Digital Commons Network^™

Adding Libraries To The Equation: Mathematical Sciences’ Underutilization Of Academic Librarians, Jennifer L.C. Burke, Elizabeth C. Novosel, Daniel G. Kipnis, Rasitha R. Jayesekere

Libraries Scholarship

Academic librarians do not engage with all disciplinary departments equally. Despite equal or even greater efforts, some departments are less responsive to librarian outreach. One such department is mathematics. To understand mathematics departments’ relationships with their academic librarians, three mathematics librarians created a 20-question survey that was disseminated to mathematics faculty, instructors, and instructional staff in the United States and Canada. Of the 188 survey participants, more than a third reported that they never engage with their librarians, approximately half only do so occasionally, and a mere eight percent of participants collaborated with librarians to provide information literacy instruction (IL) …

A.C.T.S.: Accessing Care For Trafficking Survivors, Stephanie Johnson, Kaitlynn Leffler

Criminology and Criminal Justice Theses and Dissertations

Human trafficking has been a persistent societal problem with significant costs for states, the nation, and across the world. Victims struggle to recognize that they have endured having been trafficked and society lacks the awareness and understanding that is necessary to help. While many organizations have implemented programs aimed at helping victims escape and recover, victims often remain unaware of what resources are available.

Advancements in technology may allow victims a bridge to connecting with services and could offer assistance to law enforcement and prosecutors who are working to hold trafficking offenders accountable. Many younger victims today feel comfortable using …

Predicting Sorption Of Diverse Organic Compounds In Soil-Water Systems: Meta-Analysis, Machine Learning Modeling, And Global Soil Mapping, Jiachun Sun, Kai Zhang, Huichun Zhang

Faculty Scholarship

In recent decades, the environmental detection of various organic compounds (OCs) has highlighted the limitations of conventional soil-water sorption models, which simplify complex experimental conditions and often overlook OCs with polyfunctional and ionizable structures. To address these shortcomings, we compiled a comprehensive soil-water sorption dataset encompassing 20,945 data points for 419 OCs with various functional groups and 1037 different soils. Meta-analysis of the dataset revealed the trends of soil sorption associated with OC substructures, soil properties, and solution conditions. Machine learning models employing the XGBoost algorithm, in conjunction with MACCS fingerprints and experimental conditions, were developed to cover the entire …

The Rider (2025-05-05), Rebeca Salinas

The Rider Archives

Vol. 10, No. 28

Improving User Retention And Learning Through Interactive Tutorial Systems, Prakhyat Chaube

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

The onboarding experience in software applications is crucial for user engagement and retention. Traditional static tutorials often fail to provide adaptive, role-specific learning, leading to user frustration and drop-off. This project introduces an interactive tutorial system tailored for students and tutors using the CSE Student Success Center App at the University of Texas at Arlington. Designed to enhance usability and accessibility, the system personalizes onboarding experiences through guided, role-based learning paths and real-time feedback. By streamlining the learning curve, the tutorial system fosters greater user confidence and engagement, ensuring a more intuitive transition into the application. User evaluations indicate a …

Tensile Techonics, Jesus A. Vielma

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Architecture has traditionally responded to seismic threats with mass, rigidity, and fortification. However, in an era of increasing seismic volatility and material innovation, the architectural response must evolve from resisting nature to coexisting with it.

This thesis reimagines earthquake-resilient design through the framework of tensile technicism — the strategic use of tension-based systems, lightweight materials, and dynamic structural strategies to create flexible, adaptive environments that breathe with the earth’s movements rather than fracture under them.

By integrating structural engineering principles with emerging material technologies, this approach offers a lighter, more sustainable, and more resilient architecture for seismic zones. Tensile systems …

Hybridize Functions: A Tool For Automatically Refactoring Imperative Deep Learning Programs To Graph Execution, Raffi Khatchadourian, Tatiana Castro Vélez, Mehdi Bagherzadeh, Nan Jia, Anita Raja

Publications and Research

Efficiency is essential to support responsiveness w.r.t. ever-growing datasets, especially for Deep Learning (DL) systems. DL frameworks have traditionally embraced deferred execution-style DL code—supporting symbolic, graph-based Deep Neural Network (DNN) computation. While scalable, such development is error-prone, non-intuitive, and difficult to debug. Consequently, more natural, imperative DL frameworks encouraging eager execution have emerged but at the expense of run-time performance. Though hybrid approaches aim for the “best of both worlds,” using them effectively requires subtle considerations to make code amenable to safe, accurate, and efficient graph execution—avoiding performance bottlenecks and semantically inequivalent results. We discuss the engineering aspects of a …

