Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of The Gravity Gradient On The Path Of 1i/‘Oumuamua, Hannah R. Richardson

Poster Presentations

In October 2017, the asteroid 1I/’Oumuamua first passed into viewing range [1]. The asteroid is notable for being the first interstellar object to enter the solar system. 1I/’Oumuamua was also unusual in its geometry; it is thought to have an aspect ratio of 6:1 and a length of approximately 400 m [2] [3]. The asteroid was observed to experience a non-Keplerian acceleration estimated to be on the order of 1×10−6 m s-2 Several theories have been proposed for the cause of this acceleration, all of which are non-gravitational in nature: volatile outgassing, photon pressure, and solar winds [1][4]. However, none …

How Do Simulated Phishing Attacks Impact Cybersecurity Awareness And The Enhancement Of Security Protocols Among Faculty Members In A University Environment?, Navnoor Sandhu

University Honors Program Senior Projects

Phishing attacks are cyber threats where attackers deceive users into performing actions that compromise the user’s security and benefit the attacker. In 2024 alone, phishing attacks have resulted in estimated damages of around 800 million dollars [1]. In response, many institutions have implemented internal simulated phishing attacks to enhance their employees' cybersecurity awareness. This training exercise has been proven beneficial in improving cybersecurity awareness on an enterprise scale[4]. This study aims to evaluate the potential effectiveness of a simulated phishing attack within a university setting, which is a relatively unseen practice thus far. Universities, like other secure organizations, store sensitive …

Reevaluating The Role Of Ruppia Maritima: Recruitment Dynamics And Habitat Use By Blue Crabs (Callinectes Sapidus) And Associated Benthic Fauna In A Mid-Atlantic Seagrass Community, Delaney St. Pierre

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The value of seagrasses as essential fish habitat is well recognized, but limited data exist on the value of one particular species, Ruppia maritima (widgeon grass), as habitat for fish and invertebrates. During the summer of 2024, I evaluated R. maritima, Zostera marina (eelgrass) and mixed beds to assess their relative value as habitat in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey. Results from throw traps indicated significant monthly differences for pipefish, gobies, blue crabs, grass shrimp, and sand shrimp, driven by active recruitment events. When evaluating habitat type, we found no taxa that were significantly more abundant in Z. marina habitat as …

Faculty Senate Chronicle May 1, 2025, Heather Loughney

The University of Akron Faculty Senate Chronicle

Minutes for the regular meeting of The University of Akron Faculty Senate on May 1, 2025

Gaussian Process Regression And Nested Sampling For Planetary Parameter Prediction, Alexandro Balarezo

Physics

In this project, we implemented a Gaussian Process (GP) regression framework using MATLAB to model two planetary (Earth) parameters, the surface temperature and albedo, as functions of planetary rotation rate and insolation (the amount of sunlight impinging on the planet). We used simulation data from the NASA ROCKE-3D general circulation model developed by the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS). The GP model generates a joint multivariate Gaussian distribution that is entirely captured by a covariance matrix and the output of a training data set. The covariance matrix is determined by the input data and the three hyperparameters a …

How Will Artificial Intelligence Impact The Roles, Skills, And Design Processes Of Ux Professionals In The Next 5 Years?, Olivia Behan

Informatics

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we think about user experience (UX) design. This thesis explores how AI could impact the roles, skills, and design processes of UX professionals over the next five years. The research conducted consists of a mixed-methods approach, combining an online survey administered through Qualtrics to 50 survey respondents and a case study, which included individually interviewing 3 UX professionals over Zoom, to gather data and personal insights. The results show that while AI has the power and potential to make some parts of UX work faster, like research analysis, prototyping, and automating redundant tasks, …

Cobenfy(Xanomeline/Trospium) Vs. Clozapine For Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia, Harmann Singh, Akash M. Patel, Abdullah Noory, Kush C. Patel, Simran Gandhi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) poses significant therapeutic challenges. Although clozapine remains the gold-standard pharmacologic treatment for TRS, its clinical utility is hampered by severe side effects and intensive monitoring requirements. KarXT (Cobenfy), a combination of xanomeline and trospium chloride, represents a novel antipsychotic approach by targeting muscarinic M1/M4 receptors instead of dopamine D2 pathways.

