Digital Commons Network^™

Sevier County Adventures - Poster Presentation, Jori Kloosterman, Anna Gilliam

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

"The Sevier County Adventures is a community engagement series of events that are fun for all and center on 4 community-identified needs; mental health, substance abuse, suicide, and parenting/family relationships. Once a quarter in 2025, the USU Sevier County Extension Office and the Central Utah Health Department, in conjunction with other entities, will hold community events to provide resources and information that highlight a specific need from the 4 community-identified needs. 1-Mental Health Game Night – Participants will be given a resource packet with information on local providers and teams will play an escape room game box. 2-Home Run for …

An Adaptation Of Nonlinear Aerodynamic Models For Non-Traditional Control Effectors, Christian R. Bolander, Douglas F. Hunsaker

Engineering Education Faculty Publications

This paper presents the development of a novel aerodynamic model tailored for the Bio-Inspired Rotating Empennage (BIRE), a non-traditional fixed-wing aircraft empennage inspired by avian flight. The BIRE replaces the conventional vertical stabilizer with an extra degree of freedom for the horizontal stabilizer, which is allowed to rotate about the body-fixed x axis. This empennage is similar to the tail of a bird, and allows control of both longitudinal and lateral moments. However, such a design introduces complex nonlinear longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic interactions, not typically accounted for in most fixed-wing aircraft aerodynamic models below stall. This work presents a …

Design, Implementation, And Reflection From An Interdisciplinary Course In Museum Studies, Brenna L. Decker

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this introduction here.

In Spring of 2023, I developed a special topics course titled Collection Material Handling to introduce students to museum management using Utah State University collections on the Logan, UT campus. The cross-listed upper-level course brought 16 USU students together from two disciplines: anthropology and natural sciences. The publication details how I used various learning theories to guide the creation of course content and how I structured and implemented activities in the classroom and in the collections. Examples of worksheets, activities, student feedback, and recommended improvements to assignments are provided. I encourage …

Learning A Little Bit Harder: The Intersecting Experiences Of First-Generation And Single-Mother College Students, Natalie Lecy, Elizabeth Hendrix, Brian A. Droubay

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this introduction here.

This study examines the experiences of nine first-generation, single-mother college students, focusing on these intersecting, double-jeopardy identities. Participants’ difficulty navigating college varied; contributing factors included family background, social capital, the type of college attended, and whether they established a mentor. The following themes were established: 1) realizing college is an option, 2) caught between two worlds, 3) college wasn’t designed for us, 4) economic barriers, and 5) disparities in social capital. Our findings indicate colleges were unprepared to meet the unique challenges faced by this group. We present recommendations for the …

Full Issue: Journal On Empowering Teaching Excellence, Volume 9, Issue 1, Spring 2025

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

The full-length Spring 2025 issue (Volume 9, Issue 1) of the Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version (with downloadable EPUB format) here.

The issue includes five articles addressing challenges in higher education: faculty-student interactions with Generation Z students, experiences of first-generation single-mother college students, implementation of an interdisciplinary museum studies course, guidance for creating educational videos, and a book review on resistance to change in higher education. The journal emphasizes practical strategies for effective teaching, inclusivity, and innovative approaches to pedagogy across various educational contexts.

Evaluating A Proprietary Tannin-Blend Product As An Alternative To Monensin And Tylosin Phosphate In Feedlot Cattle Diets, Luana D. Felizari, Luke K. Fuerniss, Jonathon L. Beckett, David S. Secrist, Guy D. Hufstedler, Bradley J. Johnson

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

This study evaluates the effects of a proprietary tannin blend (BX), supplemented with or without sodium monensin (MON), on beef cattle performance, carcass traits, and health. Steers (n = 2986; initial shrunk body weight (SBW) 254 ± 9.2 kg) were allocated into 48 pens (61–62 steers/pen; 12 pens/treatment) fed for 230 d. Treatments included (1) no feed additives (CTL); (2) BX (7.95 g/animal daily); (3) MON + Tylosin phosphate (TYL; 437.52 mg MON/animal daily + 80 mg TYL/animal daily); or (4) MON+BX (437.52 mg MON/animal daily + 7.95 g BX/animal daily). Data were analyzed in R 4.2.1 using a …

Precision Hinges For Origami Space Arrays, Jake Sutton, Trevor Carter, Davis Wing, Brooklyn Clark, Fisk Lundgreen, Spencer Magleby, Mark Stephen, Nathan Usevitch, Larry L. Howell

