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Mechanatee: A Biomimetic R.O.V., Cannon Bogar, Aidan Calenda, Jackson Clendenin, James Lacey, Laura Mace, Alexandra Staros, Eden Stroman, Jacob Warner

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

The Mechanatee is a Remotely-Operated Vehicle (ROV) meant to discreetly survey Manatee populations in the Indian River Lagoon without disrupting their natural behaviors. Manatees are threatened, local, herbivorous aquatic mammals.

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O.R.C.A., Mckenzie Connors, Logan Fink, William Lochte, Katherine Wade

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

The Ocean Research Crawler Attachment (O.R.C.A.) is a modular independent prototype platform designed to enhance the capabilities of a BlueROV system for advanced seafloor exploration. O.R.C.A. enables the host ROV to transition from free-swimming operations to seafloor movement without throwing up debris obscuring survey missions. The O.R.C.A. system integrates parts manufactured by Blue Robotics and custom-fabricated parts to create a robust adaptable ROV. The design emphasizes streamlined integration at an affordable cost, allowing for rapid deployment for ocean research initiatives. Outfitted with several hard points, the O.R.C.A. is capable of carryinga range of scientific instrumentation and payloads, supporting a wide …

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Microplastics Collection In Crane Creek, Mitchell Oswalt

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Several studies have established that yearly microplastics consumption varies from 39000 to 52000 particles per person. There is concern over harmful additives that may be found in these microplastics, which are described as a mixture of hazardous chemicals. There is a lack of knowledge on the harmful effects of these plastic additives and microplastics in general, though they generally considered harmful to humans and wildlife. Crane Creek, a tributary of the brackish-water Indian River Lagoon contains microplastics that can be filtered from its surface waters. For this project, samples were taken and then sieved to determine if the locations more …

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Iron (Iii) And Grain Size In The Irl, Kyle Dobberman

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

There are many bio limiting nutrients that are being affected by a variety of human impacts. One of these is labile Iron. The goal of this project is to find if there is a correlation between grain size distribution and the concentration of Iron (III) in near surface sediments.

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Species-Specific Edna Detection Of Atlantic Tarpon, Paolo A. Soto

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Florida’s sport fisheries are a vital economic resource for the state, providing $13.9 billion in revenue annually[1]. The Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) is among the most popular target fish in the state due to its large size and fighting ability. Though fishermen use catch-and-release, there are many fishing tournaments that target tarpon and other large species[6]. Even when the fish is released, angling is known to cause increases in stress indicators such as lactate[2]. Additionally, tarpon use structurally complex habitats as nurseries[4], making it difficult for scientists to collect DNA samples for assessing population dynamics. They have declined from overfishing …

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Variations And Inaccuracies In Observational And Reanalysis Atmospheric Water Content Data In Tampa, Fl, Madisen F. Alvarez

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Reanalysis data is one of many tools for meteorologists in the understanding of severe weather and forecasting. However, some weather parameters are more complicated to create accurate reanalysis models of than others. Two of these parameters are atmospheric water vapor and precipitable water content. Both parameters are crucial to studying and forecasting severe weather, but unfortunately, they are challenging to collect throughout the atmosphere as well as recreate accurate models of these variables. This study seeks to analyze observational and reanalysis data of atmospheric water vapor and precipitable water content and find solutions to the problems discovered.

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Biochar Remediation Of Regolith Leachate, Mia Markiet

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Over 33% of global soils are contaminated with heavy metals (e.g., Cd, Pb, As), threatening agriculture and food security. Biochar—a carbon-rich material made from pyrolyzed organic matter—can immobilize heavy metals, reducing their bioavailability. Its effectiveness depends on the surface area, porosity, and functional groups.

