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Investigate The Performance And Airtightness Of Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Pressure Vessel Fabricated Via Fdm 3d Printing, Trad Abdallah Abualbandora

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This work offers a thorough investigation into the performance of 3D-printed, short carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene pressure vessels, specifically designed for gas storage in demanding sectors like aerospace, drones, and medical equipment, operating within a pressure range of 0-10 bar. A key challenge in FDM additive manufacturing of pressure vessels is achieving airtightness due to the inherent porosity and micro-gaps resulting from the printing process. To address this, the fabricated vessel models were coated with various commercially available materials to effectively fill these microscopic imperfections and ensure the necessary tightness. Spray coating and adhesion coating materials were applied to the outer …

A Conversation With Dr. Shannon Jones Faculty Highlight, Paxton Mills

Osmosis Magazine

Dr. Shannon Jones, Senior Teaching Faculty in the Department of Biology, is a toxicology expert, teacher, and long-time mentor from Roper, North Carolina. With a PhD in Toxicology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Jones came to the University of Richmond with a purpose: to transform the lives of her students.

Computer Problems? Must Have Been The Sun How Solar Particles And Cosmic Rays Affect The Future Of Computing, Ned Markham

Osmosis Magazine

Imagine playing your favorite video game, when suddenly, your character teleports to the top of the level. One may be quick to blame the software for faulty code, clueless that this error may have originated from an unlikely source: the sun. That’s right, during a speed run of Nintendo’s Super Mario 64, one stray cosmic ray flipped a single bit (a bit is the most basic unit of information inside a computer, storing one of only two possible values of 0 and 1), causing a streamer’s character to glitch in front of him and a live audience. This phenomenon, however, …

A Journey Into The Mysterious Quantum Realm, Kien Bui

Osmosis Magazine

Toward the end of the 18th century, many scientists believed that all the fundamental laws of physics had already been discovered. Falling apples obeyed Newton’s laws of motion, spinning compasses were explained by Maxwell’s unification of electricity and magnetism, and steam engines drove the first industrial revolution through the rise of thermodynamics. Lord Kelvin stated, “[t]here is nothing new to be discovered in physics now, all that remains is more and more precise measurement.” Only “two small clouds,” he warned, were the two remaining mysteries: black-body radiation and the theory of light. These small clouds, however, turned out to be …

From Sci-Fi To Reality: Could There Be Life On Mars?, Matea Šarkinović

Osmosis Magazine

Have you ever wondered: Are we alone in the universe? Well, scientists hope to answer the age-old question and they believe that Mars could hold the answer. The red planet has been identified as a potential home to life beyond Earth, and this article aims to explore what makes Mars such a strong candidate. Understanding the conditions on extraterrestrial objects is key to determining if our existence is a unique phenomenon or if we are the product of a recurring event that happens throughout the universe.

My Roman Empire: The Mystery Of Roman Concrete, Lilly Cashen

Osmosis Magazine

After the fall of an empire and millennia of conflict and decay, most structures crumble. Yet the monumental dome of the Pantheon, the towering ruins of the Colosseum, and the sprawling miles of aqueducts still stand today, two thousand years later, as testaments to Roman engineering brilliance. The survival of these ancient structures was made possible by one of Rome’s greatest innovations: Roman concrete, or opus caementicium.

True Silver: A Story Of Skin Coining With Silver In Traditional Asian Medical Practice, Trang Nguyen

Osmosis Magazine

Silver, one of the most precious metals on Earth, has captivated humans since prehistoric times for its natural shimmer, which has found its way into coins, jewelry, and ornaments (The Natural Sapphire Company, 2025). In traditional Asian medicine, silver’s significance extends beyond jewelry or currency; it is a key component in a practice called “cạo gió”, which involves releasing energy blockages and restoring balance to the body using a smooth metal tool to scrape the skin. Although it has been passed down through generations as a remedy for various ailments, a question remains: what makes silver the material of choice?

A Tragic Love Story Neanderthal-Human Interbreeding, Parth Patel

Osmosis Magazine

Humans moved northward when it became too hot and arid. Before that, we spent a few hundred thousand years evolving to the conditions of Africa (Hajdinjak et al., 2018). Our bones, genes, and skills were all honed to ensure survival in a particular climate, so when that climate began to change, the evolutionary traits that developed through years of mutations suddenly became deficient. It forced us to move in droves to Western Eurasia, where we found some comfort in the cooler weather (Slimak et al., 2024). We also found another species of human: the Neanderthal.

