In classical electrodynamics, accelerated charges emit electromagnetic radiation. The associated energy loss of the particle can be modeled as a radiation reaction force, proportional to the change in acceleration. Including this force in the usual dynamical equation for a charged particle yields the Abraham-Lorentz-Dirac (ALD) equation. For point particles, solutions to the ALD equation are problematic. First, they require additional initial conditions beyond those needed in regular Newtonian dynamics, but more concerning are the presence of unphysical run-away solutions and acausal trajectories. These problems arise in the point-like limit of the theory, so it is possible that quantum mechanics is the more appropriate framework with which to address the problem. In order to explore the similarities and differences of the classical and quantum frameworks, we compute classical trajectories of charged particles in the presence of a Coulomb field, including radiation reaction. We compare the associated classical cross-section with the quantum field-theoretic cross-section for Coulombic scattering, including radiative corrections. With these calculations, we will be able to assess when the field theoretic formulation of single-photon emission can approximate the classical radiation reaction.

Here we explore applications of multivariable calculus for studying three dimensional wave media in our environment. We employ regression based methods to derive analytic formulae for real wave. Using multivariable optimization methods, we derive the maxima, minima and saddle points of three dimensional functions. We use advanced data visualization methods to study the divergence and curl and illustrate how these can be used to study ocean waves- including their vorticity and circulation. The project provides hands on exploration of real world environmental science problems with advanced data visualization and shows how divergence and curl can be used to measure circulation and vorticity parameters of real wave media involving ocean waves. Real world manifestations of scalar and vector fields in our environment are also presented.

As the student population in universities and colleges becomes increasingly diverse, the learning environment in science classes needs to improve to accommodate students with different backgrounds. The goal of this research is to investigate how current 4-year science professors use teaching methods to make their instruction more inclusive and accessible for all students. We interviewed several professors across the United States who have attended to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their teaching and transcribed those interviews. We then identified themes and/or unique perspectives in the transcriptions that highlight these instructors’ ideas and instructional practices. In this presentation, we share the results of that qualitative analysis, aiming to provide insight into how some science professors are working to improve student experiences. We also share potential ways in which other instructors might apply these ideas and practices in their own classrooms.

Community Colleges have a direct impact on our community. Governing bodies of community colleges are becoming central role players in formulating strategies for the colleges they govern. A governing Board is an important place for institutional change. The Board of an institution is responsible for decision-making, policy-making and the general oversight of an institution. The assumption is that an effective college board is one that is student-centered, and composed of positive members with good intentions, having the best interest for the college. While the effectiveness of a board remains important to the growth of an institution, most college boards tend to rely on statistical data for the decision-making process. The reliance on statistical data has proved to work in some cases; however, in the dynamic economy, we live in now, having student representation on a board can help increase the effectiveness of an institution. Student leaders bring a unique perspective to the board and can help the board understand effects of its decision on students at a college. This research investigates the importance of the student representative on governing Boards in higher education institutions. Published research papers, interviews, surveys, and personal experience as a current student Trustee on the Edmonds Community College Board of Trustee are used as a source of credible data for this paper. The paper focuses on the role and the impact of student representation on a governing board and how it can boost a college's effectiveness.