Digital Commons Network^™

“Keep Them Flying” - A Work Analysis Of A Usaf Logistics Ssgt And Associated Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Donald Seeterlin

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This case study analyzed ergonomic concerns within the field of logistics in the United States Air Force using Alberto, a 27-year-old Staff Sergeant. Alberto is a physically fit individual who experiences consistent lumbar and knee pain resulting from his job duties. A work analysis included a hierarchical task analysis, the Body Part Discomfort Survey, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), the Moore-Garg Strain Index (MGSI), and a Psychosocial Factors Analysis. Analysis revealed an extremely poor working environment which is conducive to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) and burnout. Based on these findings and current literature the following recommendations were made: The …

The Risks Of Working As A Delivery Driver: A Case Study, Mackenzie Seaman

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Sometimes, the workplace has demanding tasks that may not fit the person working on them. This case study follows S., a retired veteran, during his work as a delivery driver for Keurig Dr. Pepper, where he faces significant physical demands. He was meant to deliver 21,000 pounds of soda to many different stores per day, often by himself. Additionally, his job required long hours, repetitive movements, and high exertion despite his lean build. Using anthropometric analysis, a Body Discomfort Survey, and workload assessments, it was found that most of the tasks S. was required to perform were too anthropometrically challenging …

The Rankine Cycle In Energy Production, Kalani Hayden

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The Rankine cycle serves as the fundamental thermodynamic cycle for steam power plants, which generate approximately 85% of the world's electricity. This closed-loop process converts thermal energy into mechanical work through four key stages: compression, heat addition, expansion, and heat rejection. Water is pressurized by a pump, heated to create superheated steam in a boiler, expanded through a turbine to generate electricity, and finally condensed back to liquid state to restart the cycle. Modern implementations have evolved to include modifications such as reheat cycles, regenerative cycles, and supercritical operations, all designed to improve thermal efficiency beyond the base cycle's typical …

A Search For Pulsation Among Stars In Wide Binaries, Jacob Becker

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

We present preliminary results of our study of periodic pulsations among suspected pulsating stars identified during a search for rotation modulation using NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) data. A Lomb-Scargle periodogram analysis was used to identify pulsation modes and distinguish targets between Delta Scudi, Cepheids, and other types of stellar variability. Where possible, cross-validation with prior published classifications was used to confirm our findings. The goal of this work is to further refine stellar age determinations by comparing the rotation rates and ages determined by asteroseismology (pulsations) to gyrochronology (rotational modulation of light curves). Support from NSF grants AST-1910396, …

Modeling Stellar Interferometry For Hess (High Energy Stereoscopic System) Stars, Gwynlyn Hannah, Debra Bradfield

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The radius of a single star is constrained by a combination of stellar interferometry, which measures the angular size of the star, and the star’s distance, determined from the measured stellar parallax. Many stars hotter than the Sun rapidly rotate and should appear non-circular in the sky. The angular diameters of four stars ( Centauri, Crucis, Sagittarii, and Scorpii) have recently been measured by intensity interferometry using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) at two wavelength bands, 375 nm and 470 nm (Vogel et al. 2025). Two of the stars, Centauri and Crucis, have the same measured angular size in …

Addressing Light Pollution On The Embry-Riddle Campus, Ahnika Gee, Maya Curtis, Marcus Flesher, Axon Deadrick, Conner Callahan, Desiree Robinson, Jarrett Usui, Josef Kaelin, Douglas Griswold, Raiden Keefer, Harrison A. Zimmermann, Cole Gresham

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is home to the largest university telescope in Florida. The 1-meter telescope on top of the College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) has the ability to observe more faint and distant objects than any other university in the state. However, these abilities are greatly hindered by light pollution created by the lighting conditions on campus. For several semesters our team has worked to identify the greatest contributors to this light pollution to develop solutions for reduction so that the 1-meter telescope and the data it collects may be best utilized. We use a Unihedron sky quality meter …

Feasibility Of Mylar As A Replacement For A Primary Mirror In A Reflecting Telescope, Ahnika Gee, Robert Thibodeau, Mario Gutierrez, Emma Show, Quinisha Huggins, Desiree Robinson