Spicomellus The Jurassic Enigma, Bryan Nam

Osmosis Magazine

Imagine stepping into a time machine and messing with the controls until you find someplace interesting to go. Your destination? Morocco, 165 million years ago. You arrive and look around at vast floodplains stretching far across the horizon; flat land cut through by mighty rivers. In the distance, you see something, a creature unlike any you’ve ever seen before. It looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. It seems almost like a reptilian tank, with huge spikes on its neck and hips. The dinosaur looks towards you, then turns away to look for food. You have just come face to …

Let’S Talk About Birds Baby: How Did Birds Evolve To Have Such Elaborate Courtship Rituals?, Lautaro Lo Prete

Osmosis Magazine

If you’ve ever watched a nature documentary featuring David Attenborough, you’ve definitely marveled at the eccentric and complex rituals of some bird’s courtship display. This behavior is a phenomenon among birds where males will often complete a ritualistic dance as a way to attract a female. But why go through all the hassle? What is the purpose of expending so much energy— all the while putting yourself at such a heightened risk of predation?

Does Free Food Lead To Less Food? Dependency Theory & The Ambiguous Effects Of Food Aid, Stevi Dugas

Osmosis Magazine

Dependency Theory, in the context of food aid, holds that food aid and subsequent increases in food supply disincentivize local agricultural production, resulting in local dependence on food aid for survival. But, is this actually the case? This article first explains the economic theory behind Dependency Theory, then examines why this theory may not connect to reality and some strategies for remedying the flaws of modern non-emergency food aid to ensure effective humanitarian aid.

From Convenience To Consequence The Health Risks Of Eating Ultraprocessed Food, Eve Snyder

Osmosis Magazine

Understanding Ultraprocessed Foods and Their Effects on the Body What happens to the body when it's deprived of vital nutrients from fiber and protein, and pumped full of excessive sugar, fats, and salt? This situation can happen by eating ultraprocessed foods. Ultraprocessed foods are made with processes you wouldn't normally perform in a home kitchen, with ingredients that have little, if any, nutritional value. Pumped with additives to enhance color and taste, ultraprocessed foods may look appealing, but they can have harmful, longterm health risks (Monteiro et al., 2019).

Mushrooms And Mind Control, Connor Beasley

Osmosis Magazine

In a humid forest climbs a lone carpenter ant. At midday, it sinks its mandibles into a leaf’s vein and is locked in place. A few days later, a thin stalk of mycelium erupts from its head, dusting the forest floor in spores to infect a new victim. The ant has been infected by an unseen puppeteer known as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis sensu lato, more commonly called cordyceps or the “zombie‑ant fungus” (de Bekker et al., 2021). When we think of mind control, visions of mad scientists and maniacal villains tend to dance through our heads; the true culprits, however, are …

Chew On This How Gum Can Prevent Cavities, Garrett Mayover

Osmosis Magazine

Gum has become a staple in my daily routine. What started as something I chewed casually after school has evolved into a small yet essential part of how I relax, focus, and stay alert throughout the day. Beyond its familiar chewy texture and refreshing flavors, gum has a surprising hidden benefit - it can actually help prevent cavities. This article will explore what gum really is, the science behind its cavity-fighting abilities, and which types of gum are best for maintaining a healthy smile.

Red Flags Are My Favorite Color: The Psychology Of Falling For The 'Bad Boys', Erlinda Sali

Osmosis Magazine

The “bad boy” has been a recurring figure in popular culture for years. He’s the leather-jacketed brooding rebel, the dangerous lover, the tortured antihero that we have learned to romanticize. This archetype blends “juvenile masculinities (aggression, rebellion, hypersexuality)” with appealing qualities like “charisma, ruggedness, and sensitivity,” creating a moral ambiguity that captivates audiences (Gopaldas and Molander, 2019). This contradictory mix keeps him popular across movies, songs, and advertisements. But with this archetype being ‘a walking red flag,’ why are we still so bewitched by the bad boy, and should we be?

Trouble-Making Teens: Can They Control Their Impulses?, Natasha Troike

Osmosis Magazine

Teenagers can be moody, irritable, and defiant; they may snap at their parents and make risky decisions that they regret. Decisions such as having unprotected sex or taking harmful, illegal substances can be drastically life-changing. Are these risky decisions acts of purposeful defiance, or is there more to it? Are teens truly in charge of their impulses, or are they victims of their developmental biology?

To Q-Tip Or Not To Q-Tip, Ainsley Coleman

Osmosis Magazine

If you are one of the many people on this earth lucky enough to have wet earwax and use earbuds, you have likely experienced some sort of discomfort at some point in your ears. Maybe it’s a slight itch, or a feeling of build-up, and so you reach for a q-tip. And, maybe as you reach for that cotton swab, you feel nagged by a reminder that q-tips are not to be put in your ears! But still, you use one to relieve that discomfort.

