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 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.