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Case Study: Kphl Visibility In December Causing Aircraft Diversions, Emma Kocsis

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Visibility can decrease when weather such as rain, snow, fog, and mist are present. When visibility deteriorates, pilots and airtraffic controller’s encounter operational constraints, leading to aircraft diversions, ground stops, and departure delays. Prolonged low-visibility events increase safety risks for passengers, crew, and aircraft, potentially resulting in collisions. This case study examined the impact of low visibility at Philadelphia International Airport (KPHL) in December 2023, analyzing its effects on arriving and departing flights. Using archived METAR, FAA documentation, and satellite, it was assessed how visibility influences flight diversions and delays. This study presents a time-series analysis of low-visibility events, associated …

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Hidden Hammerheads: Discovering Genetic Markers Of Differentiation And Hybridization In Cryptic Shark Species, Kieran Stein, Rachel Schweppe, Abby Hesterhagen, Michelle Gargiulo

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Scalloped hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini) are a globally endangered species whose life history traits make them vulnerable to fishing pressure1,2. Conservation of the species has been complicated by the discovery of the cryptic Carolina hammerhead (Sphyrna gilberti), which overlaps in range and closely resembles S. lewini3. The only consistent morphological difference, vertebrae count, is lethal to assess (Figures 1 & 2). Few studies have jointly assessed S. gilberti and S. lewini populations, and only one has previously investigated potential hybridization4. This study is the first to develop a method for determining hybridization using a combination of the nuclear gene ITS2 and …

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Mobile Robots And Autonomous Vehicle Control: A Comprehensive Review Of The Advancements And Challenges, Elvis Tamakloe, Benjamin Kommey, Ernest Ofosu Addo, Daniel Opoku

Makara Journal of Technology

Since their inception, mobile robots have enormously changed the landscape of robotics engineering in recent years. Imperatively, the impact of mobile robots has positively transformed many sectors of human endeavors, i.e., complemented and substituted humans in areas where human interactions were difficult, hazardous, and impossible to thrive and operate. In this regard, the contributions of mobile robots to scientific, social, and economic growth, development, and advancement cannot be overlooked, especially through its decades of transition from Industry 3.0 to 4.0 over the years. To achieve maximum benefits from the use of mobile robots across all important facets, their advancements and …

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Intimacy Versus Isolation In Adults With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities: An Educational Video-Series For Caregivers, Aubrey Lynn Brinkley

Student Capstone Papers

Caregivers of care-recipients with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) do not have sufficient resources to assist their care-recipients with the adult developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation. This capstone considers the occupational and developmental impacts that growing individuals with IDD face, namely the developmental stages including healthy relationships, sexual safety, and intimacy. The literature review covers the scientific, statistical, and historical importance of this developmental milestone. Varied opinions and needs that surround the subject of intimacy and healthy relationships for adults with IDD were considered. Sexual abuse statistics were highlighted. A multitude of feedback from organizations, personal caregivers, scientists, psychologists, …

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Communication Preference Assessment For Current Users Of An Augmentative And Alternative Communication System, Abigail P. Buck

Thesis Projects

We replicated the findings of van der Meer et. al., (2012) to examine the acquisition of manual signs, picture exchange, and speech-generating devices. A nonconcurrent multiple-baseline design across participants combined with an alternating treatment design across Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) modalities was implemented to assess the intervention. Communication preference was evaluated at three stages: pre-baseline, baseline, and throughout the intervention. During the intervention, all three participants met mastery criteria for each communication method and exhibited a preference for the speech-generating device. These results build upon previous studies by demonstrating the differential acquisition of three commonly used alternative communication modalities. …

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Video Game Platforms To Study Cognition In Neurosurgery Patients And Control Populations, Arel Marsh, Srithvik Ellanki, Domenic Tosi, Genesis Arrieta

Psychology Student Publications

What if you were being chased by someone? Would you approach or avoid a stranger on the sidewalk? The difference in these answers can mean life or death for some people. How the brain processes these complex situations in real time remains an area of interest for scientists. Controlled laboratory studies are useful, but often fail to represent real life scenarios that involve feeling stressed, rushed, or anxious. Video games provide a more dynamic setting that better mirrors the unpredictable nature of reality, and optimally integrates with the challenges of clinical patient settings.

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Hand & Tail Lateralization In Black-Handed Spider Monkeys, Madeline Marasco

Psychology Student Publications

Like humans, other primates, including spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), show handedness biases. However, evidence is mixed on whether spider monkeys exhibit a species-level bias. Spider monkeys are also unique in that they also have a prehensile tail that functions as a fifth limb with remarkable fine motor control, Figure 1. An open question is whether hand preferences in spider monkeys relate to how they use their tails, which may also show side biases. Such patterns could reflect behavioral lateralization. We explored whether hand and tail side preferences align, suggesting individual- or species-level lateralization.