Sean Burke V. Edward Bachert

2025 Decisions

USDC for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

How Can Art Therapy Help Veterans And Service Members With Ptsd? A Literature Review, Shira Espo

Expressive Therapies Theses

This paper seeks to research the usefulness of art therapy with veterans and service members with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Theoretically, art therapy is thought to work by allowing access to non-verbal memories to be expressed and transformed into a trauma narrative, to be stored in memory in a way that does not interfere with daily life the way PTSD symptoms do. The method used is a literature review, which studied research articles about art therapy being used to treat veterans and service members with PTSD. Other included topics are the history of PTSD, current theories about PTSD and the …

Communing With Lions: A Critical Literature Review Exploring Pan-Asian Lion Dance Traditions Through The Lens Of Expressive Arts Therapy, Sarah T. Ngo

Expressive Therapies Theses

Lion dancing is a cultural art form practiced in numerous Asian and Asian diasporic cultures across the world. While the dance has been studied both in a historical and ethnographic manner, little research exists on its therapeutic benefits. This capstone thesis explores lion dancing through the lens of the expressive arts therapies to uncover the therapeutic factors underlying the practice. It applies the Chadian dance/movement therapy framework as well as various expressive arts therapy frameworks to the lion dance. The literature review indicates that lion dancing has the potential to be therapeutic in a number of ways, which include: 1) …

Eat The Rich? Eat The Poor: The Growing Disparity Between Corporate Greed, Ceo Pay, And Minimum Wage Stagnation, Kayla D. Ocallaghan, Uzoamaka Anakwe

Honors College Theses

This paper analyzes the CEO to minimum wage compensation ratio between 2010-2023 in the United States. By assessing reported compensation of 30 certain disciplined U.S. publicly traded companies in the 2023 Fortune 500 and with total compensation for CEOs disclosed through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings (DEF 14A), a comparative ratio and significance study adjusted for inflation occurs. While average CEO compensation remained consistent in real value, the average CEO to minimum wage compensation ratio was above 1,000:1 for a majority of the companies and over 2,000:1 for a select few by 2023. These results indicate that the …

Everyone Drums: A Music And Social Studies Homeschool Curriculum, Emma Zemancik

Honors Projects

Everyone Drums: A Music and Social Studies Homeschool Curriculum aims to fill a gap in music education homeschool curricula. The workbook, parent guide, and paper work together to highlight percussion traditions from around the world as means to teach geography, history, culture, and of course music.

Three-Dimensional Learning Through Phenomenon-Based Science Education And Its Application Via The Collapsed Container Phenomenon, Maryam Saberi, Noushin Nouri

Teaching and Learning Faculty Publications

This research aims to investigate and explain three-dimensional (3D) learning through the phenomenon-based science education approach. The study employed documentary review research methodology to analyze sources that introduce phenomenon-based science education (including research articles, new science education standards, and Iran's national science curriculum guide). The findings indicate that three-dimensional learning, with its emphasis on disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and explaining natural phenomena. In this research, the six stages of phenomenon-based science education—including introducing the phenomenon, creating a questions-observations-interpretations table, developing an initial model, exploring the phenomenon, completing a …

Silicon Photonics For Quantum Information, Evan Manfreda-Schulz

Theses

Quantum information science and technology (QIST) combines principles of quantum mechanics and information theory to develop new approaches for processing, transmitting, and sensing information. Practical realization of applications in QIST requires generation and validation of a significant amount of entanglement, which is not only a property but a logical resource. Silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are an attractive platform for applications in QIST and for generating the entanglement resource because they are foundry-fabricated, are compatible with existing fiber optic infrastructure, have a small spatial footprint, and afford access to several high-dimensional (HD) degrees of freedom. This dissertation covers three projects …

Jtc 25: Engineering Her Future, Staff Report

University of Mississippi News

This story is part of the 2025 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of Mississippi students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

The Slice / Revitalizing Space For Bushwick's Creatives, Nadabya Lorick

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Bushwick has an underlying heritage of being a vital, diverse, energetic neighborhood. Declining infrastructure, fragmented social networks, and a lack of attention to residents’ needs have contributed to the area’s struggles. Despite these challenges, the neighborhood’s vibrant street art culture has emerged as a powerful force for renewal, fostering a sense of identity and drawing widespread appreciation. Reconfiguring a person’s relationship with their existence in Bushwick, NY, sits at the intersection of the wider well-being of humans, which includes intrinsic elements and more social interaction. This looks like repurposing buildings to highlight Bushwick’s unique blend of historical heritage, artistic energy, …

