The quantum magnetic particle imaging platform (MagPI) is a quantum sensing method that utilizes an ensemble of nitrogen vacancy defects in diamond as a sensor to measure magnetic fields and perform magnetometry. The MagPI experiment currently aims to measure the bend stiffness of DNA through detecting the magnetic fields of an externally applied field and the magnetic moment of a magnetic nanoparticle that has been tethered to our diamond sensor with DNA. This method requires characterized ferromagnetic particles with a size on the order of 10 nanometers and magnetic moments on the order of 10^-18 Am², the latter of which is information that suppliers and producers do not categorize or are able to obtain for singular particles. We will use MagPI and optically detected magnetic resonance to perform vector magnetometry and image the magnetic dipole moments of different magnetic nanoparticles and calculate their magnetic moments. In particular, we will compare TurboBeads, which were the 30 nanometer carbon coated metal particles previously used for this experiment but are no longer obtainable, and 30 nanometer Co-Zn ferrite beads from a collaborator from Sandia. We aim to detect, accurately measure, and categorize the properties of singular magnetic nanoparticles to identify promising particles to use for our experiments. We will compare these two nanoparticles and their properties for MagPI applications. The results of this project will be used for experiments using the MagPI platform, and showcases a method to measure the magnetic moments of singular particles for future use in research projects.

Plasma, a fluid consisting of highly charged particles, is the single most abundant state of matter in the universe, yet our understanding of its properties remains incomplete. One common method of generating plasma is by inducing a large voltage difference between two charged electrodes in a low-pressure environment, referred to as direct current (DC) plasma. Understanding the relationship between plasma temperature and spectral line intensity as a function of external parameters, such as voltage, pressure, and position, is crucial to optimizing plasma-based processes. This study analyzes these dependencies systematically to help build a further understanding of the spatially dependent properties of DC plasmas. We extract electron temperature from spectroscopic measurements by analyzing line intensities assuming a Maxwell-Boltzmann electron energy distribution. The intensity of spectral lines is related to electron energy via the Boltzmann factor, allowing for temperature determination through a logarithmic plot of intensity ratios versus upper energy levels. By varying voltage and pressure, we identified trends in intensity and temperature, providing insights into plasma behavior. Our results suggest that higher discharge voltages correspond to an increase in electron temperatures, indicating a direct relationship between voltage and temperature. These results provide a greater understanding of plasma-based processes, paving a path toward greater efficiency in applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, surface treatment, and materials processing.

Sound is a vibration that is created by an oscillating object and travels in periodic waves of pressure through a medium. Sound waves are characterized by properties such as frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and speed. The purpose of my research was to measure the effects the lower temperature and air pressure present in the stratosphere have on the properties of sound. To conduct this research I custom-designed an Arduino based sensor with a barometer and thermometer that was then attached to a weather balloon. The sensor also had a buzzer that repeated a tone at constant intervals along with a microphone that measured the amplitude of sound across various frequencies as it was necessary to consider the impact that the high wind speeds present in the stratosphere would have on the measurements. As the air becomes colder and less dense it also becomes less elastic causing it to transfer energy less efficiently which in turn leads to a decrease in amplitude. Frequency, however, did not change as it is determined by the source of the sound and does not depend on the properties of the medium. Understanding how changes in the properties of the medium affect the properties of sound opens a path to using sound to illuminate the properties of the medium. Additionally, broadening our understanding of how various atmospheric conditions present on our own planet affect the properties of sound deepens our understanding of how the various atmospheric conditions present on other planets will impact the properties of sound.

This investigation is based on the famous intermediate axis theorem, often called the tennis racket theorem. This theorem describes why objects with three distinct moments of inertia, around three different axes, have an unstable rotation around the intermediate axis (the axis with the intermediate moment of inertia) while the axes that have the largest and smallest moment of inertia have a stable rotation. This phenomenon can be observed in rotations of everyday objects like tennis rackets and phones. By videotaping rotations of different objects with three distinct moments of inertia around three axes, and visually examining the intermediate axis, one can notice the instability of the intermediate axis compared to the stability of rotations about the other two axes. We mathematically analyzed the motion around three axes using Euler’s equations of rotations, the equations governing the dynamics of a rigid body undergoing rotational motion. We solved the differential equations demonstrating the instability around the axis with the intermediate moment of inertia. This behavior was also simulated in MATLAB using Euler’s equations of rotations. Our graphs of velocity as a function of time for rotation around the three axes, demonstrated and justified the visual observations from the videos. These experimental and computational approaches can lead students to a comprehensive understanding of the intermediate axis theorem.

