Digital Commons Network^™

Gender And The Billboard Top 40 Charts Between 1958 And 2023, Brileigh Cates, Justin W. Pope

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Is there an inherent bias towards male artists in the music industry? Evidence has been shown in previous studies, the most recent being from 2017, that there may be bias towards male artists appearing in Billboard Magazine s Hot 100 list. This study not only updates previous data to include 2017 through 2023, but also looks at the top 40 charts on a week-by-week bias as opposed to the year-end charts that other studies used for their data. We coded each song so as to indicate the gender of the artist(s) as well as whether or not the artists appeared …

The Aerodynamic Levitator Project, Noah Brown

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

After the development and successful demonstration of a hyperbaric aerodynamic levitator, work to redesign the nozzle was proposed for increasing levitation height and stability. The goal of this eight-week summer research project was to create a CFD model to aid in the optimization of this nozzle. This was to be accomplished by using ANSYS Fluent to first replicate experimental data found in a research paper to assess its validity. Next, the model was to be modified for use on the levitator project and then used to analyze the current nozzle design. Afterwards, Steps will be taken to make alterations to …

Supersonic Wind Tunnel Modeling, Noah Cain, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Supersonic wind tunnels are essential for high-speed aerodynamics research, allowing studies ranging from fundamental flow physics to the advancement of supersonic transport. This work presents a physics-based model developed for the Missouri S& T supersonic wind tunnel, a blow-down facility employing a converging-diverging nozzle to achieve high-speed flow. The model accounts for real gas effects, including Joule-Thomson phenomena, as well as predictions of pressure losses and heat transfer. Implemented in Matlab, the model's accuracy was validated through comparison with experimental measurements, demonstrating excellent agreement. This research contributes to the reliable prediction of supersonic wind tunnel performance, thus advancing the understanding …

Organic Contaminant Effects On The Mac Of Water, Jordan Hartfield

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The evaporation or condensation rate of a liquid surface is directly proportional to the mass accommodation coefficient (MAC). Since the MAC is difficult, if not impossible, to experimentally measure, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been employed to study it. Experimental studies have shown that airborne hydrocarbon contaminants from a variety of sources can adsorb on liquid surfaces and significantly alter the surface properties. We have therefore studied the effects of organic surface contaminants, which are immiscible with water, on the MAC using equilibrium and nonequilibrium MD simulations. Our equilibrium MD simulation results show that the MAC decreases linearly with increases …

Tnt Equivalence: Measuring, Validating, And Appending Binary Energetics To The Literature, Gracie Mae James, Rachel Bauer, Alexander Douglas, Catherine E. Johnson

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

TNT equivalency is a standard used to measure and quantify the effects of energetic materials. Using these equivalencies, the safety factors for minimum distances and storage of explosives are determined. Having a known TNT equivalence of energetic materials also helps estimate potential blast damage and risks for individuals. The TNT equivalencies for numerous energetic materials, such as binaries, have no published values, but are regularly used in industry, military, and research testing. To determine TNT equivalence, three tests were performed: 1) a plate dent test for direct dent comparison, 2) air blast tests to measure air overpressure and calculate impulse, …

Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Fabrication For Gene Delivery, Noah Sparks, Lei Xu, Hu Yang

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

In this project ionizable lipids were analyzed for their efficacy in delivery of mRNA in multiple metastatic lung cancer cells. Different ionizable lipids with their molar ratio in making the LNPs were analyzed in order to enhance the nucleic acid delivery to cytoplasm. Phospholipids also play a role in targeting efficacy of the LNPs to the lung cells. Different combination of ionizable lipids with multiple phospholipids were studied for physical characterization and in-vitro transcription efficiency. Transcription efficiency was then quantified using flow cytometry and optimal particles for transcription were noted.

Data Driven Enhanced Vsg Control For Microgrids, Sophia A. Strathman, Oroghene Oboreh-Snapps, Jonathan W. Kimball

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This research explores the fusion of deep reinforcement learning and virtual synchronous generator control in a bid to enhance microgrid operations. Microgrids typically consist of multiple inverter-based distributed generators (IBDGs) connected in parallel to mismatched line impedances. This results in unequal reactive power sharing which negatively impacts the performance of IBDGs in microgrids. To achieve enhanced control, a solution utilizing deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed. DRL agents are trained to control variables in each IBDG using a well-designed reward function capable of achieving the following objectives: 1.) ensure output voltage of each IBDG remains within the designated operating boundary …