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

High-quality parabolic mirrors, essential for reflecting telescopes, are traditionally bulky, expensive, and extremely fragile. This experiment investigates the feasibility of using unconventional mirrors, specifically specular Class B Mylar, as a lightweight and cost-effective alternative. This approach could lead to new methods for telescope design by significantly reducing weight and manufacturing costs while maintaining optical performance. The Mylar sheet is shaped to the necessary curvature by applying a negative pressure, allowing for an adjustable focal length, which is unachievable with conventional glass-aluminum mirrors. This adaptability could enable real-time adjustments directly from the primary mirror, potentially improving telescope versatility. To evaluate the …

Cooperative Aerial And Ground Vehicles Experimental Testbed, Javier Robinson, Harrison A. Zimmermann

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Heterogeneous multi-agent systems is an emerging area of research in autonomous vehicles due to the unique potential of vehicles with distinct roles to improve efficiency and adaptability. While significant theoretical work exists, most experimental research focuses on cooperation among identical vehicles. The Cooperative Aerial and Ground Vehicle Experimental Testbed (CAGE) seeks to address this gap by developing a platform for testing cooperation between two distinct vehicle models: Bitcraze’s Crazyflie 2.1 quadcopters and K-Team’s Khepera IV ground robots. CAGE includes an enclosed physical environment for safe experimentation with the vehicles, and will grow to include a software library for managing coordination …

Advanced Manufacturing And Materials Of A Bio-Mimetic Hoof For Space Robotics Applications, Benjamin Heckel

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Exploring planetary surfaces presents a major challenge for robotic systems, as traditional wheels and legs often struggle with uneven, unpredictable, and steep terrain. Nature offers a potential solution: mountain goats navigate rough landscapes with ease due to the unique structure and materials of their hooves. This project seeks to develop a robotic hoof that mimics these natural advantages, improving traction, durability, and adaptability for extraterrestrial exploration. To achieve this, the project will focus on selecting materials that closely replicate the composition of an organic hoof. The early prototypes will be printed in 3-D using cost-effective materials, while the final design …

Dual-Layer Dielectric Self-Healing Pressure Sensor For Monitoring Bone Health In Microgravity, Rutveek Ingawale

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

In recent years, pressure sensing technologies have improved a lot in the aerospace industry, leading to many new applications. Accurate pressure sensing is crucial in space, where even subtle changes in force distribution can provide valuable insights into astronaut health and equipment performance. Prolonged exposure to microgravity during space missions significantly impacts astronauts' musculoskeletal health, particularly bone density, leading to spaceflight osteopenia. Prolonged space travel weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Thus, it is necessitating innovative solutions for monitoring and mitigating bone density loss. This study explores a novel approach to astronaut health monitoring by integrating self-healing polymer (SHP) …

Multi-Modal Atmospheric Data Collection Using Low-Cost Particulate Matter Sensors, Kaleb Nails

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This paper presents design and test results from a multi-modal research effort to understand airborne Particulate Matter (PM) distribution. The multi-modal nature includes (a) 1D stationary ground-based measurements, (b) 2D mobile ground-based measurements, and (c) 3D airborne measurements using small Uncrewed Aircraft (sUA). The goal is to improve understanding of particulate matter distribution by extending PM measurements to all three spatial dimensions. Reference Monitors with high accuracy PM measurements are typically heavier and larger than small uncrewed aircraft can carry for extended sampling periods. This drives the use of small, lightweight, low cost, and low power PM sensors. The results …

Development Of A Portable, Low-Cost Sensor For The Detection Of Inflammation, Rahela A. Dolha

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

IL-6 is a cell-signaling protein pair (antibody-antigen) scientifically validated and recognized as a biomarker of inflammation. During the onset of inflammation, IL-6 antigens are released into the bloodstream to signal the production of other pro-inflammatory proteins. As IL-6 antigens circulate in the bloodstream, ~10% of the concentration is filtered and released through perspiration. This presents IL-6 as a very useful resource for the monitoring of inflammation, a very persistent and painful symptom of chronic illnesses. This project highlights the development and optimization of a point-of-care (POC) impedance biosensor. An interleukin-6 (IL-6) sensing two-electrode system is used as a tool for …

