Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A New Laboratory For Mm-/Sub-Mm-Wave Characterization Of Cosmic Dust Analogs, Lunjun Liu, Thushara Perera, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

At visible wavelengths, cosmic dust obscures many interesting astronomical environments such as stellar nurseries and new planetary systems. Studying how light interacts with cosmic dust would help reveal the nature of the objects and environments that are obscured by dust. In order to study the optical properties of cosmic dust analogs in the lab, we constructed a custom apparatus, which consists of a vacuum chamber, a cooling mechanism to vary the temperature of dusts in an astronomically interesting range (7-50 Kelvin), and a long-wavelength spectrometer. Since completing the construction of the custom apparatus, we are currently assembling and testing the …

Microfluidic Generator Of Sub-10-Micron Hydrosomes, Zhenghao Ding, Lunjun Liu, Gabriel C. Spalding, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Known as the fundamental “lab on a chip” technology, microfluidics is a thriving young research area that first took off in the 1990s. It is commonly used for reducing the amount of material required for biochemical analysis, such DNA sequencing. Its narrow tunnels can annihilate turbulence even in high-speed fluid flow, facilitating controlled, systematic processing. Also, by leveraging lithographic techniques developed for the semiconductor industry, enormous capability can be integrated into a single microfluidic chip. We have thus far utilized templates designed and fabricated by previous students in our lab, for fabrication of a series of microfluidic chips, made of …

Assembly, Alignment, And Maintenance Of An Automated Laser Cutter, Zhenghao Ding, Lunjun Liu, Gabriel C. Spalding, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

We have assembled a kit for an automated laser cutter system, intended to play an important role in a wide variety of student-led design projects on our campus. We began by electrically soldering the wiring for a powerful (60 Watt), pulsed infrared (10.6µm wavelength) CO₂ laser beam, which can thermally induce shock waves that locally ablate a wide range of (non-reflective) materials. The laser tube itself generates significant heat when operating, so we also assembled the required water-cooling system. Given the high powers involved, careful alignment this invisible laser was required, to ensure that the beam is safely contained …

How The University Of California Runs One Repository For Ten Campuses, Katie Fortney

Inaugural CSU IR Conference, 2015

Katie Fortney, JD, MLIS, Copyright Policy & Education Officer, Office of Scholarly Communication, University of California http://osc.universityofcalifornia.edu/

Implementing Metaarchive And Lockss At Digital Commons @Cal Poly, Michele Wyngard

Inaugural CSU IR Conference, 2015

Michele Wyngard, Digital Repository Coordinator, CSU Cal Poly

The Effects Of Silicon Applications On Wear And Drought Stress Of Cool Season Turfgrass, Mike J. Badzmierowski, W. Michael Sullivan

Senior Honors Projects

The ability of turfgrass to maintain quality and functionality during use and drought stress are fundamental to almost all turfgrass environments. A possible mechanism to increase wear and drought tolerance is through the use of supplemental silicon (Si) application. Until recently, Si has received little attention for its role in crop physiology or performance.

While it is recoverable within the plant it is not recognized as an “essential” plant growth component. Si is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust; however the majority of soil-Si is bio-geochemically inert. Plants absorb Si exclusively as monosillicic acid, H₂SiO …

Challenges Associated With Space Weather Analysis And Prediction, John Lanicci

Space Traffic Management Conference

The term “space weather” is typically used to describe environmental conditions in the region extending from the sun’s surface, through the interplanetary medium, to the earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere, with a focus on those conditions that can affect the earth, its technological systems, and population. Space weather conditions are monitored continuously by a number of agencies around the world. These agencies use both satellite- and ground-based measurements to build analyses and employ predictive models that form the basis for impacts-based products dealing with myriad users in satellite operations, the utility industry, aviation, and satellite-based communications, to name a …

Estimating Mineral Weathering Rates In Catskills Watersheds, Chris E. Johnson

Civil and Environmental Engineering - All Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Two-Dimensional Electron Gases At The Surface Of Potassium Tantalate, Ben Pound

Browse All Undergraduate research

No abstract provided.