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Bug Brains: Are Discoid Cockroach (Blaberus Discoidalis) Substrate Preferences Fixed Or Plastic?, Lauren Lewis

Psychology Student Publications

With over 4,500 species, cockroaches are one of the most widespread animal groups, thriving in diverse environments across nearly every continent. Despite their abundance, relatively little is known about their behavior and cognitive abilities. Blaberus discoidalis is a burrowing species found in substrates like decaying logs, and leaf litter, making it a valuable model for investigating habitat choice through substrate preferences. Here, we explored whether these preferences are fixed or influenced by rearing history by raising cockroaches in pine bedding (commonly used in animal care), coconut fiber (recommended for burrowing), or without a burrowing substrate (direct from a breeder). We …

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The Effect Of Self-Generated Arguments And Need For Cognition On Jurors’ Damage Award Decisions, Liberty Sandord

Psychology Student Publications

• Juror decision-making research suggests factors related to juror decisions are affected more on an individual level than the collective decision-making process (Cornwell & Hans, 2011) • Self-generated effect: self-generated arguments have a greater influence on behavior than arguments generated by others (Baldwin et al., 2013; Bernritteret al., 2017; Müller et al., 2009) • Müller et al. (2009) showed the effect in persuasion and behavior change in smoking habits • This effect is likely due to an ease of retrieval heuristic, increased involvement, and higher personal relevance • Need for cognition (NFC): The enjoyment of thinking (Leippeet al., 2004; Shestowsky& …

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The Relationship Between Mental Health Concerns In College Students And Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces), Kayla E. Davis

Psychology Student Publications

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) increase one’s risk of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, academic distress, substance use, and suicidality in adulthood (Daníelsdóttir et al., 2024; Watts et al., 2023). • These challenges are pertinent during the transitional-college years, a critical developmental period marked by high stress and identity formation. • Early-life adversity can negatively impact emotional regulation and coping, placing affected students at greater risk for mental health issues that interfere with academic and social success (Locke et al., 2011). • Karatekin(2018) found that college students with more cumulative ACEs reported having more current stressful events. ACEs then …

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Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces), Physical Fitness, And Student Mental Well-Being In Athletes Vs. Non-Athletes, Anna Clark

Psychology Student Publications

• College students with more exposure to Adverse Child Experiences (ACEs) –the culmination of unique negative or traumatic life events before the age of 18 –are at increased risk for academic, physical health, and mental health problems related to student success. • Gresham and Karatekin(2023) found that ACEs had an indirect effect on academic problems through increased psychological distress. • Additional channels of ACE-related risk leading to negative academic outcomes include higher levels of depressive and stress symptoms, health problems, and family dysfunction or difficulties (Hinjosa et al., 2018; Underwood et al., 2024). • Healthy practices (e.g., regular exercise, sleep, …

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Microtubule Instability Drives Developmental Defects In A Tauopathy Model, Joseph Mazzaro

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

TauV337M is a disease-linked allele that induces protein aggregation and causes degeneration in the worm motor cord 1,2. Loss of rpm-1 in TauV337M ameliorates neurodegeneration.

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Smartstride: Toe-Walking Rehabilitation, Alec Anzalone, Kiera Ceely, Cianna Grummer, Bela Perdomo, Caleb Phillips

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Idiopathic Toe Walking (ITW) is a condition where individuals persistently walk on their toes, and can lead to long-term gait and muscle issues if left untreated. Current rehab methods lack real-time monitoring and adaptability.

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The Effect Of Conditioned Media On Quorum Sensing In The Model Algae C. Reinhardtii, Trevor Mello, Lucy Turner, Josh Ahrens

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Quorum sensing (QS) microorganisms couple phenotypic plasticity to cell density, thereby ensuring that specific phenotypes are expressed only when sufficient cells are present for them to be beneficial. QS is regulated by the production and exchange of species-specific quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs).

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Pressure Induced Gabaergic Neuron Damage In C. Elegans, Pia F. Scarpino

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), particularly from repetitive sublethal blasts, is linked to progressive neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. GABAergic neurons are especially susceptible, yet mechanistic insights remain limited in mammalian models. Caenorhabditis elegans, with its conserved neuroanatomy and genetic tractability, enables high-resolution analysis of neural damage. This study uses a GFP reporter strain to visualize GABAergic damage post-blast, establishing a scalable model for mTBI pathophysiology.

