Digital Commons Network^™

Wcbu Annual Report, 2025, Wcbu, Bradley University

WCBU Annual Report

Annual report for WCBU, an NPR Network radio station licensed to Bradley University and operated by Illinois State University via WGLT

Vibtac: A High-Resolution High-Bandwidth Tactile Sensing Finger For Multi-Modal Perception In Robotic Manipulation, Sheeraz Athar, Xinwei Zhang, Jun Ueda, Ye Zhao, Yu She

School of Industrial Engineering Faculty Publications

Tactile sensing is pivotal for enhancing robot manipulation abilities by providing crucial feedback for localized information. However, existing sensors often lack the necessary resolution and bandwidth required for intricate tasks. To address this gap, we introduce VibTac, a novel multi-modal tactile sensing finger designed to offer high-resolution and high-bandwidth tactile sensing simultaneously. VibTac seamlessly integrates vision-based and vibration-based tactile sensing modes to achieve high-resolution and high-bandwidth tactile sensing respectively, leveraging a streamlined human-inspired design for versatility in tasks. This paper outlines the key design elements of VibTac and its fabrication methods, highlighting the significance of the Elastomer Gel Pad (EGP) …

Supporting Black Math Educators: A Call To Action, Jonathan Dinkins

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Supporting Black math educators is crucial for fostering a more equitable and inclusive educational environment. Some research has shown that ongoing support from administration, various types of professional development (PD) opportunities, and mentoring equip Black math educators with the tools they need to be successful and grow with their educational pursuits (Frank et al., 2021; Moseley, 2018; Sun, 2018). This research brief will define the meaning of support for Black math educators, identify ways in which these supports can be effective, and suggest additional research necessary to continue to push the needle towards a more inclusive educational environment.

Leveraging Undergraduate Expertise For Effective Stem Instruction: Insights From A Forensic Science Teaching Partnership, Swagata Sarkar, Hui-Hui Wang, Austin R. Jenkins, Mariah K. Stollar

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Although integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instruction has been cited as a viable instructional approach to increasing the number of students interested and prepared to enter the STEM workforce, teacher content knowledge can be a limiting factor to effective implementation (Ejiwale, 2013). To address this limitation, college STEM majors can use their content expertise to support the development and implementation of integrated STEM experiences for K-12 students (Ferrara et al., 2018). This research brief reports on a university-high school partnership where undergraduate students in a university forensic science club created and implemented integrated STEM lessons in a local …

Leveraging Apprenticeship In Place-Based Education To Advance Integrated Stem Learning, Brent Farrell

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Place-based education (PBE), which leverages local knowledge and community resources, is increasingly recognized as an effective approach to fostering STEM learning, especially in rural settings (Avery, 2013). Students from underrepresented rural populations could provide important contributions to the future STEM workforce if attracted to the disciplines during their K-12 education. Integrating real-world experiences with local industry expertise into the curriculum makes STEM more relevant and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for future STEM careers. This research brief proposes a study on the positive effects of cognitive apprenticeship, grounded in rural PBE contexts, creating potential for increased efficacy for …

A Comparison Of Professional Development For Teachers Of Mathematics In Belize And The United States, David Feikes

Indiana STEM Education Conference

This paper provides a limited comparison of professional development (PD) workshops conducted in Belize and in the United States (US). Three workshops were conducted in Belize; 2019, 2022, and 2024. Multiple workshops were conducted in the US between 2021 and 2023. All workshops in Belize and the US were one week in duration and covered similar topics. Although the working conditions in the schools and workshops were different in each country, data analysis found similar teacher satisfaction and growth results.

The Aftermath Of An Earthquake: Healing Power Of Engineering For Turkish Elementary School Children, Pinar Fettahlioglu, Senay Purzer, Cagan Findikkiran

Indiana STEM Education Conference

The February 6th, 2023, earthquake significantly impacted children in Turkey, causing both physical and emotional challenges. To help students enhance their understanding of earthquakes and their impact, we have integrated engineering-based STEM activities in a 5th-grade classroom. Students designed earthquake-proof structures and tested their strength. The research involved 15 students from the earthquake-affected region of Adana. Data included a conceptual understanding scale using a single-group pre-test and post-test design. Analysis indicated that students had limited prior knowledge about the causes of and safety measures for earthquakes before the intervention. Post-test results revealed statistically significant improvements in their learning.