Extreme operating temperatures in rocket engines severely degrades their lifespan, function and reusability. One mitigating approach to help cool rocket engines and extend their lifespans is called Regenerative Cooling, which has been a method actively used in liquid rocket engines (LREs) since 1923. The cooling system utilizes many narrow coolant channels to draw heat away from the liquid propellant near the rocket nozzle. However, experimental research on these channels is rarely done as they are very small and a single channel is difficult to manufacture for basic research testing thereby causing many researchers to look to non-experimentally tested CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations to perform their studies. Our experiment aims to fill the gap between simulation and practical testing by testing scaled up models with V-shaped ribs based on a study done by Zhang et al. These scaled up models would allow for more easily obtainable thermal distribution, stress, and pressure data while also being simpler and cheaper to manufacture. We believe our data could offer an alternative to non-tested CFD simulation data and, as access to experimental data increases, result in the expansion of this area of research.

Electromagnetic launchers currently use a combination of magnetic forces and complex electronic timing to propel objects. One example is the US Navy EMALS system, which uses a linear electromagnetic launcher to launch aircrafts from aircraft carriers. However, using complex electronic timing introduces more failure points within the system, increasing its complexity, making such systems susceptible to being disabled by external electromagnetic interference. Inspired by the design of Tom Stanton, this project explores a new approach that removes the digital-based electronic timing and replaces it with a mechanical timing system that can be used to propel drones or other payloads into the air quickly and efficiently. The goal of reducing the design’s complexity is to create a launcher that is a reliable method for drone and payload deployment. By removing electronic switching and using a mechanically driven circuit closure, this project develops a durable, efficient launch system. The prototype is built using 3D-printed components, powerful magnets, and a coil on a sled with contact arms that touch the conductive rail to complete the circuit. Rather than lining the rail with multiple coils, stationary magnets replace the coils with alternating currents to provide the acceleration when the coil becomes powered. The results allow us to have a competitive design that provides a practical alternative to the typical electromagnetic launchers. Expected results include improved durability, reliable performance due to the simplification of electronics, and reduced energy losses. Our research provides a new way to launch drones or other payloads to be integrated into systems where they would be less susceptible to external electromagnetic interference and jamming.

Fuel sloshing in aircraft fuel tanks plays a crucial role in affecting stability and control. This study examines the dynamics of sloshing in wing tanks, integrating theoretical models and practical calculations. The displacement of the fluid’s free surface is analyzed over time, and the resulting shift in the center of gravity (CG) is determined based on liquid distribution. Experimental data were obtained by recording video footage of turbulence simulations and measuring wave heights from the video frames. The measurements were analyzed using manual calculations and Google Spreadsheet functions. Additionally, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, LiquiGen, was employed to compare the experimental results. For tanks with baffles, the total liquid mass and CG shift were computed in sections, summing the contributions from all sections to determine the overall shift. The experiments showed notable differences: the total CG shift for a tank without baffles was measured at 1.1 m over 5 seconds, compared to 0.08 m for a baffled tank under identical conditions. Similarly, for CFD simulations, the CG shift was 1.2 m for the tank without baffles and 0.07 m for the baffled tank during the same period. Statistical analysis, including the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, showed no significant departure from normality for both CFD (p = 0.617) and experimental data (p = 0.116). However, a two-tailed t-test revealed a highly statistically significant difference between the two datasets (p < 0.0001), suggesting that LiquiGen does not accurately replicate experimental results. These results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of baffles in reducing CG shifts and stabilizing liquid motion. Moreover, they underscore that LiquiGen is unreliable for precise fuel sloshing simulations, which are critical for aircraft stability assessments.

Ernst Chladni visually demonstrated sound wave patterns by using sand on vibrating metal plates. Inspired by his technique of using a violin bow to excite a Chladni plate, this artistic research project explores how cello sounds can also generate Chladni patterns. I will compose and perform a new piece for cello, inspired by the revealed Chladni patterns. During the performance, corresponding visual patterns of sound will be projected for the audience.