Phytoremediation Of Nonpoint Source Pollution, Tylor Cheatham

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Stormwater can bring high concentrations of nutrients into urban ponds resulting in eutrophic conditions and subsequent algal blooms. These 91 blooms can lead to hypoxic water that will ultimately cause fish deaths and loss of recreation. Often, the majority of urban stormwater flows into local ponds through an inlet, which provides a target area for nutrient removal methods. One method being explored by researchers is the use of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). FTWs are floating mats with plants anchored to them, allowing the roots to be suspended in the water column for nutrient removal. Our previous research focused on optimizing …

Ta Theoretical Framework For Comparing Rlhf Method, Matthew Dominicis

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) can be used as a means to align Al agents and Large Language Models (LLM) to better represent human expectations. There is a myriad of RLHF methods that exist, however it is difficult to benchmark and compare such methods in terms of alignment, training cost, data collection cost, and other metrics. This project aims to create a robust classification for different RLHF methods from a theoretical point of view. Additionally, this project will attempt to propose bounds for the degree of influence on LLMs that stems from human feedback. Open source LLMs will be …

Tnt Equivalence Of Binary Energetics, Gracie Mae James

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

TNT equivalency is a standard used to measure and quantify the effects of energetic materials. Using these equivalencies, the safety factors for minimum distances and storage of explosives are determined. Having a known TNT equivalence of energetic materials also helps estimate potential blast damage and risks for individuals. The TNT equivalencies for numerous energetic materials, such as binaries, have no published values, but are regularly used in industry, military, and research testing. To determine TNT equivalence, three tests will be performed: 1) a plate dent test, 2) air blast tests to measure air overpressure and calculate impulse, and 3) velocity …

Co2 Pricing Impact On Partially Regulated Market, Love Gami

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

With climate change becoming a growing concern, carbon trading has gained attention as a key solution to reducing carbon emissions. However, this raises a concern about whether polluters pass the cost of carbon to electricity prices. This study aims to assess the impact of CO2 pricing on electricity prices in the PJM market where some areas are regulated by carbon trading while others are not. Our findings reveal a significant impact of CO2 prices across all regulated areas, encompassing both real-time and day-ahead markets. Moreover, the impact extends to non-regulated areas, indicating a spillover effect within the PJM market. Interestingly, …

Silent Bystanders Facing Bias. Is Silence Always Harmful, Sophie Firle

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

In STEM, women face bias that lowers their sense of belonging, identity safety, and self-esteem. These biases often occur in daily interactions with male peers in STEM, such as subtly sexist comments that doubt women's competence in STEM. A previous study that we conduction titles "Effects of Ally Confrontation on Target Outcomes" tested whether a subtly sexist comment that was confronted by a male ally would help increase women's sense of belonging, identity safety, and self-esteem relative to when a male bystander remained silent and did not confront the comment. We found that confrontation does help women feel better than …

Heat's Effect On Asphalt Binders Using Nmr, Kaitlin Miles

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a well-known analytical technique that uses the excitation of nuclear spins for solving chemical structures and conformations. Relaxometry is a special field of NMR spectroscopy where information is gained about interactions of 100 nuclear spins with their molecular surroundings. The deterioration of asphalt is a major infrastructure problem, and its rejuvenation back toward its original virgin state is an important field of research and development. The current asphalt industry relies on visual inspection on site and invasive or destructive physical methods to assess emerging asphalt failures. This study examines the chemical changes environmental factors …

Amorphous Transparent Oxide P-Type Semiconductors, Joshua Santy

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

For decades, n-type transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) have been extensively studied and applied in various energy and optoelectronic devices. However, the search for high-performance p-type TCOs, crucial for transparent p-n junctions and next-generation microelectronics - remains uncertain. The most studied p-type TCOs (e.g ., Cu2O-based delafossite family) exhibit the carrier mobilities (<1 cm2Ns) that are much smaller than those in typical n-type TCOs (10-100 cm2Ns). In contrast to the Cu-based layered materials with a relatively flat Cu d10 valence band (resulting in the hole effective mass of 2.5me), Sn2+ in SnO has s2 electronic configuration giving rise to a significantly more dispersed valence band (the hole effective mass is 0.5me) and, hence, to higher hole mobility. Currently, the practical use of SnO is limited due to (i) stability issues of SnO associated with tin preference for valence 4 (as in SnO2, a well-known n-type TCO); (ii) small band gap ~0.7 eV; and (iii) anisotropic hole effective mass in the crystalline phase. Further search for p-type TCOs should involve amorphous phases of SnO-based multi-cation materials where metal composition helps stabilize Sn2+ and open the band gap, whereas the disordered structure is expected to result in uniform isotropic electronic properties and low scattering due to absence of grain boundaries.

