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fulton undergraduate research initiative spring symposium 2012

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 semiannual public symposium.

engineering.asu.edu/furi

FURI

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Spring 2012 FURI Symposium Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering | engineering.asu.edu

The Fulton Difference: Discover. Create. Innovate.

April 13, 2012

Welcome to the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative Symposium for the spring 2012 semester. The research projects you will see presented today are graduate-level efforts being performed by an impressive group of undergraduate engineering students. These students are furthering solutions in energy, health, sustainability, security and education.

As our signature undergraduate research program, FURI provides the means for students to shine, and in many cases has opened the doors to scholarships, research opportunities at other institutions and fostered ties to industry. These opportunities enable students to experience professional lab work and the thrill of their own accomplishments. FURI provides funding for students to work alongside our outstanding faculty members and their research groups to create, design and discover real-world innovation and problem solving first hand.

We are incredibly proud of our participating undergraduate students and their faculty mentors. We extend our congratulations on the work they have accomplished this semester and look forward to their continued success.

Sincerely,

Paul C. Johnson, Ph.D. Stephen K. RipponProfessor, Civil, Environmental and Assistant DeanSustainable Engineering Recruitment, Outreach and Student EngagementDean, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

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participants *Honors Thesis Program

Teagan Adamson* 4Samantha Aguirre 4Ahmad Rizwan 4Now Bahar Alam* 5Jaclyn Avallone 5Joel Ayala 5Maria Baez 5Ramya Baratam* 6Elliot Bartell 6Kaitlyn Beaudet* 6Joshua Beck* 6Nicholas Berk 7Zachariah Berkson* 7 William Bowman 7Theresa Broniak* 7Katherine Cai* 8Dillon Card 8Matthew Carroll* 8 Paulo Castaneda 8Amelia Celoza* 9Eric Chang 9George Chen 9 Kevin Chen* 9Andrew Creighton 10 Clinton D’souza 10Ethan Dale 10Jadiel de Armas 10 Zachary Decke* 11Tyrone DeSilva 11Taylor Dolberg 11Katherine Driggs Campbell* 11Brittany Duong 12Benjamin Duong 12

Erica Engelscall 12Adam Fairfield 12Devyn Fajardo-Williams 13Bijan Fakhri 13Brittney Fallon* 13Taylor Feiereisel 13James Fiacco 14Darcy Frear 14Robert Fruchtman 14 Ryan Furcini 14Christopher Gardner 15 Nathan Gaw* 15Divya Geetha Nair* 15 Connor Graeff 15Tina Hakimi* 16Ibrahim Halloum 16 Brittney Haselwood 16Jenny Hastings 16Shawn Haupt* 17Nicholas Heitzman 17Amada Hernandez 17Shannon Hertfelder 17Caroline Hom 18Hai Huang 18Zahra Hussaini 18 Richard Huynh 18Abbas Jaber 19Skyler Jackson* 19Jessica Jia 19Amy Kaczmarowski* 19 Christopher Kady 20Sanbir Kaler 20Katelyn Keberle 20

Saad Khan 20Eric Kincaid 21John Kondziolka* 21John Konecny 21Dwight Lane 21Kevin LaRosa* 22Elizabeth Lee* 22Eric Lehnhardt* 22Jiajie Li 22Xuan Liang 23 Suyana Lozada 23Michael Machas 23Beth Magerman 23Amit Mangukia 24Grant Marshall 24Alena Matusevich 24Stephanie Maxwell 24Matthew McDaniel 25Isha Mehta 25Elysar Mougharbel 25Alisha Nanda* 25Gabriel Oland 26Warinsinee Phusitkanchana 26 Spencer Prost 26Ellen Qin 26 Tim Reblitz 27Mariela Robledo 27 Julie Rorrer 27Austin Roth* 27Katherine Ruh 28Kailey Rumbo 28Lindsey Ryder 28Neil Saez* 28

Rafael Santana 29Matthew Sawtelle 29Jared Schoepf 29Pankti Shah* 29Riley Shear* 30Gabriel Silva 30Lorenzo Slay III 30Kristen Soodak 30Abbey Soulek 31Joshua Steele 31Eric Stevens 31Steven Stowe* 31Vick Suryadi* 32Emily Sutton 32Caitlin Tennyson* 32 Michael Valacich* 32Logan Van Engelhoven 33 Nicholas Wagner 33Alex Walsh 33Stephen Warren 33 Michael Wiehn 34Joseph Williams 34Alicia Wolfe 34Christopher Workman 34 Diane Wu 35Chuan Xu* 35Jonathan Yoo 35

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Financial support for FURI programs is made possible by Mr. Ira A. Fulton and Barrett, the Honors College which contributes 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:

Kevin Bennett, assistant professor Yi Chen, associate professor Megan Duskey, FURI student assistant Michael Goryll, assistant professor Rolf Halden, associate professor Norma Hubele, professor emeritus Hanqing Jiang, associate professor Stephen Krause, professor Mary Laura Lind, assistant professor Christine MacLeod, former associate director undergraduate initiatives, FURI director Barbara Minich, business operations manager Stephen Rippon, assistant dean Trudy Perez, administrative associate Patricia Smith, coordinator Jan Snyder, program manager Carol Vance, administrative assistant Brent Vernon, associate professor

acknowledgements

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SAMANTHA AGUIRRE, Biomedical Engineering (Pre-Dental)Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Flagstaff, Arizona

ENGINEERING BIOMIMETIC FIBERS FOR ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL APPLICATIONSMentor: Stephen Massia, associate professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

This project aims to improve osseointegration of dental implants through the development of a hydrogel nanofiber scaffold infused with a growth-stimulating biological agent. A dextran-based extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic nanofiber scaffold was developed with the capability to deploy tunable mechanical and biological properties that mimic the ECM, which when infused with a bone regenerative biological agent, like fibroblast growth factor, will enhance osseous tissue growth. The development of a biomaterial that is biocompatible, nonimmunogenic, nontoxic, resorbable and effective in stimulating bone growth has numerous applications within the periodontal and oral maxillofacial surgery fields in the assistance of fixing critical-sized bone defects.

RIZWAN AHMAD, Computer Systems EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING OF A VIRTUAL HAPTIC ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDYING GRASP OF FRAGILE OBJECTSMentor: Veronica J. Santos, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Health

An improved understanding of anticipatory responses in human grasp could facilitate the development of such responses in artificial hands. Additionally, a virtual environment would aid in this study by providing a new avenue for such research. Using a Phantom robot and the CHAI3D virtual environment, fragile virtual objects that break under certain force conditions were designed. These objects can be used in parallel with a physical set of objects to explore the anticipatory responses of humans with regards to fingertip placement, as well as force distribution on an object before and after experiencing the fragile nature of the object.

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

A SIMPLIFIED AND INTEGRATED BIOSENSOR FOR DIABETICSMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

There is a growing need for an easy to use, less invasive, home-based, diabetes-specific biosensor that tracks the disease over

longer periods of time and also has the sensitivity of clinical lab instruments. Creating such a device, which could increase patient compliance and ensure accuracy, can be achieved by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and simultaneous detection of a variety of markers for diabetes. Initial techniques for detection have been completed in purified samples for glucose, 1,5-anhydroglucitol, and glycated albumin. EIS is currently being performed and will be tested using complex blood solutions, a heavy focus on glucose and 1,5-anhydroglucitol.

FURIAt this semiannual poster presentation, 125 students in the research and travel grant programs present their research and share their findings with peers, Fulton Engineering, the ASU community and the community at large.

Students in the FURI research program develop an idea under the mentorship of an engineering doctoral student or faculty member, then apply for funding. Once accepted, they perform research, attend workshops and prepare research summaries. Participants receive stipends and research supply budgets.

Engineering students in the thesis program at Barrett, the Honors College have an opportunity to fund their thesis work through FURI.

The travel grant program helps students participate in national conferences by providing financial assistance with travel expenses.

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JOEL AYALA, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: San Jose, California

THE EFFECT OF MICROCONTROLLERS ON BACTERIA GROWTHMentor: Peter Fox, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Themes: Energy, Sustainability

Soft Wave Innovations is marketing a water treatment product which they claim can reduce scale buildup, increase water

solubility, and help to control bacteria and algae. The product creates a magnetic field in the water which has been shown to alter ion interactions to prevent scale buildup. However, the claim that the product controls bacteria growth has not been tested enough to be verified. While the product shows promise, more research must be done to verify the claims of bacteria control as well as large-scale testing to see its industrial effectiveness.

MARIA BÁEZ, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

MEASURING THE URBAN FOOTPRINT OF WATER AND ENERGY FLUXES IN WEST PHOENIXMentor: Enrique Vivoni, associate professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Research Theme: Sustainability

The objective of this research is to find the relationships between urban climate and the water and energy fluxes

occurring in a neighborhood setting by using an eddy covariance tower. The tower and the measuring instruments have been installed and are collecting data continuously. Data include soil moisture, soil temperature, wind speed, rainfall, CO2 concentration, as well as evapotranspiration. The next part of the research is to find trends in the data and partake in an outreach effort to inform the residents about how their decisions can help mitigate the urban heat island effect in their neighborhood.

NOW BAHAR ALAM, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

DETECTING OLIGOMERIC FORMS OF ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN IN TRANSGENIC (THY-1) MICEMentor: Michael Sierks, professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Health

Misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein has been strongly correlated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Previous studies have indicated that low dosages of rotenone cause α-synuclein aggregation and accumulation in the same nervous system structures that are affected in PD. A single-chain fragment antibody (scFv) that can interact with specific aggregate forms of α-synuclein would be very useful to study how different aggregate forms affect cells and contribute to PD. Preliminary results have shown that 4.5-month old transgenic (THY-1) mice contain aggregates of α-synuclein. Immunofluorescence will be used to identify and quantify these aggregates in 4.5- and 2-month old transgenic and wild-type mice.

JACLYN AVALLONE, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Centerport, New York

MICROSTRUCTURAL EFFECTS OF HEAT TREATMENT ON THE ANISOTROPIC FATIGUE BEHAVIOR OF ROLLED ALUMINUM 2024Mentor: Pedro Peralta, professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Security

Fatigue crack nucleation and initial propagation in Al-2024-T351 exhibits anisotropic behavior, due to preferential alignment of inclusions parallel to the rolling direction. 2024-T351 samples were heat-treated to the O condition to eliminate the effects of the initial temper, while keeping the alignment of the inclusions unchanged. Recrystallization of the matrix around these inclusions removes material plasticity and severely alters the material strength properties. Tests were performed to compare the mechanisms of fatigue behavior in the two tempers. The results are discussed with emphasis on the individual roles of inclusions and matrix plasticity on fatigue behavior of rolled Al-2024. TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM

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KAITLYN BEAUDET, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

OPTIMAL AND DISTRIBUTED DETECTION IN SENSOR NETWORKSMentor: Douglas Cochran, associate professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Security

The objective of this research project is to determine the effectiveness of coherence detectors in deciding whether a

common signal is present in multiple noisy channels of sensor data. Thus far, the distribution of factors such as the determinant of the Gram matrix, and the values for the greatest eigenvalue(s) were found. Additionally, current detectors such as the magnitude-squared coherence (MSC) estimate and the generalized coherence (GC) estimate were modeled. From this information, the relation between these factors and signal detection was found. Future goals of this project are to use this information to improve the GC estimate.