Humpback whales exhibit exceptional maneuverability in water, a trait attributed to the unique scalloped structures (tubercles) on the leading edges of their flippers. This study investigates the influence of such varied tubercles on the aerodynamic performance of wings, using both wind tunnel testing and computational methods. CAD models of the rigid wings were designed for 3D printing. These addressed three variations of the fin morphology, a smoothed base model, one with leading-edge tubercles, and one with tubercles on the trailing edge as well. The fin models feature a swept wing configuration with a concave region before the wing tip, both properties of humpback whale fins. The result of wind tunnel tests at constant, turbulent, wind speeds (Re=10^5) produced plots of the lift and drag coefficients for a varying angle of attack. The experimental results showed that leading-edge tubercles increase the maximum lift and increase the maximum angle of attack before stall occurs at the cost of some additional drag. The addition of trailing-edge scallops reduced drag and raised the overall efficiency to just below the baseline. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations comparable to the wind tunnel environment and in more turbulent aquatic conditions (Re>10^6) reveal the fluid flow. The tubercles and concave region influence the fluid, reducing span wise flow and the buildup of large tip vortices. The effect of tubercles has already been employed for its influence on stall angle, notably on the rudders of some racing yachts. The studied effect's ability to manage vortices across the wing span may have applications in particle separation, though significant work would need to be done to streamline the necessary manufacturing processes.

As the sensitivity and capabilities of modern synchrotron facilities continue to develop, so does the field of computational material sciences in an effort to meet the demand for analysis of new properties in various systems. 3d transition metals are of special interest due to their wide range of conductive and optical properties. Traditionally, local bonding environments are characterized in terms of group symmetries, but this has limitations in complex systems. Linearly polarized emission of x-rays from these 3d materials can provide information about local anisotropy, and valence-to-core (VtC) x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) is especially sensitive to oxidation state, ligand environment, and bond length. The purpose of this project is to use local geometric and electronic information to formulate a measure of local anisotropy. This metric is evaluated against real-space Green's function calculations of linearly polarized XES, where we apply a supervised machine learning approach trained on this metric to predict differences in the polarized spectral shapes. Polarized spectroscopy techniques are critical for a wide range of applications including the development of microelectronics, nanostructure characterization, analyzing anisotropy within quantum dots, and studying the polarization sensitivity of non-linear optics. An accurate formulation of this continuous anisotropy parameter will provide researchers with quick and inexpensive computational insight. For the development of new functional materials, this metric can be used for searching databases efficiently, allowing researchers to select the candidates that will provide a more ideal signal of any polarization dependent properties.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a promising host material for spin defect qubits due to its direct and wide band gap, low spin-orbit coupling, and ability to be isotopically purified to eliminate the nuclear spin bath [1]. Progress in developing practical devices in ZnO critically depends on superior defect optical and spin properties, provoking a search for advantageous new defect candidates. A particularly promising class of impurities in ZnO are shallow neutral donors. Along the column of shallow donors in ZnO (Group IIIa), attractive qubit properties have been observed, including a longitudinal electron spin relaxation time approaching 0.5 seconds from Ga donors [2], and a strong hyperfine (100 MHz) interaction from In donors [3]. Hyperfine interaction strength increases going down the column [4]. This trend prompts the investigation of the next Group IIIa element, thallium. In contrast to the spin 9/2 115In nucleus, all stable isotopes of Tl have nuclear spin 1/2, improving the prospects for full control of the nuclear spin manifold. Tl ions were introduced through ion implantation and annealing, allowing for control of donor concentration and spatial extent within the sample. Through low-temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy, we observe a sharp, excitonic line exhibiting Zeeman splitting consistent with a neutral donor, the first optical signature reported for thallium-doped ZnO. We present progress towards conclusively identifying the donor. This work provides an example of the purposeful creation of and search for a novel semiconductor defect. This material is based upon work supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-23-1-0418. [1]: X. Linpeng et. al., Phys. Rev. Applied 10, 064061 (2018). [2]: V. Niaouris et al., Phys. Rev. B 105, 195202 (2022). [3]: X. Wang et al., Phys. Rev. Applied 19, 054090 (2023) [4]: Phys. Rev. B 25, 6049 (1982)