Linguistic Knowledge For Teachers: Supporting Multilingual Learners In The Science Of Reading Era, Brenda Sarmiento Quezada

Science of Reading

The Science of Reading (SOR) has gained widespread attention as a framework for strengthening foundational literacy skills, yet its implementation often assumes a monolingual English context. This brief argues that equitable SOR practices require teachers to develop a working knowledge of linguistics to better support multilingual learners. Six core areas of linguistic knowledge: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and dialect variation, are described with attention to their impact on reading development. Each area includes examples of cross-linguistic differences that shape how students acquire English literacy and highlights practice implications for classroom instruction. The brief concludes by emphasizing the need for …

Preparing For Snow: Weather Safety, Meg Roney

Kindergarten

No abstract provided.

A Unified Rheological Parameter For Concrete: Application Of The Shear Work Index In Flowability Optimization, Wang Yao, Jihong Gao, Kunmiao Xu, Baolin Guo, Yongzhi Guo, Qinfei Li

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Adequate flowability is crucial to ensure proper homogeneity, mechanical properties, and durability of hardened concrete. A new parameter called the Shear Work Index (SWI), which combines yield stress and plastic viscosity, was recently proposed by the authors to evaluate concrete flowability. Factors that can influence SWI are analysed in this paper. Application methods of SWI are demonstrated through case studies involving the evaluation of rheology-modifying materials, the selection of the optimal manufactured sand replacement ratio in mixed sand, and the determination of concrete vibration time. The findings highlight the effectiveness of SWI as a comprehensive parameter for optimising concrete mix …

Supporting The Self-Confidence Of A Student With Mathematics Learning Disabilities Through The Engineering Design Process, Esra Yilmaz Bilir, Cetin Kursat Bilir, Danyal Soybas

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Although STEM education has been widely studied, research on its application for students with Mathematics Learning Disabilities (MLDs) remains limited. One promising approach is using an engineering design process (EDP) (Yilmaz Bilir, 2021), which promotes hands-on problem-solving and fosters cognitive and emotional growth. This study explores the self-confidence of an MLD student during the preparation stage of an EDP. The results indicate that the student’s self-confidence in STEM subjects and social communication skills improved even at the preparation stage. These findings emphasize the value of the preparation stage of an EDP and offer insights for designing effective STEM learning modules.

Mgo Boards – The Tension Between Innovation And Standardisation, D. Mcpolin, T. Aiken, M. Russell, L. Bagnall

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

National and international test standards are critical to how we use and design cementitious materials. However, there are occasions when products, such as magnesium oxychloride boards, do not fall within existing harmonised standards. Technical Assessment Bodies do provide a way of allowing the introduction of new materials via European Technical Assessment or British Board of Agrément certification. Such certification should provide confidence to insurance bodies and building owners in the absence of a national standard, which can take many years to emerge. This paper discusses the fundamental science and testing of MOC boards and the discovery of startling difference in …

Stem Education In Indiana: Analyzing The Availability Of Stem-Certified Schools For Underrepresented Communities, Bryan J. Duarte

Indiana STEM Education Conference

This study examines the equity of access to STEM-certified schools in Indiana, focusing on differences in student demographics between STEM-certified and non-STEM-certified schools. The results show no statistically significant differences in the percentage of female, non-White, or lower socio-economic students between the two groups. However, significant differences were found in the percentages of Latiné/a/o/x, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Asian students, with these groups being underrepresented in STEM-certified schools compared to non-STEM-certified schools.

Boosting Computational Thinking In Integrated Stem Education With Cad, Hyeong Kyun Park, Jung Han, Yunjin Lim

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Integrated STEM education offers a powerful approach to enhancing students’ learning. By integrating science inquiry, technological literacy, engineering design, and mathematical thinking, integrated STEM fosters students’ 21st-century competencies, such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and computational thinking. Drawing from a national integrated STEM project, this research uses a classroom case study to investigate the integration of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing into a STEM learning activity. It examines the use of mathematical computation to determine the best solution for a prototype that meet functional criteria. This research highlights how introducing CAD instruction enhances computational thinking within a conceptual framework …

The Power Of Our Words: Imperatives And Personal Pronouns In Written And Enacted Mathematics Curriculum, Amanda Huffman Hayes

Indiana STEM Education Conference

As teachers, our use of imperatives (e.g., find, explain) and personal pronouns (e.g., you, we, I) contribute to our students’ learning and the roles they take in class. Using an ethnographic case study design, I explored the language of the written and enacted curriculum in a fundamental algebra course. My analysis revealed the power of language in the relationship between the authors and readers and the teacher and students. Providing students with a share in authority can increase their engagement.

