Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Smallsat Pcb Engineering, Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

• Concept
• Design
• Build
• Lessons Learned

Radiation Hardness Drivers For Mission Success – What We Have Learned, Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

RHA consists of all activities undertaken to ensure that the electronics and materials of a space system perform to their design specifications throughout exposure to the mission space environment

Deep Learning Method For Image Processing In Cold Atom Experiments, Joshua Wilson, Robert Leonard, Jacob Morrey, Issac Peterson, Francisco Fonta, Spencer Olson

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

“Ideal” Absorption Imaging

Not always simple in practice

Structural Design & Analysis, Poti G. Doukas

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Agenda

• Structural Requirements
• Deployers
• Engineering Drawings
• Verification Testing

Requirements And C&Dh Design, Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

• What is it?
• Processor Selection
• CDH Hardware
• OS Selection
• Memory - Radiation
• Memory - Radiation Mitigation
• Memory - Partitions
• Memory - File System
• System Startup
• Startup Stages
• Software Start-up
• Serial Protocol
• I2C / One Wire Communication Tips
• Fault Handling: Watchdog Timer
• CDH Watchdog (Simple)
• CDH Watchdog (Use Case)
• Watchdog Timer Tips
• Synchronizing and Managing Time

Atmospheric Waves Experiment (Awe) Mission Overview, Pedro Sevilla

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The AWE instrument images atmospheric gravity waves from the ISS, quantifying energy and momentum fluxes into the ionosphere-thermosphere system to better understand how tropospheric weather influences space weather

Range Safety And Design For Launch, Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Design to make licensing and launch easy

• Sometimes the most innovative or elegant solution isn’t the best one
• The less you have to prove, the better
• Don’t use novel materials
• Don’t use novel methods

Example: 3D printing is cool and reduces part count because you can design otherwise unmachinable parts

• Now you have to test, analyze, and prove to everyone that your part won’t fail
• If you machined the parts from AL 6061-T6 and bolted them together with stainless steel fasteners, nobody would have looked twice

Usu Extension Sustainability Permaculture Initiative: 2025 Impact Report, Natalia Bustos, Roslynn Brain Mccann, Jake Powell

Extension Research

• Permaculture Statistics
• Harvest Donations (Organic)
• Participant Response
• 2025 Monthly Educational Events
• Publications
• USU Extension Workshops & Events

From Walking To Parkour: A Structured Survey Of Rl For Dynamic Skills In Legged Robots, Christopher Allred, Chandler Justice, Rosario Scalise, Yan Gu, Jonathan Clark, Mario Harper, Jason Pusey

Computer Science Student Research

This survey reviews recent advances in applying reinforcement learning (RL) to enable dynamic and ballistic motions in legged robots, including running, jumping, stair climbing, and parkour. Focusing on high-agility behaviors that challenge traditional control frameworks, we categorize foundational locomotion tasks and highlight the RL methods, such as Proximal Policy Optimization, curriculum learning, and hybrid model-based strategies that have proven effective. We discuss the key challenges in transferring learned policies to real-world robots, managing uncertainty, and integrating perception and proprioception. Drawing from over 150 recent works, we provide a structured taxonomy of objectives, algorithms, and platforms, and identify trends in simulation …

Cost-Effective Strategies For Feral Swine Control: Exploring Trapping Equipment Cooperatives, Phil Kenkel, Riza Radmehr, Rodney Holcomb, Mckenzie Boyce

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Feral swine (Sus scrofa) in the United States have become a growing concern, with a population of ≥6 million and causing annual damages of ≥$1.5 billion USD. Because of their high reproductive capacity, effective control methods are crucial to reducing or slowing their population growth. While remotely monitored and triggered traps have proven to be an effective control strategy, the cost of sophisticated trapping equipment, which can cost ≥$7,000 USD, is often cost prohibitive for many landowners. Despite the pressing need to address the challenge of making effective feral swine control methods more affordable, there are few studies …

It’S Time To Stop Calling People "Stakeholders", Bethann Garramon Merkle, Evelyn Valdez-Ward, Priya Shukla, Skylar R. Bayer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Although the term “stakeholder” has been widely used in science communication, recent expansion in the discourse around the negative connotations of the term necessitate that scientists and practitioners cease using the term. We discuss why this shift is necessary, how it affects our own praxis, and suggest resources for working through more respectful and just language. Looking to the science communication literature can help recalibrate terminology in positive ways.