Our nanopore experiments consist of small pores over which a voltage difference is applied to draw DNA/RNA strands through the pore. The accompanying ion current depends on the nucleotide present in the pore. This technology has become a standard commercially available method of sequencing DNA. Other nanopore applications of this system are observing the kinetics of enzymes as they process along DNA or RNA. Helicases are one specific enzyme focused on in this study. Generally, these enzymes work to unwind double stranded DNA. In nanopore sequencing helicases are used to control the passage of DNA through the nanopore by yielding slow step-by-step motion of the DNA through the pore. Helicases are adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent enzymes, which means that the concentration of ATP can affect their stepping speed, but also their propensity to backstep. Here we focus on a helicase used in a commercial nanopore sequencing device to learn more about optimizing ATP conditions and other characteristics of the enzyme kinetics in order to optimize sequencing information. Additionally, we will explore how this helicase will process modified DNA bases as well as entirely unnatural DNA bases.

Magnetic field models of the Earth used for scientific applications and navigation systems are often mapped using ground and satellite measurements, but are rarely done at high altitudes in the atmosphere. Including magnetic field measurements from the upper troposphere and stratosphere could better inform these models. For this study, we used a MLX90393 magnetic field sensor to measure the magnetic field during a high altitude balloon flight. The sensor has a range of -20°C to 85°C, but temperatures often reach -50°C in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. In an attempt to keep the sensor within its operating range, we built an insulated enclosure of Styrofoam and mylar. The enclosure was sealed with weather resistant silicone and chemical hand warmers were placed inside. To improve the accuracy of magnetic field measurements on future balloon flights, we compared magnetic field measurements from a non-insulated and an insulated sensor during a high altitude balloon flight. In addition to magnetic field measurements, temperature and pressure measurements were taken inside and outside of the enclosure using a BMP-180 sensor.

Our understanding of atomic physics has driven technology for the past century, but we still know shockingly little about the internal structure of protons and atomic nuclei. Studying quarkonium production in high-energy electron-proton collisions is a potential gateway into probing the mysterious glue that binds nucleons together. In this research we compute the cross section for heavy quarkonium production in nuclear deep inelastic scattering at small-x within the nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics framework. Our methods decompose the process into independent leptonic and hadronic processes and includes octet contributions from S and P wave states. We employ quantum electrodynamics Feynman Rules to solve the leptonic process, and compute the short distance coefficients for the production of the heavy quark pair within the framework of the Color Glass Condensate effective field theory, which accounts for the effects of multiple interactions of the heavy quark pair with the nucleus at all orders. Our results provide insights into the kinematics of quarkonium production at the future Electron-Ion Collider at BNL.

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, is a naturally abundant Dirac semimetal that is turning heads for its interesting electrical properties and tunable phase transitions at nano-scales. Prior research shows novel phases of matter arising when a bilayer sheet of graphene is stacked atop a trilayer sheet of graphene at some small relative angle. This particular geometric configuration gives rise to flat electronic bands near the Fermi level where, at low temperatures, electron-electron interactions dominate the physics of the system. Correlated topological states at integer and fractional filling of these electronic bands have previously been observed in this material, but how these states evolve with twist angle is not well understood. We present our ongoing analysis of Bernal bilayer-trilayer graphene at varying twist angles (0.8-1.7 degrees) to uncover how the geometry of our material changes these correlation-driven states. This work contributes to our rapidly evolving understanding of electron behavior in two-dimensional materials, which has future implications in quantum computing and other electronics innovations.   

This project aims to enhance EEG source localization by addressing electrode misplacement, which can possibly lead to errors in brain activity reconstruction. We developed a optimization algorithm on the quasi-static electromagnetic model to optimize electrode positions. Using the multipole expansion method, our model minimizes discrepancies between recorded and predicted EEG signals. Our work has applicability to many clinical scenarios, like stroke activity localization, and can enhance existing brain activity reconstruction protocols.

