IRA A. FULTON SCHOOLS OF ENGINEERING€¦ · Dean, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering The Fulton...

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IRA A. FULTON SCHOOLS OF ENGINEERING

FURIfulton undergraduate research initiative spring 2011

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Spring 2011 FURI Symposium Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering | engineering.asu.edu

The Fulton Difference: Discover. Create. Innovate.

April 22, 2011

The Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative (FURI) is one of our signature undergraduate experiential opportunities and we welcome you to the Spring 2011 Symposium. This is the culminating event of our students’ semester-long research projects.

The FURI program provides support for undergraduate students to work with our outstanding faculty and their research groups, so that they can experience the excitement of discovery and real-world innovation and problem solving. Their research spans a wide range of topics, including research related to societal challenges in energy, healthcare, sustainability, exploration, education and security.

As you will read here and see first-hand at the Symposium, our undergraduate students and their projects are amazing. Their research is impactful and on par with that of our graduate students; some will even go on to publish and present their results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

We extend our congratulations to all of our participating undergraduate students and their faculty mentors, and look forward to their continued success and the success of the FURI program.

Sincerely,

Paul C. Johnson, Ph.D. Christine MacLeodProfessor, Civil, Environmental and Associate Director, Sustainable Engineering Undergraduate InitiativesDean, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

The Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative (FURI) is designed to enhance and enrich a student’s engineering education by providing hands-on lab experience, independent and thesis-based research and travel to national conferences. Students select, design and complete research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors and present their findings at a semi-annual public symposium.

participantsTeagan Adamson* 5Raisa Ahmad* 5Rizwan Ahmad* 5Now Bahar Alam* 5Cody Anderson* 6Rachel Austin* 6Celia Barker 6Lina Bearat 6Ryan Beckert 7John Boers* 7William Bowman 7Theresa Broniak* 7Cody Brown 8Brian Buechel 8Katherine Cai* 8Francis Calara 8Matthew Carroll* 9Rio Cavendish* 9Kevin Chen 9James Choca* 9Hugh Chung* 10Martin Cisneros* 10Zachary W. Decke* 10Brian Dekleva* 10Abhishek Jay Dharan 11Brent Dodson 11Nathan Dunkin* 11Amber Dunning* 11Keith Dyson* 12Laila El-Ashmawy* 12Aaron Estes* 12Garrett Frantz 12Darcy Frear* 13Robert Fruchtman* 13Ruben Gameros* 13Daniel Garcia 13Nathan Gaw* 14Divya Geetha Nair* 14Christopher Gino 14Walter Hafner* 14

Tina Hakimi* 15Neekta Hamidi* 15Brittney Haselwood* 15David Hayden 15Nicholas Heitzman* 16Megan Henrikson 16John T. Hoffman 16Albert Hsia*16Mark Huerta* 17Richard Huynh* 17Nathan Jack* 17Skyler Jackson* 17Ashley Jaeger*18Kaitlin Johnson 18Kiran Jotwani 18Amy Kaczmarowski 18Sanbir S. Kaler 19Carlin Kersch 19Haroon Khan* 19Michael King 19Justin Kirby 20John Kondziolka* 20Arad Lajevard-Khosh* 20Kenneth Lan* 20Kevin LaRosa* 21James LeBeau* 21Edward H. Lee* 21Elizabeth Lee* 21Eric Lehnhardt* 22Jennifer Lehrman* 22Roxanne Lerma* 22Joseph Letham 22Wenyang Li*23Steven Limpert* 23Cong Lin 23Suyana Lozada* 23Nick Martin* 24Michael Mast 24Stephanie Maxwell* 24Christopher McBride 24

Elisabeth McLaughlin* 25James Mertens 25Ali Moradi 25Anabel Murillo 25Alisha Nanda* 26Zaw Phyo Wai Naung 26Thao Ngo 26Clay Ozaki-Train* 26Benjamin Paulson 27Brian Perea* 27Warinsinee Phusitkanchana 27Melissa Pierre-Jerome 27Jonathan Plasencia* 28Anil Prasad 28Joshua Romero 28Austin Roth* 28Katherine A. Ruh 29 Beatris Rusu* 29Lindsey Ryder*29Neil Saez* 29Philip Sakievich 30Matthew Sawtelle 30Pankti Shah* 30Riley Shear* 30Lorenzo Slay* 31Kristen Soodak* 31Matthew Soto 31Joshua Steele* 31Phillip Stevens 32Vicky Suryadi* 32Caitlin Tennyson* 32Michael Thompson 32Kristen Travis* 33Elizabeth Walker 33Michael Wiehn 33Nathan Wong* 33Susanna Young* 34Yan Zhang 34

*Honors Thesis Program

acknowledgementsFinancial support for FURI programs is made possible by Mr. Ira A. Fulton and Barrett, the Honors College for contributions to the FURI Honors Thesis Program.

Special thanks to all of the mentors, family and friends for supporting our students through this program.

We appreciate the efforts of all who helped make this program a success, especially:

Marie Baisset, FURI Student Assistant Junseok Chae, Assistant Professor Jerry Coursen, Senior Lecturer Rolf Halden, P.E. and Associate Professor Norman Hubele, Emeritus Faculty Stephen Krause, Professor Christine MacLeod, Associate Director Undergraduate Student Initiatives Barbara Minich, Business Operations Manager Mutsumi Nakamura, Senior Lecturer Trudy Perez, Administrative Associate Carol Vance, Administrative Assistant Brent Vernon, Associate Professor Valana Wells, Associate Professor

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RIZWAN AHMAD, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

KINEMATICS OF MOTION IN THE HUMAN HAND Mentor: Veronica J. Santos, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy An improved understanding of reflex-like responses in human grasp could facilitate the development of reflexes in artificial hands. Using a Vicon motion capture system, we analyzed kinematic data detailing the motion of the thumb and index finger in response to the perturbation of an object being grasped. Post-processing of data from 27

markers per trial was necessary to study the trial-to-trial adaptation of grip responses to perturbations. Understanding human grip reflexes can enable the development of a more natural prosthetic device which better mimics human reflex behaviors and thus, reduces the cognitive burden on the user.

NOW BAHAR ALAM, Biomedical Engineering Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona TARGETING TOXIC ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN AGGREGATES AS A POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE Mentor: Michael R. Sierks, Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein has been strongly correlated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). There are no selective tools to probe the roles of the different morphologies in PD models. The presence of the various oligomeric α-synuclein species in mammalian cell

lines expressing α-synuclein can be probed by utilizing morphology specific antibodies. Human embryonic kidney cells have been transfected with various DNA concentrations of α-synuclein-EGFP to produce α-synuclein. Findings indicated that one concentration caused the proteins to be more toxic to the cells. To determine if the cells are expressing the aggregate of α-synuclein, a western blot will be run.

TEAGAN ADAMSON, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

A SIMPLIFIED AND INTEGRATED GLUCOSE-MONITORING BIOSENSOR Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering There is a growing need for an easy to use, less invasive, home-based biosensor that measures blood glucose levels over a long period of time, which also has the sensitivity of clinical lab instruments. Creating such a device, which could

increase patient compliance and ensure accuracy, can be achieved by the focusing on one possible biomarker, glucose, in combination with the GDH-FAD enzyme and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Initial techniques for detection have been completed in purified samples. EIS is currently being performed and will be tested using complex blood solutions with various levels of glucose present.

RAISA AHMAD, Biomedical Engineering Graduation: May 2011 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

USING ELECTRIC CELL IMPEDANCE SENSING TO MEASURE CHANGES IN CELLULAR ADHESION AND MOTILITY Mentor: Weiwen Zhang, Associate Research Professor, Biodesign Institute Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) is a technique used to monitor the growth of live cells in situ. The novelty of ECIS lies in its ability to characterize cellular processes at an individual cell level. Changes in cellular impedance are indicative of cell behavior and can be used to examine

cell morphology, determine toxicity and measure cell motility. More importantly, cell attachment, locomotion and adhesion properties will provide insight into cell signaling and cancer metastasis. Gold microelectrodes will measure changes in impedance with respect to time, determining how impedance is related to the growth and motility of cancer cells.

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CELIA BARKER, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Parker, Colorado

DRUG SCREENING FOR SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITY WITH TRAIL Mentor: Kaushal Rege, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy The objective of this research is to find drugs that are already FDA approved and repurpose them to sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL. Screenings have found that many drugs, such as anti-malarial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral, that have surprising synergy with TRAIL. This is countered by the lack of death these drugs induce at 20µM. Didanosine, an anti-viral

used to help treat HIV, is one of these drugs seen to sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL with high cell viability. The drugs that were found to have some synergy and very little death are going to be re-examined at higher concentrations.

LINA BEARAT, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona CAN AERATED CONCRETE BE MADE AS STRONG AS REGULAR CONCRETE UNDER SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE? Mentor: Barzin Mobasher, Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Can aerated concrete be made as strong as regular concrete under supercritical carbon dioxide? To test this, regular and aerated concrete cylindrical samples and beam samples were fabricated. These samples were mechanically tested for

compression and tension and the results of each were compared. The samples were each tested for density and porosity and those results were also compared. The aerated concrete samples that were made will be cured in an autoclaved chamber with carbon dioxide. After this is done, the samples will be tested again for compression and tension and then compared to regular concrete to see if the strength has increased.

CODY ANDERSON, Civil, Environmental EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Thermal, California

GROWTH OPTIMIZATION AND LARGE-SCALE OUTDOOR CULTURING OF CYANOBACTERIA FOR SUSTAINABLE BIOFUEL PRODUCTION Mentor: Raveender Vannela, Assistant Research Professor, Biodesign Institute

The research focus is to optimize cyanobacterial growth conditions for use in large-scale sustainable biofuel production. On a small scale, flask experiments were performed to better understand biomass and fatty acid

production rates in response to nutrient conditions. On a large scale, experiments were run in outdoor photobioreactors. The results suggest that pH and Ci availability is a critical factor in fatty acid production. Also, temperature is an essential parameter both in culture biochemistry and systems engineering. Further work is needed to quantitatively define optimal conditions and develop an efficient large scale photobioreactor that consistently produces biofuel feed stocks.

RACHEL AUSTIN, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Ahwatukee, Arizona BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS OF RATS DURING A TWO BIT LEARNING TASK Mentor: Jennie Si, Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering

Experimental and computational approaches are proposed to address the question of how electrical activities in neuronal circuits give rise to intelligent motor control behaviors. This research seeks to analyze the correlations between neural firing activities in motor cortical areas and the behavior

of four male rats while performing a two-bit task. Thus far, the behavioral task has been constructed and three rats are at various stages in the learning task. Future research will involve implanting electrodes into the rats’ motor cortical area to record the neural spike activities. The relationships between the neural data and behavioral data will be analyzed.

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WILLIAM BOWMAN, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Davis, California

THE EFFECTS OF GADOLINIUM AND PRASEODYMIUM CO-DOPING ON IONIC CONDUCTIVITY IN CERIA BASED SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS Mentor: Vaneet Sharma, Ph.D. Candidate, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

Gadolinium and praseodymium doped cerium oxides are potential candidates for developing intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. This research aims to investigate the effects of dopant concentration on the microstructure

and composition of electrolyte and anode materials. Oxides were fabricated via spray drying; scale test pellets containing electrolyte and anode materials were assembled for characterization. Ceria electrolyte material was shown to have fluorite-like structure, high relative sintered density, and lacked segregated phases. Nickel inclusion in the anode composite increased the nickel oxide decomposition temperature. Electrolyte ionic conductivity measurements are recommended for determination of effect of composition on cell performance.