JOSHUA BECK, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

UNIAXIAL TRANSDUCER FOR A CABLE-DRIVEN LINKAGE Mentor: Veronica J. Santos, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Health

A custom uniaxial transducer was created for measuring tendon tension in cable-driven robotic mechanisms, particularly

an anthropomorphic robotic hand. Electrical components of the transducer were designed and challenges in gauge application were resolved. In addition, the circuitry was integrated with the transducer hardware in order to shield the entire device from noise that would compromise accuracy. This transducer enables force-based control of cable-driven robotics. Future work consists of optimizing the gauge application process for shorter application times and a simpler process, and calibrating the sensor.

RAMYA BARATAM, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Glendale, Arizona

INVENTORS’ WORKSHOPMentor: Winslow Burleson, assistant professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering Research Theme: Education

To what degree does giving a group of interdisciplinary students freedom to tailor their coursework to personal interests foster innovation and novel research? With

module building, students are a step closer in learning what they desire beyond the class. Modules have been created for diverse topics including solar photovoltaics and near-field communication. The modules will be tested with students to observe knowledge gained and whether this strikes an interest beyond their discipline. Hopefully, the school of engineering will see the potential impact this method of learning could have on college education and lifelong learning.

ELLIOTT BARTELL, Civil EngineeringGraduation: December 2012 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

INVESTIGATION ON THE DESIGN OF STRUCTURES FOR RESISTANCE TO TSUNAMI IMPACTS, PHASE II Mentor: Edward Kavazanjian, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Research Theme: Sustainability

Data from the previous phase of research was applied in this phase to the performance of a structure in a region known

to be seismically active. The chosen region was the Cascadia Subduction Zone. This is a particularly interesting region because engineers have developed numerical models of the likely properties of a tsunami that would result from a rupture along this region. Using these models, known as Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Assessments (PTHA), either a building or seawall will be subjected to a theoretical tsunami impact and analyzed for resistance. The structure will be fitted with one or more of the design features found to be advantageous in the previous phase.

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

CORRELATING NANOSTRUCTURE AND ION CONDUCTIVITY IN GADOLINIUM AND PRASEODYMIUM-DOPED AND CO-DOPED CERIAS FOR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL ELECTROLYTES Mentor: Peter Crozier, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) convert chemical energy stored in fuel (e.g. hydrogen, natural gas) into electricity. Currently, commercially available SOFCs require high operating temperatures (~1000°C) which limit component material selection and drive up cost. Cerium oxide (ceria) based SOFC electrolytes exhibit considerable ionic conductivity—a critical determinant of cell performance—at intermediate temperatures (500°C − 700°C). Conductivity is enhanced via addition of impurities like gadolinium (Gd) and praseodymium (Pr). In this study, experimentally measured ionic conductivity of select ceria-based electrolytes of varying impurity content is correlated with electrolyte nanostructure and composition using high resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy. TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM

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

BIOMARKER CHARACTERIZATION & INTEGRATION FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE MANAGEMENTMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The objective is to detect concentrations of hsC-reactive protein (CRP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) to determine

cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) assessed the immobilization of anti-BNP onto a gold disk electrode (GDE) surface. Physiologically relevant concentrations of BNP and CRP were tested. Impedance values correlated to antigen concentrations. The functional sensor range for BNP was compared to the range for CRP in pure and spiked conditions. Multimarker immobilization experiments were conducted and compared to previous results. Future work involves analysis using impedance time for determining the response period. The goal is early detection of CVD risk. TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM

NICK BERK, Computer Systems EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

USING ROBOTICS TO AID GEOMETRY EDUCATIONMentor: Winslow Burleson, assistant professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering Research Theme: Education

This project aims to discover how robotics can be used to reinforce geometric concepts in education. This project works under the GaLLaG program (Game as Life, Life as

Game), which encourages the fusion of technology and daily living. Through feedback from actual students as well as tactile-learning research, several concepts, such as perimeter or coordinate-graphing, are being implemented in activities. Several activities have been coded and are in testing. Although the project is in its preliminary stages, it has demonstrated that it can be effective. The project is working towards creating a more interactive experience for the students.

ZACH BERKSON, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Bloomington, Indiana

EPR STUDY OF NOVEL TIO2 PHOTOCATALYSTS FOR THE REDUCTION OF CO2 TO FUELSMentor: Jean Andino, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Sustainability

While titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts have been shown to be active for the gas-phase conversion of carbon dioxide

to a fuel such as methane, the mechanism of this reaction is not fully understood, particularly in photocatalysts containing the sparsely-studied brookite TiO2. To better understand the mechanism of electron transfer within these catalysts and the nature of the gas-solid interface of this reaction, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has been utilized. This powerful method allows the observation of the formation of the CO2 anion, an important intermediate in the conversion of CO2.

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

SUSTAINABLE HIGH-STRENGTH AND ENERGY-DISSIPATION IN WOOD-FRAME STRUCTURES Mentor: Thomas Attard, lecturer, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: Sustainability

A project has been undertaken to develop an advanced seismic protection system that significantly reduces structural and

non-structural damage in wood-frame structures by combining high strength with sustainable energy dissipation. The goal is to integrate advanced composite technology into wood seismic engineering by wrapping a polymeric composite around the exterior faces of wood-framed shear walls so as to confine the structure. The knowledge that will be gained from this project can then be used in the retrofit of existing structures where the shear wall wrap, a strong, flexible load-bearing polymeric composite, may be attached to existing wood sheathing.

PAULO CASTANEDA, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

POROSITY-SPECIFIC ELUTION RATES AND PERFORMANCE OF ANTIBIOTIC-LOADED BONE CEMENT Mentor: Brent L. Vernon, associate professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Antibiotic loaded bone cement (ALBC) is used in the revision of infected arthroplasties to kill biofilm. The elution rates of these loaded antibiotics are not well studied, and are different based on the drugs used and the volume of drug added. In order to rapidly study multiple formulations, this project developed a model for measuring elution rates by measuring the diffusion of water into bone cement with the use of Eosin Y. Fitting absorption rates to Washburn’s sorptivity model to allow for rapid screening of ALBC formulations to optimize clinical performance.

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

MODELING ETHANOL ADSORPTION ONTO ZEOLITES IN COMPLEX SOLUTIONSMentor: David Nielsen, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Energy

Statistical analyses can be used to optimize many different processes, including bioseparations which are used to recover

or remove species from complex mixtures. Zeolites are adsorbent crystalline structures that can be used to adsorb ethanol, which yeast cells produce at high concentrations but can cause cell death. A half factorial statistical analysis has been designed and adsorption is being assessed for a number of factors including ethanol, glucose, acetic acid and lactic acid concentrations and pH. These results will be analyzed to determine the relationship between these variables and will be used to better characterize these interactions.

DILLON CARD, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Montrose, Colorado

EFFECT OF LOW-LEVEL JETS ON MODERN WIND TURBINES: LOADS ON BLADES AND STRUCTUREMentors: Ronald Calhoun, associate professor, and Raghavendra Krishnamurthy, graduate teaching associate, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

The objective was to understand the Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory behind FAST code and calculate loads acting on wind turbine components for a range of wind speed scenarios. The intricacies of BEM theory were studied to understand the coding processes used in FAST analysis software. This software was applied at various wind speeds to gather data for the loads/stresses on key turbine components. It was concluded that as wind speed increases, all components have greater applied loads demonstrating the necessity of blade pitch controls. Further investigation would entail component control analysis given the load data collected in this research.

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GEORGE CHEN, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015 Hometown: Karlsruhe, Germany

CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM FOR ULTRA-HIGH SENSITIVITY STRAIN SENSING IN SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP APPLICATIONSMentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Education

The objective of this research was to create a program that could acquire data from an array detector to characterize the diffracted light from a 633 nm laser beam. The light is to be diffracted off a strain sensor (grating) that is mounted on a stage. The program was written using LabVIEW and is designed to move the stage which causes the diffracted light to have a change in amplitude. By measuring the change in amplitude, the amount of strain change can be characterized by analyzing the peak shift. Future work includes the characterization of the high sensitivity gratings using the program.

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

SUB-MICRON PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY USING POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE MASKMentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Education

The goal of this project is to develop a low-cost solution for growing a well-ordered array of ZnO nanowires with diameters

and spacings in the 300 nm range. Two different methods of photolithography—soft-contact lithography and interference lithography—are explored as alternative methods to electron beam lithography for the fabrication of an array of nanowells used in the alignment of nanowire growth.

AMELIA CELOZA, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION POLICY FOR LIVABLE COMMUNITIESMentor: Braden Allenby, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Research Theme: Sustainability

Sustainable transportation policy attempts to utilize finite resources to alleviate economic, environmental and equity

challenges stemming from increased demand and growth. An analysis of transportation policies of the Phoenix Metropolitan region reveals the need for comprehensive sustainable transportation programs. Experiences from the United States and abroad are taken into consideration to provide insight into how challenges are overcome and the steps necessary to modernize this fundamental system. Areas of interest include integration of land use and transportation policy, as well as multimodal planning. Further investigation includes tailoring potential programs to be implemented in the Phoenix metropolitan region.

ERIC CHANG, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

IMPLEMENTATION OF A HALL EFFECT SENSOR-BASED ARTIFICIAL PROPRIOCEPTION SYSTEM FOR A ROBOTIC HANDMentor: Veronica J. Santos, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Health

Without a commercially available solution to measure joint angles in robotic hand applications, an artificial proprioception system based on Hall sensors and magnets was chosen for implementation in an anthropomorphic robotic hand. A test stand was constructed with identical tolerances as the current robotic hand design to test various sensor/magnet combinations—obtaining the optimal proportionality between sensor voltage and joint angle with the help of a motion capture system and high-precision motor actuator. Noise and interference testing was also conducted to determine confidence in acquired joint angles. Further work involves installing the artificial proprioception system in a prototype hand.

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ETHAN DALE, Chemical Engineering Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTOREACTOR FOR TESTING OF TIO2 NANOSTRUCTURES BY METHYLENE BLUE DECOMPOSITION Mentor: Peter Crozier, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

The goal of this research is to create a reactor to rapidly test the activity of different versions of titania. Various imaging methods for determining concentration of methylene blue have been completed. A reactor prototype in the shape of a wedge, along with the methods to analyze the concentration are being created. It is possible to determine the concentration by the color intensity of the methylene blue, and the wedge shape helps give a linear profile for the concentration. When the reactor is completed, different versions of titania can be tested to measure efficiency at decomposing methylene blue.