One significant unsolved problem in physics is the dominance of matter over antimatter in the universe.  The violation of Charge-Parity (CP) symmetry is one of the theorized conditions a physics process must satisfy to contribute to this imbalance.  So far, the observed CP violating processes are insufficient to fully explain the asymmetry.  Of the three categories of matter particles hadrons, charged leptons, and neutrinos, CP violation has been found in hadrons and is being investigated in neutrinos, but not in charged leptons.  We aim to probe this sector for CP violation by analyzing pairs of tau leptons, the heaviest charged leptons.  In this talk, I will describe the research I conducted in this area with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider.  I present a sensitivity study which uses simulated proton-proton collisions to measure the spin correlations between the taus and compare them to predictions of the Standard Model of particle physics. We use the Large Hadron Collider’s large dataset of proton-proton collisions to improve on a 1997 measurement with the Large Electron-Positron collider.  Given the extremely short lifetime of the tau, it decays to other particles before being detected in ATLAS, forcing us to use the decay products to extract the relevant information.  We investigated multiple decay channels and devised a way to extract the CP violating spin correlation terms from the particle kinematics.  After obtaining values consistent with the Standard Model predictions in this new decay channel, I worked on statistical analysis to exploit dependencies on kinematic variables to reduce the uncertainty of the measurement.  Furthermore, I contributed to adapting the calculation to be more suitable for realistic detector simulation.  These efforts are in preparation for a future measurement with real ATLAS detector data.

Clear auditory communication is essential for effective learning in university classrooms, and poor acoustics can hinder comprehension and engagement. This study explores the relationship between subjective listening experiences and objective acoustic parameters in classrooms at Seattle Pacific University. Previous studies have established that poor acoustic conditions – such as long reverberation times, high levels of background noise, and poor room isolation – are associated with negative learning outcomes like lower comprehension and increased stress, anxiety and fatigue. A small, liberal arts school like SPU is likely to face unique acoustic challenges, i.e. classrooms are more often multi-use, and class and classroom sizes are significantly smaller than large universities, where much of the existing research has been conducted. In this study, I examine student and faculty responses to a survey designed to assess auditory experiences in classrooms. I compare responses with acoustical measurements of background noise level and reverberation time in the same classrooms. By analyzing the correlation between perceived and measured acoustic conditions, this research identifies acoustical factors that impact learning and teaching experiences. My findings contribute to the understanding of university classroom acoustics and may inform future architectural and instructional strategies to improve learning environments.

Exoplanetary studies suggest that massive outer planets, such as Jupiter in our Solar System, play a crucial role in shielding inner planets from excessive asteroid bombardment, thereby contributing to long-term orbital stability. The Kepler-11 system is a tightly packed configuration of six planets that lacks a known massive outer planet protector. In this project I investigated the stability of Kepler-11 planets under varying levels of asteroid impact modeled using a combination of n-body simulations in 10,000-year segments, Monte Carlo methods, and statistical extrapolation. These results were then further extrapolated using Poisson statistics to estimate the system’s long-term evolution over millions of years. I ran simulations as the system is currently known and with a Jupiter-like planet to assess its role in deflecting or capturing incoming objects. Preliminary findings suggest that in the absence of a massive outer planet, asteroid impacts on the inner planets increase significantly, leading to cumulative orbital drift and potential long-term destabilization. These results highlight the importance of massive planets in preserving planetary system stability and suggest the possible existence of an undetected distant massive planet or a densely packed outer system that has maintained Kepler-11’s current planetary configuration.

2D van der Waals materials are composed of atomic layers held together by weak van der Waals forces, which allows them to be separated into individual 2D sheets that are only a few atoms thick and exist in a single plane. When 2D layers are stacked together the resulting heterostructure often exhibits interesting electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The most well-known van der Waals material is graphene, which is often layered with hexagonal boron nitrate (hBN). Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which form the building blocks of proteins. They are crucial in various biological processes, such as cell growth and development. Peptide-based materials hold great promise in fields such as drug delivery and nanotechnology due to their ability to self-assemble and interact with other molecular structures. In this research, we aim to incorporate peptides into graphene-hBN heterostructures to study the interaction between these two material systems. We focused on using dry transfer techniques to pick up peptide sheets with graphene and hBN. Through careful documentation of pick-up attempts, we can refine our approach and optimize the conditions for effective peptide incorporation. These results provide insight into the challenges in integrating biological components into van der Waals heterostructures and will inform future applications of these hybrid structures. Understanding how peptides can be effectively integrated into layered systems is crucial for advancing functional biomaterials. By refining peptide pickup and incorporation techniques, this work contributes to the broader goal of designing tunable, bio-inspired materials with potential applications in medicine and advanced manufacturing.