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Investigating The Role Of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii Chromosome 16 In Quorum Sensing, Lucy Elizabeth Turner

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Quorum sensing (QS) is a change in phenotype dependent upon cell density. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain CC-124 has been found to speed up at high cell density (HCD). C. reinhardtii CC-4414 does not speed up at HCD. The mechanism of QS in C. reinhardtii is unknown.

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Brazil Nut Effect On Protein Amyloid Hydrogel Formation, Aubrey Wheeler, Connor Orth, Rachael Crews, Shaohua Xu

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Alzheimer’s Disease involves the self-assembly and aggregation of tau and Aꞵ proteins, leading to the formation of amyloid fiber deposits in the brain. The development of these protein aggregates results in neuron death. Amyloid fibers link to form a fibrous network that stabilizes the surrounding solution, forming a hydrogel. Hydrogels can be used as a model for neurotoxicity. Due to high viscosity, hydrogels restrict the flow of molecules; the presence of gels within and around neurons could thus restrict the flow of essential molecules necessary for neuron health.

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Neurodevelopmental Defects In A Tauopathy Model Are Affected By The Microtubule Stabilizer Ptrn-1, Katrina E. Diel

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Is decreased microtubule stability a key mechanism for tauopathies? Do Tau mutations cause developmental defects? Here, we show disease-associated Tau mutations induce developmental defects. Further, we test the effects of modulating microtubule stability through genetic deletion of the key stability regulator, ptrn-1

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Natural Genetic Variation On Chromosome V Confers Resistance To The Widely-Used Insecticide Chlorfenapyrin C. Elegans., Rohan G. Surapaneni, Michaela K. Foley, Timothy A. Crombie

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Exposure to environmental toxicants poses significant harm to humans. However, assessing the risk for diverse human populations is challenging because genetic differences among individuals can cause disparities in toxicant susceptibilities. We will use genetically diverse C. elegans strains (obtained from CaeNDR) isolated from around the world as a model to study how natural variation can affect susceptibility to the widely-used insecticide chlorfenapyr.

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Dac Carbon Dioxide Enhances The Growth Of Marine Algae And Seagrass, Marcel Pedrosa, Rana Alghorir, Juliann French, Brianna Romero, Katelynn Zagami

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a vital resource in multiple genes related to carbonate precipitation: ecosystems in that its presence affects the growth and tissue development of photosynthetic organisms in aquatic ecosystems. Current real-world understanding of the relationship between CO₂ and aquatic environments with photosynthetic organisms, such as the seagrass Halodule wrightii and the algae Ulva lactuca, remains limited. Photosynthetic organisms in aquatic ecosystems, such as microalgae, would be heavily reliant on the CO₂ levels in the environment for the expression of specific genes. With how closely related microalgae is to seagrass and algae, the effect CO₂ levels have on the …

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L.I.F.E. Live Intensive Field Evaluator, Haley Mcvey, Shemar Clayton, Charlotte Hardie, Jaylyn Mueller

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Disasters often strike hardest in areas with limited medical resources. Current methods lack affordable real-time vital sign monitoring, leading to delays and misclassification. Portable, real-time tools are urgently needed to support faster, more accurate triage to save lives and improve care.

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Little Hearts, Shay Kaden, Jalen Houston, Grant Mras, Erin Smith, Conner Weaver

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of birth defects. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a critical CHD that requires timely intervention. Fetal echocardiography, a key screening tool for CHD, is not performed until the 20 week mark in the second trimester, limiting early detection. Our team aims to enable CHD detection as early as the first trimester.

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S.L.O.S.H. - System For Liquid Orbital Supply And Handling, A. Alexy, J. Broussard, A. Dean, D. Garceau, J. Grady, B. Kerridge, B. Smucker, R. Wagner, C. Zelasko

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Student Publications

Why Manage Propellants in Microgravity? ● Deep space missions start with mastering in-orbit propellant transfer ● In microgravity, liquid propellants don’t settle–they float ● Vapor leads to system failure, engines demand pure liquid Project Objectives ● Design Propellant Management Device to handle Liquid Oxygen (LOX) ● Develop equipment to simulate operating conditions ● Conduct quantitative tests using cryogenic simulant (water) ● Evaluate/Analyze device performance

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Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Mechanatee: A Biomimetic R.O.V., Cannon Bogar, Aidan Calenda, Jackson Clendenin, James Lacey, Laura Mace, Alexandra Staros, Eden Stroman, Jacob Warner