THERESA BRONIAK, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Plymouth, Michigan

FIXATION OF HSC-REACTIVE PROTEIN ON GOLD DISK ELECTRODE Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

The objective is to detect C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in a body correlating it to disease state. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was accomplished by the immobilization of anti-CRP onto a gold disk electrode (GDE). An adequate concentration of anti-CRP was determined

and immobilized onto GDEs. Ranges of CRP were made above and below physiological levels in order to determine dynamic range of the sensors. Impedance was then correlated to concentrations of CRP present in sample. Future work will involve an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of CRP as well as replication of EIS experiments for concentration detection using GDEs.

RYAN BECKERT, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

TOWARD FLAPLESS UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES WITH FLUIDIC ACTUATORS Mentor: Praveen Shankar, Lecturer, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy The objective of the project is to explore the potential viability of variable perforation configurations in a main lifting surface as a means of aircraft control and maneuverability. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were conducted to better explore the possibility of performance enhancement

through the introduction of a flow originating within the airfoil. Preliminary results showed a substantial increase in aerodynamic drag as a result of an added flow exiting the airfoil trailing edge, leading to an overall decrease in aerodynamic performance. Plans for future work include the simulation of additional airfoil configurations and comparison with experimental data.

JOHN BOERS, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: West Hartford, Connecticut

IDENTIFYING PROTEIN BIOMARKERS FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE Mentor: Michael Sierks, Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The objective of this research is to identify important biomarkers for the neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Antibody purification and analysis of α-synuclein, one of the biomarkers in testing,

was carried out, and will be used in the future with the biosensor to identify post-mortem CSF samples from patients with Parkinson’s disease. Samples were gathered of α-synuclein, and BCA analysis shows a solid was obtained that is approximately 50 percent α-synuclein. After sufficient data collection, the goal is to be able to identify patients with pre-symptomatic neurodegenerative disease based on biomarker proteins in the blood.

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KATHERINE CAI, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

OPTIMIZATION OF MEMBRANE BIOFILM REACTOR START-UP FOR BIOLOGICAL REDUCTION OF TRICHLOROETHYLENE Mentor: Michal Ziv-El, Graduate Research Associate and Ph.D. Candidate, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment

The Membrane Biofilm Reactor (MBfR), a drinking water technology that biologically reduces oxidized groundwater contaminants using hydrogen supplied through pressurized fibers as the electron donor, is being tested for the removal

of the suspected carcinogen trichloroethylene (TCE). Complete reductive dechlorination to ethene has been achieved using the mixed culture DehaloR^2 and limiting the electron donor with an H2 and UHP-N2 gas mixture. Dechlorination in an MBfR inoculated with a pure culture of Dehalococcoides is being investigated. Reactor start-up limitations including selection against bacteria diverting electrons from reductive dechlorination and various gas mixtures provided through the fibers are also being studied.

FRANCIS CALARA, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

DOES MIXING METHOD AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF ANTIMICROBIAL-LOADED BONE CEMENT? Mentor: Ryan McLemore, Postdoctorate Research Assistant, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

High dose antimicrobial-loaded bone cement (ALBC) is used in orthopaedics to manage active infection in conjunction with surgery and resection. In this work, we questioned whether or not the mixing method used to make the cement would affect its behavior. Three methods (hand mix,

bowl mix, and lumps) were compared in elution and compression over 30 days. All three formulations provided considerable antimicrobial release. Data showed the release from cement mixed with lumps to be higher, but more variable than the other two techniques. Cement mixed with lumps was also weaker and failed through catastrophic failure under mechanical testing.

CODY BROWN, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

PRECISE JOINT ANGLE CONTROL OF AN ANTHROPOMORPHIC ROBOTIC HAND USING HALL EFFECT SENSORS Mentor: Veronica J. Santos, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

An anthropomorphic-robotic hand is currently being developed in order to design grip control algorithms that are driven by real-time sensory feedback. This project focuses on the design and construction of an artificial proprioception

system using Hall effect sensors. Parameters such as magnet geometry and magnet/sensor spacing were varied in order to optimize the sensor voltage output for a single finger joint. The selected design was tested with a motion capture system to develop joint angle to voltage calibration curves and to assess the sensor’s repeatability. In future experiments, the sensors and magnets will be mounted on the robotic hand directly.

BRIAN BUECHEL, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

EFFICIENT MODELING OF HODGKIN-HUXELY NEURONS WITH STOCHASTIC ION CHANNELS Mentor: Dave Stanley, Graduate Research Associate and Ph.D. Candidate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

Modeling Hodgkin-Huxely neurons with stochastic ion channels is critical to understanding ion channel noise contributions to neuronal noise, but computationally intensive. Determining ion channel state distribution is a

Markov process, requiring the generation of large numbers of variates. An algorithm has been developed that determines distribution of states with a speed independent of the number of channels. Current work is on a binomial random-number generator that uses a hash table of precomputed values. Preliminary results indicate the table lookup is almost 30 times faster than the built-in binomial RNG. Future work involves implementing this in the neural model.

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KEVIN CHEN, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Portland, Oregon

SUB-MICRON PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY USING POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE MASK Mentor: Hongbin Yu, Assistant Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering

The goal of this project is to explore a simple and cost-effective method for transferring a pattern made on a polymer substrate onto a substrate such as silicon which is more desirable for electrical and optical device applications. A thin (1 mm) polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate can

be patterned with a periodically repeating buckling structure by being coated with a nanometer thick layer of gold/palladium while under pre-tension and then released. Using this patterned substrate as a mask, photolithography can be performed to transfer this pattern and a periodic well pattern onto another substrate. Potential applications for this technique involve nanowire alignment and growth.

JAMES CHOCA, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

THE MUSCLE STAGGERED ARRAY Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

This study aims to determine an optimal design for a prosthesis actuator that utilizes actuator-grade shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. The actuator utilizes staggered SMA wires to achieve linear compression levels comparable to that of human muscles. We built and tested four configurations, each with 0.004 inch SMA wires. Four-bore

ceramic tubing held the wires in place and Teflon-coated steel wires served as a guide for smooth movement. We tested the arrays for force and compression. The 9-wire array generated a maximum compression of 23.5 percent and the 7-wire generated a maximum force of 0.37 pounds.

MATTHEW CARROLL, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Martinez, California

FABRICATION AND CHEMOTACTIC DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF SYNTHETIC BIMETALLIC NANOMOTORS Mentor: Jonathan D. Posner, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

This project aims to demonstrate manipulation of synthetic nanomotors using chemical gradients, a process called chemotactic directional control. Polystyrene nanospheres, coated in half platinum and half gold, have been shown

to autonomously propel themselves in hydrogen peroxide solutions at velocities varying with concentration. Different methods of coating have been explored this semester, and the effects of using different relative amounts of each metal have been analyzed. The research will continue with the fabrication and analysis of more nanomotors with different combinations and amounts of metals.

RIO CAVENDISH, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Camp Verde, Arizona

INVESTIGATION OF THE NANOSTRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF A NICKEL ON CERIA CATALYST FOR USE IN SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS Mentor: Peter A. Crozier, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

Heterogeneous catalysis can be used to promote partial oxidation of methane (POM), an important reaction in energy, with one application being fuel reforming in solid oxide fuel cells. A Ni/CeO2 catalyst was created and

characterized for catalytic activity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was then used to explore structure-property relationships of the material. Results reveal that Ni/CeO2 has promising activity for POM and that the CeO2 substrate interacts with nickel and influences the reaction unlike in prior work on an inert SiO2 substrate. Future work will be to perform insitu TEM to directly observe structural changes in the catalyst.

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ZACHARY W. DECKE, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Apache Junction, Arizona

UTILIZATION OF INSULIN IN MULTI-MARKER BIOSENSING FOR BETTER DIABETES MELLITUS MANAGEMENT Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

The ability to effectively detect and monitor the levels of insulin in patients is being researched in order to utilize insulin in multi-marker biosensing. This technological method would be novel in comparison to current glucose-

only sensors for diabetes. Optimization of insulin detection techniques are currently being researched as the project moves towards electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as the goal in effective and accurate multi-marker sensing. Ultimately, insulin and EIS will be incorporated, along with other markers, onto a device that is both highly sensitive to physiological changes and highly specific to each individual marker.

BRIAN DEKLEVA, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Pottstown, Pennsylvania QUANTIFYING ARM KINEMATICS IN PARKINSONIAN NONHUMAN PRIMATES Mentor: Stephen Helms Tillery, Assistant Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering In the development of novel Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatments, a method for quantitatively monitoring symptoms in nonhuman primates may allow for more accurate disease description and treatment evaluation. To

detect tremor and other changes in arm kinematics, a device containing a Nintendo WiiTM remote has been constructed. The device is suspended in front of the primate, who has been trained to grasp it. Data collected from an asymptomatic subject revealed only low frequency components due to active movement. From this baseline data, changes in the frequency profile may be used to detect or quantify the development of Parkinsonian symptoms.

HUGH CHUNG, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

ULTRASONIC MEMS CHARACTERIZATION Mentor: Junseok Chae, Assistant Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering

This project is concerned with producing an ultrasonic acoustic output using Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) devices. Thus far, a batch of devices on silicon, sputter silicon, and PEN substrates have been tested by measuring the dBm output against distance from the receiver as well as the frequency, amplitude and bias of the driving

signal. Silicon devices currently work the best, at optimal frequencies around 27kHz, with sputter silicon devices seeming to show promise as well. Despite wanting to measure in the ultrasonic range, the microphone is limited to 40kHz so future work concerns testing with a higher quality microphone.

MARTIN CISNEROS, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Glendale, Arizona

EFFECT OF VISUAL FEEDBACK OF GRASP PERFORMANCE ON ANTICIPATORY CONTROL OF DEXTEROUS MANIPULATION Mentor: Marco Santello, Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

Understanding the sensorimotor processes responsible for skilled hand control is essential in developing robotic hand technology. This research focuses on the effects of visual feedback of manipulation on anticipatory control of digit

forces and positions. This question was addressed by shutting down vision of manipulation, i.e., after an object is lifted. Anticipatory control of digit forces and positions were analyzed using scripts in MATLAB to calculate the compensatory moment exerted by the subject to neutralize the external torque on the object. Future work will examine the role of other sensory modalities, i.e., touch.

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NATHAN DUNKIN, Civil, Environmental EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Peoria, Arizona

ISOTHERMAL AMPLIFICATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE DETECTION OF BACTEROIDES IN WATER SAMPLES Mentor: Morteza Abbaszadegan, Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment

Isothermal amplification is a simple method for the detection of microbial pathogens. The procedure is being developed to identify the biomarker Bacteroides in water samples. Preliminary culturing of Bacteroides and primer design tHDA isothermal amplification was carried out. The reaction was

performed with no amplification due to enzyme instability, though the primers successfully amplified the target using standard PCR. Although such an isothermal method could pave the way to assess microbial water quality without expensive laboratory equipment, the tHDA method has proved unreliable and unsuitable for environmental applications. RESEARCH AND TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM

AMBER DUNNING, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

FITTING AN ALGORITHM TO MOTION OF OBJECT GRASPING Mentor: Cynthia Pierce, Graduate Research Associate and Ph.D. Candidate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

This study is analyzing the bend of the finger and thumb over multiple trials of grasping real and imaginary objects of varying size. It is the goal of this experiment to generate an algorithm that will calculate the angle of each joint of the

finger and thumb using only the known location of the tip and knuckle of the finger and thumb during a grasping task. Algorithms from multiple individuals will then be compared for regularity. The success and constraints of this will provide information as to the consistency of motion within an individual as well as within the human population.

