Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Redeveloping Mississippi: A Case Study On Brownfields In Central & Southern Mississippi, Sahrah R. Yeroozedek

Master's Theses

Brownfields, or properties that are or possibly are contaminated with dangerous materials, represent a common obstacle for communities in Mississippi. The real or potential presence of contaminants at these sites often deters investors due to costly cleanup requirements (EPA, n.d. -b). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Brownfield Revitalization Program, implemented guidelines for covering the costs and labor associated with the remediation of these properties. The EPA is not, however, responsible for redevelopment that supports long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Although the EPA maintains inventories of all Brownfields, there is also no comprehensive database of Brownfields and their current …

Modeling The Effects Of Low-Pressure Atmospheric Fronts On Sediment Transport Through Mississippi Sound Barrier Island Inlets, Nicholas J. Gagliano

Master's Theses

Coastal sediment dynamics in the Mississippi Sound are strongly influenced by tropical cyclones and the more frequent passage of low-pressure atmospheric fronts. While hurricanes are well recognized for reshaping barrier islands and altering sediment budgets, the cumulative role of recurrent fronts remains poorly quantified. This thesis investigates the impacts of six low-pressure atmospheric fronts (2015–2017) on sediment flux through six barrier island inlets in the Mississippi Sound.

A high-resolution application of the Regional Ocean Modeling System with the Community Sediment Transport Modeling System was developed to simulate tidal circulation, wind-driven currents, and sediment dynamics. Waves were excluded from the simulations. …

Privacy Protection In Machine Learning: Methods For Structured And Unstructured Data, Karuna Bhaila

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As machine learning models become increasingly integrated into data-driven decision-making, the protection of sensitive information throughout the model lifecycle is a paramount concern. As these models process and memorize sensitive, proprietary, or personal data, they risk leaking information through their outputs or internal states, especially in domains such as healthcare and finance. The protection of data in machine learning has thus been a crucial field of study. Within this paradigm, researchers have studied theoretical and application-oriented mechanisms for realizing privacy protections for various data formats. Nonetheless, privacy in machine learning still has many open problems, especially with the emergence of …

Strain Engineering Of Excitonic And Vibrational Properties In Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides, Sneha Minesh Patel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Mechanical strain represents a robust and non-invasive method for tuning the electronic and vibrational properties of two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). This work examines homogeneous biaxial strain as a symmetry-preserving control parameter that governs excitonic and interlayer dynamics in atomically thin TMDs. In monolayer MoSe2, biaxial tensile strain is intrinsically generated during high-temperature physical vapor deposition due to thermal expansion mismatch with amorphous substrates. Optical spectroscopy demonstrates substantial and tunable excitonic energy shifts exceeding 100 meV per percent strain. Polarization-resolved second harmonic generation confirms the retention of lattice symmetry under biaxial deformation. The investigation is further extended to bilayer MoS2, where …

Sel & Hil Integrations For Real-Time Cyber Threat Modeling, Risk Assessment, And Result Validation, Zachary Coel Harris

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The electrical power grid is one of the most critical infrastructure systems, with virtually every other critical system relying on its electricity to operate effectively [1]. One failure in the electrical grid can have cascading effects, reducing, or outright stopping the operation of services vital to people’s lives. Ensuring continuous availability of the electrical grid is vital. This constant need for availability poses a challenge to identify potential cyber-attacks and their impacts. The grid is constantly growing with the addition of DERs (Distributed Energy Resources). Common DERs, such as photovoltaic systems or wind farms, can provide primary or secondary generation …

Solid Embedded Telemetry, Pranav Balasubramanian Natarajan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the integration of the Solid decentralized data framework within embedded and legacy energy control systems to enable secure, access-controlled, and interoperable data exchange. Two implementations were developed to evaluate Solid’s practical applicability: an ESP32 client implementing Solid-OIDC authentication and telemetry publication to a Solid Pod, and a Modbus-to-Solid bridge translating Modbus RTU communications into RDF-based data for bidirectional control. Experimental evaluation highlighted the effects of task scheduling and blocking operations on the ESP32, and polling-based communication latency within the Modbus bridge. These findings reveal the architectural and computational trade-offs involved in extending Solid to constrained or protocol-bound …

Structure-Property Relationships In Epoxy/Amine-Derived Polyester Thermosets, Jeffrey Aguinaga

Dissertations

This dissertation relates to ester-containing aromatic epoxy monomers and thermosets formed via reaction of those monomers with either ester-containing or non-ester-containing amine comonomers.  Due to the wide array of potential reactants (many bioderivable) to form ester-containing epoxy monomers that are closely related in structure, fundamental study of structure-property relationships was highly practical for this platform of materials.