Mass And Nutrient Loss In Decaying Hardwood Boles At Hubbard Brook, Chris E. Johnson

Civil and Environmental Engineering - All Scholarship

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of The Melting Arctic Ice Cap On Florida's Coast, Anthony Atkinson, Nicholas Joseph, Louw Scheepers

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

We've set out to determine the effect of arctic ice melt on the coastline of Florida, more specifically its major cities and tourist attractions. To do this, we created multiple mathematical models on different bases to ensure that our models are behaving in an appropriate manner. We constructed one statistical model based on past sea level rise data, and one theoretical model based on our interpretations of different components that add to the total sea level rise. Our data and analysis showed firm indications of extreme effects on the coastline of Florida and some of its major tourist attractions by …

Modeling The Optimization Of A Toll Booth Plaza, Liam Connell, Zachary Schutzman, Erin Hoover

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

When designing a toll plaza, many factors have to be considered, especially the number of toll booths to build. In this paper, we try to determine the optimal number of toll booths by creating a model for car movement at a toll plaza. We define optimal as the number of toll booths that minimizes the waiting time, particularly at a high congestion time (i.e. rush hour). To model the movement of cars through a toll booth plaza, we break the problem into two parts: time spent waiting in line and then time spent merging back into traffic. Because each of …

From The Depths Of Great Pond (Maine): Anthropogenic And Natural Influences On Bottom Sediments And The Implications For Local Sustainability, Sara George, Clara Bicher

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

As part of a Maine EPSCoR grant focusing on sustainability in the Belgrade Lakes watershed of central Maine, current research consists of collecting bottom sediment samples from Great Pond. Samples were analyzed to create a sediment map of the lake basin in regards to depth, grain-size distribution, organic content (%C), C:N ratios and phosphorus concentration. Results will aid in the understanding of the glacial formation of the lake, distribution of sediment within, and human impact on the lake. Additionally, knowing the distribution of phosphorus within the sediments may allow development of a strategy to avoid accelerated eutrophication. This research will …

Mathematical Analysis Of A Nim-Like Matrix Game, Edward Chuang, Stephen Morse

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

This poster presentation covers our research on a mathematical game that is somewhat similar to the popular game Nim. In this game, Players play a variation of Nim where the number of piles must be a perfect square and where the piles are actually situated within a matrix. In addition, players are only allowed to subtract one from an entry on their turn, where as in Nim there are typically more options. The game is over either when a player does not have a move to make (because all entries have been reduced to zero) or the when the game …

My Pet Mineral: Augite, Jacob Wall

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Augite is typically known for its greenish black color, nice vitreous luster, two directions of cleavage and of course its simple chemical formula: (Ca,Na,Mg,Fe2+,Fe3+Al,Ti)2[(Si,Al)2]O6]. Augite has a hardness of 5.5, 2 planes of cleavage and massive habit. Augite is an important rock-forming silicate mineral and occurs in a wide variety of basic igneous rocks, including gabbros, dolerites and basalts. Augite also occurs in ultrabasic and intermediate rocks as well as a limited number of high-grade metamorphic rocks such as granulites and charnockites. Augites range widely in composition and show a continuoius variation in chemical composition. Iron rich augites are restricted …

The Highway Game: Optimizing The Number Of Tollbooths, Meaghan Lewia, Tara Chizinski, Megan Lasher

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

One of the biggest woes of highway drivers is the amount of tolls along the road that require each vehicle to not only slow down significantly, but also pay sometimes up to -8 to the State. This inconvenience is protested on various levels, but since its clear that the government must institute some type of toll system, we have decided to find a model that will at least optimize the time for each driver while still saving the State as much money as possible. Our report constructs a model of the ideal amount of tollbooths for any number of highway …

Historical Baselines For Large Sharks In Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Usa): Putting Recent Observed Increases Into Context, Elizabeth Mccormack