Turbo Fladry Fencing To Mitigate Short-Term Agricultural Damage Caused By Wild Pigs, Michael P. Glow, Jesse A. Tussing, Johnathan G. Walls, Robert B. Hyle, Joseph M. Halseth, Nathan P. Snow, Kurt C. Vercauteren

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a destructive invasive species that damage agricultural crops in many regions of the world. Lethal techniques to reduce populations are most often used to mitigate damage, but additional techniques are also needed in conjunction with lethal tools to protect resources in some settings (e.g., where lethal control is not practical or possible to achieve population elimination). While additional tools such as deterrents or temporary fencing may provide short-term relief, few effective options are currently available because habituation by wild pigs often reduces long-term effectiveness. Turbo fladry, a type of electric fence, is an …

Changes In Climate And Their Implications For Cattle Nutrition And Management, Bashiri Iddy Muzzo, R. Douglas Ramsey, Juan J. Villalba

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

Climate change is a global challenge that impacts rangeland and pastureland landscapes by inducing shifts in temperature variability, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. These changes alter soil and plant conditions, reducing forage availability and chemical composition and leading to nutritional stress in cattle. This stress occurs when animals lack adequate water and feed sources or when these resources are insufficient in quantity, composition, or nutrient balance. Several strategies are essential to address these impacts. Genetic selection, epigenetic biomarkers, and exploration of epigenetic memories present promising avenues for enhancing the resilience of cattle populations and improving adaptation to environmental stresses. …

Karst Hydrologic Memory Supplements Streamflow During Dry Periods In Snow-Dominated, Mountainous Watersheds, Hyrum Tennant, Bethany T. Neilson, Devon Hill, Dennis L. Newell, James P. Evans, Seohye Choi, James P. Mcnamara, Nathaniel Ashmead, Tianfang Xu

Geosciences Faculty Publications

Analysis of PRISM and SNOTEL station data paired with USGS streamflow gage data in the western United States shows that, in snow-dominated mountainous watersheds, streamflow regimes differ between watersheds with karst geology and their non-karst neighbours. These carbonate aquifers exhibit a spectrum of flow paths encompassing karst conduits, including large fractures or voids that transmit water readily to springs and other surface waters, and matrix flow paths through soils, highly fractured bedrock, or porous media bedrock grains. A well-connected karst aquifer will discharge a large portion of its accumulated precipitation to surface water via springs and other groundwater flow paths …

Repeat Photography Monitoring Made Easy, G. Allen Rasmussen, Kathy Voth, Eric Thacker, Randall Violett, Ruger Carter, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

Professional land managers use monitoring as the basis for evaluating and making management decisions. There are many monitoring techniques. Here, we will discuss one of the simplest, cheapest, and quickest methods: repeat photography. By following the easy steps outlined here, range users will collect data and record interpretations over time to provide proof of change and management efforts.

Constructing And Testing Of Photomultiplier Tubes For Coincidence Experiments, Christepher Zamora

Physics Capstone Projects

Muons are particles that can be created by the collision and decay of cosmic rays with the upper atmosphere. Many detectors have been manufactured to detect these particles. This paper describes how muons can be detected. It details the process of constructing and testing of scintillation photomultiplier tubes. This paper also details what was observed during the construction and what was done by the experimenter to correct perceived issues.

Advancing S2s Precipitation Outlooks Through The Weather Regime-Gaussian Mixture Model Framework, Wei Zhang

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Shifting Frontiers: Understanding Species’ Abundance Range Shifts For Informed Conservation Strategies, T.J. Clark-Wolf

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Developing Resilient Organic Dryland Wheat Systems In The Face Of Climate Change., Jennifer R. Reeve

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Reconstructing Long-Term, High-Resolution Groundwater Storage Changes In The Songhua River Basin Using Supplemented Grace And Grace-Fo Data, Chuanqi Liu, Zhijie Zhang, Chi Xu, Wanchang Zhang

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) enables large-scale monitoring of terrestrial water storage changes, significantly contributing to hydrology and related fields. However, the coarse resolution of groundwater storage anomaly (GWSA) data limits local-scale research utilizing GRACE and GRACE-FO missions. In this study, we develop a regional downscaling model based on the linear regression relationship between GWSA and environmental variables, reducing the grid resolution of GWSA obtained from GRACE from approximately 25 km to 1 km. First, we estimate the missing values of monthly continuous terrestrial water storage anomaly (TWSA) for the period from 2003 to 2020 using interpolated multi-channel …

Visionary Indigenous Training And Leadership For Natural Resources (Vital4nr), Peter D. Howe

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Quantitative Evaluation Of Baseflow Separation Methods Using An Integrated Hydrologic Model: A Case Study In A Snow-Dominated Watershed, Jihad Othman

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Baseflow, commonly referred to as the groundwater contribution to streamflow, constitutes approximately 50% of streamflow in mountainous regions of the Western United States. Accurately quantifying the amount of baseflow is critical for water management and decision-making, as it significantly impacts stream water quality, low flow availability, and ecosystem health. Traditionally, baseflow has been estimated using conceptual and automated baseflow separation methods, which are known to be both arbitrary and ambiguous, posing a challenge to validate them. In this study, we developed an integrated hydrologic model that seamlessly integrated the exchange between surface and subsurface flows to physically quantify the baseflow …

Creating Place-Based Introductory Geoscience Field Trip Curricula For Indigenous Students, Kitri Spencer