Hypothesis: KarXT offers comparable efficacy to clozapine with a more favorable safety and tolerability profile, making it a viable alternative for patients with TRS.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify studies from 2015–2025 evaluating KarXT in schizophrenia. Sources included PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, FDA databases, ICER …

Dabigatran Reduced Acute Microgliosis In A Mouse Model With Tbi, Nicholas R. Eltman, Rashmeena Abbasi, Mary C. Kosciuk, Syed Ahmed, Jose L. Pascual, Randel L. Swanson, Nimish K. Acharya

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Objective:

The study objective was to investigate the acute anti-inflammatory effects of dabigatran in a preclinical mouse controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design

Mice were separated into three groups: controlled cortical impact (CCI) with dabigatran (drug treatment, n=5), CCI with saline (positive control, n=5), and sham CCI without saline or dabigatran (negative control, n=3). Dabigatran (80mg/kg) or saline was administered orally at 2, 10, 18, 26, 34, and 42 hours following experimental CCI in the drug treatment or positive control groups, respectively. Animals in the negative control group received sham CCI only. 48h following …

Proceedings Of The 2nd Designing Retail & Services Futures Colloquium: Sustainable Retail And Services Futures, Katelijn Quartier, Valeria M. Iannilli, Alessandra Spagnoli, Tommaso Elli, Ilse Prinsloo

DRS Conference Volumes

No abstract provided.

Proceedings Of Eksig Conference 2025: Data As Experiential Knowledge And Embodied Processes, Mary Karyda, Damla Çay, Ágnes Karolina Bakk, Renáta Dezső, Jessica Hemmings, Nithikul Nimkulrat

DRS Conference Volumes

No abstract provided.

Laser Atherectomy For Complex Cad In Ischemic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review Of Revascularization Outcomes, Avneet Chawla, Jared Aftel, Moiuz Chaudhri, Mohamad Hammad, Ahmed Al Mahrizi, John Socci, Aditya Mehra

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This review evaluates how laser atherectomy compares to angioplasty and stenting for revascularization in patients with heart failure and complex coronary artery disease (CAD). The review explored whether laser atherectomy could improve procedural success and reduce the risk of restenosis, major cardiovascular events (MACE), and other complications. A search across multiple medical databases yielded six studies directly comparing these treatment methods. Findings showed that procedural success rates were similar between laser atherectomy (ranging from 80% to 95%) and angioplasty/stenting (85% to 98%). Restenosis rates at six and twelve months were also generally equivalent, although laser atherectomy showed potential advantages in …

Effects Of The Non-Stimulant Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor, Atomoxetine, On Cognitive Flexibility In Healthy Adult Long-Evans Rats, Noah A. Ivak, Samantha Walkow, Christopher Knapp, Eleni Papadopoulos, Barry D Waterhouse, Rachel L Navarra

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Executive function is the control of multiple higher order cognitive processes that include attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to shift behavioral strategies

in response to changing environmental demands and task complexity. This cognitive modality is often impaired in many neuropsychiatric disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Deficits in cognitive flexibility are associated with dysregulation of the catecholamines, norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) within the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Atomoxetine (ATX), a non-stimulant NE reuptake inhibitor, elevates levels of NE and DA in the PFC by inhibiting the norepinephrine transporter (NET). ATX is used to …

Polypharmacy As A Treatment Barrier In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Ahmed Aly

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The purpose of the study is to assess the prevalence of polypharmacy in current literature in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) population. It is hypothesized to find patients with ASD over prescribed compared to the neurotypical counterparts.

Frequency Modulation Of Deep Brain Stimulation Targeting The Periaqueductal Gray: Effects On Pain Perception And Autonomic Regulation, Jack Hennen, Avneet Chawla, Jared Garfinkle, Wen Hao Luo

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction:

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a midbrain structure, and effective target for deep brain stimulation (DBS), involved in the modulation of a multitude of sensory and autonomic processes. It has distinct functional columnar organization, with each column playing its own role in alteration of the body’s ability to respond to pain and stressful stimuli.

Background:

Research regarding the effects of DBS on the PAG has shown the four main subregions of the PAG: the dorsomedial PAG (dmPAG), dorsolateral PAG (dlPAG), lateral PAG (lPAG), and ventrolateral PAG(vlPAG), produce various physiologic outputs when stimulated. These outputs are region and frequency dependent. …

A Review Of Sutures And The Prospective Applications Of Nanofiber Technology In Suture Engineering, Hanna Brancaccio, Dominique Hassinger, Vincent Beachley

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Suturing is a method to close surgical or traumatic wounds to promote healing. The ideal suture should have high tensile strength that loses strength at the same rate as the healing tissue gains strength, be easy to handle and form secure knots, induce minimal inflammation, and stretch/recoil according to wound contraction. While there are suture materials available for use in various procedures that fulfill most requirements, no one suture possesses every desirable characteristic, and limitations are still prevalent. Nanofiber geometry has a well-known ability to modulate cell morphology, attachment, gene expression, extracellular matrix production, and macrophage polarization in …

Deconstructing The Anthony Timberlands Center: Making Preparations For A Building’S End-Of-Life., Sarah Myane

Architecture Undergraduate Honors Theses

Based on a speculative future where mass timber has become a normalized structural material, integrated into the building envelope as commonplace, and material reuse and reclamation are standard practice. The Anthony Timberlands Center is slated for deconstruction due to age and necessity for more updated programing. Today in 2025 as the building has not even reached completion, how can its assembly and use influence its purpose after the initial lifespan?