ABHISHEK JAY DHARAN, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

FABRICATION OF MICROWELL ARRAYS FOR SINGLE-CELL PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETER MONITORING Mentor: Haixin Zhu, Biodesign Researcher, Biodesign Insitute

The development of a single-cell metabolic rate monitoring system is essential to our understanding of cellular heterogeneity and origin of various diseases. The core component of this system developed in CBDA requires thousands of microwell arrays with sub-micrometer geometry variation. MEMS processing techniques including

photolithography, etch, LPCVD etc. were implemented for the microwell array fabrication. The fabricated chips are capable of trapping single cells and multiple types of optical sensor with over 90 percent process yield and one-week lead time. The future work will be focused on the process optimization with precise control of the device quality and process yield. FACULTY FUNDED

BRENT DODSON, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Houston, Texas

DESIGN OF ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL FLUID-FILLED JOINTS FOR INDEPENDENT JOINT CONTROL OF AN UNDERACTUATED ROBOTIC FINGER Mentor: Veronica J. Santos, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy The objective of this research is to create electrorheological (ER) fluid-filled revolute joints for a robotic finger which could enable independent control of joints by a single actuator. Desired design features of the joints include resistance to

leaking, smooth rotational motion, and maximized surface area at the fluid-metal interface. The ER fluid is to be comprised of polyaniline particles dispersed in silicone oil. A prototype joint has been constructed and will be further tested with the ER fluid and an applied electrical field.

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AARON ESTES, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

MODELING SCORPION TAIL DYNAMICS Mentor: Stephen Helms Tillery, Assistant Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

The objective of this research is to construct a mathematical model of the scorpion tail which describes a realistic strike. A means of constructing the Lagrangian for a multi-segment tail and converting the system into nonlinear state space form has been developed. Parameter estimation methods are being investigated to tune the model to mimic an

experimental dynamic response.

GARRETT FRANTZ, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

INTEGRATION OF VISION AND PROPRIOCEPTION IN DEPTH PERCEPTION Mentor: Christopher A. Buneo, Assistant Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Previous studies have examined the interaction between visual feedback and proprioception during action. In this study we are examining the extent to which proprioceptive feedback influences visual perception. Subjects were integrated into a virtual environment and were presented

with visual targets that varied in position along the vertical and depth axes. Subject accuracy and precision in determining target position was evaluated with and without proprioceptive feedback. Initial results demonstrate that proprioceptive feedback influences visual perception in a target position-dependent manner. Future experiments will explore these findings in other subjects and will distinguish proprioceptive from attentional effects on perception.

KEITH DYSON, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Westfield, Indiana

MOVEMENT VARIABILITY IN THREE SPATIAL DIMENSIONS Mentor: Christopher A. Buneo, Assistant Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

The objective of the research is to understand the variability of motion in three spatial dimensions in situations with and without visual feedback. Subjects have been placed in a virtual reality environment and been asked to move their hands from a displayed target to various target locations in three dimensions. In some trials, subjects are given visual

feedback, and in some trials, visual feedback is withheld. Data analysis has shown that variation in movement occurs primarily in depth when visual feedback is supplied, and is much more evenly distributed in situations when no visual feedback is given.

LAILA EL-ASHMAWY, Civil, Environmental EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Lewisville, Texas

EXPLORATION OF SEASONAL RAINFALL ALONG A MOUNTAIN FRONT IN SONORA, MEXICO

Mentor: Enrique Vivoni, Associate Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment and School of Earth and Space Exploration Drastic changes in precipitation during the North American Monsoon are described by analyzing data from a network of tipping- bucket rain gauges across a mountainous watershed

in northern Sonora. Rainfall in this area has not been previously studied in detail despite its strong variations and its anticipated impacts on hydrologic response and vegetation. The data has been organized into hourly, daily, monthly, and single event accumulations for each site and are interpreted spatially. Results show distinct seasonal trends between rainfall frequency and conditionally-averaged rainfall of sites at differing elevations and ecosystems. Studying rainfall trends over the watershed will help inform water management decision-making in the region.

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RUBEN GAMEROS, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

DEFORMABLE ROTORS FOR REDUCTION OF HELICOPTER NOISE Mentor: Valana Wells, Associate Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

One way to reduce helicopter noise is to articulate the outer portion of the rotors by inserting an actuating mechanism within the rotor itself. Conventional motors and servos are difficult to use due to size limitations, but smart alloys can provide the necessary force in a small volume. By using

contracting nitinol wires, the system was designed and built to function with an 18-inch rotor for testing purposes. Aerodynamic and inertial loads were estimated through computational methods in order to conduct static testing. Future work may include active testing of the system in a whirl stand.

DANIEL GARCIA, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas

BIOMARKER DETECTION FOR SCREENING AND DIAGNOSIS OF CLINICAL CONDITIONS Mentor: Erica S. Forzani, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy The purpose of this project is to develop an optical sensor to detect breath acetone for screening and diagnosis of clinical conditions. Thus far, several methods and reactions for producing a colorimetric sensing reaction for acetone

have been explored and are being further studied and analyzed. Current research is being conducted on these reactions to reach the needed sensitivity and selectivity for analysis of acetone in breath. Further studies will focus on producing a robust and stable integrated breath acetone sensor.

DARCY FREAR, Biomedical Engineering Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

HAPTIC FEEDBACK WITH ALTERNATIVE SENSATION USING A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT Mentor: Stephen Helms Tillery, Assistant Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems

The objective is to provide haptic feedback with alternative sensation. Thus far, a glove has been created equipped with LED sensors and vibrators. The LED sensors will track the motion of a subject as they reach for a virtual object. The vibrators attached the fingertips will turn on when in contact

with the object, providing haptic feedback. In the future, human testing will be conducted to discover if human subjects will be able to tell small size variations in virtual objects providing only haptic feedback in areas other than fingertips. The data will be compared to tests using physical objects.

ROBERT FRUCHTMAN, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

LEARNING CONTEXT-SPECIFIC BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS IN CANCER Mentor: Seungchan Kim, Assistant Professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering

This research examines context-specific biological interactions in cancer by computational techniques. A cross-platform software pipeline has been developed for analysis purposes using algorithms developed in prior work. An experiment was conducted on GlaxoSmithKline cancer cell lines, producing

a biologically validated gene regulatory network with interesting features. Future work will explore the usability of the analysis software and methods for improving the accuracy of computed networks.

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CHRISTOPHER GINO, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Prescott Valley, Arizona

ACTUAL AND THEORETICAL EFFICIENCIES OF CORN BASED BIO-ETHANOL AND SOLAR ENERGY AS TRANSPORTATION FUELS Mentor: Eric D. Williams, Assistant Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Envrionment The actual and theoretical efficiencies were explored and used to find the overall efficiencies of bio-ethanol and electricity (generated from photovoltaic cells) as economically feasible transportation fuels. Equations and models were

developed to analyze the theoretical efficiencies. These theoretical efficiencies were used in conjunction with available data (for actual efficiencies) to compute the overall efficiencies. The theoretical and actual efficiencies of solar vehicles were found to be far higher than those of bio-ethanol; the solar energy capture efficiencies were the major constraints. Future work in this research topic will involve life cycle, land-use analysis for both transportation fuels.

WALTER HAFNER, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Snowflake, Arizona

THE EFFECTS OF STENT STRUT PLACEMENT ON COLLATERAL VESSEL FLOW Mentor: David H. Frakes, Assistant Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

This study aims to quantitatively assess the effect of stent placement on collateral vessel fluid dynamics adjacent to a sidewall aneurysm in the basilar artery. A blood analog solution seeded with 8-micron fluorescent Rhodamine-B particles was circulated through an idealized silicon model of

a basilar artery. Volumetric 3-D flow velocity data were acquired over a range of physiologic conditions for four different stent placements. The stent placements had significant effects on the fluid dynamics in the collateral vessel. Computational fluid dynamic simulations will now be used to further understand the resulting fluid dynamics.

NATHAN GAW, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

VISION AND PERCEPTION OF SENSORIMOTOR LEARNING Mentor: Marco Santello, Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

The objective of this experiment is to determine the effect of vision on sensorimotor learning. To test this relationship, subjects lifted an unevenly weighted object, while the peak roll of the object and the subject’s tangential and normal forces were measured. The subject’s vision was blocked on the second trial out of eight trials. After comparing the

results of the test group to those of the control group, it was found that there is a tentative relationship between vision and sensorimotor learning. The next phase of this investigation is collecting more data to validate the results.

DIVYA GEETHA NAIR, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

POLYMER-ENDOTOXIN BINDING AND SEQUESTRATION Mentor: Kaushal Rege, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The objective of this study is to investigate the binding and sequestration capacities of a variety of polymers to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or endotoxin, the major component of Gram-negative bacteria that cause septic shock. Fluorescence is tested at different LPS and polymer concentrations using an assay called Bodipy. When polymer

is added to a mixture of LPS and Bodipy, the fluorescence increases. To resolve previous discrepancies, the effects of using a lower concentration of buffer and that of dialyzing the polymers have been studied and have shown better results. Future work includes creating a fresh polymer library to conduct reproducible experiments.

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BRITTNEY HASELWOOD, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

INVESTIGATION OF ELECTROCHEMICAL TECHNIQUES OF KEY BIOMARKERS TO OBTAIN A CONTINUOUS SENSOR TO BE APPLIED TO TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Mentor: Jeffrey T. LaBelle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

Presently, an electrochemical sensor to track the progress of traumatic brain injury (TBI) does not exist. It is known that catecholamine concentrations (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) change with injury and are significant in

monitoring TBI processes such as inflammation. Inflammation in the brain causes necrosis when the brain tissue hits the inside of the skull and damages other cells by decreasing neuroplasticity as a result of the brain swelling. These issues can be avoided if the TBI is monitored continuously. A sensor like this will be a valuable tool to physicians to make treatments more customized and therefore, more effective.

DAVID HAYDEN, Computer Science and MathematicsGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

USING CLUSTERING AND METRIC LEARNING TO IMPROVE SCIENCE RETURN OF REMOTE-SENSED IMAGERY Mentor: John A. Black, Jr., Faculty Associate, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering Remote space missions often can collect more data than can be communicated back to Earth. Autonomous selective downlink algorithms can choose informative subsets of data to improve the science value of these transmissions. We propose a metric learning strategy that teaches algorithms

how best to cluster new data based on training examples supplied by domain scientists. We demonstrate that clustering informed by metric learning produces results that more closely match multiple scientists’ labelings of data than do clusterings based on random or periodic sampling. A new strategy accommodates training sets produced by multiple scientists with different and potentially inconsistent objectives. TRAVEL GRANT

TINA HAKIMI, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Ahwatukee, Arizona

DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-MARKER STRESS SENSING DEVICE Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

The goal of this project is to develop a biosensor which will monitor the levels of five biomarkers in the body which have shown promise as indicators of stress related injuries or illnesses. This semester, these biomarkers (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, glucose and lactate) were tested

electrochemically to develop concentration gradients which will allow us to measure their true levels in the body. This sensor will be a powerful diagnostic tool which simultaneously detects the presence, decrease, or increase of all five markers, which in turn can aid healthcare professionals in their ability to rapidly respond to a trauma incident.