The merits of undergraduate research are well-established at four year institutions, but little is known about the impact it has at the community college level. In this work, we examined a Pacific Northwest two-year college physics education research program to identify possible impacts of undergraduate research on the academic journey of community college students. We designed an interview protocol for current and past students from the program using open-ended questions. Students shared how their undergraduate research experiences affected them personally and educationally, and using a qualitative analysis, we coded for keywords and ideas that aligned with: increasing sense of belonging, boosting self-confidence, building a stronger community, and fostering student-instructor relationships. With all the advantages shared by these students, it is not far-fetched to posit that undergraduate research experiences can lead to better retention, completion, and transfer of community college students. In this presentation, we hope to highlight exemplary work already occurring at the community college level and recommend that a stronger focus be placed on increasing opportunities for these students to engage in research in the future.

Thermodynamic properties of conventional s-wave superconductors (i.e. superconductors with an isotropic gap Δ) are insensitive to weak disorder.  In unconventional superconductors with a p-wave and d-wave symmetry of the order parameter, disorder strongly suppresses superconductivity. Experiments indicate that the disorder improves the superconducting properties of aluminum, an s-wave superconductor with a significant gap anisotropy. This project aims to study the effect of a single impurity on the density of quasiparticle states in an s-wave superconductor with a strong gap anisotropy Δ→Δ(n). The density of quasiparticle states is expected to migrate from smaller to greater energies. By using numerical methods, I can reveal how the density of states changes. Understanding the behavior of the quasiparticle density of states can allow further exploration into several types of s-wave superconductors without the need to assume isotropy.

Scaling and power law concepts are fundamental in undergraduate physics and have important applications in biology, including thermoregulation and metabolism. Because of this, scaling is emphasized in the introductory physics sequence for life science students. To inform instruction, we examined student understanding of scaling relationships, focusing on surface area, volume, and mass. Our study analyzed student responses to multiple-choice and free-response questions on quizzes given before and after lecture instruction. Preliminary findings indicate persistent difficulties in recognizing the linear relationship between mass and volume in uniform-density objects. Additionally, students struggle to track changes in surface area for three-dimensional objects. These challenges suggest gaps in conceptual understanding that may hinder students' ability to apply scaling principles across disciplines.

Although much has been explored regarding introductory physics students' everyday ideas about energy, it is often still taught in much the same way as it was 30 years ago (e.g., balls falling off cliffs, roller coasters, skateboarding). During that same time period, the climate crisis and society’s energy consumption has become a culturally important topic that is largely neglected in physics courses. At a community college in the Pacific NW, instructors introduced activities from Levy et al. (2023)  “An Energy Unit Fueled by Climate Change” to the physics curriculum, aiming to explicitly tie energy topics to climate change issues. Post implementation of the unit, we asked students to share their views of the relevance of and relationship between energy topics in physics and their society, specifically in the context of climate change. Using a phenomenographic qualitative analysis, we examined students' written reflections and coded their responses into similar themes. In this presentation, we share the results of our analysis and recommend a more robust integration of the culturally relevant topic of climate change into introductory physics education.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a powerful, noninvasive type of brain imaging that uses magnetic field readings from outside the skull to reconstruct the neuronal current sources that produce them in accordance with Maxwell’s equations. However, as these magnetic fields do not have unique current sources, algorithms are structured with constraints to guarantee the correct solution. In this project, we design a novel algorithm to reconstruct neural current sources. Using a cone-shaped beam with its vertex at the origin and a spherical-head model, we show we can reproduce any signal produced from within the cone using a current distribution on the cone’s surface, effectively allowing us to spatially localize the current source responsible for a given dataset of MEG measurements. I have employed this algorithm on an artificially produced dataset using MATLAB and assessed its effectiveness through reconstruction error analyses and visual techniques like heat maps. Future work will include testing the method on phantom-head data. We anticipate this algorithm is adaptable to non-spherical head geometries and cases involving multiple significant current sources, and we are working towards these advancements. Unlike other inverse methods, we expect our approach to assume minimal a priori knowledge about the brain’s conductivity profile, making it easier to implement in cases where detailed information about the subject's neural anatomy is limited.