This study is based on principles of design for deconstruction from two different theories: the 6 S’s of a building devised by Stewart Brand, and Philip Crowther's 10 frameworks for …

Measuring Agricultural Adaptation Using Remote Sensing: A Study Of Pigeonpea In Malawi, Maria Gorret Nabuwembo

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Drought, heatwaves, and flooding cause tremendous damage to agricultural production in Malawi, and the continuous production of maize has led to widespread soil degradation. Additionally, climate change is transforming the environment at a scale beyond historical records, posing significant challenges to social, political, and economic systems. To combat these issues, agricultural innovations have been implemented, such as the installation of irrigation systems and development of heat/drought resilient crop varieties. Pigeonpea is one of the prominent drought-tolerant and temperature resilient crops grown as a diversification strategy since it allows farmers to adapt to changes while maintaining subsistence needs. This research investigates …

From In-The-Head To In-The-World: Frameworks For Understanding And Applying Computational Thinking, Justin Olmanson, Gretchen K. Larsen, Azadeh Hassani

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

In the five decades since Papert coined the term Computational Thinking (CT), it has become a core framework for thinking about learning, problem-solving, design, and creativity. Although CT is most commonly, and initially, associated with the cognitive orientations involved in coding and learning to code, it also includes situated and critical processes related to computational problem solving. Herein we unpack ways researchers in different fields and points in time have organized CT. We include creative coding as a uniquely generative lens for rethinking CT, outlining its potential as an expressive, constructionist, and culturally situated practice. In doing so, we explore …

Autonomous Search And Rescue: Real-Time Drone And Robotic Dog Integration, Robert Alexander

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (MS) Theses

Common robotic navigation techniques often utilize GPS to set up the robot’s reference frame, which is not possible in environments, such as indoor facilities, underground passages, and disaster zones, where GPS is not available. This research explores the integration of a Boston Dynamics Spot robot with a Tello drone to form a non-GPS-based autonomous navigation system. By leveraging coordinate transformation logic, this study enables real-time aerial reconnaissance and ground-based waypoint navigation without reliance on GPS. The methodology includes software development using the Spot SDK and Tello APIs, a virtual networked solution for integration, and an experimental setup to validate navigation …

Reducing Stigma Around Neurodiversity Through The Use Of Celebratory Technology Ice Breakers In First-Year Undergraduate Classrooms, Briana Craig

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (MS) Theses

Celebratory technology for Neurodiversity is a new paradigm in the field of human computer interaction; it focuses on reducing stigma surrounding neurodivergent labels and behaviors. Celebratory technology aims to highlight the strengths of neurodiversity rather than fixing socially undesired traits, shifting the responsibility for change from neurodivergent individuals to society's attitudes. Stigma reduction can be accomplished through providing high quality interactions, where anyone can meet and learn about positive traits in others as well as learn of interests' others have in common, thus reframing neurodivergence as inclusion in human diversity rather than a condition to be stigmatized or objectified. This …

From Seasonality To Causality: Understanding Urban Water Usage Using Statistical And Machine Learning Models, Kelsey Hawkins

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (MS) Theses

This study examines the relationship between climate conditions and residential water usage, focusing on how seasonal and environmental changes influence water consumption. Utilizing data from over 100,000 households across three micro-climate zones for over a five-year period, we apply statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to assess the impact of temperature, precipitation, evapotranspiration, and location on water usage. By integrating climate and billing data, this research provides a data-driven approach on water usage behaviors in Irvine, CA, in collaboration with Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD).

Our analysis utilizes time series modeling, including a Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and …

Implementation Of Residual Tandem Neural Networks For Photonic Inverse Design, Ponthea A. Zahraii

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (MS) Theses

Deep-learning approaches can greatly benefit the modeling and design of nanophotonic and optical structures. Traditional full-wave simulations are time and resource-intensive, which can act as a bottleneck in photonic design. On the other hand, deep-learning approaches for designing the response of nanophotonic geometries can be computationally inexpensive and produce accurate and efficient results. In this project, we specifically investigate the case of optical forces near meta-structures. We propose using an inverse design approach with residual blocks to account for the deep nature of this architecture and inherently address the non-uniqueness problem. A tandem approach, which consists of two interconnected models, …

Connecting The Montessori Philosophy Through Edtech, Olivia Chilvers

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (MS) Theses

This thesis explores the evolving landscape of Educational Technology (EdTech) and examines how the Montessori educational philosophy is translated into digital learning environments. The study aims to identify design implications for children’s educational applications (apps) that seek to align with Montessori principles and what aspects of a Montessori-based application excel over a non-Montessori-based application. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using a custom-developed codebook to analyze user reviews posted by guardians of children on the Apple App Store. These reviews pertained to apps identified as Montessori-based, either through explicit labeling or meta-data. In addition to this review analysis, a user …