Estimating Pedestrian Crossing Times At Scramble Crossings Via Machine Learning And Agent-Based Modeling, Sho Takami

Honors Capstones

Scramble crosswalks differ from conventional crosswalks in their ability for pedestrians to cross diagonally. This research compares the average crossing times and investigates the walking behaviors that pedestrians adopt to produce the speediest times in the two crosswalk configurations. Identification of the most efficient set of walking behaviors is done through an agent-based model, whereas producing polynomials relating crossing times to the most prominent walking behaviors is done through regression algorithms in machine learning. With the combination of these two approaches, it is revealed that pedestrians must adopt a relaxed walking style to make each crosswalk configuration efficient. Additionally, between …

Gas Turbine Design For Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket, Nicholas Kanaczet, Sam Ingalls, Ryan Viveiros, Ryan Elias

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

The group 11 project is focused specifically on the design of the turbine to provide power and torque to drive the rotation of the Centrifugal Fuel Element (CFE) in the Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (CNTR). Design focused on optimization of both high speed power and torque and torque at low speed as well. Other design factor considerations include vibration/resonance, thermal management (in theory, not in testing), and inlet/outlet flow conditions. Combining Computational Fluid dynamics with iterative testing and initial turbine theory, the team was able to successfully design a turbine capable of reaching the 10,000 RPM goal, given further testing …

Nasa Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket Fuel Tube Gas Flow And Heat Transfer, Ace Ayotte, Peter Martin, Ivan Pantoja, Tom Shearing

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

The Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (CNTR) is a very unique and complex project that necessitates the need for innovative design solutions. Despite this complexity, the team was able to produce substantial results. The focus of this project was to develop a propellant flow path for the CNTR which would allow for sufficient cooling and rotation of the fuel tube up to 10,000 RPM. The team’s design utilizes a four runner manifold to transport the hydrogen flow in the cooling jacket into the fuel tube to be used for propulsion. From the manifold, the flow enters the nozzle while maximizes the …

Toray Plastics Small Format 4 Inch Diverter Valve, Jake Carter, Tyler Ceseretti, Ryan Mcsweeney, Bryan Perez, Matt Saia

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This project focuses on the design and development of a small-format diverter valve for Toray Plastics, intended to redirect polypropylene pellets between two basins in an industrial production system. The primary goal is to create an efficient, fully automated valve that fits a 4-inch internal diameter, supports smooth pellet flow, and complies with food safety standards. To meet these requirements, the valve is constructed entirely from stainless steel, ensuring compliance with sanitary regulations and long-term durability in a production environment. It is also designed to be lightweight enough for installation in the limited space available and compatible with Toray’s existing …

Vatn Systems Integrated Stewart Platform For Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Calibration, Oliver Mcmahon, Brendan Mathot, Jordan Berry, Casey Egan, Logan James, Evan Gordon

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This capstone project, developed in collaboration with VATN Systems, resulted in the design, construction, and testing of a Stewart Platform to address the calibration challenges associated with IMUs in AUVSs. The goal was to create a precise and repeatable platform capable of actuating all 6 DOF—translation along and rotation about the x, y, and z axes—to correct internal sensor misalignments and improve overall AUV navigation performance.

Initial efforts focused on designing a gantry and tow tank system to calibrate an entire suite of onboard sensors including DVLs, GNSS modules, magnetometers, and IMUs. However, after sponsor guidance and reevaluation of project …

Air Bearing Automation, Justin Couto, Jonah Coppolelli, Jessica Tingley, Siena Robinson

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This project focuses on automating the repetitive task of loading and unloading #04 air bearings into a Haas EC-300 CNC machine at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence using a Universal Robots UR5e robotic arm equipped with specialized attachments. The primary objective was to eliminate the need for a machinist to perform this task every hour, thereby increasing operational efficiency and reducing manual labor. A vacuum gripper paired with a screwing mechanism was developed to allow the robot to seamlessly perform both gripping and fastening operations. A redesigned air bearing holding structure was also integrated to ensure enhanced compatibility, precision, and system reliability. …

Nossa Fast Cook-Off, Dan O'Hara, Chris Phelan, Ethan Silverman, Joey Hook, Luke Heitkamp

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

The goal of Team 19’s project was to design a fast cook off system to be used as an alternative to current insensitive munitions testing practices. The fast cook off test is used to determine the responses of explosive devices or materials when subjected to rapid heating. NAVSEA is moving away from their previous testing method, which consisted of igniting a large pool of jet fuel to fully engulf the test subject in flame.