In-Situ Tests Of Transport Properties Of Near-Surface Concrete, Kai Yang, P.A. Muhammed Basheer, Fengyuan Yang, Da Xia, Basilios Tsikouras

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Determining the water permeability of concrete in structures remains a conundrum because of difficulties in removing the influences of moisture. This study describes the extended flow-net theory developed on the basis of the two-pressure head concept, which provides a means of measuring permeability under the partially saturated condition. Surface mounted tests and the standard laboratory water penetration tests were carried out to verify this approach. Before determining the water permeability, steady state flow rates at two different pressure levels were evaluated and the effects of initial moisture conditions on flow behaviour were investigated. The results indicate that the proposed approach …

Degradation Mechanisms And Microstructural Performance Of 3d-Printed Engineered Cementitious Composites With Yellow River Sand Under Chloride Ion Wet-Dry Cycles, Ali Raza, Chengfang Yuan

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

3D printing of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) is an emerging, cutting-edge construction technology that enables layer-by-layer fabrication without the need for formwork or steel reinforcement. ECC exhibits superior tensile strength and crack resistance compared to conventional concrete. However, the durability of composite structures, especially in marine environments exposed to harsh conditions such as sulfate and chloride ions, remains a concern. This study investigated the performance of cast and 3D-printed specimens under chloride ion wet–dry cycles (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cycles) and utilised sustainable Yellow River sand (YRS) as a partial replacement for quartz sand to reduce …

2025 Personal-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie, Cesar Escalante

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Indiana ranks fifth in the United States for watermelon production in 2024. Most of the state’s production consists of red-flesh seedless cultivars with fruit weighing 9 lbs and above. A small portion of watermelon production devoted to mini seedless types. Meanwhile, interest in watermelon production among small and diversified vegetable farms is increasing, where smaller-sized watermelons are likely fit better at these farms. In this report, we summarize the performance of 12 personal-sized watermelon cultivars evaluated at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) in Vincennes, IN, during the 2025 season.

Marketing Strategy For Hartville Potato Chips Team 3, Chase Marquis, Joseph Ferguson, Nicole Faulhaber, Chole Maragos, Megan Shissler, Tyler Indermuhle

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project will work closely with Hartville Potato Chips to create a position for the company. Utilizing different marketing techniques, the team will conduct, analyze, communicate, and present information in a real-world setting. This experience will allow for growth in small group and professional development areas.

Our Findings In Marketing Research For Hartville Potato Chips, Elena Kozma, Abbie Ford, Tamia Henderson, Corey Keim, Ashley Whitten

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

To conclude the 2024 Spring semester, we will present primary and secondary research to our client (Hartville Potato Chips). This presentation will support the proposition and promotional strategy to add three more local partnerships for Hartville Potato Chips based on our research findings.

Safehaven Security System, Natalie Gardner, Megan Valloric, Anya Vankirk, Lance Woods, Jack Kelley

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

For the Honors Research Project, we were told to take a concept of a business and product and transform it into a successful business with 100 employees within five years.

Our product is called SafeHaven and is an alarm for houses that requires no monthly subscription. This product will be perfect for people who are renting and cannot make permanent changes to their home.

SafeHaven will come in two parts. The customer will put one on the door and one on the door frame. When these two are connected, it automatically sets the alarm unless told otherwise by a smartphone …

Explorations Of Social-Emotional Learning In The Arts, Lydia Boyer

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this Honors Research Project was to explore social-emotional learning as a practice, to find effective applications for schools, to highlight the connections between the arts and social-emotional learning, and to provide useful methods for the actual implementation. There is a focus on the five main competencies of social-emotional learning which are self- awareness, social-awareness, self-management, relationship-building, and responsible decision- making skills which are translated into various class practices and art projects. Social-emotional learning is a mindset rather than merely a practice and has been practiced latently in education. Art education and social-emotional learning share congruencies in standards, …

Harvest Gold Distillery, Alexis Mackey, Alexander Grecco, Cole Smith, Maggie Patterson, Blake Benko