Thermogravimetric Analysis Of High & Low Alloy Steel, Clark Nguyen

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Oxidation phenomena play a critical role in high temperature metallurgical processing and the performance during life cycle of components made of both high and low alloy steels. Therefore, the development of a precise experimental methodology to quantify oxidation processes is critically important. This report summarizes my experimental study of the oxidation behavior of high and low alloy steel, including kinetics of surface oxide layer formation and spallation. The focus of study was in determining the complex interactions between alloying elements in steel matrix and oxidation environment, composition and surface morphology of formed oxides. This report will also explore how the …

Enhancing Galaxy Surveys With Machine Learning, Steven Karst

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Applications of machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (Al) to problems in astrophysics and cosmology have recently entered a golden era. In response, we have updated two of our recent ML/Al efforts that contribute to galaxy surveys whose main scientific target is to reveal the nature of the Comsic Acceleration or Dark Energy. We first revised our effort to infer cosmological information beyond the survey geometry using Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to take advantage of supercomputing resources on campus. We then updated our methods for galaxy target selection in the Subaru Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS) survey with modern reinforcement learning …

Quantifying Asphalt Binder Uv Effects With Relaxometry, Rosalee Brown

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Asphalt deterioration involves many physical and chemical changes caused by environmental factors such as automotive strain, extreme heat, and UV exposure. Asphalt binder assessment in the industry is currently based on structurally destructive testing methods and tests of physical performance without accounting for chemical structure. An emerging evaluation of asphalt binder uses relaxometry, a field of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, to directly observe how asphalt binder is changed by causes of deterioration such as UV exposure. NMR relaxometry explores nuclear spins' interactions with their environment. This noninvasive method can provide a detailed view into the chemical environment of virgin …

Water Quality Profiles In Two Rolla Ponds: Implications For Nutrient Management, Tylor Cheatham

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems is a growing global issue due to anthropogenic inputs. One of the main issues associated with eutrophication is fish death. Eutrophic waters can lead to algal blooms, resulting in hypoxic conditions where there is not enough oxygen to support the oxygen-breathing organisms like fish. This can happen in lakes or where rivers meet the ocean. These hypoxic conditions are a concern for lake managers and people who make a living fishing in waters that are now experiencing fish death. One method to target the oxygen levels in lakes is adding aerators. Because of how dynamic ecosystems …

Enhancing Galaxy Surveys With Machine Learning, Steven Karst

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Applications of machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI) to problems in astrophysics and cosmology have recently entered a golden era. In response, we have updated two of our recent ML/ AI efforts that contribute to galaxy surveys whose main scientific target is to reveal the nature of the Cosmic Acceleration or Dark Energy. We first revised our effort to infer cosmological information beyond the survey geometry using Graph Neural Networks (GNN) to take advantage of supercomputing resources on campus. We then updated our reinforcement learning methods for galaxy target selection in the Subaru Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS) survey with …

Visualization Of Ultracold Atomic Samples, Samuel Schrader

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Laser cooling techniques have evolved into a powerful experimental tool to perform precision spectroscopy (for instance, atomic clocks), study fundamental few-body dynamics, and create well-controlled systems for quantum information applications. When the atoms are captured, it is critical to analyze the laser-cooled atomic samples carefully and characterize their properties, such as density, temperature, population distribution, etc., in order to perform these advanced tasks. A straightforward way to measure these properties is detecting the visible optical photons emitted from the sample with a camera. Throughout this project, I have written and developed a computer application that controls a camera and extracts …

Effects Of Reproduction On Senescence In Local Species, Nathan Smith

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Understanding the impact of reproduction on the aging process within species populations remains an ongoing challenge in ecological and evolutionary research. In this study, we aim to clarify the relationship between reproduction and senescence using agent-based modeling using wild species data sets. Our objectives include investigating how variations in reproductive rates influence the lifespan and aging trajectories of individuals within populations, as well as identifying potential mechanisms underlying these effects. We will employ agent-based modeling to simulate populations and explore the dynamics of reproduction and senescence using publicly available datasets of local wild species. By manipulating parameters related to reproductive …

Numerical Studies On Bose-Einstein Condensates, Megan Benkendorf

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) is a state of matter near absolute zero temperature for which all atoms lose their individual properties and condense into a macroscopic coherent "super-wave". The superfluidity of BEC has been the focus of active research since the first experimental realization of BEC in 1995. The recent launch of the Cold Atom Laboratory to the space station on May 21, 2018, has once again drawn spotlights to these fascinating properties of BEC. In this project, we will carry out numerical studies to understand the behavior of exciton-polariton BECs. A modified Gross-Pitaevskii equation is used to model the dynamics …