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Optical satellite performance improves with increased surface area, which enhances light capture and sensor input. Deployable array mechanisms allow satellites to remain compact during launch and expand in orbit. This study focuses on designing passive hinges in rigid-panel origami-based deployable satellites for optical applications. A novel kinematic coupling method is developed, incorporating magnets, compact Lamina Emergent Torsional (LET) joints, and principles from Maxwell couplings. This system autonomously achieves precise alignment without motorized actuation reducing complexity. The design process involved iterative testing of ten two-panel hinge prototypes to identify the most effective designs. These were integrated into a degree-four vertex pattern …

Mapping And Examining Recreation In Indian Creek, Bears Ears National Monument, Elisabeth Currit, Neil Hansen, Brigham Daniels, Alex Long, Katy Merritt, Mary Proteau, Sam Spackman

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Recreation is growing in desert areas of the western United States, and mapping the expansion of these activities is vital to management and conservation efforts. Desert ecosystems provide many critical ecosystem services, including carbon storage, and the growing popularity of outdoor recreation in Western US desert regions poses a threat to these ecosystems. Unregulated recreational activities can harm desert plant and soil health, including the functioning of biological soil crusts. This research project focuses on mapping several types of popular recreational activities in order to monitor and evaluate the impact of these activities within the Indian Creek areas of Bears …

Multi-Point Fabrication Of Terahertz Metal Mesh Filters, Jared E. Payne, Brad Ferguson, Christian Chinh, Gregory N. Nielson, Stephen M. Schultz

Utah Space Grant Consortium

A metal mesh filter is fabricated by creating metallic squares on a dielectric substrate. This capacitive metallic filter is fabricated using direct write laser ablation consisting of a femtosecond laser in combination with a high numerical aperture objective. A multipoint fabrication approach is employed by using a holographic beam splitter element to split the beams into several identical gaussian beams. The transmission and reflection characteristics are discussed.

A Pressure-Based Estimate Of Multi-Orifice Synthetic Jet Performance, Rhett T. Parry, Tim Berk

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Multiphase turbulence is a ubiquitous mechanism that drives the motion of fluid and particulate. In order to understand the behavior of this complex mechanism, it is critical to build facilities where driving parameters can be studies. Various flow actuators are used to drive turbulence, but we use synthetic jets for their geometric customizability and wide range operating parameters. Many studies based on synthetic jets focus on characterizing velocity while omitting the connection to turbulence. Additionally, most work in the existing literature is tied to the non-dimensional numbers but can obscure the limitations regarding both size and allowable driving conditions of …

A Methodology To Quantify The Shielding Efficiency Of Novel Radiation Shielding Materials, Jenny R. Whiteley, Tyler Heggenes, J.R. Dennison

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Radiation shielding is a common method used to protect spacecraft from the radiation prevalent in the space environment. A current research area of interest is Z-graded shielding, which is radiation shielding composed of various materials layered together based off of the properties associated with the material's atomic number, Z. This approach has the potential to produce new shielding materials that would be lighter and more compact than traditional shielding materials. Utah State University's Material Physics Group developed an experimental setup and analysis methodology to quantify how effectively novel shielding materials blocked beta and gamma radiation. The materials' effectiveness, termed shielding …

The Trgb–Sbf Project: Creating A New Distance Ladder With Surface Brightness Fluctuations, Mikaela Cowles, Joseph B. Jensen, Sydney Holt

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Many current observational methods to measure the expansion rate of the universe (H₀) rely on the same zero-point calibrations. Values of the Hubble constant derived from those local calibrations are in conflict with the predicted value of H₀ from the successful ΛCDM cosmological model, resulting in the "Hubble tension." In order to decrease systematic uncertainties, and to address this tension, we have created a new and independent sequence of distance measurement techniques. We have used James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) distances to 14 giant elliptical galaxies that we used …

Far-Field Uav-Enabled Antenna Radiation Pattern Mapping, Jack Fernald

Utah Space Grant Consortium

This paper presents an overview of an research project at Weber State University (WSU) focused on developing a UAV-based system for measuring far-field radiation patterns of physically large antennas operating in the High-Frequency (HF, 3–30 MHz) and Very-High-Frequency (VHF, 30–300 MHz) ranges. Leveraging commercially available unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) components, software-defined radios (SDRs), open-source software tools, and advanced simulation environments, this project aims to create a cost-effective, scalable measurement solution that addresses the logistical challenges of traditional methods. By enabling autonomous three-dimensional radiation mapping of operational antennas in open-field environments, the proposed system refines industry practices and expands our understanding …

High-Frequency Satellite Imagery Reveals Spatial And Temporal Dynamics Of Algal Blooms On Utah Lake, Kaylee B. Tanner