NEEKTA HAMIDI, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

DEPOLARIZING MITOCHONDRIA TO BYPASS CELLULAR RESISTANCE TO TRADITIONAL THERAPIES Mentor: Kaushal Rege, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The focus of this research is to detect depolarization in mitochondria in PC3 prostate cancer cell lines. Different techniques that are being utilized are testing JC-1 dye fluorescence for weak membrane potential and identifying Cytochrome C protein which is released during cell apoptosis

using Western blots. Mitoxantrone is the main drug being tested. Another focus of this research is synthesizing cationic polymers based on the reaction between the epoxides and the amines. The degree of the polymerization of the monomers are evaluated using the Ninhydrin assay.

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JOHN T. HOFFMAN, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

PITCH OPTIMIZATION UTILIZING MODIFIED BLADE ELEMENT THEORY AND 3D FLOW FIELD INFORMATION FROM DOPPLER LIDAR MEASUREMENTS Mentor: Ronald Calhoun, Associate Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) remains the core analytical theory behind most wind turbine design codes, yet the development of the theory dates back further than a century. The goal of the current research is to exploit the

simplicity of the theory while at the same time eliminating the assumptions of a uniform flow field across the swept rotor area to optimize blade pitch angle given flow field information from Doppler LIDAR measurments. A modified BEMT model is presented which optimizes pitch angle and accounts for 3-D wind vector fields along the radius of turbine blades.

ALBERT HSIA, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Avondale, Arizona

USE OF A HYDROPHONE TO DETECT SLIP BETWEEN AN ARTIFICIAL FINGERTIP AND A GRASPED OBJECT Mentor: Veronica J. Santos, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Effective tactile sensing in prosthetic or robotic hands is crucial for improving the functionality of such hands and enhancing the user’s experience. Thus, improving the range of tactile sensing capabilities is essential for developing versatile artificial hands. This investigation seeks to determine

the usefulness of pressure sensor data for detecting microslips of a grasped object. Quick, sliding, impulse perturbations are applied to an object in contact with an artificial finger containing an embedded pressure sensor. Preliminary results demonstrate that impulse perturbations induce large increases in the internal pressure of the artificial finger and measurable changes in the detected vibration frequencies.

NICHOLAS HEITZMAN, Aerospace Engineering (Aeronautics)Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION OF SINGLE EVENT UPSET RATES CAUSED BY COSMIC-PRODUCED NEUTRON RADIATION ON MICROELECTRONICS Mentor: Keith E. Holbert, Associate Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering

How serious are/will be single event upsets (SEU) for microelectronics as technology decreases in size? Through replication and simulation via MATLAB, SEU rates were

graphed versus technology sizes. This can identify a potential pattern and predictability for error rates of varying technologies. As well, calculation of upsets in varying neutron fluence and altitudes/elevations provides a way to predict how electronics will be affected in different locations/altitudes. Experiments give some support for the hypothesis that SEU rates increase as device sizes decrease. Concern over SEU drives manufacturers to apply better hardening techniques as well as internal controllers to correct bit upsets.

MEGAN HENRIKSEN, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Russell, Minnesota

ENGINEERING OF PHYSICAL, COLOR-CODED MODELS OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE Mentor: David H. Frakes, Assistant Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

Recent advancements in rapid prototyping have made it possible to physically model congenital heart defects with anatomical accuracy and color-coding. Color-coded, physical prototypes were created for eight congenital heart cases. Color-coding enables easy identification of cardiovascular

anatomy and is useful for identifying complex abnormalities. These models create a more realistic viewing experience when compared to the computational models. Accordingly, studies show improved responses for engineering and pre-med students who used the color-coded physical models as learning tools. These methods have the potential to improve surgical planning and education toward the goal of improved outcomes for patients with congenital heart defects. TRAVEL GRANT

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NATHAN JACK, Industrial EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Ahwatukee, Arizona

PHOTOVOLTAIC RELIABILITY PROJECT: A STATISTICAL MODEL FOR CONFIRMING AND ANALYZING DEGRADATION RATES Mentor: Rong Pan, Associate Professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering This project’s objective was to determine the various environmental factors degrading photovoltaic performance over time and sort related data retrieved from actual field modules. Previous research investigations and studies

performed on PVs have been read and summarized; creating concise accounts of the various obstacles to photovoltaic reliability. Local quality control testing facilities and solar field studies have been visited to better understand the modules and their environment. Finally, data has been cleaned and sorted based upon research of environmental factors. A recommendation for future work would be to develop a long-term reliability test to predict the life-span of PV modules.

SKYLER JACKSON, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Prescott, Arizona

PHOTOCATALYTIC REDUCTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE UTILIZING TITANIA NANOPARTICLES Mentor: Patrick Phelan, Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to methanol and other products of higher value utilizing titania and other catalyst nanoparticles is being examined for applications in solar energy generation. A reaction vessel was constructed with a glass window. To simulate sunlight, a steel support

was built for a 1000-watt halogen lamp. The reaction will be run varying the catalyst, temperature and nanoparticle size. Products will be analyzed using chromatographic and spectrometric techniques. In the future, the results of this work will be used to examine the possibility of a commercial-level, scale-up of this process.

MARK HUERTA, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

EFFECT OF VISUAL FEEDBACK ON GRASP PERFORMANCE Mentor: Marco Santello, Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering The objective of this research is to find and demonstrate the effects of visual feedback on grasp performance and anticipatory control when manipulating an object. An experiment that will demonstrate to what extent vision has on anticipatory motor control is currently being conducted. Through analyzing how the subjects coordinate their digit

forces and position, conclusions can be drawn on the extent of vision in anticipatory control. The preliminary data that has been analyzed indicates that vision has little or no effect. At this moment more trials need to be run so that the data is more conclusive.

RICHARD HUYNH, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

RESORABLE, RE-DOSABLE HYDROGEL FOR ANTIBIOTIC AND PROTEIN RELEASE Mentor: Brent L. Vernon, Associate Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

Injectable and degradable polymers of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and (R)-(+)-R-acryloyloxy-β,β-dimethyl-γ-butyrolactone (DBLA) are useful for delivering drugs and therapeutic proteins because they can be injected as a liquid, form a solid depot inside the body and then safely degrade.

Water-degradable varieties of this polymer have been synthesized with various amounts of covalently-grafted Jeffamine M-1000 (JAAm), a hydrophilic macromer which causes the gels to retain water (and the entrapped drug). The materials have been characterized for composition, gelation, swelling and degradability in physiological saline. In the future, these poly(NIPAAm-co-DBLA-co-JAAm) materials will be investigated for safe and re-dosable delivery of therapeutic proteins and antibiotics.

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KIRAN JOTWANI, Industrial EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

ENGINEERED SYSTEM DESIGN FOR AN OPTIMAL SENTENCE AND STRATEGY FOR NEGOTIATING A PLEA BARGAIN Mentor: Ronald G. Askin, Professor and School Director, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering

The objective of this research is to develop a model for the judicial system to determine the optimal sentencing policy for criminal offenses. The model balances long-term economic

and personal safety costs to society with the defendant’s rights and the criminal code. Markov decision processes are used to construct a discounted cost linear programming model, derived from recidivism rates and incarceration cost for obtaining an optimal sentencing policy given the beginning state of being caught after a crime. Future research will include additional factors and a model for optimal plea-bargaining strategies based on game theory.

AMY KACZMAROWSKI, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

EFFECTS OF D-T NEUTRON GENERATORS ON EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS Mentor: Keith E. Holbert, Associate Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering

The Monte Carlo N-Particle code version X is used to analyze the effects of active interrogation techniques on the explosives they are intending to detect at airports and seaports. Energy deposition to the explosive material as a result of the high-energy neutrons generated by these

detectors has been determined for both pulsed and continuous neutron generator operation. The resulting maximum increase in the explosive material temperature will then be calculated in order to identify potential safety risks the detectors may pose.

ASHLEY JAEGER, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

COMPARISON OF REAL, IMAGINED AND OBSERVED MOVEMENT TASKS FOR OPTIMIZATION OF AN ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACE Mentor: Remy Wahnoun, Postdoctorate Research Assistant, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

Electroencephalography (EEG) based brain-computer interfaces (BCI) offer many possibilities for neuroprosthetic applications that aim at restoring damaged movement

control. The objective of this study is to compare various approaches for establishing BCI control. This involves investigating the relationship between performing, imagining and observing simple motor movement, and their effects on quantified neural activity in the adult human brain. Similar to previous BCI studies of real and imagined movement, we predicted desynchronisation and suppression of the mu rhythm during movement observation. Various statistical analyses were employed to test for significance in experimental findings. Future work will involve continued data acquisition and analysis.

KAITLIN JOHNSON, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Fountain Hills, Arizona

SUSTAINABLE LOW-ENERGY WATER PURIFICATION THROUGH ENGINEERED OSMOSIS Mentor: Mary Laura Lind, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

In order to explore the possibility of the utilization of forward osmosis as a more sustainable method of water filtration than reverse osmosis, the first task is to design and construct the most effective system. The integral component of the system, the membrane cell was first to be modeled and built.

The other components of the system were then assembled and incorporated into the design with the cell. Optimizing the system and developing efficient membranes for filtration will be the next logical step in researching the benefits of forward osmosis.

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HAROON KHAN, Computer Systems EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

BONDFLOW SYSTEM Mentor: Janaka Balasooriya, Lecturer, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering

The BondFlow System is a web application that parses web services and puts the methods from the web services in a graphical user-interface format for easy use. The progress on the project has been to create multiple web services and have them work interactively. The future work for this project includes formatting XML outputs to be more user-friendly,

adding save functionality to work flows and improving the BondFlow interface.

MICHAEL KING, Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics)Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

FLEXIBLE POROUS CARBON ELECTRODES FOR SUPERCAPACITORS Mentor: Bryan D. Vogt, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The goal of this research project is to examine porous carbon-based materials printed on plastic substrates as flexible electrochemical super capacitors. Templated porous carbon and carbon-vanadium composite powders have been synthesized and then printed on plastic substrates using

Nafion as a binder. The capacitance was calculated from cyclic voltametry using Ag/AgCl as the reference electrode and 1 M Na2SO4 as the aqueous electrolyte. Addition of vanadium can significantly increase the capacitance. Future work will involve examining how the capacitance depends on the bending of the substrate to determine if the electrodes are roll-able.

SANBIR S. KALER, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona

NANOCOMPOSITE MEMBRANES FOR SEPARATION AND BIOFUELS Mentor: Mary Laura Lind, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

We are interested in developing nanocomposite polymer membranes for separation of ethanol and water through pervaporation, this has applications in production of biofuels. As a first step we optimized the synthesis conditions for the polymer matrix exploring variables such as solvent type,

solution chemistry, and cross-linking conditions. We found that solution viscosity is a key feature in casting a useable polymeric membrane. Future work will consist of optimizing the addition of nanoparticles to the casting solution to develop membranes with improved performance.

CARLIN KERSCH, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Portland, Oregon

ANALYSIS OF DIHEDRAL EFFECTS IN UAVS Mentor: Praveen Shankar, Lecturer, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy The goal of this project is to develop a theoretical model for the effect of wing dihedral on aircraft and then validate or correct that theory using experimentation. The simplified analytical model has been finished, and the test model has been created. The instrumentation has been designed and simulated using SolidWorks. The final step will be to

construct the instrumentation and test the model in the wind tunnel.

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ARAD LAJEVARD-KHOSH, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

PATTERN GENERATION TO DETECT C-REACTIVE PROTEIN Mentor: Junseok Chae, Assistant Professor, School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering

The objective of this research is to identify C-reactive (CRP) protein amongst other proteins in a mixture based on a pattern generation technique. Four pre-adsorbed surfaces were prepared: lysozyme, albumin, transferrin, and IgG, on a gold surface. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to monitor molecular reaction in real time. Each surface

interacted differently with a given sample and as a set generated a specific pattern based on individual SPR angle shifts. Using linear discriminant analysis (LDA), each protein was classified and identified CRP selectively with an identification accuracy of 95 percent.