JADIEL DE ARMAS, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Pinar del Rio, Cuba

JAMMING RESISTANT PROTOCOLS UNDER PHYSICAL INTERFERENCE Mentor: Andrea Richa, associate professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Security

The research investigates models for wireless communications in large-scale networks that are formed by autonomous

devices. Communication in these networks is performed directly between devices without relying on an additional infrastructure. Two models have been explored: the unit disk graph model (UDG), and the signal-to-interference-and-noise-ratio (SINR) model. The impact of adaptive and reactive adversaries for different MAC protocols has been analyzed and the results have been recorded.

ANDREW CREIGHTON, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

INVENTORS’ WORKSHOPMentor: Winslow Burleson, assistant professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Education

The focus of Inventors’ Workshop is to redefine and improve the engineer’s educational experience through the use of modules. Through module constructions, individuals are

offered the chance to take part in interdisciplinary teams pursuing topics of interest and to gain technical experience in various fields of engineering. The modules will require individuals to gain a mastery of the subject as they are creating a project that is to serve as a learning experience for all others. Already two modules have been created, one focusing on high-performance computing and another on photovoltaics. Future work includes the production of additional modules.

CLINTON D’SOUZA, Computer Science (Information Assurance) Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Mumbai, India

VULNERABILITIES IN SAAS CLOUD COMPUTING Mentor: Partha Dasgupta, associate professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Security

The goal of this project is to determine the effectiveness of security enforcement in the Software as a Service (SaaS)

layer of cloud computing. This is a joint project with Rafael Santana, and is in the second of four phases. The project analyzes possible vulnerabilities of the SaaS layer with emphasis on Microsoft Azure. The two major identified points of entry for breaching SaaS are user and provider entry. The initial conclusion is that SaaS has security flaws, which need monitoring and fixing to avoid breaches. Future work will be done to generate test exploits for SaaS and determine how these breaches can be patched or reduced.

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TAYLOR DOLBERG, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASEMentor: Michael Sierks, professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Health

Alzheimer’s disease is among the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. With no current cure or treatment, what can be done to combat this disease? Professor Sierk’s lab

is extensively studying Alzheimer’s to discover a diagnostic and therapeutic for this disease. The target of the research is beta-amyloid protein, which causes major problems in the brain when it misfolds and accumulates. Research is being performed to identify new antibodies to bind to the protein and prevent aggregation. Hopefully, with continued research of beta-amyloid, a diagnostic and therapeutic for Alzheimer’s will be discovered in the near future.

KATHERINE DRIGGS CAMPBELL, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

THE DEVELOPMENT OF WEARABLE, REAL-TIME CHEMICAL SENSORS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND PERSONAL VOC EXPOSUREMentor: Nongjian Tao, professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Health

To understand the adverse effects of common airborne toxicants, wearable sensors were developed to measure real-time exposure. These sensors detect compounds by novel sensing techniques using specialized tuning forks. Detection occurs as the frequency of the tuning forks shifts due to the presence of certain toxicants. The sensor has high specificity and sensitivity to aromatic, alkyl, and chlorinated hydrocarbons with a low resolution of 4 parts-per-billion (ppb), with a detection range of 4 ppb-1000 ppm (parts-per-million). Current applications include epidemiological studies, health analysis and environmental monitoring, with organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the University of Birmingham and Harvard School of Public Health.

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

THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY-BASED BIOSENSOR FOR THE INSTANTANEOUS DETECTION OF BLOOD INSULIN LEVELSMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Developing a biosensor capable of detecting minute changes in the concentration of insulin in the blood allows patients with diabetes to overcome the problems that arise from glucose-only monitoring. In other words, insulin monitoring—even if used as a supplemental method—will streamline the clinical gap that is present between glucose monitoring and insulin injection treatments. Currently, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments are being completed with purified insulin. These experiments involve measuring the impedance (resistance) of different concentration of insulin bonded to its antibody on the surface of the electrode.

TYRONE DESILVA, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

DESIGNING QUANTITATIVE TOOLS TO EVALUATE HAND FUNCTIONMentor: Marco Santello, interim director and professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Tests for measuring hand function are important tools for diagnosing and measuring the effectiveness of medical

intervention for various neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this project is to develop and test a sensorized modular device for the quantitative assessment of hand function. The device evaluates a lifting task and a rotation task using sensors measuring force and acceleration of the objects. These two tests are used to evaluate smoothness of movement, grip strength and coordination.

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ERICA ENGELSCHALL, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

SOURCES OF GLUCOSE SENSOR VARIANCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DIABETIC TEAR GLUCOSE SENSORMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The objective of the research was to identify and test various factors that would affect a glucose sensor and apply those to a tear-based glucose sensor. Multiple enzymes were tested for use in the sensor, and the optimal enzyme was found to be glucose dehydrogenase-FAD. This enzyme was tested with known sugar interferents in order to identify the extent of the interference pattern. Environmental effects were also tested. These experiments have helped to identify factors that would affect a completed device negatively, so they can be eliminated or minimized in the final device. Continued work includes further testing on sensor variance.

ADAM FAIRFIELD, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Jacksonville, Illinois

ENHANCING SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE THROUGH VISUAL ANALYTICSMentor: Ross Maciejewski, assistant professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering Research Themes: Health and Security

In underdeveloped countries, infectious disease outbreaks often remain undetected in early stages due to lack of data

collection and monitoring infrastructure. This work explores the development of a visual analytics system for monitoring and simulating disease outbreaks in Lahore, Pakistan. Data collection is done at partner hospitals in Lahore, and aggregated for analysis and visualization. Users are presented with interactive maps and statistical graphics combined with underlying analytic algorithms for detecting outbreaks. Future work will explore the scalability of such systems to larger regions and focus on visual storytelling representations for enhanced reporting capabilities.

BENJAMIN DUONG, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

BIOREMEDIATION OF TCE AND HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM: A SITE-SPECIFIC CASE STUDYMentors: Rolf Halden, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Tomasz Kalinowski, graduate research associate, Biodesign InstituteResearch Theme: Sustainability

The effectiveness of the microbial community KB-1 to remove trichloroethene (TCE) and hexavalent chromium from a contaminated aquifer in San Diego was tested. Batch bottles containing site sediment and groundwater were set up and inoculated with KB-1. Gas chromatography was used to determine if TCE was being dechlorinated and a spectrophotometry-based method was used to measure the removal of hexavalent chromium. The collected data was analyzed and it was found that the KB-1 does not begin dechlorinating TCE until hexavalent chromium has been removed. Future work may involve tracking the structure and function of the microbial community as it transitions over time.

BRITTANY DUONG, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

MANGANESE-DOPED OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE PARAMAGENTIC QUANTUM DOTS FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGINGMentor: Kevin M. Bennett, assistant professor, School of Biological and Health Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Health

The project goal is to make an MRI-detectable quantum dot (QD) nanoparticle with optically switchable superparamagnetism. This serves as proof-of-principle that MRI signal modulation with an external energy source can boost the sensitivity of molecular MRI by a factor of 10-100. To date, cadmium selenide (CdSe) QDs have been synthesized with controllable size and have been doped with a manganese (Mn) ion to make them superparamagnetic; the manganese was incorporated into the ~50 nm QD crystal. Currently, water-soluble, nontoxic zinc sulfide (ZnS) QDs with similar properties are being studied. Future experiments will examine whether the magnetism of the QDs is optically switchable inside an MRI.

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BRITTNEY FALLON, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Glendale, Arizona

TESTING THE VALIDITY OF COMPUTATIONAL METHODS: AIRFOIL AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS IN LOW REYNOLDS NUMBER FLOWSMentor: Valana Wells, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Security

Wind tunnel experiments provided pressure distributions and force-balance measurements for a NACA 4412 airfoil at low Reynolds number (Re~104). The lift and drag coefficients were calculated for attack angles (α) of -8° to +20°. For both tests lift coefficient (Cl) was either near zero or negative for low Re. However, current lift values from the force-balance test are of the same magnitude as the equipment error (~0.01). Also, slight changes in outdoor environment have caused the Re to fluctuate by 1,000 which may significantly alter the results for low Re. Results can be used in the design of micro aerial vehicles (MAV).

TAYLOR FEIEREISEL, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: December 2012 Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF AIR-BREATHING PROPULSION WITH LASER THERMAL APPLICATION Mentor: Kyle Squires, director and professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

The purpose of this research is to determine whether or not laser-thermal propulsion could operate efficiently in an air-

breathing engine. Air flow through the Lightcraft spacecraft is currently being investigated using computational methods. ANSYS was used for mesh generation and FLUENT for air flow simulations. The pressure distribution and Mach number across the inlet surface was calculated to determine the flow-field and laser thermal energy added inside the spacecraft. Further research is required to test the laser-thermal application and investigate the pressure wave expansion around laser-induced plasma and the nozzle’s performance in a repetitively pulsed laser thruster.

DEVYN FAJARDO-WILLIAMS, Chemical Engineering and EconomicsGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Castries, Saint Lucia

DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF A CONTINUOUS STIRRED TANK REACTOR (CSTR) FOR TRICHLOROETHENE DETOXIFICATIONMentor: Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, assistant professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: Sustainability

The objective of this research is to develop and optimize a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) for the production of trichloroethene (TCE) dechlorinating microbial culture for use in bioremediation. A well-characterized microbial consortium capable of reducing the toxic groundwater pollutant TCE to the nontoxic end-product ethene is being used. This research will enable on-site TCE bioremediation, through implementation of larger scale production of culture for on-site application. A CSTR working prototype has been constructed. Future work will involve optimization of the CSTR operational parameters, up-scaling of the reactor and simulation of ground water conditions.

BIJAN FAKHRI, Computer Systems EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

WIRELESS VIBRATION MOTORS FOR IMPROVING WEARABLE, VIBROTACTILE HAPTIC DEVICESMentor: Sethuraman Panchanathan, senior vice president for knowledge enterprise development and professor, Troy McDaniel, graduate research assistant, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Education

The objective of this work is to explore how vibration motors for vibrotactile communication may be augmented with wireless capabilities to reduce wiring while maintaining efficient communication speed. Wireless communication standards were explored, and a prototype for wireless communication was implemented for evaluation of transmission rate and range. As a platform for testing, these wireless actuators are being integrated into the Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing’s Haptic Suit for motor learning applications. The Haptic Suit, and other vibrotactile devices, will benefit from reduced wiring to improve scalability, reconfigurability and usability. Future work will focus on further miniaturization through custom fabrication.

