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.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) owns abundant natural resources like minerals and oil, yet they struggle to translate this wealth into sustainable economic growth and prosperity. This research explores the question: What strategies can the DRC implement to achieve sustainable economic growth while fostering prosperity for its population? The study hypothesizes that embracing resource-driven economic diversification, improved governance, and international partnerships can transform the DRC’s economic trajectory. This research is a secondary research because there are many study cases for many countries in which they had faced economic challenges due to the non-transparency of their government. One example is Brazil; they are also land-rich and rich in natural resources. However, unlike the DRC, Brazil has managed to achieve a significantly higher GDP. This research indicates that a major factor behind the DRC’s hardship is the lack of transparency in its government, which reduces foreign investor confidence and limits economic growth. To foster their prosperity, we suggest that global organizations, like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), communicate with the DRC’s government based on the information from the World Bank and IMF for their openness to trade and transparent management to confide foreign investors’ investment in the country. If these, transparent government and confiding foreign investors strategies are well-implemented, this project could greatly impact many nations. It could lift millions of people out of economic hardship and turn the DRC into an example for other nations with similar challenges, especially in the African continent. The accomplishments made by the transparent government and confiding foreign investors policy in DRC may act as a model for nations worldwide on how to develop an economy that is sustainable, equitable, and advantageous for every world citizen.

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.

Climate change has affected every part of the world. However, nowhere is affected more than the Arctic. More and more arctic ice melts every season, and while the environmental implications are disastrous, it may open up positive new opportunities for trade and recreation, bringing life into small, dwindling Arctic economies. One area of the Arctic that will see increased use in the future is the Northwest Passage (NWP). The once icelocked and barely usable trade route has the potential to influence the economy of all territories it touches, primarily Alaska. Current data indicates that the melting ice along the NWP will have a positive impact on the Alaskan economy. This Literature Review predicts the possible quantitative impact on the region. Strategically positioned Alaskan communities, such as Nome, have fragile infrastructures which will have to adapt to increased commercial demand from cruise ships and recreational vessels. While it is unlikely that trade will have much of an impact economically as most of the ships will not stop along the route, it is likely that the increase in cruise ships will stimulate forced economic and infrastructural growth for these communities. Additionally, as this region of Alaska is mostly undisturbed, there needs to be more study into the environmental impacts of economic growth in the area. Considering the possibility of the NWP becoming a well traveled route is essential in order to help prepare small towns for potential economic booms. An overview of the research suggests that while trade in general may not impact the overall Alaskan economy, the potential increase in tourism via cruise ships and other recreational vessels has the potential to overwhelm the infrastructure of smaller Alaskan cities, even as it jump-starts their economies.