KENNETH LAN, Biomedical Engineering, BiologyGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

DEVELOPMENT OF A DIABETIC TEAR GLUCOSE SENSOR Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

The objective of this study was to compare and evaluate two candidate enzymes, glucose dehydrogenase-flavin adenine dinucleotide (GDH-FAD) and glucose oxidase (GOx), for use in a tear glucose sensor for diabetics. Bench-top amperometric i-t assays were run using both enzymes in a ferricyanide redox mediator to measure samples containing

given concentrations of glucose or other saccharides. GDH-FAD was found to detect glucose over a wider concentration range than GOx and exhibited a higher signal-to-noise ratio, but slightly less specificity, suggesting that GDH-FAD would be better for glucose sensing applications if measures can be taken to ensure sensor specificity.

JUSTIN KIRBY, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

ELECTROCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TITANIA-RESOL NANOCOMPOSITES FOR USE IN SUPERCAPACITORS Mentor: Bryan D. Vogt, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The objective of this research is to characterize titanium dioxide-carbon nanocomposites for potential use in supercapacitors. TiO2 exhibits excellent capacitive behavior, but lacks requisite charge transport for efficient discharge. To overcome this, self-assembly of TiO2 with a carbon precursor,

resol is utilized. The size of the assembled TiO2 -resol particle is measured via dynamic light scattering. By carbonization of the resol at 800 C, a carbon-TiO2 nanocomposite is formed. The influence of the ratio of TiO2-resol during assembly on the electrochemical capacitance of the nanocomposites is examined.

JOHN KONDZIOLKA, Civil, Environmental EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUND APPLICATION TO WATER PURIFICATION Mentor: Peter Fox, Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Build Environment

The antimicrobial activity of filter media coated with a quaternary ammonium compound was tested. E. coli was grown from stock mixed with lyosgeny broth for 24-hour incubation and suspended in phenyl phosphosulfate solution. Autoclaved water with concentrations as high as 4∙108

bacteria/mL was contacted with varying concentrations of coated media for one hour and then filtered. Filters were grown overnight in agar and counted to determine level of antimicrobial activity. The coated media proved effective at removing bacteria from the contaminated water. Further analysis will be conducted concerning antimicrobial activity with variable pH and organic matter fouling.

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EDWARD H. LEE, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON A-SI PIXEL READOUT CIRCUITS, ANALOG INTEGRATED EDGE DETECTORS, AND NOISE ANALYSIS AND MEASUREMENTS Mentor: David R. Allee, Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering

The project’s main goal is to design a more noise-immune active pixel sensor readout circuit, where one of the applications being studied is analog edge detection. The a-Si:H and pentacene-based circuits have been fabricated

and tested from the extensive layout work done in previous semesters. A journal paper has been recently finished detailing some of the new pixels’ advantages in noise performance and a patent has been filed. The findings show a 1-2 orders of magnitude better noise performance, as predicted, for the new designs over the conventional. Future work consists of extensive testing and analysis of edge detectors.

ELIZABETH LEE, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

SWELLING CONTROLLED PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL GELLING MATERIALS FOR TREATMENT OF SACCULAR ANEURYSMS Mentor: Brent L. Vernon, Associate Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

Liquid embolic agents are promising for treatment of saccular aneurysms because they occlude the entire aneurysm volume, however, many materials developed for this purpose are too weak or undergo excessive shrinking. We have synthesized injectable thermosensitive polymers

which undergo both physical gelation and chemical crosslinking, designed for high gel strength and elasticity. Resistance to shrinking is to be controlled using hydrophilic grafts of Jeffamine M-1000 (JAAm). Polymers with varying JAAm content were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, cloud point determination and high performance liquid chromatography. Future work will investigate the swelling and mechanical properties of the resultant gels.

KEVIN LAROSA, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Newbury Park, California

ULTRA-SENSITIVE GAS SENSORS USING MESOPOROUS CARBON FILMS AND HIGH-PRECISION, TIME INTERVAL MEASUREMENTS Mentor: David R. Allee, Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering

The primary goal of this experiment is to make use of carbon nanofilms that have variable resistances when certain gaseous chemicals are passed over them in conjunction with

a frequency counter to determine the concentration of the potentially harmful chemicals in air, with the potential of flexible deployment. Fabrication of the controlled chamber and electronic circuitry has been completed and partial pressure testing is in progress. Additional research is also going into enhancing the accuracy of the frequency counter circuitry to parts-per-billion, well beyond digital multimeter standards.

JAMES LEBEAU, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

THE EFFECTS OF WRIST ORIENTATION ON HAND SHAPING DURING GRASP Mentor: Stephen Helms Tillery, Assistant Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

The objective of this research is to better model and predict the kinematics of human grasp motion. This is a continuation of a joint investigation between the labs of Stephen Helms Tillery and Marco Santello. It has been accomplished using a Phase Space motion capture system to record hand

movement. Three objects: concave, convex and neutral, are grasped at three orientations: prone, neutral and supine. Joint angles and index-thumb aperture are calculated to observe the effect of object shape and wrist orientation on pre-shaping, and to determine if object geometry or wrist orientation influences grasp motion more.

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ROXANNE LERMA, Chemical Engineering Graduation: May 2012 Hometown: Camarillo, California

TOXICITY TESTS TO DETERMINE TOXIC FORMS OF TAU PROTEIN INVOLVED IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Mentor: Michael R. Sierks, Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Tau is a protein found in the brain and when it misfolds it becomes toxic to cells. The objective of this research project is to determine which forms of tau are toxic to the cell so Alzheimer’s disease and possibly other tauopathies can be better understood. The human neuroblastoma cell line was

used as a cell model. The cells were cared for using standard cell culture techniques. Cells were exposed to different forms of tau and a Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was used to measure toxicity. Future work will involve finding a way to protect the cells from tau aggregation.

JOSEPH LETHAM, Biomedical Engineering Graduation: May 2011 Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

EFFECT OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON BRAIN DYNAMICS IN EPILEPSY Mentor: Leonidas Iasemidis, Associate Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

This research developed metrics to quantify the efficacy of the treatment of epilepsy by electrical stimulation of the brain. Optimization of stimulus parameters, like frequency, amplitude and stimulation duration, was based upon resetting by the stimulus of the observed pathological

entrainment of brain dynamics in recorded electroencephalograms (EEGs). Testing was performed on epileptic rats with implantable recording electrodes in the cortex, hippocampus and thalamus, and stimulating electrodes of the vagus nerve. Initial results are encouraging and show that different stimulation parameters achieve different levels of efficacy in resetting of pathological brain dynamics, a necessary condition for optimization of the treatment.

ERIC LEHNHARDT, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

CELLULAR SIGNALING AND THE EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX Mentor: Christine Pauken, Faculty Research Associate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

Knowledge of cellular signaling interactions with different ECM components will allow better design of implantable biomaterial surfaces. HUVECS are cultured on ECM hydrogels of varying stiffnesses and composition. Signal kinase activity is measured by phosphorylation levels, determined by light absorbance. Both stiffness and composition play a role in

kinase activity, meaning that substrates on biomaterial surfaces should be carefully selected. Future research should explore additional ECM and stiffness combinations, followed by testing of substrates adhered to biomaterial surfaces.

JENNIFER LEHRMAN, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

INFLUENCE OF HISTONE DEACETYLASE INHIBITORS ON POLYMER-MEDIATED TRANSGENE DELIVERY Mentor: Kaushal Rege, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Low-levels of gene expression associated with polymer vectors is a major concern in gene delivery despite being safer alternatives to viruses. The objective of this research is to enhance polymer-mediated gene expression using

chemotherapeutic anti-cancer drug molecules such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACi). HDACi inhibit deacetylation activities of histones in the cytoplasm and nucleus, increasing transcriptional activities necessary for gene expression. Previous studies showed both cytoplasmic and nuclear HDACi enhances gene expression in PC3-PSMA prostate cancer cells. This work evaluates the effects of additional HDACi on polymer-mediated gene expression in the PC3-PSMA prostate cancer cell line.

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CONG LIN, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Canton, China

EFFECTS OF MAGNETIC FIELD ON SCALE FORMATION Mentor: Peter Fox, Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment

The objective of the research is to analyze the effects of an electromagnetic field on the interaction between ions in water. Initially, an evaporative cooler used to simulate a cooling tower was allowed to run uninterrupted to allow scale accumulation on its cooling fins. Then a controller that generated an electromagnetic field was attached to the

circulating hose of the cooler. After the controller was attached, scale formation on the fins has dissipated into the water as dissolved ions. The next step could be to find out exactly how the magnetic fields affect scale formation.

SUYANA LOZADA, Chemical Engineering Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Quito, Ecuador

MICROBIAL REDUCTION OF PERCHLORATE AND NITRATE USING THE HYDROGEN-BASED MEMBRANE BIOFILM REACTOR (MBFR)Mentor: Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Assistant Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment

This research project seeks to better understand the bacterial communities involved in the biological reduction of groundwater contaminants perchlorate and nitrate using the hydrogen-based Membrane Biofilm Reactor (MBfR). Previous

research showed that nitrate and perchlorate inhibit each other’s bio-reduction within MBfR even when electron donor is not a limiting factor. Perchlorate-respiration bacteria (PRBs) and denitrifiers in the MBfR biofilm varied with different concentrations of perchlorate and nitrate feeding. To obtain more accurate data, previous MBfR experiments were repeated. Future work will analyze the microbial diversity of the reactor’s biofilm combining DNA sequencing and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

WENYANG LI, Computer Systems EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Dalian, China

GAME AS LIFE, LIFE AS GAME—MOTIVATING INTERACTIVE LEARNING AND ASSISTED LIVING ENVIRONMENTS Mentor: Winslow S. Burleson, Assistant Professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering

The objective of this research is to create sensor-based, motivating interactive learning and assisted-living environments. A large selection of sensors is used with micro-controllers to create a sensor network, which enables the system to understand environments, allow interactions

and provide user feedback. Pendaphonics, a 3-D positioning device, has been completely redesigned for better user experiences and performance using Arduino and optical rotary encoders. A new software interface and API for Pendaphonics has also been developed. Mars mission simulation scenario as an education tool was implemented at ASU Mars Education Program. Physics education scenarios on thermodynamics and classical mechanics has also been created in collaboration with other educators. Future work will focus on system usability and human factors.

STEVEN LIMPERT, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania

ULTRA HIGH EFFICIENCY SILICON SOLAR CELLS Mentor: Stephen Goodnick, Professor, School of Electrical, Energy and Computer Engineering

The goal of this research is to demonstrate the ability to achieve lower recombination rates across the disordered/ordered material interfaces of amorphous silicon/crystalline silicon (a-Si/c-Si) solar cells by simulating and then experimentally verifying the performance of devices utilizing

such interfaces. Towards this end, steady state solar cell testing and characterization equipment has been developed. Necessary hardware has been acquired and assembled and tester-controlling software has been updated. Future work will include use of the testing equipment to characterize solar cells manufactured at The Solar Power Laboratory and the comparison of measured performance to simulation predicted performance.

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STEPHANIE MAXWELL, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

PHARMA-SENSE: DETECTION OF PHARMACEUTICALS IN GRAY AND WASTE WATER Mentor: Bryan D. Vogt, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy The overall goal of this study is to develop sensors for monitoring the safety of gray and waste water, thereby impacting a Grand Challenge in sustainability. To do this flexible sensors that detect targets, such as, (bio)pharmaceuticals are to be made. However, it is essential to

understand the properties of each target first. This experiment focused on electrochemical detection of acetaminophen using screen print electrodes. It was found that acetaminophen had a maximum reduction point at 0.9V with a limited dynamic range. In order overcome this issue, the design and composition of the electrodes will be altered.