Though properties of aromatic epoxy thermosets of relatively high-crosslink density and network strand rigidity vary widely with chemical composition and architecture, relatively low fracture toughness and impact resistance due to lack of ductility are typical. Integration of ester functionality and aliphatic spacers/connectors for …

Exploring The Effects Of Polymer-Graphene Interactions On Bulk Composite Properties Using Finite Element Analysis, Bryant Grove

Dissertations

As a filler in high performance materials, graphene significantly enhances the mechanical properties of polymer composites. Experimental characterization of graphene composite enhancements is limited by labor-intensive processes in both synthesizing composites for different purposes and in characterizing the interactions between graphene and polymer composites that lead to these enhancements. Computational approaches such as finite element analysis (FEA) are suitable alternatives that go beyond experimental analysis. This dissertation demonstrates the utility of FEA in analyzing polymer graphene composites with an emphasis on modeling the interaction between graphene fillers and the matrix within the interphase formed between them. The accessible design framework …

Sustainability Savvy: The Role Of Competence And Efficacy In Promoting Pro-Environmental Behavior, Lorenna Graham

Environmental Studies Honors Projects

Combatting environmental issues requires both large-scale and individual change. While many understand that personal pro-environmental behavior (PEB) is necessary, individuals do not always engage in this behavior (Hines, 1986, Goh, 2022). Thus, there is a need to investigate psychological factors which encourage PEB. Prior research suggests competence and outcome efficacy as likely PEB predictors (Bentler, 2023, Lavergne & Pelletier, 2015, Priolo, 2016), while cognitive dissonance has been shown to both encourage and discourage PEB (Bouwman, 2022, Dickerson, 1992, Ehrich & Irwin, 2005). Study 1 investigates the relationship between cognitive dissonance and PEB with competence and outcome efficacy as potential moderators. …

Sustainability Concepts In "Lab" Projects For Calculus I, Ii, And Iii (Poster), Joshua Holden

Faculty Publications - Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Digital Grief Technology To Support Bereavement: A Systematic Review Of Potential Benefits And Risks, Xun Ci Soh, Adalia Yin Hui Goh, Paye Shin Koh, Andree Hartanto

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Grief is a universal and inevitable experience. However, the way we support the bereaved is changing, especially in the digital era. This systematic review examines the potential benefits and risks associated with various digital grief technologies, including online grief support groups, generative AI chatbots, online memorials, online therapy interventions, virtual reality, and digitally reproduced visuals or audio of the deceased. A systematic search was conducted in seven databases, and 30 articles were included in the final review. Findings indicate that digital grief technologies offer several benefits, such as reductions in grief and depressive symptoms, enhanced social support, greater accessibility, and …

Integrating Ai Into Collection Development Workflows: Prompts, Rubrics, And Responsible Use, Ivan Portillo, David Carson, Margaret Puentes

Library Presentations, Posters, and Audiovisual Materials

AI technologies are advancing at a rapid pace and offer new opportunities for library advancement. This session highlights practical ways AI can support collection development and discusses opportunities to improve library workflows.  Attendees will also learn how AI can strengthen library resource management by optimizing decision making and use of resources.

Learning Outcomes: 

• Attendees will learn about approaches to integrating artificial intelligence into collection development
• Attendees will learn about artificial intelligence tools and their applicability to collections 
• Attendees will learn about the ethical use of artificial intelligence tools 

The Impact Of Community On Professional Identity In Computer Science Education, Ian A. Kollipara

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This thesis explores the application of Communities of Practice (CoPs) in Computer Science Education. The work consists of two qualitative studies examining related but distinct populations: (1) K–12 CS teachers and (2) undergraduate CS students. The first study presents a retrospective analysis of conneCTION, an online CoP for K–12 CS educators, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and design considerations that inform future platform development. The second study investigates how participation in a CoP can mitigate negative and exclusionary stereotypes in CS. This study was conducted in an under-explored context: a small, private, religious, Midwestern university, and examines an existing community, the Programming …