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Utah Lake is a large, shallow freshwater lake in Utah Valley, Utah, USA. It faces a number of water quality issues, with one of the most significant being the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABS) that impair its ecological health and economic value. We use data from the Sentinel 2 mission to investigate spatial and temporal bloom dynamics in four different regions of the lake. We leverage the frequent, spatially comprehensive satellite data to analyze the frequency, intensity, and duration of algal blooms on Utah Lake, and find that the southern end of the lake typically experiences the most intense …

Reconstruction Of Cad Models Into Analysis-Ready Single Trimmed Surfaces With Aerospace Applications, Rebecca Rasmussen, Royce Pablo Harline, Kendrick Shepherd

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Classical methods by which computer-aided design (CAD) geometries are represented for both design and analysis involve meshing. However, the current process of converting a CAD model into an analysis-suitable surface mesh takes a significant amount of time and labor [23, 4, 18], results in a faceted representation of the original smooth geometry, and generates representations that are prohibitively expensive for use in high-order explicit dynamics computations [35, 9].

This research focuses on accurately and efficiently rebuilding given CAD surfaces or meshes, such as shell-like components of aeronautical structures or automotive vehicles, into smooth, single trimmed spline surface approximations (rather than …

Scalable Compliant Louvres Manufactured Via Sheet Lamination, Tyler R. Stevens, Benjamin Allen, Garrett Graham, Nathan B. Crane

Utah Space Grant Consortium

As space missions increase, relying on Earth-based supply chains for spacecraft components becomes increasingly unsustainable. In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) offers an alternative, yet many fabrication methods depend on gravity, utilize hazardous materials, require large amounts of energy, or introduce thermal challenges in spacecraft environments. Sheet materials show strong potential for ISM because they store and transport efficiently, offer functionalization options, and provide robust in-plane properties. However, most sheet-based manufacturing techniques require bulky equipment ill-suited for on-orbit deployment. Sheet Lamination (ShL), an underutilized additive manufacturing process that bonds and cuts thin sheets to create near-net-shape parts, presents a compact and scalable alternative, …

Solvent Variability With Gold And Silver Nanoparticle Production Using Reverse Micelles, Cameron Ashton, Wendy E. Schatzberg, Samuel Tobler

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The synthesis of nanoparticle using reverse micelles is increasing in versatility, popularity, and effectivity. Nanoparticles have unique characteristics including a strong antimicrobial trait that can be effective and sterilizations and decomposition of microbes. Gold and silver have been effective as the ions used in the synthesis of such nanoparticles and have been successful for testing different solvent concentrations and production. Research has shown that different structures and sizes of nanoparticles are efficient at accomplishing different objective, however, trends show that the smaller the nanoparticle, the more efficient a nanoparticle is at fighting microbes.

Working On An Incubator To Image Cancer Cells: Development Of A Custom 3d-Printed Imaging Incubator For Refractive Index-Based Cell Classification, Spencer Brown, Vincent M. Rossi

Utah Space Grant Consortium

This project aims to develop a compact, 3D-printed incubation chamber for live-cell imaging using Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI), a technique that can distinguish cancerous cells from healthy ones based on refractive index. The chamber was designed in OnShape and built using FDM 3D printing, offering rapid prototyping, customizability, and cost efficiency.

While print failures and material limitations present challenges, the current design provides a stable, optically clear environment compatible with digital holography. The system is intended for 24–48 hour imaging experiments, with future work focusing on capturing differences in refractive index between healthy and cancerous cells.

This approach could support …

Astrometric Measurements Of Wds 12281-4448 Stf 1645 Ab, Millie Christensen, Elizabeth Willden

Utah Space Grant Consortium

This project focuses on a binary star system which has been observed for over 200 years, however, inconsistencies in older data make it of interest for further study.

Searching For Something In Nothing: Density Analysis Of Cosmic Void Fn2, Jace Dixon, James Howick, Taylor Tenbrink, Christian Draper

Utah Space Grant Consortium

We have begun a search for emission line galaxies in the center of the void FN2 using new software developed by our group. We are using images taken in three redshifted narrow-band filters. If a galaxy has strong emission lines and is far enough away the Galaxy will be brighter in one or two of the filters. By comparing the galaxies brightness in the three filters we can find galaxies which are possibly in the center of the void. In our preliminary study, we created a catalogue of any interesting objects that appear in the birhgtness comparison images.