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This project seeks to produce and evaluate a place-based geoscience field trip curriculum along the San Juan River designed for Indigenous students. The Geoscience on the San Juan River field trip uses a “place-based” approach to weave scientific concepts with the cultural knowledge and lived experiences of the students. Learning activities were designed to accommodate a wide range of learning preferences and accessibility needs with the hope of increasing Indigenous enrollment in the geosciences. The lesson plan was tested on June 4^th, 2022 during a guided rafting excursion on the San Juan River for students participating in the …

Utahns’ Generally Agree On Top Environmental Concerns, But Climate Change And Related Issues Reveal Political Polarization, Sarah E. Wilson, Jessica Ulrich-Schad

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

Utah is renowned for its unique landscapes and abundant opportunities to connect with the natural environment. However, the state is currently grappling with serious environmental challenges, including poor air quality, dwindling water supplies, and the alarming desiccation of the Great Salt Lake. These and other issues have major ecological and economic implications, and combating them will likely require large scale efforts. However, rising levels of political polarization are a common problem in the United States that many feel stifles our ability to combat societal problems, including those related to the environment and human health.

Testing For Patterns Of Deformation From The Yellowstone Hotspot Along The Gallatin River, Sw Montana, Jack Willard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Yellowstone has fascinated humans for thousands of years. Geologists have addressed many of the region’s mysteries, including the underlying mantle hotspot, the chain of calderas tracking the motion of the North American Plate over this hotspot, and the risks posed by the super volcano. However, the way that the hotspot impacts regional tectonics and topography remains under-studied. Influential previous work recognized the Yellowstone Crescent of High Terrain (YCHT), an arc of high topography around the Yellowstone Plateau with limbs extending to the west and south into central Idaho and northern Utah. The YCHT is also hypothesized to be the pattern …

Constraining Decadal-Scale Erosion And Delivery Of Post-Wildfire Debris Flow Deposits, Casey Langstroth

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Debris flows generated from wildfire pose significant risk to increased sedimentation to instream river networks, degradation of water quality, and accumulated sediment behind downstream reservoirs. Despite an abundance of research investigating the probability of debris flow generation, the constraints on deposit initial volume, and most recently the initial grain size distribution, there remains a significant knowledge gap in understanding the temporal scale at which debris flows supply sediment to river networks after deposition. To provide reliable estimates of sediment delivery from debris flow deposits over time, two important metrics must be constrained: 1) how does sediment delivery to river networks …

Analysis Of A Gravity Wave Horizontal Blocking Event Using Hodograph Techniques Applied To Sodium Lidar Data, Neal R. Criddle

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Atmospheric gravity waves are ubiquitous and important events in Earth’s atmosphere with impacts on space weather and associated technological effects. The population of gravity waves is determined by their formation mechanisms, and their interactions with the background atmosphere. These gravity waves transport energy and momentum into the near Earth space environment, and are responsible for movement of chemical species. Predicting the occurrence of space weather effects, then, is in part a process requiring the characterization of gravity waves. Case studies of unique and interesting gravity wave events are an important part of this process. These allow for the investigation of …

Mathematical And Statistical Methods To Harness Limited Data In Models For Ecological Space Use Under Global Change, Sarah C. Bogen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The dynamics of how plants and animals use space in their habitats has important implications for the fields of ecology and conservation. However, understanding and responding to these spatial and temporal dynamics is often limited by data availability, financial resources and biases. As average global temperatures increase, suitable habitats shift poleward and require local populations to move with suitable habitat, adapt to the changing environment, or risk extinction. Capacity to persist without movement may be estimated by considering changes to a combination of habitat characteristics. Capacity to track suitable habitat may be modeled through synthesizing information on species demographic mechanisms …

Supervised Generative Adversarial Networks For Time Series Generation In Embedding Space, Mohammadreza Eskandarinasab

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Time series data, such as weather forecasts, stock market trends, or heart rate monitors, plays a vital role in many areas of our lives. However, creating realistic synthetic time series data for research and testing purposes has been a significant challenge due to limitations in existing methods, which often struggle with accuracy and consistency. In this study, we developed two new approaches to generate high-quality time series data more effectively. The first method introduces a dual-feedback system that helps the model learn and replicate real data patterns more accurately by providing guidance at different stages of the learning process. The …

Optimizing Mobility On Demand Systems: Multiagent Reinforcement Learning Approaches To Order Assignment And Vehicle Guidance, Jiyao Li

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This dissertation explores ways to improve Mobility on Demand (MoD) systems, which are services like ride-sharing and autonomous taxi systems. The main goal is to make these services more efficient and reliable, benefiting both passengers and drivers by better matching the number of available vehicles with the number of people needing rides.

For ride-sharing services, a new method called T-Balance helps match riders with drivers and guides empty taxis to areas where more people need rides. This reduces wait times for passengers and increases earnings for drivers. Another method, called GRL-HM, looks at how riders and drivers behave to further …