Synthetic Biology: Could You Donate Yourself A New Kidney?, Charlie Lanning

Osmosis Magazine

Currently in the United States, there are over 100,000 Americans stuck on the national transplant waiting list for lifesaving surgery. Eighty-six percent of them need kidney transplants (Organ Donation Statistics, 2025). However, only 27,000 kidney transplants take place every year. This shortage, along with other factors such as lack of public awareness, donor health complications, and financial disincentives, results in around 4,000 deaths every year (Soltani-Nia, 2024). While organizations such as the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and the National Kidney Registry have helped increase the number of transplants through public advocacy and the voucher program, emerging technologies such as …

Stem Cells: Potent Potential For Disease Treatment, Natalie Small

Osmosis Magazine

Different cells in the body serve a variety of functions. Cardiac muscle cells contract to pump blood through the heart. Nerve cells transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the body. Lymphocytes play a role in the immune system to fight infections (Mostafa, 2022). But how do these different cell types arise? The answer is a special type of cell: stem cells.

The Math That Keeps Your Money Safe: Why A Few Extra Characters Could Save You, Joanna Petridi

Osmosis Magazine

Imagine a cracker (yes—that is what malicious hackers are named) sitting behind a screen. Their computer is trying millions of password combinations every minute. Your bank account password, just eight characters long, is the only thing standing between them and your savings. The difference between a password that takes a week to crack and one that would take longer than the universe has existed isn’t magic or luck. It’s simply math.

Letter From The Editor, Sam Chanenson

Osmosis Magazine

Letter from Sam Chanenson, Editor in Chief, Osmosis Science Magazine.

Osmosis.

Osmosis Magazine

Science Magazine

Coe Presents: Puerto Rico, College Of Engineering

International Education Week

A vibrant event celebrating Puerto Rican culture through snacks, music, and interactive experiences that capture the island’s energy.

World Tour: Campus Edition, Ernie Central, Cob Advising, Coa Advising, Veterans Services, Parent And Student Programs

International Education Week

Grab a passport from one of the locations below and travel to the 7 continents around campus to get your passport stamped! Map included inside passports to show locations. Turn in your completed passport to ERNIE Central for a chance to win an International Snack Box.

Passport Pickup Locations:

• SU 161 - ERNIE Central
• LB 170 - COE Advising
• Tomcat 250 - Parent and Student Programs
• Tomcat 260 - COA Advising
• NR3-174 - Veterans Affairs

Travel The World: Vr Experience, Ernie Central

International Education Week

An immersive virtual‑reality journey to iconic sites and everyday street scenes around the globe that lets participants “visit” new places and cultures in minutes.

Jeopardy: International Edition, Ernie Central

International Education Week

Test your knowledge of world geography, languages, global pop culture, and international firsts—perfect for friendly competition and bragging rights.

Notes For Contributors, Editors Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Review Article: International Relations: State Of The Field. Paul R. Viotti’S Kenneth Waltz: An Intellectual Biography (Ny: Columbia University Press, 2023)., Damon Coletta

Space and Defense

In this review essay, Damon Coletta examines Paul R. Viotti’s Kenneth Waltz: An Intellectual Biography (Columbia University Press, 2023), positioning it as both a tribute to and a reexamination of one of International Relations’ most influential theorists. Viotti, a former student of Waltz, reconstructs the intellectual development of structural realism—tracing its philosophical and methodological roots from Man, the State, and War (1959) to Theory of International Politics (1979)—while situating Waltz’s scholarship within the geopolitical and academic transformations of the Cold War era. Coletta highlights Viotti’s skillful balance between biography and disciplinary analysis, showing how Waltz’s systemic approach to international politics …

Review Article: Monetary Power And National Security. A 10th Anniversary Review Of Paul R. Viotti’S The Dollar And National Security: The Monetary Component Of Hard Power (Stanford, Ca: Stanford University Press, 2014), Ricardo Crespo

Space and Defense

In this ten-year retrospective, Ricardo A. Crespo reassesses Paul R. Viotti’s The Dollar and National Security (2014) as a foundational text bridging the fields of monetary policy and national security. Viotti’s central thesis—that military power ultimately depends on a stable and privileged monetary foundation—has only grown more relevant amid today’s weaponization of finance and the geopolitics of sanctions. Crespo highlights Viotti’s argument that sustaining the U.S. dollar’s global dominance requires cooperative security and international consensus, noting how historical parallels—from the sterling gold standard to Bretton Woods—illustrate the fragility of monetary hegemony under fiscal mismanagement or political fragmentation. The review situates …

Plan To Fail By Failing To Plan: Deterring Prc Nuclear Force Expansion, Mark Tang, Grace Buettner

Space and Defense

This article argues that the United States must adapt its nuclear deterrence strategy to counter the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) accelerating nuclear force expansion. As Beijing seeks to achieve nuclear parity with Washington—projecting up to 1,500 warheads by 2035—the authors contend that U.S. strategy must evolve from Cold War-era models to meet the Indo-Pacific’s unique strategic challenges. They propose the establishment of a Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) A-10 Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration Division, modeled after its European counterpart, to enhance regional nuclear planning, integration, and allied assurance. The paper emphasizes the concept of escalation domination, arguing …