Steam Distillation: Extraction Of (R)-(-)-Carvone From Spearmint Leaves, Zachary Readdick, Allen Qiu

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Carvone (C10H14O) is the major component found in spearmint leaves (Mentha spicata). Spearmint is native to Europe and southern temperate Asia but is now grown everywhere due to commercial production of essential oils. Spearmint is rich in antioxidants and is said to have many health benefits to include minor pain relief, cognitive improvements, and hormone regulation. Limonene, eucalyptol, and carveol are some of the other components within spearmint but less abundant. Carvone forms two enantiomers: R-(-) and S-(+). R-(-) produces a semisweet minty aroma like in spearmint and S-(+) produces a spicy aroma with hints of rye like in caraway …

Extraction Of The Essential Oils Of Roses Using Steam Distillation, Stefani Capasso Villanueva

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The complex aroma of roses is perceived through neural receptors that translate the rose's constituent chemical compounds into interpretable odors. These scents arise from metabolic processes within the rose, producing volatile oils which are then released into the environment. While the specific chemical composition varies across rose species, key constituents include geraniol, phenyl ethanol, citronellol, rose oxide, phenyl acetate, farnesyl acetate, linalool, among other compounds. This experiment aimed to extract these oils via steam distillation. Rose petals were boiled in water; though the oils are immiscible with water, the resulting vapor carried the oils into a condenser and simultaneously lowered …

Biosensors For Spaceflight Neuro-Ocular Syndrome, Natalie Brattain, Ashley Lunt

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This project aims to develop miniaturized devices using nanotechnology and advanced materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes to continuously monitor physiological pressures, particularly intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated IOP is a key marker in the diagnosis and treatment of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome, which is recognized as a health risk for NASA astronauts. Our approach involves designing a contact lens tonometer embedded with graphene carbon nanotube nanocomposite films, which offer heightened sensitivity and real-time, non invasive monitoring of IOP. Methods include the synthesis and fabrication of nanocomposite films, characterization of their mechanical and electrical properties, and integration into flexible contact lenses. …

Lemongrass Organic Compounds, Wesley Flewelling, Cooper Davis

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Lemongrass is known for its distinctive fragrance, which arises from a combination of four key compounds: limonene, geranial, geraniol, and beta-myrcene. While aromatic compounds were historically classified by their scent, modern classification is based on the presence of a benzene ring, meaning not all fragrant compounds are technically aromatic. Among the four compounds in lemongrass, only limonene meets this structural definition. This study explores the chemical composition of lemongrass oil and its extraction process. To extract the organic compounds the creation of a hydrosol from the lemongrass plant is needed. This process involves steam distillation followed by separation of organic …

Isolation Of Linalool And Linalyl Acetate From Lavender Via Steam Distillation, Leah Robinson, Grant Erlinder

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Linalool and linalyl acetate are naturally occurring monoterpenes found in lavender, they are known for their distinct aroma and biological properties. Linalool has the chemical formula of C₁₀H₁₈O and is a monoterpene alcohol, while linalyl acetate has the chemical formula of C₁₂H₂₀O₂ and is linalool’s acetate ester. These compounds have been widely studied for their anti-inflammatory properties, studies have indicated that these compounds influence inflammatory pathways, decrease inflammatory-associated molecules, and enhance the production of protective proteins. Linalool exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by regulating cytokine production and reducing oxidative stress, whereas linalyl acetate acts as a precursor to linalool, providing continuous anti-inflammatory …

Evaluating Hydrogen Peroxide As A Soil Remediation Strategy For Martian Agriculture, Hannah Lyons, Astrid Senko, Matthew Zito, Ryan Paulson, Ryan F. Rednick, Rubi Vera, Meliah Martin, Parisse Goutier, Annabelle Augustine

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The potential for plant growth in Martian soil is a critical consideration for future space exploration and colonization. Martian regolith presents numerous challenges for plant development, including low organic content and high oxidative stress. Similarly, airport soil on Earth is often contaminated due to aircraft exhaust and vehicle compaction. This study investigates the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on the growth of rye (Secale cereale) in both simulated Martian soil (MGS-1), which contains 10.6% ferrous iron (FeO), and soil collected from the Full Throttle Point from Runway 25R at Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB). Hydrogen peroxide may enhance plant growth …