CHRISTOPHER MCBRIDE, Computer Systems EngineeringGraduation: December 2012 Hometown: Thatcher, Arizona

ACHIEVING HIGHER SENSITIVITY IN NONINVASIVE GLUCOSE METERS Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering To aid in diabetes control, this project aims to create an innovative diabetes monitor which would simultaneously measure multiple chemical levels in the body and provide five times the information in a single test. First, a monitor was designed and fabricated utilizing an electrochemical

technique called EIS to individually measure each chemical level in the body. During design, the electrical components were optimized for size, cost and usability constraints. Future work will consist of device testing and trivial modifications to the device design can then be made to allow for simultaneous measurement of multiple chemical levels in the body.

NICK MARTIN, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Portland, Oregon

SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION IN FLUID SYSTEMS Mentor: Praveen Shankar, Lecturer, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The objective of this project was to identify a system model for an apparatus in which an object is held in the air by moving air through a vertical pipe and the design controller to regulate the height of the object. The apparatus was constructed from scratch, a model was developed and a controller was successfully implemented. The initial controller

design was developed using software tools and then refined by hand-tuning. The controller was very effective at regulating the height of the object. Future work should examine the effects of cascaded controllers and consider replacing the height sensor.

MICHAEL MAST, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

UNDERGRADUATE MATERIALS RESEARCH ASSISTANT Mentor: Subramaniam D. Rajan, Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Previous phases of the research dealt with the material characterization of dry fabrics that can potentially be used as a part of an aircraft containment system to protect against fan blade failures. The research has evolved into designing an effective protection system that can be used to protect humans from knives, spikes, and ballistics in the form of

a protective vest. Tests are being conducted to determine which combination of layered fabrics work best. The ultimate goal is to design a system that will maximize protection and maneuverability while minimizing weight and cost.

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ALI MORADI, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF HYPERSONIC AIR-BREATHING PROPULSION WITH LASER-THERMAL APPLICATION Mentor: Israel Salvador, Lecturer, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Hypersonic flow through a supersonic inlet was analyzed using computational methods. The objective of the research was to determine whether or not laser-thermal propulsion could operate efficiently on airbreathing mode and provide

enough momentum-coupling coefficient to generate thrust. Ansys Workbench was utilized to create all geometry and mesh, and perform the simulations. The pressure distribution across the inlet surface was calculated to determine the flowfield and the requirements for impulse generation. An attempt was made to simulate a laser-supported detonation wave inside the inlet; however, this reached the limit of the simple analysis performed on Ansys Fluent. Further research is needed to enable a full simulation of the impulse generation process and assessment of the inlet performance characteristics.

ANABEL MURILLO, Biomedical Engineering Graduation: May 2012 Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

AN INTEGRATED AND SIMPLIFIED HBA1C TEST SENSOR FOR DIABETES CARE Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

Much of the damage caused by diabetes happens because of glycosylation of proteins in the body, as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Lowering A1c values also showed reduced risk for heart disease by 50 percent. Currently, I am working in sensing the glycated hemoglobin to be able to detect the

percent HbA1c. In order to sense changes in hemoglobin concentration, immobilizations with different hemoglobin concentration dilutions has been done. The system showed a linear relationship between the hemoglobin concentration and impedance. As for today, the results have shown that hemoglobin optimal frequency is 1.18Hz.

ELISABETH MCLAUGHLIN, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Arvada, Colorado

REMOVAL OF ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS FROM WATER USING HYDROPHOBIC AEROGELS Mentor: Robert Pfeffer, Research Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The research objective is to measure the performance of hydrophobic aerogels as an adsorbent for the removal of both water-soluble organic contaminants and emulsified oil from wastewater. It has been found that aerogels provide similar performance to traditional sorbents such as

granulated activated carbon at low organic concentrations. Batch adsorption experiments as well as continuous fluidized and packed bed experiments have been performed. Future work will simulate the conditions of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in order to test the performance of aerogels for the removal of free crude oil from salt water.

JAMES MERTENS, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

THE POWER OF MICROWAVES: REDUCTION IN ENERGY FOR SYNTHESIZING ZNO NANOWIRES Mentor: Hongbin Yu, Assistant Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering and Sandwip Dey, Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy The applications for zinc oxide nanowires in electronic/optoelectronic devices are becoming abundant: microwave processing is an exciting approach to rapidly synthesizing

economical, eco-friendly and low-carbon-footprint based zinc oxide nanowires. The ZnO nanowires were synthesized in solution using both traditional heating and microwave heating. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the synthesized nano-structures. It was found that solution-grown ZnO nanowires which are very similar in structure and composition to those grown with traditional heating can be obtained using microwaves at a rate roughly two orders of magnitude higher. Future efforts will focus on comparing cost and electronic/optoelectronic quality.

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THAO NGO, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Sierra Vista, Arizona

RECYCLING OF PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS USING SUPERCRITICAL FLUID PROCESS Mentor: Lenore L. Dai, Associate Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The objective of this research is to discover an innovative, efficient, and environmental-friendly method to recycle printed circuit boards. In collaboration with Texas Tech University, we have developed a novel supercritical fluid (SCF) process for recycling of printed circuit boards at low/medium

temperatures and pressures. We have also obtained some preliminary understanding of the delaminating process and eliminated the potential degradation mechanism at these low/medium temperatures and pressures. Future work will test the “swelling and foaming” hypothesis and publicize the research results.

CLAY OZAKI-TRAIN, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

DESIGN OF A LOW-POWER DC-DC CONVERTER FOR A MEMS MICROBIAL FUEL CELL Mentor: Junseok Chae, Assistant Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering

Fuel cells inherently have an output voltage that depends on the load; the goal of this research is to develop a DC-DC converter suitable for application with a micro-size MEMS microbial fuel cell (MFC) to regulate the output of the MFC. Initial work involved researching basic DC-DC conversion

technology and past designs of converters used in fuel cell power systems, and developing a first design that might be appropriate for the MEMS MFC. Current work involves simulation of this circuit to determine its voltage regulation characteristics. A basic boost converter topology has been deemed appropriate to meet the ultra-low power demands of the application. Further work will involve simulation and revision of the design and construction of a prototype circuit.

ALISHA NANDA, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

PHOTOTHERMAL TREATMENTS OF CANCER USING GOLD NANORODS AND ELASTIN-LIKE POLYPEPTIDES Mentor: Kaushal Rege, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The goal of the research is to induce cancer cell apoptosis through photothermal treatments. Thus far, nanomatrices have been formed out of gold nanorods and elastin-like polypeptides. These nanomatrices generate heat from laser light, resulting in cancer cell death. In order to obtain more

realistic results, efforts to simulate 3-D tumor microenvironments for in vitro experiments have been made. Future work will consist of treating the cancerous cells with GNR/ELP/laser treatment and others in a 3-D culture.

ZAW PHYO WAI NAUNG, Computer ScienceGraduation: December 2011 Hometown: Yangon

A SOCIOLINGUISTIC SYSTEM TO ANALYZE CONVERSATIONS AND IDENTIFY SOCIAL CONSTRUCTS Mentor: Chitta Baral, Professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering

This research aims to examine social constructs in a sociolinguistic system by analyzing conversations using natural language processing. The investigation has been done to define and format the conversation according to the data schema for the necessary analysis. Significantly large

amounts of data (conversations) have been collected and generated against the schema for testing purposes. Future work will attempt to develop a web data management system to manipulate data efficiently and to enable the system to deal with data more effectively.

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WARINSINEE PHUSITKANCHANA, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Thailand

TOXICITY ANALYSIS OF NATURAL BIOFUEL PRODUCTS AND POTENTIAL HIGHER ALCOHOLS ON SEVERAL HOST PLATFORMS Mentor: David Nielsen, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The objective of the research is to investigate the toxic effects of conventional and next generation alcohol biofuels against their producing microorganisms. Toxicity assays were performed using a UV/Vis spectrophotometer to measure

changes in growth rate (as determined from the absorbance at 600 nm) during the mid-exponential growth phase, in response to the addition of different biofuels and at different concentrations. The health of the microorganisms in said studies was further investigated using the LIVE/DEAD BacLight Bacterial Viability Kit to determine cellular viability. The preliminary results have shown that longer chain alcohols are more toxic than shorter chain alcohols. Future work could be done on various alcohols with different hosts.

MELISSA PIERRE-JEROME, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: San Diego, California

SUSTAINABLE MICROBIAL INACTIVATION DURING GRANULAR MEDIA FILTRATION WITH HIGH SOLIDS LOADING Mentor: Peter Fox, Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment

An antimicrobial coating can be attached to a variety of different filtration media. Simulation of backwashing makes it possible to evaluate this technique for sustaining microbial inactivation of the filter media. QAC coated media is being

analyzed for antimicrobial activity using E. coli grown from stock. Bacteria is contacted with the media, filtered and then incubated overnight. Counting bacteria growth on the filter proved effective antimicrobial activity. Sustainability of this activity through backwashing after contact with solids continues to be investigated. Future studies may investigate whether each of the two possible processes to bind the media affect antimicrobial activity.

BENJAMIN PAULSON, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

INORGANIC NANOWIRE BIOSENSORS: CHARACTERIZATION AND TESTING WITH MAGNETIC MICROBEADS Mentor: Hongbin Yu, Assistant Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering

Using microinductors, it is possible to isolate magnetically labeled cells from a homogeneously mixed cellular sample. Currently, magnetic microbeads are capable of adhering to specific cells, by making them compatible with specific surface proteins unique to the cell type. Using this feature, a

microinductor, can be integrated into a microfluidic device, immobilizing the target cells as they pass through the field. The microinductors are capable of generating a maximum field of approximately 6 mT. In the future, different inductor array geometries will be testing to allow for maximized sorting efficiency.

BRIAN PEREA, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Denver, Colorado

STUDY OF TWO-COMPONENT COLLOIDAL PARTICLE MONOLAYERS AT AIR/WATER INTERFACES USING LANGMUIR–BLODGETT TECHNIQUES Mentor: Lenore L. Dai, Associate Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

Colloidal particles at fluid interfaces have been a topic of great interest due to the fact that colloidal particles are ubiquitous in various industrial processes, consumer products, and biomedical systems and many of them involve

fluid interfaces. In this work, the self-assembly of one and two-component colloidal particle films composed of surface-modified polystyrene particles at air/water interfaces was explored using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique. Films of charged particles are elastic with interfacial structures dependent on the particle surface chemistry. Two-component film systems exhibit combined interfacial properties of the individual component species. A purely additive group contribution analysis was explored.

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JOSHUA ROMERO, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Olympia, Washington

CHARACTERIZATION OF VERTICALLY-ALIGNED BARIUM TITANATE NANOWIRE ARRAYS FOR FLOW SENSING APPLICATIONS Mentor: Marcus Herrmann, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The objective of this research was to use computational fluid dynamic techniques to analyze the forces experienced by vertically-aligned nanowire arrays placed within a given flow field. The current focus of this research is the development

of a software code to generate varied nanowire array geometries with given user-defined inputs, such as nanowire density and angular deflection distribution. Several methods were utilized to most efficiently create usable geometries, including various collision detection and wire seeding methods. Future work will be applying the developed architecture to analyze the feasibility of vertically-aligned piezoelectric nanowire arrays for nanoscale flow sensing applications.