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Over the last decade, observations of sharks in the waters around Cape Cod, Massachusetts (USA) have increased, possibly related to increases in seal populations. However, historical data are needed to put these recent increases into a long-term context. Using newspaper articles, photographs, and fishing tournament records, we compiled historical data on sharks in the waters around Cape Cod from approximately a one hundred year period, from 1830 to 1939. We compared these to trends in modern observations to establish baselines. As well, we document trends in commercial and cultural value of sharks in New England since the early 19th century. …

The Effects Of Climate Change On Food Borne Diseases And Nutrition, Erin Griffin, Hannah Twombly

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Despite the need for more research in order to assess fully the effects of climate change on human health, there is significant evidence to suggest the implications of climate change on food- and waterborne diseases and nutrition are significant. This study assesses the extent to which increasing temperatures and extreme weather events are increasing the incidence of foodborne disease and malnutrition in humans. Our study will focus on current research illustrating the connection between the incidence of these diseases with periods of high temperatures and rare weather patterns. We will also assess current policy in place governing climate change and …

Maine's Eelgrass Habitat Loss Between 1997 And 2010, Mary Parks

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Maines eelgrass meadows serve as an important habitat for many marine organisms. The sea grass, Zostera marina grows in beds anchored to the marine floor and reaches lengths of up to five feet. The unique structure of the beds provides protection to a large span of marine invertebrates and juvenile fish, prevents erosion by stabilizing sediment layers, and improves water quality by filtering nutrients and sediments. It is also consumed by various marine invertebrate species as a primary food source. However, eelgrass meadows have been subject to significant environmental degradation over the past century due to boat traffic, mooring, docking, …

Synthesis And Characterization Of A Copper(I)-Phenyl Complex, Max Cushner, Thabiso Kunene

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Compounds or complexes combining an organic species and a copper ion are amongst the most widely used organometallic reagents in synthetic organic chemistry. However, the chemistry for such organocopper compounds is underdeveloped including that for copper(I)-arene complexes, which are quite rare. Nonetheless, once the chemical properties of such copper-arene complexes are better understood, it will be easier to find uses for them, for instance as catalysts. Previous work on this project has produced evidence that copper(I)-arene complexes bearing phenyl and naphthyl groups behave differently from one another in arene replacement reactions. Thus, the phenyl does not seem to bind as …

People, Plants, And Places: A Spatial Study Of The Relationship Between Vegetation And Demography, Mackenzie Nichols

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

This study examines the relationship between demographic factors and vegetation abundance and change in the SNNP and Amhara regions of Ethiopia. Regressions were run using the 2007 Ethiopian Census and satellite imagery in order to identify potential relationships between a variety of demographic factors and the change in NDVI (normalized differential vegetation index) in various weredas (municipalities) in Amhara and SNNP.

Critical Reef Fish Habitats, Fishing Regulations, And Active Drilling Lease Sites In The Gulf Of Mexico, Tierney Dodge

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Human activities have been increasingly impacting the Gulf of Mexico negatively. The Gulf of Mexico is a biological rich ecosystem, with coral reefs providing a unique habitat for a diverse array of fish and other marine wildlife, including turtles. However, the increasing use of nutrient rich fertilizers in the Mississippi River Valley have created a growing dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico: a large area where there is no available oxygen due to extreme eutrophication. Overfishing has also depleted the stocks of many fish in the Gulf, further depleting the ecological health of the area. However, The National Oceanic …

An Analysis Of The Proximity Between Organic Farms And Schools In Maine, Olivia Avidan

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

This analysis will focus on determining the number of organic farms within a 10 mile driving radius of schools in Maine. Both public and private schools are included in the study, but all higher education institutions are omitted. The farms are certified organic by MOFGA. All data will be analyzed using ArcGIS software, specifically the Network Analyst tool.