Investigation Of Changes In Emission Lines From Galaxies Through Time, Chloe Guerrero, Christian Draper

Utah Space Grant Consortium

We investigate the percentage of galaxies with strong emission lines at increasing redshift. From the Sloan Digital Sky Survey we selected 792,392 galaxies at varying redshifts, z. We grouped the total number of galaxies by absolute magnitude, compared them with those that had strong Hα, OIII, and other relevant emission lines, and looked for the trend of shifting emission lines with z. We found a general trend of a drop in the percentage of galaxies with strong emission lines from z = 0.2 to z = 0.5, spanning from about 2.5 Gyr to 5Gyr ago. We are not sure of …

Optimizing Continuous Wave Nd:Yvo4 Laser Performance For Longwave Infrared Generation, Benjamin J. Holt, Micah C. Laing, York E. Young

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The Photonic Fury research group is working to create a nonlinear optical (NLO) system to scan human tissue for early warning signs of disease.

Period Analysis Of 3 Binary Star Systems In Ngc 188, Jasleen Kaur, Christian Draper

Utah Space Grant Consortium

It is known that the open cluster NGC 188 has a multitude of variable stars. Variable stars change in luminosity over time. SIMBAD, an astronomical database, contains information on several of these stars. We have used data taken by Brigham Young University and cross-compared it to observe the period of these stars and see if the data between the two match or if future data needs to be collected. To fulfill this task, the BYU telescope data was analyzed through AstroImageJ, and the light curves were constructed from the data and put into a Python script to graph the full …

Astrometric Measurements Of Wds 12115+5325 Stf 1608 Ab, Keira Lentz, Spencer Bailey, Joshua Thalman, Dawa Decha Lama, Jonathan Pugmire

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Star systems gravitationally bound to one another offer valuable insights into stellar properties through orbital analysis. Developing binary star orbits provides information to determine stellar masses.¹

Enhanced 3d Image Reconstruction Using Scattered Light Tomography, Tyler O'Loughlin, Vern Hart

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) is a powerful technique for reconstructing phase shifts occurring in biological samples by capturing the interference between scattered light. These diffraction patterns contain spectral information, where shorter wavelengths (higher spatial frequencies) yield images with enhanced spatial resolution, improving detail and accuracy. However, higher spatial frequencies are located further from the central axis, rendering them fainter and more challenging to measure. To address this, our group developed a gyroscopic CDI system featuring a rotating platform driven by a stepper motor. This platform positions the sample between a broadband light source and a beam profiler, which are mounted …

Optimizing Satellite Handoffs In Leo Constellations, A Predictive Model, Savanna Sanborn

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are huge players in the modern space infrastructure and are used for a variety of human needs, including public communication, weather imaging, and scientific research. Typically these satellites orbit at altitudes between 300km and 600km above the earth's surface, complete an entire orbit around the Earth in 90-100 minutes, and make several orbits around the earth in a given day.

Poly(2-Methyl 1-Pentene Sulfone) (Pmps) As A Potential Oxidation Retardant For Aluminum Mirrors For Space Telescopes, Kira Sand, Matthew Clarkson, Morgan Peterson, David Allred

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The reflectivity of aluminum mirrors, essential for capturing high-quality far-ultraviolet (FUV) images in space telescopes, is compromised by oxidation caused by exposure to Earth's atmosphere. Barrier coatings like magnesium fluoride can protect aluminum but still permit slow oxidation over time. To address this, we propose using photodegrading polymer films, which depolymerize under UV light in a vacuum, as a protective coating for aluminum mirrors until they exit Earth's atmosphere. Our research focuses on Poly(2-methyl 1-pentene sulfone) (PMPS), which depolymerize when exposed to ultraviolet light in vacuum, ensuring stability until reaching space.

Raman Imaging Of Carbon Materials, Seth Stringham, Dustin Shipp

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Graphene, a single atom-thick layer of carbon, is a focal point in various research fields due to its unique properties. With researchers developing new methods to create this material, it's crucial to establish tools to confirm the authenticity of graphene samples.

Increased Angle Space For A Fourier Scatter Microscope Via Simultaneous Axial And Off-Axis Imaging, Haley Blackburn, Marren Williams, Vincent M. Rossi

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Fourier Scatter Imaging (FSI) has proven to be an innovative tool for measuring particle size. This research incorporates Fourier optics into a scatter imaging system with the addition of an off-axis pathway in a Fourier Scatter Microscope. The system uses 0.28 numerical aperture (NA) long working distance objectives that provide angular resolution over +/- 16.3° in the forward direction and 90° +/- 16.3° in the off-axis direction. This setup enables simultaneous capture of axial and off-axis scatter signals using a shared camera, significantly enhancing the angular scattering measurement capabilities. This proof-of-principle system demonstrates the potential for improvements in scattering image …

Cubesat: Communications P.A.R.R. Earth Station, Adam Dimaio, Patrick Robanske, Braden Williams, Ryley Horrocks

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Designed and prototyped developed an autonomous earth station with RF tracking and SatNOGS integration to enable reliable satellite communication for environmental monitoring.