Public Health Responsible Ai Capability (Ph-Raic) Framework: A Conceptual Model For Integrating Ai Into Public Health Agencies, Arnob Zahid, Ravishankar Sharma, Rezwan Ahmed

All Works

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transitioning from experimental pilots to core public health functions such as disease surveillance, resource planning, and analysis of social and structural determinants of health. Yet, health data collection and stewardship remain fragmented across the globe; some jurisdictions still rely on paper-based systems, while others operate noninteroperable digital systems that can exacerbate inequities. Treating health data as a global good therefore requires governance that enables innovation while protecting rights, safety, and trust. This study aims to develop a conceptual meso-level capability framework that translates responsible AI principles into organizational practices for public health agencies. Methods: We …

College Of Natural Sciences Spring Newsletter, College Of Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports

[Page 1] Dean's Message
[Page] 2 Awards & Recognitions // Student Spotlights
[Page] 3 Zhang Named to Landsat Science Team // The Power of Teaching
[Page] 4 “Science as Art” Competition Welcomes High School Artists
[Page] 5 Testing for “Forever Chemicals” in Surface Water // New Faculty Spotlight
[Page] 6 Ambassador Initiated Outreach
[Page] 7 57th Annual Geography Convention
[Page] 8 Twice the Impact on On Call with the Prairie Doc
[Page] 9 Making Staple Foods Healthier // Halaweish & Cole-Dai Retire
[Page] 10 Drone Day 2026
[Page] 11 Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Day (SRSCAD)
[Page] 12 Ceremony …

Crossing Boundaries: Brachinites And Their Diverse Asteroidal Origins, B. G. Rider-Stokes, F. A. Davies, T. H. Burbine, E. Maclennan, R. C. Greenwood, S. L. Jackson, M. Anand, Daniel Sheikh, M. M. Grady

Geology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Brachinite meteorites are typically linked to the olivine-rich A-type asteroids. In this study, however, they appear to exhibit unexpected spectral diversity. Spectroscopic analysis of seven meteorites from the brachinite clan reveals two distinct populations in band parameters, overlapping with both the A-type and S-complex asteroids. This dual association shows that a single meteorite group can originate from multiple asteroid taxonomies. Notably, one S-complex-like specimen, Northwest Africa (NWA) 14,635, displays band parameters similar to those of asteroid (65803) Didymos, the target of the European Space Agency's (ESA) ongoing Hera mission. These results underscore the value of spectroscopic characterization of poorly understood …

Model Stormwater Standards 2026, Unh Stormwater Center

UNH Stormwater Center

The purpose of post-construction stormwater management standards is to provide reasonable guidance for the regulation of stormwater runoff to protect local natural resources from degradation and prevent adverse impacts to adjacent and downstream land, property, facilities, and infrastructure. These standards regulate discharges from stormwater and runoff from land development projects and other construction activities to control and minimize increases in stormwater runoff rates and volumes, soil erosion, stream channel erosion, and nonpoint source pollution associated with stormwater runoff.

Comparative Development Of Mof‑Based And Mof‑Free Agnp Functionalized Zno Nanorod–Cotton Fabric Composites For Photocatalytic Applications, Md Al Mamun

Master's Theses

Photocatalysis offers a cost‑effective and environmentally friendly strategy for degrading organic pollutants and addressing energy and environmental challenges. This study initially explored MOF‑based cotton‑fabric‑supported ZnO nanorod composites but found that the MOF component primarily acted as an adsorbent rather than an effective photocatalyst. Consequently, MOF‑free composites were developed by directly growing ZnO nanorods on cotton fabric and functionalizing them with silver nanoparticles. Photocatalytic testing revealed that AgNP‑modified ZnO nanorods, particularly at 10 mM AgNP, exhibited superior dye degradation efficiency, thereby demonstrating a scalable and effective photocatalytic platform.

