Engineering Commons^™

Paid Summer Research Opportunities With The Louisiana Biomedical Research Network, John L. Quebedeaux Jr., Gabrielle Broussard

Science Seminars

The Louisiana Biomedical Research Network Summer Research Program provides undergraduate and graduate students $4000 to $6000 in support, including housing if needed, for summer research with LBRN investigators located at various institutions across the state. This presentation will summarize the program and the application process. Additional details can be found at: https://lbrn.lsu.edu/summer-research-program.html

Virgil Orr Energy Conservation Collection, University Archives And Special Collections, Prescott Memorial Library, Louisiana Tech University

Manuscript Finding Aids

Materials related to Dr. Orr's interest in energy conservation.

Dispersion Of Spherical Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles In Poly(Styrene-B-Methyl Methacrylate) Diblock Copolymer Domains, Joshua C. Obinwa

Master's Theses

Polymer-nanoparticle hybrids are nanomaterials in which the unique properties of the nanosized structures can be precisely tuned by choosing an appropriate combination of the polymer and the nanoparticle. However, nanoparticle dispersion in a polymer is challenging due to the aggregation tendency of nanoparticles. To improve nanoparticle dispersion and control the location of nanoparticles in block copolymer assemblies, the nanoparticle surface is modified with surface ligands compatible with the block copolymer. In this thesis, hydroxyl-terminated poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) was utilized to functionalize the nanoparticle surface, covalently anchoring the hydroxylterminated end of the polymer onto the silicon dioxide nanoparticles. The silicon dioxide …

Electrochemical Detection Of Reactive Oxygen Species Via A Platinum Microelectrode Array, Victor M. Carriere Jr.

Master's Theses

Oxidative stress, an excess of endogenous or exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, is closely aligned with inflammatory responses. ROS such as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, and radical hydroxyl ion serve essential functions in fighting infection, but chronic elevation of these species irreversibly damages cellular components. Given the central role of inflammation in a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease, atherosclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, a low-cost, extracellular, non-invasive assay of ROS is needed.

This work reports the use of a platinum microelectrode array (Pt MEA)-based ceramic probe to detect time- and concentration-dependent variations in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by …

Pretreatment Of Loblolly Pine Tree Toppings (Needled) Using Dess, Prathima Gujjula

Master's Theses

Contemporary industrial development and swift urbanization require environmentally sustainable energy sources. Ethanol made from biomass provides unique environmental and economic strategic benefits and can be considered a safe and clean liquid fuel alternative to fossil fuels. Ethanol’s significant advantages, such as low cost, biodegradability, and abundance, make the application of biomass for production of biorenewable energy favorable. However, biomass must be subjected to pretreatment processes to liberate the components needed for effective enzymatic hydrolysis that converts cellulose to sugars prior to fermentation to create biofuel. Production of valueadded co-products besides biofuels, through coordinated bio refinery processes, requires selectivity during pretreatment. …

Using Strontium Coated Clay Nanoparticles For Bone Regeneration And Other Biomedical Applications, Anusha Elumalai

Doctoral Dissertations

The aim of this project is to coat halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with strontium in an ecofriendly, simple, and non-expensive process. These particles, when doped in calcium phosphate cements (CPC), are predicted to increase the osteoconductive and antibacterial properties of three dimensional (3D) printed bone scaffolds.

The purpose of the 3D printed bone scaffolds is to assume the same function as the bones they are replacing but with several additional functionalities. These biomaterials will have the ability to be resorbed as new bone is formed. Due to inherent osteogenic factors and antibiotics released from doped HNTs during the reparative process, it …

Nanoengineered Core-Shell Structures Using Tubile Halloysite Clay, Yusuf A. Darrat

Doctoral Dissertations

Halloysite nanotubes are a versatile nanomaterial that can be used in a wide variety of applications. They have a unique structure which could be described as a flat material that consists of silica on one side and alumina on the other; this structure is rolled up in a way naturally forming an internal 10-15 nm lumen and interlayer spacing. This could lead to many potential applications for example incorporating halloysite as a template material or as a support structure. They are an inexpensive clay material that is available in large quantities (thousands of tons), so they may be practically used …

Social Media Based Algorithmic Clinical Decision Support Learning From Behavioral Predispositions, Radhika V. Medury

Doctoral Dissertations

Behavioral disorders are disabilities characterized by an individual’s mood, thinking, and social interactions. The commonality of behavioral disorders amongst the United States population has increased in the last few years, with an estimated 50% of all Americans diagnosed with a behavioral disorder at some point in their lifetime. AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is one such behavioral disorder that is a severe public health concern because of its high prevalence, incurable nature, significant impact on domestic life, and peer relationships. Symptomatically, in theory, ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Access to providers who can offer diagnosis and treat the disorder varies …

Molecular Weight And Heating Value Of Lignin Extracted Using Deep Eutectic Solvent., Ekugbere Owen Owhe

Master's Theses

The molecular weight of lignin helps us to determine how lignin can be applied accurately in industry. The molecular weight can predict the behavior of lignin, and how it will function when combined with other materials. This thesis discusses how the molecular weight of lignin can be found with gel permeation chromatography (GPC) after acetylation with acetic anhydride and pyridine. Different lignins gave different number average molecular weight and weight average molecular weight values, which were likely due to the biomass source, type of extraction and solubility in the solvent of choice. How the structure of lignin changed after derivatization …