AUSTIN ROTH, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

SLEEP DYNAMICS IN EPILEPSY Mentor: Leonidas Iasemidis, Associate Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

This research investigated the dynamics of the epileptic brain during sleep and wakefulness. Long, scalp electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings from three patients with epilepsy were analyzed within the framework of chaos theory. The results showed longer periods and larger spatial extent of synchronization of dynamics during sleep than

awake. Based on these findings, development of a device for monitoring different stages of vigilance is conceivable. Future studies may provide further insight into the transition from sleep to awake states, as well as into different sleep stages and may shed light onto the mechanisms of SUDEP (Sudden Death in Epilepsy) during sleep.

JONATHAN PLASENCIA, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF PULSATILE FLOW FOR SURGICAL PLANNING OF TETRALOGY OF FALLOT REPAIR Mentor: David H. Frakes, Assistant Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

Tetralogy of fallot is a predominant cyanotic congenital heart defect that requires surgical repair. The aim of this research is to develop a surgical tool to predict the post-operative pressure gradient across the pulmonary valve by using pre-

operative medical imaging data to drive computational fluid dynamic simulations. Time-varying anatomical measurements are incorporated into new CFD simulations to model physiology more realistically. A more complete representation of the pulmonary vasculature is also used toward the same end. These changes will enable more robust and reliable surgical planning in comparison to previous work. RESEARCH AND TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM

ANIL PRASAD, Biomedical Engineering and Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Glendale, Arizona

RADIOFREQUENCY TRANSMITTER FOR DIFFERENTIAL DETECTION AND THERMAL ABLATION TREATMENT WITH MRI Mentor: Kevin Bennett, Assistant Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

A means to detect multiple contrast agents composed of magnetic nanoparticles for the purpose of efficient detection

of cancer cells in an MRI system is developed. The nanoparticles are introduced to the sample and are differentially excited to their superparamagnetic states via medium-to-high radiofrequency energy transmission. The resulting proton perturbations are detected and imaged. While this concept allows for the increased sensitivity in the detection of cancer tissue, the all-in-one diagnostic and therapeutic functionality through differentially applied radiofrequency thermal ablation is invented. Future work will investigate the biochemical and bioelectrical processes that are compatible with this detection system.

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LINDSEY RYDER, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Peoria, Arizona

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR FOR THE STUDY OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

The objective of this study is to develop a highly reproducible electrochemical electrode for future study of biomarkers for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The electrodes are fabricated using electroplating nickel, then gold onto printed circuit boards. The nickel and gold plating process was

optimized by changing the plating current. The reference electrode is currently being tested to determine whether silver/silver chloride or gold reference is more appropriate. Optical microscopy and electrochemical cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy was used to characterize the films. Future work will include optimizing the sensor as a multi-marker device that will indicate risk for cardiovascular disease.

NEIL SAEZ, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Irvine, California

LONG-TERM STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR A TEAR-BASED GLUCOSE SENSOR Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

This research focused on optimizing the design of a tear-based glucose sensor, in order to increase viability of the electrochemical reagents over its shelf-life. Reagents were housed in shells fabricated from either polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), concentrations of styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene,

or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), then accelerated-age tested. Ellipsometric measurements were also taken to corroborate the liquid-permeability results of the age testing. Improved methods for bonding the assembly were also investigated. The new TPE, GLS-Versaflex CL2000X, had superior bonding and liquid-impermeability when combined with the UV adhesive, Dymax 111-MSK. This new sensor assembly will allow for more extensive in situ testing of tear-glucose levels.

KATHERINE A. RUH, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia

WEARABLE-SUBCUTANEOUS, CONTINUOUS ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Reseach Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems engineering

The objective of this research effort was to create a minimally invasive continuous stress sensor that can be comfortably worn on the body to measure the wearer’s stress levels. Needle-like electrodes were fabricated using screen print inks, needles and wires as counter, reference and working

electrodes in an electrochemical technique such as Cyclic Voltammetry. Two needle sizes, two sensitivity levels, and various electrode configurations were tested and compared to state-of-the-art sensors. It was found that using metal wires in a three needle configuration is the best possible. Future work includes build the adhesive patch and performing skin depth modeling.

BEATRIS RUSU, Computer Systems EngineeringGraduation: December 2011 Hometown: Surprise, Arizona

JUST-IN-TIME TEACHING AND LEARNING CLASS ROOM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Mentor: Janaka Balasooriya, Lecturer, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering This research aims to combine Just-in-time teaching (JiTT) with active/cooperative learning and suggest a new learning and classroom teaching system for the introductory computer programming classes (CSE100/110). After analyzing the current teaching system implemented in the CSE100/110

classes, areas of improvement have been identified and proposed to be addressed in the new classroom management system that will be tested for a CSE100 summer class. Currently, a web-tool is under development to assist in the full implementation of the JiTT. Future work can improve the evaluation method of the system by introducing a control group classroom for the fall and spring semesters.

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PANKTI SHAH, Biomedical Engineering Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

ELIMINATION OF ELECTROCHEMICAL INTERFERENTS IN GLUCOSE TEAR SENSOR Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, Assistant Research Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

As electrochemical interferents have been shown to affect the performance of a non-invasive tear glucose sensor, evaluation of potential solutions was completed. Cyclic voltammograms were performed to characterize various coatings and amperometric current-time analysis was

conducted to determine if the signal-to-noise ratio was improved under manipulated conditions. Thus far, the tested coatings and new potentials have not resulted in a significantly improved tear-glucose sensor, although slight improvement in reducing interference of ascorbic acid and acetaminophen has been accomplished. Further studies will involve investigating new ways to eliminate noise more effectively and integrating these changes into an updated device.

RILEY SHEAR, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Corvallis, Oregon

DESIGN OF INSTRUMENTED OBJECT FOR KINEMATIC HAND ANALYSIS Mentor: Veronica J. Santos, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

An experimental robotic hand needs accurate kinematic feedback data for control and performance analysis. One of the options to serve this function is an accelerometer mounted in a graspable object that could collect gyration and acceleration data for a total of six axes. The design must

be light, while maintaining structural rigidity and protecting the instrument within from damage. Validation against motion capture data confirmed that the chosen accelerometer performs with a high enough sampling rate to be effective in tests. Following further validation, the device will be implemented into prosthetic hand research applications.

PHILIP SAKIEVICH, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Glendale, Arizona

SMALL SI ETHANOL Mentor: Steven Trimble, Professor of Practice, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

This project was undertaken in a partnership with the local manufacturer MTD Southwest Inc. to evaluate the effects of ethanol fuel on small lawn and garden equipment engines designed for gasoline fuel. Power, emissions, heat, durability, potential design modifications and combustion are being examined on a 4-cycle engine using a 98 percent ethanol-2

percent gasoline fuel mixture (donated by Pinal Energy LLC). Results show that solely increasing fuel flow produces similar power and emissions with E98. However, the engine’s operation is very unstable with the bio-fuel. Further research would involve examining the effects of various blends of ethanol and gasoline, flow restrictions and combustion chamber geometry.

MATTHEW SAWTELLE, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: December 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

DE NOVO SYNTHESIS OF 2,3-PENTANEDIOL BY RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY Mentor: David Nielsen, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy The objective of this research project is to explore the substrate specificity of enzymes involved in 2,3-butanediol biosynthesis on 5-carbon analogs associated with a proposed 2,3-pentandiol pathway, as an initial step towards engineering novel, long-chain alcohol biofuels.

A recombinant strain was developed which will produce the pathway precursor, alpha-ketobutyrate. This was achieved by the over-expression of the mutant thrABC from E. coli ATCC 21277 to first produce L-threonine, followed by the over-expression of threonine deaminase (ilvA) from C. glutamicum ATCC 13032. To conserve levels of L-threonine as well as alpha-ketobutyrate, the following strain has been engineered for enhanced production of the intermediates to the pathway of interest: E. coli MG1655(DE3) ΔendA ΔackA-pta ΔatoDA ΔpoxB ΔmetA Δtdh.

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MATTHEW SOTO, Industrial EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

DEVELOPING THEORETICAL MODELS TO REPRESENT SYSTEM RESOURCES UNDER VARIOUS SHARING SCHEMES Mentor: Nong Ye, Professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering Three types of activities may occur simultaneously on a computer and network system: service activities, security activities and cyber-attack activities. This research examines the proportion of these usages by multiple processes/threads within simulations of Round-Robin, FIFO, and Priority system

scheme. The research team utilized simulation data to estimate Finite Mixture Models that can be used to estimate usage on a CPU as well as more complex Queuing Theory models.

JOSHUA STEELE, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

SOIL AQUIFER TREATMENT WITH ‘TERRA PRETA’ TO ENHANCE MICROBIAL TRANSFORMATIONS Mentor: Peter Fox, Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment

The objective of this research is to determine if soil with natural biochar content acts as a better natural filter for water than does normal soil. Effluent water was pumped through two columns of soil, one with biochar content 10 percent by volume, in order to determine if the dissolved

oxygen and free carbon content of the effluent samples differ significantly. Though not yet executed, statistical analysis will be performed on qualities of influent and effluent samples to determine this relationship. For future work, more aspects of the water quality such as the nitrite, nitrate and ammonia content could be analyzed.

LORENZO SLAY, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

SMART NANOPARTICLES Mentor: Lenore L. Dai, Associate Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The objective of the research is to identify and document the methods of generating composite nanoparticles that are both pH and temperature sensitive, for the purpose of controlled drug delivery. To this point the selection of the appropriate monomers and a proposed method for synthesis have been chosen and experimentation is underway. Thus far, research

has yielded encouraging results, as evidence for the plausibility of the polymer has been confirmed and work can now be done on a customized method of synthesis.

KRISTEN SOODAK, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Burlington, Vermont

CHARACTERIZATION OF AN IN SITU GELLING POLYMER SYSTEM FOR ANEURYSM EMBOLIZATION Mentor: Celeste Riley, Graduate Research Associate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

A liquid-to-solid gelling polymer system, such as the poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptoproprionate) (QT) system, may be able to fill brain aneurysms more completely than current methods, reducing risk of rupture or complications. The PEGDA

and QT monomers were mixed with a high pH radio-opaque agent to achieve clinically relevant gel times. Two different molecular weights of PEGDA were used to make gels with different formulations. Rheology trials quantified the gel time and initial strength of each formulation. Degradation and water uptake experiments were started, which will allow comparison of the properties of each polymer formulation over time.

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CAITLIN TENNYSON, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Surprise, Arizona

APPARATUS DESIGN FOR NEURAL INTERFACING TASK Mentor: Cynthia Pierce, Graduate Research Associate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

This project aims to design and build an apparatus to facilitate training a non-human primate in a task aimed towards obtaining neural data from the somato-sensory cortex (SSC). The apparatus consists of a base with levers corresponding to each of the subject’s fingers. Vibrators are attached to the underside of each lever. Strain gauges were

placed on the levers to detect each lever press. The gauges were inconsistent in responding to lever displacement. Consequently, potentiometers will be used. The goal is to train the subject to press the lever corresponding to a fingertip vibration during neural recording in the SSC.

