day the construction industry is releasing an unhealthy amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The consequences may seem trivial at first because the planet is slowly deteriorating, and it is not easily discernable on a day-to-day basis; however, similar to constantly taking care of one’s home, one must take care of the planet. On the other hand, the difference between degradation of a home and planet is that the pollution released into the world is irreversible; therefore, we need to be even more conscientious of the environment. As the construction industry continues to grow, the need for heavy …

Slo Children’S Museum Music Education Exhibit, Charles Coffen, Madeline Carleton-Sniff, Yael Castillo, Anthony Ramos

Mechanical Engineering

The Children’s Museum in San Luis Obispo is a non-profit facility providing education to young children through interactive exhibits. The proposed project would address a basic introduction to musical theory through mechanical engineering principles. The target audience for this musical art installation would be young children, aged 5-10, who would be regularly interacting with this exhibit, as well as their parents, and the employees of the museum. The installation will educate children in basic musical understanding through interaction while still being engaging enough to hold their attention. This document describes the final concept design and various methods of verification in …

Development Of Extruded Puffed Snack Utilizing Carrot Pomace, Bean Flour, And Rice Starch As Primary Ingredients, Julia Zoe

Master's Theses

Every year, the carrot industry worldwide wastes up to 50% of carrots as raw material due to processing (Šeregelj et al., 2020). When carrots are juiced, the remaining fibrous pulp is often discarded as carrot pomace. In order to redirect this food waste, the first objective of this research was to optimize formulations for an extruded puffed snack that is most similar to commercially available puffed snacks, utilizing baby lima bean flour and carrot pomace

Hardness (kg), cross-sectional expansion ratio, bulk density (g/cm³), moisture content (%), water activity, specific mechanical energy (kJ/kg), carotenoid concentration (ppm), and total dietary …

Survey Of Soilborne Pathogens Infecting Strawberry In Oxnard, California & Effect Of Planting Date And Chill Treatment On Yield Of Strawberry, Samantha Z. Simard

Master's Theses

Survey to quantify the frequency of the five main pathogens (Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae races 1 and 2, Verticillium dahliae, and Phytophthora spp.) infecting strawberry in the Oxnard growing district of California. M. phaseolina was the most prevalent pathogen detected in diseased plants in the Oxnard growing district, present in 67.6% of samples positive for at least one pathogen. F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae race 1 (35.3%), V. dahlia (8.8%), F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae race 2 (5.9%) and Phytophthora spp. (2.9%) followed at lower prevalence. Associations were found between fewer drip irrigation lines …

Spatial Planning Offshore Wind Energy Farms In California For Mediating Fisheries And Wildlife Conservation Impacts, Crow White, Yi-Hui Wang, Ryan K. Walter, Benjamin Ruttenberg, Danny Han, Eli Newman, Ethan R. Deyle, Sucharita Gopal, Les Kaufman

Physics

Achieving a blue economy will require reconciling the value of emerging ocean uses with their impacts on the seascape and sectors with historical access to marine resources and areas. To meet this challenge, we developed an analytical framework for conducting marine spatial planning through tradeoff analysis, and applied it to prospective offshore wind energy development in the ∼974 km2 Morro Bay, California, USA Wind Energy Area (WEA). We generated spatial data layers estimating MW power production and impacts on fisheries value and marine wildlife conservation (seabird and cetacean populations) from wind farm development. We then quantified each sector's response to …