A Survey Of Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning For Intrusion Detection Systems, Thomas Bunko, Michael N. Johnstone, Wencheng Yang, Ben A. Scott

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) monitor and detect malicious activity and unauthorized access that may compromise systems. Traditional IDS approaches send data to a central server for analysis, raising privacy concerns as data owners lose control over security. Federated Learning (FL) offers a privacy-preserving alternative by allowing local devices to process their data and generate models without sharing raw data. These local models are aggregated centrally to form a comprehensive model with performance comparable to centralized systems. This paper reviews FL-based IDS research, and is the first review paper to focus on privacy-preserving techniques collectively known as privacy-preserving Federated Learning (PPFL) …

Low Climate Benefit Of Nordic Coastal Marshes: Site Conditions Outweigh Grazing Effects And Shape Trade-Offs Between Carbon Storage And Its Stability, Carmen Leiva-Dueñas, T. Banta, Christoffer Boström, Franziska Eller, Johan Eklöf, Line Holm Andersen, Kai Jensen, Marianna Lanari, Ella Logemann, Pere Masque, Thomas Ostertag, Christoph Reisdorff, Anaïs Richard, Anu Vehmaa, Jukka Alm, Mikael Von Numers, Dorte Krause-Jensen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Coastal marshes, recognized as effective organic carbon (OC) sinks, have gained attention for their potential contribution to climate mitigation through protection and restoration. However, the climate mitigation potential of Nordic coastal marshes remains understudied, likely due to their heterogeneous and often non-tidal nature. To fill this gap, we examined soil OC storage and accumulation rates, and the effects of grazing, a common management practice, across eight Nordic coastal marsh areas spanning broad climate and environmental gradients. We also assessed soil methane emissions in selected areas. The Nordic marshes studied store a median of 7 kg OC m⁻² (interquartile range, …

Synthesis Of Novel 1,2,3-Triarylnaphthalenes Via Intermolecular Dehydro-Diels-Alder Reaction, Ethan C. Dailey

Honors Theses

The photo-dehydro-Diels–Alder (PDDA) reaction is a useful method for the construction of substituted naphthalene derivatives from acyclic precursors. While intramolecular variants of this transformation are well established, intermolecular PDDA reactions remain rare due to challenges associated with controlling reactivity under photochemical conditions. Previous studies suggest that electron-withdrawing substituents can promote intermolecular cycloaddition by increasing alkyne polarization and stabilizing reactive intermediates. In this work, the effect of enhanced electron-withdrawing character on intermolecular PDDA reactivity was investigated through the incorporation of a 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoropyridinyl substituent. Corresponding alkyne substrates were synthesized and subjected to photochemical conditions, resulting in the formation of 1,2,3-triarylnaphthalene products. The …

The Privacy Paradox: How Does Concern About Privacy Impact Actions In The Digital Age?, Julia Laduke

Honors Theses

The privacy paradox occurs when people claim to care about their digital privacy, but do not take actions to keep their data from being spread across the internet. This study examines college students, being primarily Generation Z, and their concerns and actions regarding digital privacy and security. A survey of 15 college students, 7 in humanities and 8 in STEM, was used to analyze their thoughts and concerns about their digital privacy. This survey also asked whether they took actions concerning their privacy, and if so, what tools they used to protect it. The results show that about 50% of …

Calibrating Human Trust In The Age Of Generative Ai: An Examination Of Ethical And Social Challenges, Abigail M. Mondido

Honors Theses

Generative AI (GenAI), a set of AI technologies with the ability to generate original, human-like outputs, is beginning to transform the way that information is distributed, composed, published, obtained, analyzed, and consumed. GenAI has seen massive adoption by internet users, businesses, and organizations in recent years despite the persistence of major ethical concerns and social implications. In particular, existing research has identified multiple critical trust-related issues associated with AI in general, including widespread mistrust and distrust, overreliance on AI, and a lack of trustworthiness of AI. There remains a need for a broader understanding of these issues as they relate …

Evaluating The Effects Of Urbanization On Meiofauna Biodiversity In Chattanooga’S Lentic Ecosystems Through Gis Applications, Keyle M. Bryant