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of our research project is to establish and grow Harvest Gold Distillery: a corn-based liquor distillery in Ohio that aims to produce and sell high-quality spirits while offering unique services that enhance outreach in the community. The motivation behind this business venture is rooted in one of our team member’s family traditions; Alex’s family makes homemade liquors, which has fostered an in-depth understanding of the distillation process. Alex’s firsthand experience with the craft provides a solid foundation, yet we recognize that starting a distillery involves significant challenges and requires thorough research in several functions of business. This project …

The Leadership Pivot: How Labor Market Dynamics And The Ncaa Transfer Portal Impacts Leadership, Evan Wilson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project will cover a multitude of topics specific to my major, and also will use my in depth knowledge and connections within a collegiate sport to analyze how labor market changes effect the leadership styles of leaders within a given industry. This project is going to challenge me as a student because of the in depth research and data collection that will be necessary to not only educate myself about labor markets and leadership styles, but also educate myself enough to be able to present the information in a way that is digestible to readers. The other aspect of …

Effects Of Soil Properties On Cp Performance, Cecilia Segretario

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research aims to evaluate the affect of various soil properties on the effectiveness of cathodic protection (CP) in preventing underground pipeline corrosion. Metal coupons of common pipeline materials with applied CP will be mounted in several separate controlled soil environments to manipulate real world underground corrosion scenarios. Each soil environment will have different physical properties by mixing the soil with a prepared chemical solution. The physical properties to be evaluated include pH, resistivity, and moisture content. At the end of a corrosion duration, weight loss method will be used to evaluate the corrosion rate over that period. Additionally, the …

Ingestion Of Expanded Polystyrene By Procambarus Spp: A Toxicology Report, Garrik Neill Catania, Panagiotis Antonios Tsarouhas

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project aims to be a toxicology report into the ingestion of expanded polystyrene by Procambarus spp. The goal would be to prove that ingestion of this plastic could lead to harm of the crayfish and that its presence in the environment of the crayfish could be a serious ecological problem. This project will take three groups of ten crayfish each and over a period of approximately seven weeks the crayfish will be monitored for changes due to their respective treatments. One group will serve as the control and will have nothing unique happen to them, one will serve as …

Rapid Convective Quench Apparatus Design, Samuel Fenik, Tyler Horvath, Dane Manias, Nicholas Michel

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In this project, we will research, model, and simulate the heat transfer of a red-hot steel plate undergoing a rapid quenching process by high pressure water jets. Our objective is to quench the steel plate in such a way so that the steam formed from the initial water contact does not inhibit the oncoming water from making proper contact with the plate. After sufficient research has been done, we will design an apparatus which will perform the optimal quenching method and record temperature data with the goal of obtaining the heat transfer coefficient. The purpose of our project is to …

Connecting Worlds: Travelmate’S Bidding System For Personalized Travel Experiences, Suman Khadka

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

TravelMate is a web platform that connects travelers with local guides through a personalized trip posting system along with real time bidding from freelancer guides. This platform utilizes Next.js for a responsive frontend, and Supabase for managing database and backend RESTful API, using PostgREST - a thin API layer on top of Postgres. This platform is ideal for anyone looking to explore new places with a freelancer guide and gain cultural insights from a local expert who understands the place deeply.

Cochlear Electrode Insertion Training Model, Sarah Powell, Kaelyn E. Kraley, Nathan J. Smith

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Cochlear implant surgery is a delicate procedure performed by Otolaryngologists (ENTs) to implant an electronic device into the inner ear to provide a sense of sound for people who are profoundly deaf or hard of hearing. The current practices of training involve cadavers and 3D-printed models. Cadavers are commonly used but are expensive, single-use, and do not provide visual and haptic feedback, which are essential for medical students. 3D printed models are less commonly used and are hard to fabricate and not as realistic. If medical students are not properly trained for this delicate procedure, then risks are significantly increased …

Head Mounted Surgical Robot, Mason Currens

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this design project is to utilize a six degree of freedom, robotic system that will be head mounted device that can either assist in, or perform, facial and optical surgery. The six degree of freedom idea came from current systems used in flight simulations. By optimizing the system to fit the figure of a patient’ s head, many of the present errors in surgical robotics can be reduced. One of the major errors when using a facial tracking robot is sudden impulses, such as a cough or a twitch, that the robot can't precisely track. Mounting the …