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

EVALUATING DIRECT EIGENSOLVERS FOR DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMSMentor: Gil Speyer, assistant research scientist, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering Research Theme: Security

This project aims to benchmark three different computing tools—ScaLAPACK, PLAPACK and SLEPc—to find

eigenvalues and eigenvectors of floating point matrixes using a supercomputer. Programs to run the eigensolver tools have been written, and work has been done to create a standardized method of creating input matrixes and retrieving output. The next segment of this project focuses on gathering results. This work will focus on testing the programs on large, dense matrixes using varying numbers of computing nodes operating in parallel. Future work involves benchmarking applications that focus on complex floating point matrixes.

RYAN FURCINI, Civil EngineeringGraduation: December 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

PHYSICAL WATER TREATMENT TO ALLOW FOR IRRIGATION WITH HIGH SODIUM ABSORPTION RATIO WATERMentor: Peter Fox, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Build Environment Research Theme: Sustainability

This project will determine if a physical water treatment device can be used to mitigate the negative effects of irrigation water containing high concentrations of salt. There are two garden beds, each containing tomato and lettuce plants. Both plots receive the same irrigation schedule and salt concentrations. The results will be analyzed based on two quantitative measurements. One measurement will be the crop yield, which will be determined by the weight and volume of the harvested crops. The second measurement will be the water infiltration rate. Further analysis will be recorded throughout the duration of the experiment.

JAMES FIACCO, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

HAPTIC FACE DISPLAY AS PART OF CUBIC’S DYADIC SOCIAL INTERACTION ASSISTANTMentors: Sethuraman Panchanathan, senior vice president for knowledge enterprise development and professor, Troy McDaniel, graduate research assistant, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Education

The objective of this work is to explore how facial expressions can be communicated through touch to an individual who is blind during dyadic social interactions. The design of a Haptic Face Display was developed, and a preliminary prototype was implemented. The Haptic Face Display mediates communication of an interaction partner’s expressions through vibrotactile delivery of facial action units, which can be extracted through computer vision. For future work, the display will be integrated into CUbiC’s computer vision software to provide users with real-time access to a partner’s facial expressions; and both active and passive display interaction will be investigated.

DARCY FREAR, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

SMALL SIZE DISCRIMINATION USING VISUAL AND AUDITORY FEEDBACK WITHIN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT Mentor: Cynthia Overstreet, graduate research associate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

This research aims to determine humans’ ability to discriminate small size variations of virtual objects in the absence of tactile and visual feedback. Human subjects are asked to compare the size of a hidden virtual box to the previous object using motion tracking sensors attached to their thumb and index finger and visual or auditory cues. The data will be compared to an experiment using real objects. This work will help develop an understanding of how much each sense plays a part in discriminating small size variations and whether replacing a missing sensation will increase the subject’s accuracy.

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

PARALLEL SYNTHESIS AND SCREENING OF ENDOTOXIN-BINDING POLYMERSMentor: Kaushal Rege, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Health

Sepsis or endotoxic shock is a major problem affecting immunologically susceptible patients in ICUs. This study

aims to determine the efficacy of binding interactions between synthesized cationic polyaminoethers and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the toxic component of bacterial endotoxin. By performing a fluorescence assay study on a library of polyaminoethers, three lead polymers were chosen based upon binding capacities. These polymers were then further characterized by different techniques, including a NMR, FT-IR, sizing and zeta potential determination among others. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has also been done to image the LPS-polymer complexes.

CONNER GRAEFF, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: December 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

PHYSICAL WATER TREATMENT ON AQUEOUS ELECTRONIC DOUBLE LAYERSMentor: Peter Fox, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Themes: Sustainability and Energy

How does a uniform electric field affect the magnetic layer of colloids? A system of water has been put through a uniform

electric field in order to see the effect of the field on the voltage difference. The flow rate has been analyzed to see its effect on the system. The calcium ions in a recycle system are being analyzed in order to see how the concentration of calcium ions is affected. The results have shown that the electric field increases with flow rate and the concentration of calcium decreases with the length of the experiment.

CHRISTOPHER GARDNER, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

MEMS DESIGN FOR HUMAN VESTIBULAR SYSTEMMentor: Jennifer Blain Christen, assistant professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Health

The objective of the research is to replicate the function of the human vestibular system, located in the ear responsible for balance, by creating a MEMS device which is sensitive to

both rotation and tilt. Since the device uses photodiodes and fluid to sense movement, the photo-detectors were characterized. Due to their low-output current, an amplification circuit has been designed and tested. A custom PCB has been designed and fabricated to combine the photodiode chip and amplifier circuit. The static system has been fully characterized. Dynamic testing must be performed at various angles and angular velocities to continue characterization.

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

INVESTIGATIONS OF THE SIXTH SENSE: USING PROPRIOCEPTIVE AND TACTILE FEEDBACK TO REPRODUCE FINGERTIP PRESSURES AND DISTANCESMentor: Marco Santello, interim director and professor, School of Biological and Health Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Health

The objective of the study is to quantify human ability to reproduce vertical distance between the centers of pressure of the thumb and index finger (dy) without visual feedback. There were three predetermined reference dy-conditions that the subjects reproduced. The same-hand condition examined subject’s ability to retrieve the perceived dy from memory. The contralateral-hand condition examined subject’s ability to transfer sensory information across cerebral hemispheres. Matching error is significantly greater when subjects used the contralateral compared with the same hand. This difference was seen when the postures of test and reference hand were congruent, but not when they were different.

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

CHARACTERIZING BIOMARKERS FOR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY FOR CONTINUOUS SENSINGMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

A device to continuously monitor traumatic brain injury (TBI) does not currently exist. Since catecholamine (dopamine,

epinephrine, norepinephrine) concentrations fluctuate when injury occurs, these would be indicative biomarkers for monitoring TBI. If a device can monitor and counteract the inflammation that causes necrosis of the tissue that hits the skull, recovery time and costs can be reduced. This research has accomplished characterization of the physiological concentrations of pure norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine. A continuous sensor based on these findings will be invaluable to physicians to make treatments more customized to heal the patient more quickly and effectively. TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM

JENNY HASTINGS, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

AFFECTIVE META-TUTORING: MOTIVATING STUDENTS TO USE META-COGNITIVE STRATEGIESMentor: Winslow Burleson, assistant professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Education

The objective of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of an affective learning companion (ALC) in motivating learners

to use the problem-solving strategy taught by a meta-tutor. The ALC is a computerized agent that relies on emotion to motivate and persuade the learner. The meta-tutor developed for this project is a tutoring system that teaches a meta-cognitive strategy for solving computer modeling problems. A between-subjects experiment was conducted to test the performance of the meta-tutor. The development of the ALC is currently in progress, and future work should evaluate its performance.

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

DEVELOPMENT OF A TEAR-BASED STRESS SENSORMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

This thesis sought to develop a biosensor that will monitor the levels of six biomarkers in the body that have shown

promise as indicators of stress-related trauma or illnesses using cutting edge electrochemical technology. The sensor will be a powerful diagnostic tool which simultaneously detects the presence, decrease or increase of all six markers in the tear fluid. The quantification of stress provided by the sensor will simultaneously aid healthcare professionals in their ability to rapidly respond to a trauma incident while also providing a new dimension to everyday healthcare and diagnosis.

IBRAHIM HALLOUM, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

CHARACTERIZATION OF AN ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE FROM LACTOBACILLUS BREVISMentor: David Nielsen, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Energy

The objective is to characterize the kinetics of the enzyme ADH3, which is found in Lactobacillus brevis. Thus far, the

kinetics of ADH3 has been characterized on several short-chain substrates using a Michaelis-Menten model. It was observed that for both aldehydes and ketones the KM decreased (suggesting a greater enzyme affinity) as chain length increased. From this, it may be inferred that longer-chain aldehydes and ketones would be better suited for the enzymatic conversion by this enzyme. Future work includes increasing the repertoire of substrates, and deleting or disrupting the gene that codes for ADH3.

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AMADA HERNANDEZ, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

IS THERE UPTAKE OF NANOMATERIALS BY PLANTS?Mentor: Paul Westerhoff, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Research Theme: Sustainability

The basis of this research is to determine if there is uptake of nanomaterials (NMs), specifically titanium dioxide (E171)

and cerium dioxide (CeO2), by plants. Last semester focused on partitioning of NMs to dead wetland plant materials. This semester focuses on NM incorporation into growing plant materials. Experiments include lettuce seeds cultivated in petri dishes that contain 5 mL of different concentrations of E171 and CeO2 in a buffer of BG-11. Hydroflouric acid digestion and ICP-MS will be used to test if there is uptake in the roots, stem and leaves

SHANNON HERTFELDER, Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics)Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona

MODELING AND CONTROL OF DYNAMIC SYSTEMS USING NEURAL NETWORKSMentor: Yabin Liao, lecturer, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Security

This research consists of using neural networks to model and control the dynamics of an inverted pendulum system. First the pendulum system model was created in MATLAB using Simulink. Then a conventional proportional-integral-derivative controller was applied to the model to achieve desired system dynamics. After that a neural-network controller was used for the same purpose. The work to come is to finalize some findings and compare the performances of the two techniques.

SHAWN HAUPT, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona

WILL DOSES OF 100 MG OF PYRIDOXINE PER DAY GIVEN TO DIABETIC PATIENTS HELP IMPROVE THE RATE AT WHICH THEIR WOUNDS HEAL? Mentor: Michael R. Caplan, associate professor, and Christine Pauken, faculty research associate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The objective is to investigate whether pyridoxine (a form of vitamin B6) accelerates diabetic wound healing. In an ongoing clinical trial with the Arizona Heart Institute, patients in the experimental group are given 100 mg of pyridoxine a day along with normal wound care, while those in the control group receive normal wound care without pyridoxine. Data has been inconclusive in showing an improvement in the rate of wound healing with pyridoxine. Statistical analyses of the average healing rates between the two groups showed a 9% chance that pyridoxine made a difference in healing rates; this could be due to possible compounding factors, such as patients’ smoking habits, body mass indexes and blood pressure.

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

LABORATORY MODEL ROTATING FLUID FLOWS AND APPLICATIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL PREDICTIONMentor: Huei-Ping Huang, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Sustainability

Design and implement a new factor in the rotating tank experiment in order to better model climate and environment

changes. Modeling and addition of a “terrain” aspect to the current tank model as well as design and build of a new structure around the tank was done to make filming the experiment easier. Testing is performed by adding/rotating the tank with water and any additional parameters (temperature gradients, Coriolis effect, Earth’s curvature, terrain model). The device is rotated and food dye is added to observe how the fluid dynamics change with the different parameters. For future work, new factors can be added such as density gradients.

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ZAHRA HUSSAINI, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

LIGHT INTENSITY CHARACTERIZATION FOR IN SITU STUDY OF PHOTOCATALYTIC MATERIALSMentor: Peter Crozier, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

In order to enhance current and future technologies for sustainable energy, a fundamental understanding of the

underlying photocatalytic processes is essential. Using environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM), materials can be imaged while exposed to various stimuli. This project aids in designing a system capable of irradiating ETEM samples with visible and UV radiation, which will allow the in situ study of photocatalytic materials. The light source’s intensity profile has been characterized, and a method for determining the light intensity distribution on the sample while it is in the ETEM has been designed.