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

O.R.C.A., Mckenzie Connors, Logan Fink, William Lochte, Katherine Wade

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Microplastics Collection In Crane Creek, Mitchell Oswalt

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Iron (Iii) And Grain Size In The Irl, Kyle Dobberman

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Species-Specific Edna Detection Of Atlantic Tarpon, Paolo A. Soto

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Variations And Inaccuracies In Observational And Reanalysis Atmospheric Water Content Data In Tampa, Fl, Madisen F. Alvarez

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Biochar Remediation Of Regolith Leachate, Mia Markiet

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Case Study: Kphl Visibility In December Causing Aircraft Diversions, Emma Kocsis

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Hidden Hammerheads: Discovering Genetic Markers Of Differentiation And Hybridization In Cryptic Shark Species, Kieran Stein, Rachel Schweppe, Abby Hesterhagen, Michelle Gargiulo

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Mobile Robots And Autonomous Vehicle Control: A Comprehensive Review Of The Advancements And Challenges, Elvis Tamakloe, Benjamin Kommey, Ernest Ofosu Addo, Daniel Opoku

Makara Journal of Technology

Intimacy Versus Isolation In Adults With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities: An Educational Video-Series For Caregivers, Aubrey Lynn Brinkley

Student Capstone Papers

Communication Preference Assessment For Current Users Of An Augmentative And Alternative Communication System, Abigail P. Buck

Thesis Projects

Video Game Platforms To Study Cognition In Neurosurgery Patients And Control Populations, Arel Marsh, Srithvik Ellanki, Domenic Tosi, Genesis Arrieta

Psychology Student Publications

Hand & Tail Lateralization In Black-Handed Spider Monkeys, Madeline Marasco

Psychology Student Publications

Bug Brains: Are Discoid Cockroach (Blaberus Discoidalis) Substrate Preferences Fixed Or Plastic?, Lauren Lewis

Psychology Student Publications

The Effect Of Self-Generated Arguments And Need For Cognition On Jurors’ Damage Award Decisions, Liberty Sandord

Psychology Student Publications

The Relationship Between Mental Health Concerns In College Students And Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces), Kayla E. Davis

Psychology Student Publications

Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces), Physical Fitness, And Student Mental Well-Being In Athletes Vs. Non-Athletes, Anna Clark

Psychology Student Publications

Microtubule Instability Drives Developmental Defects In A Tauopathy Model, Joseph Mazzaro

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Smartstride: Toe-Walking Rehabilitation, Alec Anzalone, Kiera Ceely, Cianna Grummer, Bela Perdomo, Caleb Phillips

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

The Effect Of Conditioned Media On Quorum Sensing In The Model Algae C. Reinhardtii, Trevor Mello, Lucy Turner, Josh Ahrens

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Pressure Induced Gabaergic Neuron Damage In C. Elegans, Pia F. Scarpino

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Investigating The Role Of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii Chromosome 16 In Quorum Sensing, Lucy Elizabeth Turner

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Brazil Nut Effect On Protein Amyloid Hydrogel Formation, Aubrey Wheeler, Connor Orth, Rachael Crews, Shaohua Xu

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Neurodevelopmental Defects In A Tauopathy Model Are Affected By The Microtubule Stabilizer Ptrn-1, Katrina E. Diel

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Natural Genetic Variation On Chromosome V Confers Resistance To The Widely-Used Insecticide Chlorfenapyrin C. Elegans., Rohan G. Surapaneni, Michaela K. Foley, Timothy A. Crombie

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Dac Carbon Dioxide Enhances The Growth Of Marine Algae And Seagrass, Marcel Pedrosa, Rana Alghorir, Juliann French, Brianna Romero, Katelynn Zagami

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

L.I.F.E. Live Intensive Field Evaluator, Haley Mcvey, Shemar Clayton, Charlotte Hardie, Jaylyn Mueller

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Little Hearts, Shay Kaden, Jalen Houston, Grant Mras, Erin Smith, Conner Weaver

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

S.L.O.S.H. - System For Liquid Orbital Supply And Handling, A. Alexy, J. Broussard, A. Dean, D. Garceau, J. Grady, B. Kerridge, B. Smucker, R. Wagner, C. Zelasko

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Student Publications