Regenerative braking is a well-tested and ubiquitous technology currently used in electric and hybrid vehicles. It recovers electrical energy while stopping or slowing a vehicle rather than simply wasting the energy as heat losses. However, another much-less studied source of untapped energy also exists in vehicle suspension systems, where shock absorbers also dissipate kinetic energy as heat. This study investigates the practicality of regenerative shock absorbers for transforming oscillatory motion (vehicle bouncing) into recoverable electrical energy. In our study, a motor-driven oscillation system simulates vehicle-like suspension movements in controlled experiments. We have created an experimental regenerative electric shock design that uses oscillatory linear actuation of a series of magnets passing through a series of coils to convert mechanical energy into recoverable electrical energy. We have examined the electrical current, voltage and power characteristics and are able to quantify energy-recapture efficiency over broad operating conditions ranging from single-frequency vibrational modes to more complicated and realistic pulse (sudden impact) conditions. Our findings advance knowledge of the feasibility of using regenerative suspension systems to charge auxiliary electronics or augment vehicle power and identify an alternate method of energy recapture for the automobile industry that maximizes vehicle efficiency without sacrificing ride enjoyment.

The He6-CRES collaboration experiment aims to take precision measurements of nuclear beta decay spectra to search for exotic currents of the weak interaction, which would indicate a deviation from the Standard Model of particle physics. The sources used for the investigation of beta decay in the experiment are helium-6 and neon-19, which are created via use of a Tandem Van de Graff particle accelerator. For neon-19, a 12 MeV proton beam is incident upon the target gas sulfur hexaflouride. At this energy scale, it is possible for unstable isotopes, in addition to neon-19, to be created. As such, it is necessary to place upper limits on possible contaminants. The focal point of this project is the determination of the maximum amount of radioactive contaminants that are created when producing neon-19, and the methods in doing so.

Over 200,000 doctors and nurses in the U.S. who use live X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to guide medical procedures are exposed to harmful radiation. Over time, this exposure increases their risk of cancer, cataracts, and other health problems. The current solution, which involves wearing heavy lead aprons, provides some protection but does not entirely block radiation. Furthermore, these heavy lead aprons often cause long-term problems, such as chronic back, neck, and joint pain in over 50% of users. Over the past two years, I have helped develop a new portable radiation shield designed to provide full-body protection while reducing physical strain. This shield features telescoping poles that adjust for ergonomic positioning and support large lead sheets while remaining compact, easy to maneuver, and compatible with sterile environments. To evaluate its effectiveness, a phantom model is used to measure scattered radiation during live X-ray imaging. Two shielding methods are tested: a standard lead apron and the portable shield we have created. Radiation sensors are placed at the head, neck, chest, and legs to compare exposure levels. A paired t-test determines whether the portable shield significantly reduces radiation compared to the lead apron. At least 30 test trials per shielding condition are conducted to ensure accurate results, with a target of ≥95% radiation reduction. Based on our initial calculations, I expect a 15-fold decrease in radiation exposure with our portable shield compared to traditional lead aprons. This research evaluates a new way to protect healthcare workers from harmful radiation exposure while reducing physical strain and helping improve safety in medical settings. 

Sequencing of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is important for a variety of biological and medical research. Nanopore sequencing is a fast and effective way to sequence DNA, and can be used for DNA with genetic alphabets that go beyond the four naturally occurring nucleobases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine). Our group has used nanopore sequencing on synthesized eight-letter “hachimoji” DNA, which contains four artificial nucleotides (called P, Z, S, and B) in addition to the four nucleotides of natural DNA. Expanding sequencing efforts is critical in furthering biotechnological applications of such artificial DNA. Nanopore sequencing requires a motor enzyme to control the translocation of the DNA through the pore. Here, I analyzed the interactions between the Hel308 helicase and hachimoji DNA, specifically the time that Hel308 spends at a step along the DNA (known as the dwell time) and the tendency for Hel308 to step backwards (known as the back step probability). I compared my results to previous work done by our group using natural DNA, and found sequence-dependent behavior at similar sites in the enzyme for both the natural and artificial nucleotides. Studying the kinetics of Hel308 offers deeper insight into its mechanisms and role in genetic processes, as well as its use for other bioengineering applications.