Honors Theses

Urbanization is a leading driver of biodiversity loss in freshwater ecosystems, yet its effects on meiofauna—microscopic invertebrates that serve as key bioindicators of ecosystem health—remain poorly understood in lentic environments. This study evaluated the effects of urbanization on meiofaunal biodiversity in ten lentic waterbodies across Hamilton County, Chattanooga, Tennessee, by integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, in-situ abiotic measurements, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based land use analysis. Water samples were collected between January and April 2023 and processed using 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing to assess biodiversity as richness (amplicon sequence variants or ASVs, phylogenetic diversity or PD, and community composition). Land …

Environmental Awareness And Community Sentiments In A Superfund Site: A Study Of South Chattanooga, Mia Dial

Honors Theses

The concept of environmental injustice refers to the disproportionate exposure of marginalized communities to environmental hazards, often resulting from the placement of industrial sites, waste facilities, or other environmentally harmful infrastructure in areas with limited political and economic power. Alton Park, a historically underserved neighborhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee, faces elevated environmental risks due to its proximity to the South Chattanooga Lead Superfund Site and legacy industrial contamination. This study used semi-structured individual interviews to assess community awareness, perceptions, and behaviors related to environmental hazards in Alton Park. Residents generally reported some awareness of the Superfund site, though knowledge was often …

Resilience By Living With The Land And Community: A Case Study Of A Local Food Forest, Olivia Beck

Honors Theses

Imagine a public space where food, leisure, outdoor activity, and community engagement occur in one place, all in an urban forest ecosystem. For many, this is a hopeful vision of the future, and that is exactly what the idea of an urban food forest provides. In agroecology, a food forest or forest garden consists of planting diverse edible plants and mimicking the patterns of natural ecosystems. The intricate planning and design ensure the forest is self-sustaining, much like a natural forest, making it very resilient once established. However, they face many challenges and take time to grow and develop to …

Growing Change: A Gis Spatial Analysis To Plan Urban Gardens In Chattanooga, Carson A. Chalk

Honors Theses

Food insecurity and limited access to fresh nutritious food in Chattanooga is a prevalent issue, primarily among lower socioeconomic households, and can put strain on overall well-being. This study aimed to identify suitable vacant parcels in Chattanooga where urban gardens could be developed using a GIS-based spatial analysis. Spatial data involving vacant parcels, slope, zoning, and proximity to grocery stores was cross referenced with socioeconomic data focused on poverty rates, vehicle ownership, and mean household income to identify the most suitable sites in areas of greatest need. Sites identified as suitable through GIS were then visited to verify their suitability. …

Techno-Imagination: Elevating Creativity Through Xr And Ai, Christopher Spitzer

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

Techno-Imagination: Elevating Creativity Through XR and AI explores the history of creativity and computing technology, supported by research and academic literature, and looks at the possibilities of a convergence between the two. In parallel, a brief biographical story of the author shares how a passion for creativity emerged, along with a growing interest in science and technology—specifically extended reality—which ultimately came together in the creation of this master’s project. The project also highlights how the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) process was used alongside AI bots and twenty research-based creative thinking skills in developing the business model canvas. Finally, the outcome …

An Exploration Of The Autorotating Pendulum Model, Vlad Nita

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Autorotation is the spontaneous rotation of an object, usually caused by an external fluid flow. The study of autorotation has many physical applications, such as in the design of wind/water turbines. In this thesis, we explore a nonlinear pendulum ordinary differential equation (ODE) which is used to model rotating plates in a fluid and has the capacity to reveal autorotation. In the context of an ODE, autorotation emerges as a bifurcation past oscillations, when the initial velocity of the system crosses a particular threshold. In his classic study from 1983, Lugt [14] utilizes this equation to capture experimental autorotation. Copeland’s …

Conceptualizing A Responsive Design Pedagogy To Support Teachers' Responsiveness To Students' Mathematical Ideas Through Making, Denish Ogweno Akuom

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This study develops Responsive Design Pedagogy (RDP), a conceptual and analytic model of teacher responsiveness in design-based environments, to account for how responsiveness emerges through interactions among students, tools, and tasks. Although responsiveness has been widely studied in mathematics education, limited attention has been given to responsiveness within mathematical design activity and to how teachers attend to the multiple modes through which students express their mathematical ideas. Addressing these gaps, this qualitative study examined one teacher’s enactment of responsiveness in a Learning-by-Design classroom where students designed and used 3D-printed mathematical tools. Data sources included classroom video, student design artifacts, teacher …