Effect Of Heat On Virgin And Uv-Aged Asphalt Binders Determined By Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry, Kaitlin Miles

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a well-known analytical technique that uses the excitation of nuclear spins for solving chemical structures and conformations. Relaxometry is a special field of NMR spectroscopy where information is gained about interactions of nuclear spins with their molecular surroundings. The deterioration of asphalt is a major infrastructure problem, and its rejuvenation back toward its original virgin state is an important field of research and development. The current asphalt industry relies on visual inspection on site and invasive or destructive physical methods to assess emerging asphalt failures. This study examines the chemical changes environmental factors have …

Investigating Geomorphic Controls On The Luminescence Properties Of Quartz Sand In A River System, Jenna Mills

Student Research Symposium

Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of quartz sand grains is used to date young deposits across disciplines in geology and archaeology. OSL dating requires that the quartz mineral is sensitized, or pre-conditioned to produce a luminescence signal following exposure to ionizing radiation. The geological processes that enhance the OSL sensitivity (photons released per given radiation dose and sediment mass) remain uncertain. Our Research Objectives are to investigate the geomorphic controls (bedrock source, fluvial transport, and hillslope processes) on OSL sensitivity using sediment collected along the Pagliara River in NE Sicily.

The Pagliara catchment (13km²) is tectonically active and …

Floating Homes | A Response To Rising Sea Levels, Caroline Nemelka

Student Research Symposium

Every year, an average of 25 million people are displaced by disasters, typically extreme weather events like floods and storms. By the century’s end, flooding alone could displace up to 50 million people. According to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), higher seas are projected to displace or impact approximately 680 million individuals residing in low-lying coastal zones by 2100. Studying nations like the Netherlands, known for its innovative land reclamation and flood management strategies, can provide valuable insights into addressing this impending housing crisis. Using this information allowed for a community of hypothetical floating homes to …

Impact Of Snac On Physical And Mental Health, Halle Larson, Kaylee West

Student Research Symposium

Food insecurity is a common occurrence among college students and may have profound impacts on a student’s physical and mental well-being. It is vital that college campuses create not only access to food, but a culture of food security among students and student service organizations. Many institutions are striving to provide food assistance to their students and create this culture through a variety of methods. Ninety seven percent of institutions involved in programs to fight food insecurity implement a food pantry to combat this issue, but only 54% track the impact of their food pantries. Through this study, the impact …

Wave Properties Of 2019 Southern Ssw Event, Gabriel Decker

Student Research Symposium

Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) events are extreme increases in polar stratospheric temperatures (10s of Kelvins) over several days. They happen nearly yearly in the Northern Hemisphere, but they’re rare in the Southern.

Planetary Waves (PWs) are large-scale perturbations of the atmospheric dynamical structure that extend coherently around a full longitude circle. (A. K. Smith, 2003)

The exact relationship between SSWs and PWs is not known, but in September 2019, there was a Southern Hemispheric SSW (2^nd ever recorded) which coincided with a strong PW activity. In this investigation, we examined the PW to better understand whether this PW activity …

Social And Economic Impacts Of Snac, Sara Marshall, Carson Johnson

Student Research Symposium

Food security is a common concern among college students.¹ Compared to 10% of U.S. households experiencing food insecurity², many college campuses report food insecurity prevalence about four times the national average.³ Approximately 39% of Utah's higher education student's face food insecurity.⁴ The stability of food for an individual can greatly impact different aspects of life including social and economic factors, such as social relationships.⁵

Impact Of Snac On Academic Success, Maeci Armstrong, Alivia Fonnesbeck

Student Research Symposium

This study aimed to address the impact of the intervention of SNAC. Based on the results, the USU SNAC pantry has made a substantial positive impact on students’ academic performance.

The main themes of participants’ comments indicate that SNAC helped them have more energy, increased focus, and increased time spent at school. These results are consistent with other studies that discuss the impact food pantries have on students’ academic success [1].

Participants expressed gratitude for the alleviation of food insecurity stressors, allowing them to better concentrate on their studies. These findings resonate with prior research highlighting the crucial role food …

The 2022 Hunga Tonga Volcanic Eruption's Impact On Radio Communications, Spencer Brothers

Student Research Symposium

On January 15^th 2022, the Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption, Figure 1, ejected unprecedented amounts of water into the stratosphere. The resulting plume may present temporary opportunities for long distance radio communication.