An Analysis Of Bias Towards Women In Large Language Models Using Likert Scale Evaluations, Sarah T. Fieck

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (MS) Theses

Closed-source large language models (LLMs) developed by large technology companies continue to grow in popularity. However, ethical conversations surrounding the safety of model outputs have been a prominent topic of discussion. This project aims to assess three leading closed-source LLMs: OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude, to analyze how their outputs perform when treated as a subject of several psychological evaluation scales measuring biased behaviors against women. The Ambivalent Sexism Index, Modern Sexism Scale, and Belief in Sexism Shift evaluations were used to get descriptions of how the LLMs respond to traditional and modern prompts involving sexism and gender …

A Narrative-Focused Machine Learning Approach To Predicting Feature Film Success, Arisa T. Trombley

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (MS) Theses

For decades, the field of film production has been driven by marketability, and it has relied on gut feelings and subjectivity to produce feature films. The analysis of the relationship between a screenplay’s narrative and a film’s success has been widely overlooked due to the challenges involved in data acquisition and complexity. This study investigates the predictive power of narrative structure on film success and aims to build evidence for hypothesized narrative principles. The results suggest that narrative structural elements exhibit moderate predictive power, with strong support for the alignment of the 2nd act crucial moments and the 2nd act …

Standardizing Wind Energy Project Bid Process, Phillip Ilarion Pletnikkoff

Student Projects for Graduate Degrees

The SWEPP initiative addressed critical inefficiencies in STG Inc.'s wind energy project bidding. Previously, fragmented practices led to unpredictable outcomes and ineffective knowledge utilization. The project developed two key deliverables through stakeholder analysis: a Comprehensive Bidding Guide and a Lessons-Learned Integration System. The Bidding Guide establishes standardized templates and processes while maintaining flexibility for customization. The Lessons Learned System captures and applies insights from past projects, transforming individual experience into organizational knowledge. Despite initial resistance from experienced professionals, an inclusive approach incorporating their expertise helped overcome implementation challenges—the modular design balanced standardization with flexibility to address diverse requirements. Early results …

Application Of Project Management To Develop A Multifunctional Wheelchair Mount In The Non-Profit Sector, Ruger Johnsen

Student Projects for Graduate Degrees

There are currently few commercially available multi-function accessory mounts for electric wheelchairs that are practical for high-level quadriplegics. Consequently, an individual user must design and create one for themselves, an undertaking that requires significant resources in the form of expertise, time, and money. Wes Price, a quadriplegic, has developed a concept mount for operating a hunting rifle. This project optimized the proof-of-concept by building a prototype and completing a design that can be offered to the public. The primary tasks and deliverables of this project include: 1) Research and develop improvements to the proof-of-concept and prototype 2) Fabricate prototypes 3) …

Survey On Application Of Large Language Models In Network Attack And Defense, Prisha Purohit

Honors Theses

The emergence of Large Language Models (LLMs) has significantly transformed the technological and cybersecurity landscape, introducing both unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges. With the public release of ChatGPT in 2022, LLMs have gained global prominence, redefining natural language processing capabilities and enabling advancements across various fields. In cybersecurity, these models represent a dual-use technology: while they offer powerful tools for threat detection, automated analysis, and security training, they also pose risks when leveraged by malicious actors for phishing, social engineering, and the creation of evasive malware. This thesis presents a comprehensive literature review exploring the dual roles of LLMs in …

Bridging The Nature Gap: Understanding Barriers And Promoting Outdoor Engagement Among African Americans In Chattanooga, Kennie Almonor

Honors Theses

This paper outlines my process of writing a physical guidebook for outdoor engagement in Chattanooga. It explores the historical context of Black exclusion from outdoor spaces and examines the health disparities that disproportionately affect Black communities. The physical connection between outdoor activity and overall well-being will also be explained. Additionally, this paper details my methodology for conducting focus groups to better understand barriers to outdoor engagement and how participant insights could inform the guidebook’s development. This paper also outlines my research on best practices for structuring an effective guide, writing process, challenges faced, and considerations for extending this project in …

Synthesis Of Single Chain Polymer Nanoparticle Networks By Reinitiating Raft Polymerization, Dallas Donovan

Honors Theses

Hydrogel materials, which are polymer networks comprised mostly of water, hold significant promise for biomedical applications due to their compatibility with biological systems. Conventional hydrogel materials are often brittle and weak, but most applications in biomedical systems require materials to be strong and tough. The topology of a polymer network dictates its mechanical properties. An important strategy for designing tougher hydrogels is the release of stored length, such as from the unfolding of polyprotein cross-linkers. Inspired by the success of the strategy, we report progress towards a fully synthetic design using single chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) into a hydrogel. SCNPs, which …