Anthropogenic Effects On The Arctic, Sara Miller, Sarah Large

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

The Arctic is a sensitive location that has been affected greatly by climate change and the anthropogenic factors that contribute to global warming. It is critical to research the Arctic because the effects are significant and can be seen globally. The average temperature in the Arctic is increasing twice as fast as the rest of the world, which is causing the ice caps and permafrost to melt. Permafrost traps carbon and methane, and as permafrost melts these elements are released into the atmosphere. Since the conditions of the Arctic are changing local species are affected due to their altered habit. …

Does Alcohol Consumption Lead To Increased Cancer Rates?, Samantha Draper, Amara Weiss

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Using research grounded in empirical studies, we will synthesize statistically significant correlations between alcohol consumption and cancer rates in adults. We aim to analyze which cancer types alcohol is most correlated with. Additionally, we will analyze the strength of programs that attempt to bring these findings to light.

Hydraulic Fracturing: The Neurological Effects, Shannon Oleynik

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Hydraulic Fracturing, a natural gas extraction method also known as fracking, requires the use of a fracking fluid containing a number of highly toxic chemicals known to cause severe health problems to humans. The toxic wastewater produced as a byproduct of fracking leaches into and pollutes the surrounding groundwater. Among the health concerns caused by contact and ingestion of these toxic chemicals are cancer, acute respiratory issues, and severe neurological damage. This poster summarizes the current literature on the known neurological effects of the toxic chemicals produced by fracking, as well looks at case studies to examine the health of …

Does The Occupational Exposure Of Ski Wax Technicians To Perfluorinated Chemicals Result In Cardiovascular Disease?, Sarah Brockett, Jefferson Tucker

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Fluorinated organic compounds are used in ski waxes because of their water resistant surfactant properties which reduce friction between the skis and snow. One of the most common fluorinated organic compounds found in ski wax is perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as PFOA. Because of its water resistant properties it has been manufactured for use in various materials including Gore-Tex and Teflon. Thanks to relatively recent scientific studies the dangers of PFOA have become apparent. PFOA is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. There exists a considerable amount of animal data on the health impacts of PFOA. Studies show that exposure to PFOA …

Recreating Ground-Truth Land-Use Classifications From Landsat Images, Alexa Junker

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

This study attempts to recreate existing datasets of land-use classifications for Brevard County in east-central Florida from Landsat 5 satellite images using two different classification tools provided by the GIS program ArcMap. After acquiring the Landsat images from the USGS for the years 1995, 2000, 2004, and 2009, the unsupervised classification tool was used in order to identify 6 different land-use classes: urban, agriculture, non-forested land, forest, water, and wetland. Then, 6 sample polygons for each class were used as a basis for the software to recognize different land-use types, and the classification was repeated. In order to measure the …

Colony Collapse Disorder: An Assessment Of Causes And Their Pervasiveness, Anne Schechner, Beatrice Smith, Olivia Collins

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is a widespread condition throughout honeybee populations across the globe, resulting in either partial or total failure of Apis mellifera hives including death and/or hive abandonment. Many factors, either independently or concurrently, contribute to CCD, making it difficult to establish a singular cause of collapse. Research was performed to evaluate several prevalent causes and establish a singular most pervasive one based on four major criteria. These included: potential to expand, frequency of threat, geographic range, effectiveness of treatment. This study tested the hypothesis that a singular predominant cause could be identified based on the results of …

Impacts Of Marine Plastics On Seabirds, Sea Turtles, And Whales, Elizabeth Mccormack, Sergei Poljak, Michelle Burt

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Plastics are durable, cheap, and have high tensile strength resulting in their ubiquitous incorporation into society. There has been a rapid increase in plastic production worldwide. A significant amount of plastic waste, like other garbage, inevitably ends up in the worlds oceans. Marine species can be impacted by plastics by ingestion, entanglement, bioaccumulation, and even incorporation as a nesting material. This study aims to determine the effect of plastic on marine megafauna - namely seabirds, sea turtles and whales - using a variety of case studies worldwide. The percent of animals impacted by plastics was recorded from each case study. …