Digital Commons Network^™

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.

Engineering Faculty Perspectives On Student-Use Of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gai) In Course Completion: A Work-In-Progress, Michaela Harper

Student Research Symposium

How do engineering faculty perceive student use of GAI assistance in undergraduate course completion?

Towards Fast, Realistic Gas Plume Simulation For Lwir Hyperspectral Images To Improve Deep Learning Identification Models, Scout Jarman

Student Research Symposium

• Longwave infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral images (HSI) are taken from airborne platforms and can be used to find gas plumes.
• Detection and identification of gas plumes has applications in environmental monitoring, disaster response, and national security
• Deep learning can be used to identify gases from a large library of materials,  but can be difficult to apply in practice

Voices On The Mountain: Beaver Mountain Oral History Project, Jasmine Lowe, Cedar Williams, Zoe'swanna Mcgee, Cassie Evans

Student Research Symposium

Through oral history interviews with a wide variety of people with connections to Beaver Mountain, we explore the memory and significance of Beaver Mountain to the community of Cache Valley from multiple perspectives.

Examining The Factor Structure Of A Subjective Well-Being Measure In A Medical Student Sample, Hoan Do, Mary Wurm-Schaar, Gordon Brooks

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Accreditation standards for U.S. medical education programming require that training programs promote trainee wellness and well-being, although constructs such as psychological distress and depression commonly serve as proxies for well-being. A direct measure of subjective well-being would be invaluable to inform programming efforts to promote medical trainees’ well-being and advance the study of the well-being construct itself. This study investigated the structural validity of subjective well-being as measured by the Well-Being Scale in a sample of 548 osteopathic medical students. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated that subjective well-being is best represented by a bifactor model with a general …

Exploring School Counselor-Principal Collaboration, Self-Efficacy, And School Climate: A Comprehensive Review Of Literature, Rachel Louise Geesa, Derien D. Kunce, Audrey N. Enyeart

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

School counselors and principals have many shared responsibilities within PK-12 schools to better meet students’ social/emotional, academic, and career and college readiness needs. School counselor-principal collaboration can promote the success of PK-12 students, staff, and the overall school environment. Within the area of school counselor-principal collaboration, more research is needed regarding the implementation of collaboration methods between the two professions at pre-service levels. Due to this need, we conducted an extensive literature review to examine the developments and outcomes of school counselor-principal collaboration. Based on the review of 33 articles, the following themes emerged within the literature. These themes focus …

Beyond Elkonin Boxes: Using Multisensory Strategies To Master Decodable High Frequency Words With First Graders, Kelle Dewine, Hannah Chai

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Increasing engagement may enable struggling readers to catch up with their peers. This study examined the impact of using multisensory strategies with Elkonin boxes to teach decodable words to first grade students. The study found that student interest impacted engagement, particularly when it was a combination of auditory, tactile, and visual. Multisensory strategies enabled the high frequency words to enter the memory system through multiple channels, thereby creating stronger learning and higher engagement.

Medical-Dental Staff Topics, 1987, V21 N1, January, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

St. Luke's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI: An issue of "Medical-Dental Staff Topics". This was an internal publication for ASLMC staff members reporting on news, research, events, and staffing updates. Includes a staff calendar and information on continuing education opportunities.

Medical-Dental Staff Topics, 1987, V21 N2, February, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

St. Luke's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI: An issue of "Medical-Dental Staff Topics". This was an internal publication for ASLMC staff members reporting on news, research, events, and staffing updates. Includes a staff calendar and information on continuing education opportunities.

Medical-Dental Staff Topics, 1987, V21 N3, March, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

St. Luke's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI: An issue of "Medical-Dental Staff Topics". This was an internal publication for ASLMC staff members reporting on news, research, events, and staffing updates. Includes a staff calendar and information on continuing education opportunities.

Medical-Dental Staff Topics, 1987, V21 N4, April, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

St. Luke's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI: An issue of "Medical-Dental Staff Topics". This was an internal publication for ASLMC staff members reporting on news, research, events, and staffing updates. Includes a staff calendar and information on continuing education opportunities.

Medical-Dental Staff Topics, 1987, V21 N5, May, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

St. Luke's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI: An issue of "Medical-Dental Staff Topics". This was an internal publication for ASLMC staff members reporting on news, research, events, and staffing updates. Includes a staff calendar and information on continuing education opportunities.

Medical-Dental Staff Topics, 1987, V21 N6, June, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

St. Luke's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI: An issue of "Medical-Dental Staff Topics". This was an internal publication for ASLMC staff members reporting on news, research, events, and staffing updates. Includes a staff calendar and information on continuing education opportunities.

Medical-Dental Staff Topics, 1987, V21 N7, July, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

St. Luke's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI: An issue of "Medical-Dental Staff Topics". This was an internal publication for ASLMC staff members reporting on news, research, events, and staffing updates. Includes a staff calendar and information on continuing education opportunities.

Medical-Dental Staff Topics, 1987, V21 N8, August, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

St. Luke's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI: An issue of "Medical-Dental Staff Topics". This was an internal publication for ASLMC staff members reporting on news, research, events, and staffing updates. Includes a staff calendar and information on continuing education opportunities.