This method has several significant disadvantages. Burning jet fuel into the open atmosphere with such regularity inflicts needless harm to the environment when better alternatives are …

Mpc Inline Skate Wheel Cleaner, Billy Adamo, Jamal Baptista, Tristan Harrison, Mia Mollicone, Nicholas Santovasi

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This project, sponsored by Mearthane Products Corporation (MPC), focused on improving the labor-intensive and environmentally harmful process currently used to clean and finish high-performance roller skate wheels. MPC’s existing workflow relied heavily on manual labor and the use of solvents like WD-40 and Scotch Brite pads to remove silicone mold release agents and prepare the wheels for UV ink printing. The main objectives of the project were to enhance operator safety and ergonomics, eliminate hazardous and excessive chemical use, increase throughput, and maintain or improve wheel quality as measured by scratch and tape tests.

To achieve these objectives, Team 15 …

Mechanical Car Door Dampening Device, Daniel Fish, Tony Op, Alex Ciulla, Matt Beauregard

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This project focuses on the development and design of a mechanical device that successfully aids in lessening the force in the car door closure process. The goal was to enhance the users experience by obtaining a result in which the door closes softly and quietly. The process started with identifying the necessary components of a soft closing system. One of the crucial components was a pneumatic damper which was purchased online. The main goal was to create one of these systems but achieve a more cost-effective outcome. This is why we decided to make the device fully mechanical. The pneumatic …

Gamma Radiation Spectrum Detector Motion And Remote Operation, Kaelyn Mcevoy, Drew Martin, Kevin Rush, Josh Fielder, Ethan Maione

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This project presents the design, development, and testing of a remotely operated mounting platform for a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma radiation detector at the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center (RINSC). The goal was to create a stable, precise, and compact system capable of adjusting the detector’s position in three dimensions, X, Y, and Z, within the spatial constraints of the facility’s dry gamma room. The mount allows for accurate alignment with a beam port used to direct gamma radiation from a submerged fuel element, enabling safe and effective spectral data collection without direct human intervention.

Previous iterations of the detector …

Shark Jet Module, Max Morgado, Patrick Raczkowski, Kevin Raczkowski, David Maciejuk, Moustafa Amer

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

In an effort to address significant drawbacks that are presented from traditional underwater propulsion devices such as high costs, heavy designs, complicated setups, limited accessibility for divers, surfers, and small boat enthusiasts, Team 23 was given the task to make their own module that would address these challenges and satisfy various design requirements to ultimately offer a unique improved solution.

This final design report sums up the work of Team 23 throughout their entire research, brainstorming, testing, and overall iterative development of an underwater jet propulsion module during the entirety of the 2024-2025 academic year. The overarching goal of this …

Slow Heating Test Oven For Insensitive Munitions - Preliminary Design Report, Jason Albano, Nick Mckeown, Sam Saleem, Connor Guerrero, Andi Krasnqi

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This capstone project aims to design a slow-heating test oven for insensitive munitions. The test oven is a purpose-built system to address the critical need for safe and compliant munitions testing. This project aims to provide a reliable solution for testing the thermal stability of insensitive munitions under controlled heating conditions, adhering to the stringent requirements of AOP-4382, AOP-39, and AOP-39.1 standards.

The design incorporates a modular, rectangular oven of 4.59 ft3 volume, capable of manual temperature control, achieving a maximum temperature of 300ºC with a uniform heating rate of 15ºC per hour. Throughout the semester, we developed a prototype, …

Assessment And Design Of Materials For Radiation Effects, Robert Viola, Owen Hefferman, Lester Merida, Ian Sroka

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This project investigates the mechanical behavior of neoprene rubber when subjected to gamma radiation, with the goal of evaluating its suitability as a component in radiation shielding systems for use in nuclear submarine environments. Specifically, neoprene sheets were layered between steel plates to simulate a composite barrier structure. The study involved exposing neoprene samples to varying levels of gamma radiation and conducting tensile and compression tests to analyze changes in mechanical properties. Stress-strain data were used to assess material stiffness and brittleness under both loading conditions. The results aim to determine whether neoprene maintains structural integrity in high-radiation settings, and …

Ballast Release System For Unmanned Underwater Vehicle, Jackson Beaudreau, Cameron Cotter, Casey Mcquesten, Victoria Rowe, Alex Soucy

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) have a range of applications. Researchers in many fields utilize them for underwater mapping and inspection of structures. They are also used by the military for mine detection, intelligence gathering and surveillance activities. UUVs must be neutrally buoyant for optimal control and stability, meaning that their depth and position can be easily controlled regardless of ocean movement. In the event of communication or propulsion loss, retrieval can be extremely difficult due to the neutrally buoyant nature. Retrieval increases human and financial cost of the overall operation, and in many cases the entire hull is lost.

The …