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

BIORESORBABLE INJECTABLE HYDROGELS FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF HYDROPHILIC DRUGSMentor: Brent L. Vernon, associate professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Polymers of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), (R)-(+)-R-acryloyloxy-β,β-dimethyl-γ-butyrolactone (DBLA) and

Jeffamine M-1000 (JAAm) are promising as injectable and resorbable drug delivery devices. The polymers have been characterized for composition, gelation, swelling and degradability in various pHs and solvents, stability of polymer while frozen, and release rate. In addition, the polymer has been tested for biocompatibility. It has been found that the polymer with JAAm releases drugs at a slower rate and degrades more quickly. Poly(NIPAAm-co-DBLA-co-JAAm) is currently being tested for safety and developed to be visible under X-ray.

CAROLINE HOM, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS FOR PREDICTABLE CONTROL OF THERAPEUTIC GENESMentor: Karmella Haynes, assistant professor, School of Biological and Health Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Health

This project aims to create a broadly applicable procedure for using bioinformatics to predict the effect of synthetic

transcription factors on patients’ cells. Polycomb-based transcription factor (Pc-TF) regulates cell states by binding to H3K27me3. A list of genes in the BJ cell line containing promoters with significant H3K27me3 signal were extracted from available ChIP data that was filtered with biomedical analysis software. These genes are grouped according to their Gene Ontology Terms which helps to understand how Pc-TF-driven gene activation might alter a cell’s growth and phenotype. In future research, expression of Pc-TF in cells will hopefully confirm the validity of this procedure.

HAI HUANG, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chengdu, China

HYBRID SOLAR CELL WITH ORGANIC MATERIALSMentor: Stephen Goodnick, professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Themes: Energy and Sustainability

The project focuses on developing a hybrid solar cell with organic materials. Renewable energy is one of the greatest challenges in the world. Solar energy is currently an active

research area to solve it. The project consists of research, design and development of a hybrid solar cell. In this project, organic material will be utilized as the surface layer of solar cell. It involves combining a silicon base with a PQ surface, then passivating the surface, and finally comparing the measured performance against standard solar cells. The experiment will be completed in the ASU Solar Power Laboratory. Future work will be done in collaboration with a research group that has strong background in hybrid solar cell research.

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JESSICA JIA, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2015 Hometown: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

SEISMIC PROTECTION OF WOOD HOMESMentor: Thomas Attard, lecturer, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: Security

Research analyzed how CarbonFlex will strengthen structures exposed to forces of extreme strain. CarbonFlex is a newly patented carbon material that will be wrapped around wood or

concrete structures and aid in dissipating force. Varying dimensions of scaled house models were built and tested under recreated earthquake and tornado conditions. Concrete forms have been constructed and were tested both before and after carbon retrofitting. CarbonFlex has proven to strengthen both material structures to withstand up to eight times the force. Future areas of research include testing other shapes of structures with carbon retrofitting.

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

THE USE OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES FOR NUCLEAR FORENSICSMentor: Keith E. Holbert, associate professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: Security

Increasing world violence fosters the need to develop readily available, deterrence-based techniques to prevent a nuclear

attack. Because of their relative scarcity, nuclear weapons can be linked to their development location through key characteristics, such as their size. A study is performed of the chemical and structural changes to lithium batteries, found in most modern electronics, due to neutron irradiation from a nuclear weapon. The neutron environment and its effects on battery composition are modeled using the Monte-Carlo N-Particle code (MCNP). A technique is then developed to determine the size of a weapon used in an attack. This information can then be used to identify the responsible parties and deter the assistance of future nuclear terrorist attacks.

ABBAS JABER, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: December 2013 Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENT PLATFORM FOR THIN FILMS AND BULK MATERIALSMentor: Robert Wang, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

The thermoelectric potential of nanostructured materials is being investigated for the conversion of waste heat (e.g.

automotive exhaust, jet engines, power plants, etc.) into usable electricity. To facilitate this materials exploration, a thermal conductivity measurement system using the 3-omega technique has been constructed. A control measurement on intrinsic gallium arsenide yields 51 W/m-K, which is in agreement with literature values. Work to optimize the hardware and to automate the process using a LabVIEW computer program is ongoing.

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

PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF METHYLENE BLUE Mentor: Patrick Phelan, professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Sustainability

The degradation of toxic organic compounds in water was to be examined by introducing titanium dioxide nanoparticles as a

catalyst and exposing the mixture to ultraviolet light. A reactor with a sight glass was set up in which to house the reaction using methylene blue as the contaminant. Sunlight was captured by a solar concentrator dish and used as the light source. Extent of degradation of methylene blue was measured using UV-Vis spectroscopy with varying temperature, dye concentration and amount of catalyst. Future work includes examination of the effect of using different dyes and catalysts for the reaction.

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KATELYN KEBERLE, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

SYNTHESIS OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL CARBON NANOTUBES FOR IN VIVO DIAGNOSIS, IMAGING AND PHOTOTHERMAL TREATMENT OF CANCER CELLS Mentor: Michael O’Connell, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Health

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have potential applications in the diagnosis, imaging and treatment of cancer. This research focuses on functionalizing CNT to detect cancerous cells. Initial research has used CNT to control the fluorescence of a solution. A fluorescent dye-ligand conjugate (DLC) solution’s fluorescence is removed with the addition of CNT. When a specific protein is added, the solution fluoresces. The intensity of this fluorescence can be used to detect specific DLCs. Further research will measure fluorescence of the CNT to detect a specific protein. This chemistry will be modified to detect proteins indicative of cancer for in vivo studies.

SAAD KHAN, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: New Delhi, India

PHOTOCATALYTIC DISSOCIATION OF TOXIC INDUSTRIAL DYES USING TIO2 NANOPARTICLESMentor: Patrick Phelan, professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Sustainability

This research is focused on using oxygen produced by photocatalytic dissociation of water to break down toxic dyes

dumped into water bodies and methylene blue has been chosen as the test dye. A solar dish is being used to concentrate the sunlight on the reactor containing the dye with the UV sensitive titanium dioxide nanoparticles dispersed in the solution. Effects of temperature, catalytic loading and dye concentration are to be analyzed. Further research will focus on analyzing different dyes and using a catalyst that is more responsive to the visible or infrared portion of the light spectra.

CHRISTOPHER KADY, Aerospace Engineering (Aeronautics) Graduation: December 2012 Hometown: Newburyport, Massachusetts

INCREASING POWER DENSITY OF MEMS MICROBIAL FUEL CELLSMentor: Junseok Chae, associate professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Energy

Sustainable energy production has become an issue of great importance in the 21st century. The miniaturization of the microbial fuel cell (MFC) using MEMS technology would provide a versatile and sustainable power source. By monitoring and adjusting various parameters such as temperature, pH and ORP, more can be learned about the functionality of the extracellular electron transfer process of the Geobacter bacterial culture used in micro-scaled MFCs. It is hoped that this will lead to a significant increase in the columbic efficiency ratio, which presently, is considerably lower in micro-scale MFCs compared to meso-scaled.

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

SYNTHESIS OF POLYMER MEMBRANES VIA INTERFACIAL POLYCONSENDSATIONMentor: Mary Laura Lind, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

The synthesis of polyamide 6/6 by interfacial polycondensation with simultaneous impregnation of carbon fibers was studied.

Withstanding high mechanical stresses, production of high permeate fluxes and rejection of unnecessary solutes was the emphasis during synthesis. Future work includes applying the nylon membrane in an FO system for liquid-liquid separation (water and ethanol).

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JOHN KONECNY, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

POLYAMIDE MEMBRANE SYNTHESIS Mentor: Mary Laura Lind, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Sustainability

There are two goals of the research being performed: (1) to remove salt from sea water using a membrane and (2) to allow a high volume of pure water to pass through the membrane.

Variables explored in casting the membranes include support membrane pre-treatment and monomer concentrations. It has been found that pretreatment of the support membrane is important in casting membranes that are suitable to purify sea water.

DWIGHT LANE, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

CELLULAR RESPONSE TO SUBSTRATE STIFFNESS AND ECM PROTEIN COMPOSITIONMentor: Christine Pauken, faculty research associate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

How do cells know where they are and how to behave? Cells take cues from their environment and initiate signaling

cascades that tell the cell how to behave including migration, proliferation or differentiation. This research examines how changes in surface proteins and stiffness affect cell behavior. The activity of p130Cas kinase has been measured in response to these factors and may tell the cell when it is appropriate to migrate. Results have shown early indication that stiffness and protein composition plays a role in modulating cell migration. Future work will determine any significant difference in p130Cas activation due to specific surface proteins and stiffness.

ERIC KINCAID, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Litchfield, Ohio

CARBON QUANTUM DOTSMentor: Michael O’Connell, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Energy

This research aims to provide a further in-depth characterization of the structure and electronic properties of carbon quantum dots using mainly TEM, Raman and FTIR

spectroscopy. The dots have been synthesized in a microwave and tube furnace, TEM images have been taken, photochemical potential has been explored, and a prototype solar cell has been assembled. The TEM images have shown the dots to come in various shapes and sizes regardless of the synthesis route. The electronic properties likely depend highly on the size at this small scale and size separation may be key to their application in energy devices.

JOHN KONDZIOLKA, Civil Engineering (Environmental)Graduation: May 2012 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUND APPLICATION TO WATER PURIFICATIONMentor: Peter Fox, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Research Theme: Sustainability

A quaternary ammonium compound has been developed by Coatings Systems Laboratories, Inc. of Chandler, Ariz., that

could potentially adhere to the surface of porous filter media and withstand normal filter operations. This research program evaluated the ability of the compound-coated media (CM) to operate under normal filtration operations, specifically, the capacity for sorbing natural organic matter (NOM) from water. The NOM sorption capability of the CM was tested by varying the mass of CM present and measuring the sorption after mixing with NOM. High sorption capacity was demonstrated, indicating some potential problems if used in conventional filtration unit operations.

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

ENGINEERING THE ENDOTHELIAL MICROENVIRONMENTMentor: Christine Pauken, faculty research associate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Normal atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque in the arteries—occurs only in the stiffest tissues in the arteries. Diabetics,

however, experience atherosclerosis throughout their arteries, in flexible and stiff tissues alike. Why does this happen? Previous studies have shown that the presence of high concentrations of glucose—like the high blood sugar of diabetics—can cause the cells that line the interior of the arteries to lose their flexibility and alignment. The goal of this study is to understand how glucose and triglycerides in the blood might be responsible for this phenomenon.