Lunar Autonomy Challenge: Enabling Autonomous Navigation In A Simulated Lunar Environment, Marshall Yelvington

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The Lunar Autonomy Challenge (LAC) is hosted by the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and NASA, and sponsored by Embodied AI and is for undergraduate students seeking to pursue controls theory and machine learning in the domain of robotics. We present a solution to enable our agent, or rover, to perform tasks such as traverse across a lunar environment, detect foreign objects, and localize. The agent is equipped with 2 stereo pairs, 4 additional stereo cameras, and an IMU. Using a 3D SLAM toolbox (RTAB-Map), an image processing package (NVIDIA Stereo Image Proc), and a landmark-based navigation controller (Nav2 and …

Mitigation Of Virtual Reality Induced Cybersickness, Louis Pandolfo, Hannah Lyons

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Virtual reality (VR) offers valuable training opportunities in different industries, but its widespread use is limited by cybersickness, characterized by nausea, dizziness, and disorientation. Although there is research on the causes of cybersickness, how people adapt to it is not well understood. This study looks at whether repeated exposure to a VR-based optokinetic nystagmus (OKN-VR) system reduces symptoms and if this adaptation carries over to other VR environments. Forty healthy adults (18+) will have five days of 20-minute VR sessions (or until discomfort starts). Participants will be randomly assigned to experience either OKN-VR first, followed by a VR roller coaster …

Sirius Nlte Updates And Improvements, Katelyn Sonnen

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Sirius A (Alpha Canis Majoris), with its slow rotation and stable atmospheric conditions, serves as an ideal candidate for 1-D stellar atmosphere spectral synthesis. Its mass, radius, and surface gravity are known with great precision (within 1%), making it a key benchmark for stellar astrophysics. However, the elemental composition of Sirius’ atmosphere remains one of its most uncertain parameters. Kurucz and Furenlid (1979) produced the Sample Spectral Atlas for Sirius, covering wavelengths from 354 nm to 440 nm, the first high signal-to-noise, high spectral resolution atlas of the star. In an effort to improve the accuracy of the spectral synthesis, …

Aging Popular Exoplanet Host Stars; A Bayesian Analysis Of Stellar Evolution, Grace Henry

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This study uses BASE-9, a software tool designed for stellar age analysis, to investigate the ages of exoplanet host stars. We found the stars through a query of the NASA Exoplanet Archive based on the orbital distance of their exoplanets. The habitable zone (HZ) approach we use [2] analyzes the effective temperature and luminosity of stars between 2600 K to 7200 K. Single star systems with that effective temperature range and planets in the calculated HZ were added to our host star candidate set. From there, we used the BASE-9 (Bayesian Analysis of Stellar Evolution) software suite to derive ages …

Is Hd 122970 Still Pulsating?, Thomas Matney

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

We present a comparison of the pulsation frequencies of the rapidly oscillating Ap star (roAp) HD 122970 with previous measurements of this star’s pulsations. RoAp stars are a subclass of Main Sequence stars that pulsate with periods between 5-23 minutes. HD 122970 has been shown to be a roAp star based on light curves developed from previous observations. These observations show that HD 122970 has a pulsation period of 11.093 minutes (frequency of 1.5025 mHz). This study investigates whether HD 122970 is still pulsating in this manner by developing a differential light curve of this star. We then use digital …

Testing The Coevality Of Stars In Wide Binary Systems, Aldir Moreira

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Gyrochronology, the observed correlation between a star’s period of rotation and its age, is a method that is calibrated based using stellar clusters where ages have been determined by evolutionary models. This project employs a novel “daisy-chain” interpolation algorithm to test the assumption that stars within a given wide binary are the same age, and therefore, should have rotation periods that agree with gyrochronology models. Here we show that the approach does trace lines of constant age across the rotation period vs. color index relation. Additionally, the age dependency of stellar kinematical properties is used to confirm components are gravitationally …

