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.

Possession Sound, located between the city of Everett and Whidbey Island, is a part of both a key economic area and a bustling marine environment. Because of the marine activity, scientists study all sorts of parameters involving the water including noise. Numerous studies have assessed ambient noise in marine environments to investigate the influence of tidal forces on ambient noise. These reports found that tidal noise or “flow noise” is observed around the 0-100Hz range with the most significant impacts observed centered around 25hz. The Ocean Research College Academy operates a SoundTrap ST400 STD hydrophone mounted to Mount Baker Terminal that takes recordings daily for most of the year. Mount Baker Terminal is a small marine terminal operated by the Port of Everett, located just north of the town of Mukilteo. Using data collected from the hydrophone, I took measurements of ambient noise in root mean square amplitude centered around the 25hz range and compared that to NOAA tidal data at Everett, Washington. Using these data I investigated the potential presence of a relationship between the tides and ambient noise. When the initial measurements of root mean square amplitude were compared to tidal data from the area the results showed that tides had no significant impact on the ambient noise at Mount Baker Terminal. Investigating the effects of tides on ambient noise can be crucial to future acoustic research done by researchers in the area as results could be affected by noise created or affected by tides. Future analysis should investigate the impacts of other natural contributors to the soundscape such as rain and wind.

Since 2020, the median sale price of homes in Seattle has risen by approximately 30 percent (Redfin, 2025). Additionally, median rental prices in Seattle averaged around $2000, 37 percent higher than the national average (Zillow, 2025), placing financial burden on some renters and homeowners, and leaving some unable to continue to afford their homes. The rising cost of housing is largely the result of a deficit in housing supply, which does not meet Seatttle’s demand. As of March 2023, King County constituted a third of Washington State’s total deficit (Washington State Department of Commerce, 2025). A major consequence of the housing shortage is displacement. As prices continue to rise, many people find themselves in financial positions where the only option is to move. Seattle housing policy is in a state of flux. Washington State’s Middle Housing Bill (HB 1110), Seattle’s newly proposed Comprehensive Plan, and other ongoing legislative efforts create avenues towards previously unexplored housing preservation, development, and anti-displacement strategies. As displacement is difficult to directly measure, our literature review seeks to evaluate the effects of housing policy on displacement proxies, variables correlated with displacement, and compares those findings with Seattle’s current housing policies. Our research focuses on three categories of housing policy: Housing Production, Housing Stabilization, and Affordable Housing Preservation. Our review shows that stabilization strategies have immediate effects on displacement proxies, and may be the best short-term solution to displacement in Seattle. We highlight policies that both mitigate key correlates of displacement.