JIAJIE LI, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Guangzhou, China

PHYSICAL WATER TREATMENT AS PART OF A ZERO-LIQUID DISCHARGE SYSTEM USING COOLING TOWERSMentor: Peter Fox, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Research Theme: Sustainability

The primary objective of the research is to investigate the potential for cooling towers combined with an electromagnetic treatment to be used as part of a zero-liquid discharge system. Data regarding conductivity, pH and calcium carbonate concentration of the controlled cooling towers are measured, then data is collected with the device attached. In addition, a calcium-ion probe is implemented to measure the calcium-ion concentration of the samples. Calcium carbonate and calcium-ion concentration are analyzed. The next phase of the research is to carry out a temperature differential experiment under various controlled conditions to fully understand the phenomenon.

KEVIN LAROSA, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Newbury Park, California

PHOTOLUMINESCENCE IMAGING OF SILICON WAFERS USING HIGH POWER, VARIABLE FREQUENCY LIGHT EMITTING DIODE ARRAYSMentor: Stuart Bowden, associate research professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Energy

The goal of this project was to design and build a photoluminescence characterization device for analysis of solar cells produced at the Solar Power Lab at ASU. Photoluminescence imaging is a relatively new, contactless method for characterization which typically relies on expensive lasers. The system designed and built here uses LED arrays, which are more versatile and considerably cheaper. Photoluminescence has been successfully detected and used to identify wafer damage in a qualitative manner. Future work will focus on calibrating the device to provide quantitative analysis of minority carrier lifetimes and using a variety of different wavelength LED arrays.

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

SYNTHESIS OF THERMOSENSITIVE, CHEMICAL-PHYSICAL GELLING POLYMERS FOR TREATMENT OF SACCULAR ANEURYSMSMentor: Brent L. Vernon, associate professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Rupture of aneurysms is a devastating, often lethal health event. A minimally invasive method of solving this problem may involve a material which can be administered as a liquid and then becomes a strong solid within minutes. Polymers capable of both chemically curing after injection and transitioning from a liquid to solid upon heating were used. The polymer system, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide–co–cysteamine–co–Jeffamine M-1000 acrylamide) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, was evaluated in a glass aneurysm model to replicate low-flow conditions of a blood vessel. Investigation of this polymer system indicates that the Jeffamine M-1000 causes the gels to retain water, initially weakening the gel, but eventually increasing gel strength. Future work includes cell studies to test the cytocompatibility of this polymer system.

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MICHAEL MACHAS, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

MOLECULAR DYNAMICS (MD) SIMULATIONS OF OIL ASSEMBLY AT IONIC LIQUID-BASED INTERFACESMentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy, Sustainability

The objective of the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations is to study the effectiveness of ionic liquids extracting oil from

substances on a molecular scale. Simulations of hexane-ionic liquid and water-ionic liquid systems were created and quartz-crystal nanoparticles were initially dispersed in the hexane or water phase. The results were analyzed to determine the equilibrium positions and dynamics of the nanoparticles as well as how they interact with the ionic liquid. This research is anticipated to aid in the understanding of employing ionic liquids as a potentially effective method to extract valuable oils from contaminated organics or soils.

BETH MAGERMAN, Mechanical Engineering (Energy & Environment)Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTOVOLTAIC-POWERED AIR CONDITIONER MODIFIED WITH THERMAL STORAGE USING GLYCOL SOLUTIONMentor: Patrick Phelan, professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

This project is an effort to produce a viable option for maximizing photovoltaic energy usage through an effective method of energy storage. The system uses both solar and grid energy to power a DC air conditioner and, when the air conditioning is not in use, to chill a glycol solution. The solution can then be used for air conditioning along with the AC unit. As a result, this system is also effective at smoothing peak demand for electricity. An experimental prototype was completed and tests are being run to determine the optimal design. TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM

XUAN LIANG, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Shijiazhuang, China

WIRELESS CAPNOGRAPH FOR RESPIRATORY FUNCTION DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT Mentor: Erica Forzani, assistant professor, School for Engineering Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Health

The goal of the present project is to develop a low-cost and wireless capnography device for personal, home-based oxygen

therapy or for resource-deprived emergency care conditions. Using different kinds of materials, new sensor cartridges have been designed. The influence that the cartridge has on the sensor solution has been tested and modified. Different methods of sensor fabrication—including the easier method of flexographic painting, printing on the transparent plastic using electronic pipette—are done to support the calibration of the device and the pilot experiment. The nylon mesh is the best so far, and further work will be done to improve the transparent sensor.

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

STRATEGIES FOR MICROBIAL DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT IN MICROBIAL ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS (MXCS)Mentor: Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, assistant professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Research Theme: Sustainability

Microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs) are a technology capable of converting contaminants in wastewater into electrical energy. In these systems, the production of methane (methanogensis) can route energy from the system to methane and away from electricity, resulting in decreased efficiencies. Techniques for managing microbial communities are being implemented to improve energy efficiencies in MXCs. Different concentrations of nitrogen in the form of ammonium (N-NH4

+ ), were studied for methanogenesis inhibition in serum bottle cultures (i.e., no anode). Experiments applying the results of the serum bottles to an MXC operated in batch mode are currently under way.

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ALENA MATUSEVICH, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

HIGHER DENSITY MEMORY ARRAYMentor: Michael Kozicki, professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Security

The design of an ultra-high density memory array using diode-isolated conductive bridging random access memory (CBRAM) structures is limited by the leakage current through the

unselected cells during the read operation. For the first time, state-of-the-art computer-aided design PSpice software was used to simulate a cross-bar array of diode-isolated CBRAM cells. As an initial exercise, 4x4 array performance was optimized by determining the best value of read voltage which causes minimum leakage current in the unselected devices. Larger arrays are being simulated to determine the maximum possible memory density using this optimization technique.

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

REAL TIME DETECTION OF TRACE TARGETS IN WATER SUPPLIES USING PHARMAFLEX-SCREEN PRINTED ELECTRODESMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Sustainability

The goals of this project are to electrochemically characterize target pharmaceuticals found in flowing water lines and develop highly sensitive electrode arrays on flexible substrates which can detect these targets. Carbon, silver/silver chloride and insulator paste inks were printed onto polyester using custom-made stencils for a 4x1 array of 3-electrode electrochemical cells. Acetaminophen was characterized, and the cell was capable of detecting trace levels under flow. Characterization of the hormone progesterone was initiated in a pure system on gold disk electrodes. Next steps include using a flexible, wireless electronic component, detecting new targets and using more sensitive materials.

AMIT MANGUKIA, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: December 2012 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

UNDERWATER ROBOTSMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Education

The approach shapes memory alloy to achieve the forward motion of a fish. The configuration of applying the memory alloy in its straight wire form to spring form will deploy the fast

response of wire and low-power supply. To achieve this, the study evaluates a fish consisting of a winding configuration using alloy wire to assist in providing motion instead of the motor.

GRANT MARSHALL, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2015 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

VISUALIZATION AND MANIPULATION OF TWITTER DATAMentor: Fred Morstatter, graduate research associate, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Security

How can one visualize the massive amounts of data created by consumers of social media? Using modern web technologies,

a system has been created to display tweet data based on three criteria. These criteria are geographical location, chronological information and most frequent keywords. This allows a researcher to view information about key topics or time spans in terms of Twitter. This area of research still has more room to be investigated with sentiment analysis and event summarization.

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ELYSAR MOUGHARBEL, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Gray, Maine

HAPTIC SIZE DISCRIMINATIONMentor: Cynthia Pierce, graduate research associate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The objective of this study was to evaluate human ability of haptic size discrimination in the absence of vision. Subjects completed a series of blind comparisons of two different

shaped objects with slight varying differences in width. On average, large size differences resulted in greater response accuracy while small size differences were more prone to error. The ability to define objects as being the same size introduced a bias in subject response. Subjects appeared to be slightly more accurate in discriminating between cylindrical shaped objects versus blocks. Future works include isolating the effects of other haptic indicators including proprioceptive feedback.

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

GOLD NANOROD INDUCED HYPERTHERMIA MEDIATING DRUG DIFFUSION IN COLLAGENMentor: Kaushal Rege, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Health

The goal of the research is to understand the impact photothermal treatments can have on the diffusion of drugs

through the extracellular matrix. Gold nanorods are heated using near-infrared radiation to denature collagen, which roughly models the extracellular matrix. The diffusion of doxorubicin, an anticancer drug, through the collagen is measured using absorbance readings. It is observed that little drug diffuses readily through the dense collagen, even upon heating. In the future, more quantitative results will be obtained of the diffusion of nanoparticles in collagen, the temperature profile of the heating and the diffusion of drugs in the matrix.

MATTHEW MCDANIEL, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

OPTIMIZING STYRENE RECOVERY FROM A BIOREACTORMentor: David Nielsen, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Sustainability

Styrene, a component of many rubber products, is currently synthesized from petroleum in a highly energy-intensive

process. Professor Nielsen’s lab has demonstrated a biochemical pathway by which E. coli can be engineered to produce styrene from phenylalanine, which E. coli naturally synthesizes from glucose. This project attempted to efficiently separate styrene from the environment containing E. coli, both for scale-up purposes and to avoid surpassing E. coli’s toxicity threshold for styrene. Gas stripping proved to be difficult to consistently implement. Current and future efforts will focus on extraction using a nonpolar solvent and on a relatively new technique called pervaporation.

ISHA MEHTA, Civil EngineeringGraduation: December 2012Hometown: San Jose, California

RUBBER MODIFIED CONCRETE ROOF TILESMentor: Kamil Kaloush, associate professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: Sustainability

This research is focused on concrete roof tiles that are modified with crumb rubber recycled from old tires in order to create a sustainable design. Previous research studies reported

that crumb rubber concrete (CRC) has advantages such as improved thermal properties and resistance against cracking. With this understanding and further investigation, a typical concrete roof tile mix design modified with crumb rubber has been identified. Multiple designs have been developed to test the strength characteristics as well as thermal conductivity of the CRC mixtures. An optimal mix design will be determined to further advance and implement a trial installation of a CRC roof tile.

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SPENCER PROST, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

MULTISENSORY INTEGRATION FOR HUMANOID ROBOTMentor: David Claveau, lecturer, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Health

The principal objective of the multisensory robotics research revolved around the grand challenge of biological and human

systems, emphasizing the role that the vestibular and optical sense play when determining spatial properties of an object and surrounding environment. The primary method by which this was accomplished was a combination of computer vision algorithms in OpenCV coupled with an accelerometer. The research findings will help improve object classification and detection which can be useful for security robots, as well as a greater understanding of the computability of mammalian biological systems. Future work will attempt to incorporate machine learning.

ELLEN QIN, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

ENDOTHELIAL CELL BEHAVIOR IN DIFFERENT MICROENVIRONMENTSMentor: Christine Pauken, faculty research associate, School of Biological and Health Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Health

What makes cells behave differently when they adhere to different materials found in different microenvironments?