Building Capacity And Inspiring Change: The Impact Of Louisiana’S Ucedd Across The Lifespan, Alicia Kowitz, Constance Alphonse, Phil Wilson, Maria Blanco

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Human Development Center (HDC), as the state’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), serves as a catalyst for inclusive systems change through interdisciplinary training, community engagement, and evidence-based service delivery. This manuscript highlights the breadth and impact of HDC’s initiatives across early childhood, education, transition, and community inclusion. Through programs such as Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood, PAYCheck, and LEND, HDC builds capacity among professionals, empowers individuals with disabilities and their families, and strengthens systems to be more responsive and equitable. The stories and outcomes shared illustrate how intentional, collaborative efforts …

Identifying Exoplanetary Signals In Tess Cycle 3 Data Using Cross Referencing And Light Curve Analysis, Narayani Arora

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has transformed exoplanet discovery by collecting high-precision light curves from thousands of stars. In this study, a Python pipeline was created that uses LightKurve to cross-reference our team's TESS Cycle 3 dataset with NASA's Exoplanet Database. Light curves have been retrieved and normalized for 23 candidate stars to search for potential planetary transits. The pipeline also generated pixel files to determine source contamination and validate potential transits. This work demonstrates how cross referencing and automated light curve analysis might help refine exoplanet searches in TESS data.

Looking For New Roap Stars In The Young Open Cluster Ngc2264, Jadia Renee Ewing

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Rapidly oscillating Ap (rOAp) stars are a rare subclass of chemically peculiar A-type stars that exhibit high-frequency pulsations driven by strong magnetic fields and ionization zones in the photosphere. These pulsations, observed between 1–4 mHz provide insight into stellar interiors and magnetic fields. Pulsations were analyzed between 0–10 mHz. Studying these oscillations allows for a better understanding of magneto-acoustic coupling in stellar atmospheres and the evolution of peculiar main sequence stars. In this study, photometric time-series analysis was used to extract the dominant oscillation frequencies of a candidate rOAp star observed with the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy telescope …

Magnetic Actuation Chamber System, Reghan Schafer, Brian Davies Ii, Jonah D. Reed

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The Magnetic Actuation Chamber System (MACS) is an innovative solution designed to enhance the cultivation of cells and tissues under simulated microgravity conditions using a 3D clinostat. By integrating a magnetic actuator with a microfluidic organ-on-chip platform, the system facilitates precise mechanical stimuli for tissue engineering and disease modeling. Key upgrades, including a pneumatic piston system, Raspberry Pi 4-based processing, and enhanced nutrient delivery through microfluidic pumps, significantly improve reliability, data collection, and adaptability. The system’s modular design ensures flexibility for future modifications. Initial results demonstrate the potential of MACS to replicate natural cellular environments, with plans to study heart …

Ground-Based Contributions To Gyrochronology: Comparing Stellar Rotation Periods Of Tess Targets With Zwicky Transient Facility, Kylie Boyer

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Gyrochronology is a technique for determining the age of low-mass main-sequence stars by measuring their rotation periods. In principle, rotation is a relatively easy to observe property when spots modulate the brightness of a star. However, contamination from blended objects, instrumental biases, and gaps in observational coverage can skew the data, making rotation periods harder to determine accurately. The Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), an advanced wide-field camera located in California, surveyed the entire northern sky every two days. This extensive coverage, with data collected from 2018 to late 2024, makes the ZTF an ideal resource for studying long-period stars. Of …

Mindfulness Practices In The School Setting: Research, Strategies, And Student Voices, Katie Lewis

Michigan Reading Journal

This article explores the role of mindfulness practices in elementary school settings, drawing from current research, practical classroom strategies, and student reflections from a school-based mindfulness yoga pilot. While children enter school with an innate capacity for presence, the structure and demands of formal education can unintentionally diminish their natural ability to regulate attention and emotion. Grounded in research connecting mindfulness to improvements in executive functioning, including working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and sustained attention, this article argues that intentionally teaching mindfulness can strengthen both behavioral and academic outcomes.

A review of empirical studies highlights correlations between mindfulness-based interventions …