MICHAEL THOMPSON, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

A CLASSROOM MODEL FOR UNDERSTANDING EARTH’S CLIMATE CHANGE Mentor: Huei-Ping Huang, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy This project continued the investigations from previous semesters on the sensitivity of Earth’s climate through rotating tank experiments. The fluid motion in the rotating tank emulates global atmospheric circulation produced under two controlled parameters: the rotation rate of the

planet and pole-to-equator temperature gradient. In this semester, new experiments were performed with an added outer cylinder that greatly enhanced the control on temperature gradient. Their outcome will be used to discuss the variation of the climate state due to a perturbation in the temperature gradient. A preliminary set of complementary numerical simulations using ANSYS-FLUENT will be discussed. RESEARCH AND TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM

PHILLIP STEVENS, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah

SELF-STABLIZING CONTINUOUS-DISCRETE P2P NETWORKS Mentor: Andrea W. Richa, Associate Professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering

The objective was to expand previous results on self-stablizing dynamic deBruijn networks to a wider class of continuous networks, especially those in multidimensional spaces. A more general routing algorithm was developed and the specific advantages of the simpler dynamic deBruijn network are being analyzed and reported on separately.

Critical errors in the proof of the routing time for dynamic deBruijn networks were identified and corrected. Future work will involve generalizing the self-stablization algorithm to work in multidimensional spaces.

VICKY SURYADI, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia

CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIBODY FRAGMENTS AGAINST APP AND BETA AMYLOID Mentor: Michael R. Sierks, Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Dissociation constant, Kd, can be used to characterize binding affinity of an antibody against its targeted antigens. FACS and AFM are two methods used to determine Kd. For this project, antibody yNAB1 was expressed in yeast. Both AFM and FACS were used to test binding affinity of yNAB1

against monomeric beta amyloid. Comparison of Kd values found using the two methods will provide useful information in determining the use of AFM as a fast and reliable method for calculating Kd.

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MICHAEL WIEHN, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Peoria, Arizona

MECHANISTIC ADSORPTION MODEL FOR FATTY ACID SEPARATION FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING HYDROPHOBIC RESINS Mentor: David Nielsen, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

Cyanobacteria-derived lipids are considered a viable alternative to petroleum-based energy as they can use sunlight and CO2 to produce and secrete high-energy fatty

acids into the aqueous culture environment. These fatty acids can be converted into long-chain alkanes or diesel fuel through catalytic decarboxylation; however, they must first be separated and recovered. Hydrophobic resins are being investigated as adsorbents for fatty acid recovery. The separation process is presently hindered by the lack of a mechanistic adsorption model. Future work entails determining the diffusivity of fatty acids in aqueous solutions and modeling the adsorption rate and loading capacity of the resins.

NATHAN WONG, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

METABOLIC ENGINEERING OF 3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE IN GENETICALLY ENGINEERED E. COLI Mentor: David Nielsen, Assistant Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The purpose of this project is to explore the productive capabilities of a novel pathway for the production of (R)- and (S)-3-hydroxybutyrate, a chemical compound that is the backbone of several synthesized pheromones, flavor compounds and pharmaceuticals. This new approach

re-assimilates acetate byproduct with a CoA transferase enzyme, and then converts the resultant acetoacetate to acetoacetyl-CoA with an acetoacetate-CoA ligase. This compound can then be converted to 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, and then to 3-HB, via a stereospecific 3-HB-CoA dehydrogenase and a thioesterase-II enzyme, respectively. This pathway will be explored from the bottom up by examining the individual enzyme activities.

KRISTEN TRAVIS, Industrial EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

PATIENT SIZE SPECIFIC CORRECTION FACTORS FOR ESTIMATING EFFECTIVE DOSE Mentor: Muhong Zhang, Assistant Professor, School of Computing, Informatics and Decision Systems Engineering

This study will determine the effects of patient specific parameters, height and weight, on effective radiation doses patients receive when undergoing CT examinations. Patient data values are obtained from electronic databases.

This data is related to patient perimeter, a commonly accepted, yet difficult to measure, correcting factor of patient effective dose. The factors representing the relationship will be created. These factors will be used to calculate patient specific effective doses. Finally the factors will be tested to ensure accuracy and reliability of the factors. This research will allow radiologists to more accurately report patient radiation dosages and improve patient treatment.

ELIZABETH WALKER, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

EXPLORING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF IONIC LIQUID BASED PICKERING EMULSIONS Mentor: Lenore L. Dai, Associate Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Pickering (solid-stabilized) emulsions have received increased attention due to their differences from conventional surfactant-stabilized emulsions and their tremendous applications. Novel ionic liquid based Pickering emulsions,

with emphasis on oil-in-ionic liquid and water-in-ionic liquid type, have been formulated and characterized using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Surprisingly, we have observed an intriguing bridged morphology with particles equilibrating between droplet interfaces. Such morphology is in sharp contrast with oil-water type and ionic liquid- in-water/oil type; the droplets are resisting coalescence by forming the bridged structure which leads to high stability. Future work includes more systematic study and reporting such observation in scientific publication.

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SUSANNA YOUNG, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

TOWARDS CFD MODELING OF WIND TURBINES: MODELING THE FLOW AROUND A NACA4415 AIRFOIL USING AN EMBEDDED BOUNDARY FORMULATION Mentor: Kyle Squires, Professor and School Director, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

The goal was to model the changing fluid environment experienced by wind turbine blades using computational fluid dynamics and an embedded-boundary formulation. Two-dimensional simulations were performed at different

Reynolds numbers of the flow around a NACA 4415 airfoil at various angles of attack. Results were extracted for comparison with the literature and simulations using the commercial program, Fluent. These comparisons verified that the embedded-boundary code gives realistic results and can predict airfoil performance due to its highly resolved character. This research has proven to be a stepping stone to generating a process for high-fidelity modeling of wind turbine flow.

YAN ZHANG, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: China

HIGH PRECISION CLOSE VICINITY INDOOR POSITIONING SYSTEM BASED ON ZIGBEE DEVICES Mentor: Bertan Bakkaloglu, Associate Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering A prototype is to be developed based on previous theoretical research. Taking advantage of the versatility and cost-effectiveness of ZigBee technology, a hardware solution is being implemented. The time-of-flight ranging method is realized using a time-to-digital converter (TDC); the

triangularization is done with a high performance digital signal processing unit; and the communication between different components is accomplished by SPI interface. The task under hand is to set up the TDC and to verify a good intra-system connection, which will be followed by software level implementation.

where are they nowUrusa S. Alaan (Materials Science and Engineering ’09, FURI Fall ’06-Fall ‘08) is in a Ph.D. program in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.

Eric Alonas (Biomedical Engineering ’09, FURI Fall ’06-Fall ‘08) is a graduate student in Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech/Emory.

Eric M. Anderson (Biomedical Engineering ’10, FURI Spring ‘06) is performing a year of independent research focused on cancer genomics at the University of Amsterdam Academic Medical Center as a Fulbright scholar. Anderson will study at Stanford University School of Medicine beginning summer 2011.

Maria Bengtson (Biomedical Engineering ’08, FURI Spring ’06-Spring ‘08) is working on a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Engineering at Marquette University.

Payal Bhavsar (Biomedical Engineering ’08, FURI Fall ‘06-Fall ‘07) is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.

Brandon L. Blakely (Biomedical Engineering ’09, FURI Fall ’07-Spring ‘09) is a Ph.D. student at the University of Pennsylvania.

Marco A. Carrillo (Electrical Engineering ’10, FURI Spring ’09-Spring ‘10) is in graduate school at UCSD and working for Sandia National Labs.

Omar H. Habib (Electrical Engineering ’10, FURI Spring ‘10) is working full-time as a component design engineer at Intel Corp. and is a part time graduate school student at ASU.

Benjamin Jimenez (Aerospace Engineering ’10, FURI Spring ’07-Spring ‘09) is a graduate research assistant in aerospace engineering at University of Maryland College Park.

Nitesh Mehta (Computer Systems Engineering ’09, FURI Spring ’09-Fall ‘09) is working at Progressive Insurance as a software test engineer.

Krasimira Mikhova (Chemical Engineering ’09, FURI Fall ’07-Fall ‘08) is attending University of Washington School of Medicine.

Michael Munroe (Mechanical Engineering ’07, FURI Sping’06-Fall ‘06) is working as a process technology development engineer for Intel.

Stephanie Naufel (Biomedical Engineering ’10, FURI Spring ’08-Spring ‘10) is pursuing a master’s in Biomedical Engineering at ASU.

Brian O’Neil (Mechanical Engineering ’08, FURI Fall ’07-Spring ‘08) is in graduate school at The University of Texas at Austin funded by a DOE Nuclear Engineering University Programs fellowship.

Peter Renslow (Aerospace Engineering ’10, FURI Spring ‘10) was selected for the critical skills master’s program at Sandia National Laboratories. Renslow is currently working as a member of the technical staff at the Validation and Qualification Sciences Experimental Complex at Sandia.

Nisith Shah (Electrical Engineering ’09, FURI Spring ’09-Fall ‘09) is currently pursuing a masters in electrical engineering at ASU as a full-time student while interning part-time at Intel.

Joe Spadola (Mechanical Engineering ’08, FURI Fall ’06-Fall ‘07) is a principal design engineer in charge of prototypes and manufacturing for a UAV company in Los Angeles, CA.

Shamar Thomas (Aerospace Engineering ’08, FURI Spring ’05-Spring ‘06) is attending Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and will graduate with a Master’s of Science in Technology.

Anthony M. Volpe (Electrical Engineering ’08, FURI Fall ’06-Spring ‘07) is working as an electrical engineer for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Pacific.

Alex Weir (Chemical Engineering ’09, FURI Fall ‘07) is in graduate school at ASU doing research into nanoparticle detection methods.

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35+ STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Ranging from honors and professional associations to groups creating underwater robots, concrete canoes and launching rockets, student organizations offer excellent opportunities to learn about career possibilities and network with industry professionals. engineering.asu.edu/studentorg

4+1 ACCELERATED PROGRAMS 4+1 programs are provide students with the opportunity to combine advanced undergraduate course work with graduate course work to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a combined program. engineering.asu.edu/accelerated

ENGINEERING CAREER CENTER Serving as a central point of contact to connect employers with the various career and internship programs throughout the schools, the Career Center connects employers with engineering students for full-time job opportunities and internships and provides comprehensive career coaching services for Fulton students and alumni. engineering.asu.edu/career

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Offering academic advising, and FREE tutoring in math, physics, chemistry and engineering education courses. engineering.asu.edu/advising engineering.asu.edu/students/tutoringcenter

EPICS: ENGINEERING PROJECTS IN COMMUNITY SERVICE. EPICS organizes teams of undergraduate students to design, build and deploy systems to solve engineering-based problems for not-for-profit organizations. engineering.asu.edu/epicsgold

GRAND CHALLENGE SCHOLARS PROGRAM Preparing tomorrow’s engineering leaders to solve the grand challenges facing society during the next century. engineering.asu.edu/grandchallenges/scholars

STUDY ABROAD Engineering students are encouraged to take full advantage of the study abroad opportunities that ASU offers. engineering.asu.edu/studyabroad

more to explore

FURI is one of the innovative programs and part of what we call the Fulton Difference.

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Engineers from day one

In 2003, Ira A. Fulton, founder and CEO of Arizona-based Fulton Homes, established an endowment of $50 million in support of ASU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. This transformational gift has spurred tremendous growth in both the scale and quality of our engineering programs. His investment served as a catalyst, enabling the development of a dynamic portfolio of strategic initiatives that benefit our students and faculty and the communities where they live and work.

Throughout, Ira A. Fulton has remained an active supporter of the school that bears his name. He is a familiar face to students and a regular presence at events such as this semi-annual FURI Symposium.

We are grateful for the ongoing support provided by Ira A. Fulton, and his unwavering commitment to supporting our students’ success.

engineering.asu.edu

“I strongly believe you cannot have a great city without a great school of engineering.”

Ira A. Fulton

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