Finding this out is important because the human body must remodel itself during growth or wound healing. One method of determining the difference is to expose endothelial cells to microenvironments that differ in their composition or stiffness. Specific signaling proteins are quantified using gel electrophoresis and detected with Western blotting. Currently, the techniques are not yielding any results because of low protein amounts. As such, future research will involve finding a way to be able to detect the proteins and analyze them.

GABE OLAND, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

FMRI-BASED VALIDATION OF PENFIELD DIAGRAMMentor: David Frakes, assistant professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The purpose of this project is to validate Wilder Penfield’s motor cortex homunculus using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Subject data have been gathered for various

motor tasks and the fMRI voxels of highest intensity along the motor cortex have been isolated to indicate the locations of neurological control for specific motor functions. Volumetrically quantifying the motor cortex in this manner can allow for a more accurate representation of motor cortical function.

WARINSINEE PHUSITKANCHANA, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Kanchanaburi, Thailand

ENGINEERING PSEUDOMONAS PUTIDA S12 FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AROMATIC DERIVATIVES OF PHENYLALANINEMentor: David Nielsen, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Energy

The objective of the research was to engineer Pseudomonas putida S12 for the production of aromatic derivatives of phenylalanine and ultimately styrene. P. putida was first grown and tested in M9 media saturated with styrene to confirm their survival. The results showed that they survived in the presence of styrene, but also that they could survive on styrene as the sole carbon and energy source. Since it was known that the cells could survive in an excess amount of styrene, but also degrade it, the next step is to delete the first step of the styrene degradation pathway (styA) while adding the genes responsible for over expressing phenylalanine using recombinant DNA techniques.

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JULIE RORRER, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Corvallis, Oregon

NANOSTRUCTURED SULFIDE MATERIALS FOR SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSIONMentor: Candace Chan, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Energy

The objective of this research is to develop and characterize nanostructured sulfide materials with properties suitable for

solar energy conversion applications such as photoelectrochemical cells and photovoltaics. The optical properties of nickel sulfide (Ni3S2) and copper sulfide (Cu2S) were tuned using nanostructuring. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to indicate the formation of Cu2S nanowires and Ni3S2 nanotubes, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization was used to verify the composition of the materials. Using ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, the light absorption properties of the materials can be tested. Future research will involve investigation of different sulfide materials and their applications to photoelectrochemical cells.

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

SPIKE SYNCHRONIZATION AND SEIZURE FREQUENCYMentor: Leonidas Iasemidis, associate professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Interictal spikes are synchronized neuronal discharges that, together with seizures, are observed in the

electroencephalogram (EEG) of individuals with epilepsy. In this research, interictal spikes are detected using data adaptive morphological filtering techniques. This spike detection algorithm is run on EEG data of rats with chronic epilepsy and a spatio-temporal spike synchronization operator is used to quantify spiking across different brain sites over time. Preliminary results demonstrate that spike synchronization is inversely correlated with seizure frequency. Further studies investigating spike synchronization in additional rats will be performed to validate these findings and provide statistically significant results.

TIM REBLITZ, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

ESTABLISHING A BASELINE SOLAR CELL PROCESS ON INDUSTRIAL SILICON SUBSTRATE /STRATEGIC SOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE OF PV PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION DATAMentor: Stuart Bowden, associate research professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Energy

The goal of this research work is to allow scientists in the ASU Solar Power Lab (SPL) to easily identify the parameters that lead to efficient solar cells. The SPL research scientists use several different devices to measure and characterize prototype photovoltaic cells, however the experimental data is not saved in a centralized location. The production and characterization data will be stored in a centralized SQL server and made available via a web application. Resulting data analysis will provide SPL engineers with the ability to improve the efficiency of cells produced in the lab.

MARIELA ROBLEDO, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Somerton, Arizona

DELAMINATION AND RECYCLING OF PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS USING SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDEMentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Themes: Energy and Sustainability

Currently, traditional metallurgical processes are being used for the recycling of printed circuit boards (PCB) which require high energy input, provide limited economic returns and are environmentally harmful. The objective is to test a new, exciting technology using carbon dioxide, which is abundant and environmentally benign, in supercritical conditions to delaminate and recycle PCB. Recent experimental results show successful delamination of the printed circuit board using the supercritical carbon dioxide process, in addition to being nonhazardous for the environment. Future work includes integrating other processes to this approach to understand the polymer degradation mechanism and identify previous components of contamination threats.

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

FREQUENCY OF LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN FOR USE IN AN INTEGRATED BIOSENSOR Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The objective of this study is to determine the optimal frequency at which low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is best tested

using the electrochemical technique of impedance spectroscopy. This optimal frequency will then be used with the previously studied high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the integration with several other biomarkers into a biosensor in order to test for risk level of cardiovascular disease. LDL has been electrochemically tested in a concentrated purified form and will be tested in a more diluted form and finally in blood samples to mimic the actual application of the sensor.

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

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARTIFICIAL OCULAR SURFACE FOR IMPROVED TEAR CAPTURE MECHANICSMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Tear fluid has gained attention for its potential diagnostic power, because of its wide array of biomarkers. This project seeks to develop a more accurate artificial ocular surface and marry that with a tear capture fluidic design tailored to absorb the hydrophilic tear fluid. Two steps were taken—creating a platform where inteferent concentrations could be studied as well as altering the capture-device design. The interferents were analyzed at different concentrations present on both the updated ocular surface and an earlier styrene-ethylene-butylene styrene surface. Future work will involve continued tailoring of the interface to select against both lipids and mucin.

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

WEARABLE-SUBCUTANEOUS, CONTINUOUS ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSORMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

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. Five adhesives were tested for use on the body using styrene ethylene butadiene styrene (SEBS) acting as the skin. The adhesives were analyzed for damages done to SEBS. The adhesives were also looked at for the comfort of being placed on and taken off the skin. Future work includes using printed circuit board fabrication to add the electrical components and test the sensor ability, and building the complete sensor for prototype testing.

KAILEY RUMBO, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

MICELLAR DRUG DELIVERY TO CANCER CELLSMentor: Kaushal Rege, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Health

For effective drug delivery to cancer cells, poorly soluble drugs must have a carrier; micelles have the potential to be carriers for transporting drugs for targeted delivery. The objective

of this research is to determine the effect of mitoxantrone-loaded micelles on cancer cells. Single-agent mitoxantrone treatments are investigated to determine the most effective method to decrease the viability of cancer cells. Drug-loaded micelles show a similar cytotoxicity profile as the drug alone. Future work will include using mitoxantrone in different types of micelles, and the testing of other drugs in micelles, including paclitaxel and gemcitabine.

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JARED SCHOEPF, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

UNDERSTANDING PARTICLE BRIDGING IN IONIC LIQUID-IN-OIL PICKERING EMULSIONS Mentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

Pickering emulsions (solid-stabilized emulsions) have garnered increasing attention for their applications in chemicals, energy

and pharmaceuticals. Through the employment of a confocal laser scanning microscope, iconic liquid-in-oil Pickering emulsions have been investigated to understand the unique bridging morphology. Altering concentrations of particles has yielded different sizes of droplets and bridging networks. Saturation points, where bridging no longer occurs, have also been identified. The stability of these emulsions will be analyzed in future work.

PANKTI SHAH, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

ELIMINATION OF ELECTROACTIVE INTERFERENCE FOR A NON-INVASIVE TEAR-GLUCOSE SENSORMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The purpose of this research is to determine a method to eliminate excess noise to improve the noninvasive tear-glucose

sensor being developed by the TOUCH group. Nafion® coatings and polytyramine membranes have been studied to determine their effectiveness at eliminating noise from ascorbic acid, uric acid and acetaminophen. Each coating has been tried using various methodologies and optimized to best filter out unwanted signals. Using Nafion, the noise was reduced and the optimal coating percent weight was optimized. Future studies will aim to further improve the elimination of noise and explore options that would combine the beneficial effects of both coatings.

RAFAEL SANTANA, Computer Science (Information Assurance)Graduation: May 2013 Hometown: Douglas, Arizona

VULNERABILITIES IN SAAS CLOUD COMPUTINGMentor: Partha Dasgupta, associate professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Security

The goal of this project is to determine the effectiveness of security enforcement in the Software as a Service (SaaS)

layer of cloud computing. This is a joint project with Clinton D’Souza, and is in the second of four phases. The project analyzes possible vulnerabilities of the SaaS layer and with emphasis on Microsoft Azure. The two major identified points of entry for breaching SaaS are user and provider entry. Initial conclusion is that SaaS has security flaws, which need monitoring and fixing to avoid breaches. Future work will be done to generate test exploits for SaaS and determine how these breaches can be patched or reduced.

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

PATHWAY ENGINEERING FOR THE RENEWABLE BIOSYNTHESIS OF STYRENE OXIDE IN ESCHERICHIA COLI Mentor: David Nielsen, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Sustainability

Because current methods to produce styrene and styrene oxide involve unsustainable practices, this research investigates the potential to produce these compounds through engineered biopathways. The first main objective was to establish that the E. coli utilized would be able to produce reasonable amounts of these products before the products themselves started inhibiting cellular growth. Next, the pathway was optimized through the testing of different gene-containing plasmid combinations and orders. One bottleneck step involving the conversion of L-phenylalanine was investigated to show that 80 percent conversion to cinnamic acid was possible in six hours. Continuing research will investigate product extraction with dodecane.

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LORENZO SLAY, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska

“SMART” COMPOSITE NANOPARTICLES FOR CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERYMentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Health

The objective of this research is to identify and document the methods of generating “smart” composite nanoparticles that

are appropriately temperature sensitive for the purpose of controlled drug delivery. At 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, and now fine-tuning of the temperature-sensitive characteristics is underway. The next step is to address the biomedical characteristics and consequences of selected compounds.

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

IN SITU GELLING POLYMER SYSTEM FOR BRAIN ANEURYSM EMBOLIZATION Mentor: Celeste Riley Brennecka, postdoctoral research assistant, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

A liquid-to-solid gelling material is being developed to treat brain aneurysms, which are bulges in a blood vessel wall.

It is delivered noninvasively and fills the volume of the aneurysm sac. The poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-mercaptoproprionate) (QT) system was tested with two different molecular weights, PEGDA575 and PEGDA700, to compare properties. The monomers were mixed with pH-adjusted Conray© to achieve gel times under ten minutes. Degradation, water uptake and cytotoxicity experiments were undertaken to show behavior under simulated physiological and accelerated conditions. Future in vivo studies will be needed to more fully characterize this treatment method.

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

DESIGN OF A KINECT-BASED OBJECT DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMMentor: Veronica J. Santos, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Health

The Microsoft Kinect IR sensor array was designed for the video game market, allowing depth measurements across

a wide field on a relatively inexpensive platform. The device has proven versatile, being implemented in a variety of robotics and computer-vision applications in multiple technical industries. The goal of this project is to develop a basic tracking program to discriminate between simple objects and determine their relative spatial orientation. In time, the device can be utilized to provide a vision-based approach to guiding robotic hands in the ASU Biomechatronics Lab.

GABRIEL SILVA, Computer Systems EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Glendale, Arizona

BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION IN SMART PHONES Mentor: Guoliang Xue, professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering Research Theme: Security

Popularity of smartphones makes their security and privacy issues significant to the owners. This research focuses on studying the protection of smartphones using biometric

approaches. In other words, the goal is that only the real owner can unlock and use the smartphone being protected. The approach taken is to use gesture patterns to recognize the owner. The focus is on seven essential gestures: slide up, slide down, slide left, slide right, pinch, spread out and click. When a gesture happens, the corresponding classifier will recognize if the gesture is coming from the owner.

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ERIC STEVENS, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

BI-LAYER HYDROGELS INTEGRATED WITH SILICON FOR INTELLIGENT ELECTRONICSMentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor, and Hanqing Jiang, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

The objective of this research is to develop a bi-layer hydrogel integrated with silicon for stretchable electronics. These gels were synthesized by combining a bottom layer, which is pH and temperature sensitive, with a temperature-sensitive top layer. When fully swollen, the bi-layer structure formed a bowl-shape and when submerged in an acidic solution, the structure became flat. The silicon was transferred to the gel in the acidic environment. Upon re-swelling, the silicon bi-layer gel retained its bowl-shape. Immersion in hot water drove the gel to shrink and the silicon to buckle without fracture in a reversible fashion.

STEVEN STOWE, Electrical Engineering Graduation: May 2012 Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado

TRANSMITTING ULTRASONIC PHASED-ARRAY IMPLEMENTED USING FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS Mentor: David Allee, professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Security

The intent of this project is to design, model, implement and test the circuitry necessary for the operation of a flexible

microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based phased-array transmitter using the resources of ASU’s Flexible Display Center. Necessary driving circuitry has been fabricated and tested; MEMS transmitters are currently being fabricated into the array. In addition to using MEMS as ultrasonic transmitters, the feasibility of using MEMS as acoustic receiving devices is being investigated; this will allow for the use of MEMS as flexible capacitive microphones. A noise-shielded test setup will need to be created to effectively test the MEMS receivers.

ABBEY SOULEK, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Rapid City, South Dakota

EXPLORATION OF THE POTENTIAL USE OF NITINOL AS AN ACTUATOR IN PROSTHETICSMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The purpose of this project is to develop a new actuator for prosthetic limbs using nitinol. Nitinol (NiTi) is a shape memory

alloy that was used as the “muscle” in this actuator. In the body there are systems of muscles which counteract each other allowing one to contract while the other relaxes. A system similar was introduced to the NiTi array. Springs and various elastic materials were used to help the NiTi resume its original shape after contraction. In the future, this system will also include several NiTi systems to better control the level of contraction of each NiTi “muscle”.

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

USING MEMBRANE BIOFILM REACTOR TO REMOVE SELENATE AND SULFATE CONTAMINATIONMentor: Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, assistant professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: Sustainability

In the membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR), bacteria transform oxidized contaminants into harmless compounds by using

hydrogen as an electron donor. For instance, selenate is reduced to selenium. Sulfate, which is a natural constituent of water, is reduced to hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). In most cases, sulfate reduction is an undesired outcome due to the toxicity of hydrogen sulfide. However, SRB can reduce both selenate and sulfate. The research objective was to determine the capability of SRB to reduce both selenate and sulfate. MBfR parameters were varied to determine the conditions for selenate or sulfate reduction.

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

EFFECT OF HAND POSITION AND ORIENTATION ON PERCEPTION OF ELECTROTACTILE STIMULATIONMentors: Stephen Helms Tillery, assistant professor and Liliana Rincon, graduate research associate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

This project investigates the effects of a subject’s hand location in space on their perception of electrotactile stimulation. The experimental protocol calls for volunteer human subjects to be equipped with electrode stimulators attached to their fingertips. Subjects are asked to position their hand in a specified orientation, and asked to point at one of nine locations on a grid. Subjects report whether the intensity of the stimulation is lower, higher or equal to the previously visited location. Collected data is analyzed to determine if hand position significantly affects stimulation perception. Future experiments may investigate wrist and finger position effects on perception.

MICHAEL VALACICH, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

GENERATING AND INVESTIGATING WETTING PROPERTIES OF HIERARCHICAL WRINKLED SYSTEMS, USING UV OXIDATION AND GOLD FILM DEPOSITIONMentor: Hanqing Jiang, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Energy

The goal of this semester’s research was to master the generation of hierarchical wrinkling in PDMS samples and investigate their wetting properties. This semester, using UV oxidation, uniform hierarchical wrinkles have been produced. A new method has been attempted as well, using a thin gold film deposition. The gold method produces much smaller wavelengths but has yet to show hierarchical properties. Literature review has revealed that the wrinkled samples should exhibit hydrophobic qualities when wrinkles are present and hydrophilic when stretched and no wrinkles are seen. The rest of the semester will be geared toward learning how to use a contact angle measuring device and using water droplets on the samples to actually test their wetting properties based off contact angles.

VICK SURYADI, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

CONTROLLING APP PROCESSING CAN REDUCE STRESS-INDUCED TOXICITY IN CELL MODELS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASEMentor: Michael Sierks, professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Health

One of the most important neuropathological characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease is the aggregation and deposition of the protein beta-amyloid (Abeta). Abeta is produced by proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Production of Abeta from APP is increased when cells are subject to stress. This increase in Abeta levels increases aggregation and neurotoxicity resulting in increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase-3 activity and decrease in cell viability. iBSec1 is an scFv isolated in Sierks’s lab that selectively blocks beta-secretase processing of APP by binding the APP substrate. Based from results, iBSec1 effectively protects cells from stress-induced toxicity.

EMILY SUTTON, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Glendale, Arizona

BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF CARBON NANOTUBES: REMOVAL OF ATHEROMATOUS PLAQUEMentor: Michael O’Connell, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Health

This project provides a less invasive treatment for heart disease by utilizing carbon nanotubes’ near-infrared optical properties for imaging and photothermal treatment of atheromatous plaque in the arteries. The carbon nanotubes were modified to only target the atheroma to avoid damage to healthy tissue. A peptide sequence previously demonstrated to have an affinity for the atheroma. This peptide sequence was chemically attached to the carbon nanotubes, enabling them to specifically target the atheroma. Imaging and photothermal treatments are in progress using ultrasonic imaging. Future work will focus on in vivo studies.

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ALEX WALSH, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

STRUCTURAL AND RESPONSIVE CPR MANIKINMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The goal of this project is to construct a realistic CPR manikin that provides the user quick performance feedback for a better learning experience. A scaled-down model has been built to

test the realism of our structure, containing materials to simulate the bones, muscles, etc. To build a feedback system, electronic sensors that measure displacement/rate are being researched to accurately gauge chest compression performance. Once completed, this system will be implemented inside the CPR manikin to make a state-of-the-art training device. Future work will include improving the structure and advancing the electronics to simulate a heart beat or inflate lungs.

STEPHEN WARREN, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: December 2012 Hometown: Roscrea, Ireland

ANALYSIS OF ARM COORDINATION IN BI-MANUAL TASKS: TOWARD BI-MANUAL HUMAN-ROBOT CONTROL INTERFACES.Mentor: Panagiotis K. Artemiadis, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Health

Is there a correlation between arms during bi-manual tasks in terms of kinematics and muscular activation? Current research focuses on single arm movement in order to model control schemes to collaborate robot manipulators alongside human arms. This research differs as it attempts to find correlations in terms of joint arm synergies in order to create lower dimensional control schemes. The final goal is to fabricate a manipulator for humans with little or no arm mobility and improve daily life. Findings do show a constant joint kinematic relationship which will be used in the future to program robotic manipulators.

LOGAN VAN ENGELHOVEN, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: December 2012 Hometown: Paradise Valley, Arizona

INVENTORS’ WORKSHOPMentor: Winslow Burleson, assistant professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering Research Theme: Education

The Inventors’ Workshop aims to train the next generation of engineers through the creation of a cross-disciplinary network of students, professors, professionals and high-end resources

that with unique support will foster innovative research and education projects. The structure of an Inventioneering program at ASU is being developed with support from the first IW student organization. Learning modules in areas such as high-performance computing, composite construction and photovoltaic technologies are being developed and added to a module library on the Inventors’ Workshop website. Throughout the year, progress on multiple modules will continue as the Inventioneering program spreads throughout the ASU campus.

NICHOLAS WAGNER, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: El Mirage, Arizona

UTILIZING SILICON CLATHRATES IN LITHIUM-ION BATTERY ANODES Mentor: Candace Chan, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

Silicon has great potential for applications in high-charge storage capacity lithium-ion battery anodes, but conventional

silicon suffers from rapid degradation with cycling. Silicon clathrates with an open “cage-like” structure may have better cycling characteristics due to improved mechanical properties. This research focuses on the synthesis of silicon clathrates and electrochemical evaluation. Through repeated test syntheses and X-ray diffraction examination, large concentrations of clathrate with composition of Ba4Al16Si30 could be synthesized using simple thermal annealing, however with some side products. Investigation into separation strategies for isolating the pure clathrates followed by preliminary electrochemical testing was also conducted.

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ALICIA WOLFE, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Fountain Hills, Arizona PHOSPHORESCENT EMITTERS WITH NARROW EMISSION SPECTRA FOR ORGANIC DISPLAY APPLICATIONSMentor: Jian Li, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

Organic displays are the future of portable electronics and require efficient emissive materials. The research goal is to identify the effects of different ligand-metal combinations on the color and broadness of emitted light in organometallic compounds for use in energy-efficient organic displays. A synthetic route for a series of platinum and iridium-based narrow-band emitters was researched and optimized, and the compounds characterized via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Once desired yields of the compounds have been achieved, the electrochemical, photophysical and electroluminescence properties of each compound will be tested with anticipated results including a spectral width within 50 nm and high quantum efficiency.

CHRISTOPHER WORKMAN, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Kingman, Arizona

COMPARISON OF FLUID DYNAMICS IN IDEALIZED AND ANATOMICAL MODELS OF CEREBRAL ANEURYSMSMentor: David Frakes, assistant professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Cerebral aneurysms, which affect two percent of the population and cause 20,000 deaths each year, are treated unsuccessfully up to 50 percent of the time. This research aims to improve endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms by investigating fluid dynamics in idealized and anatomical cerebral aneurysm models. Theoretical bifurcation and sidewall aneurysm models of varying parameters have been digitally constructed. These are being physically built in polyoptic resin and transparent silicone and will be tested using particle image velocimetry. The results will be compared to results from anatomical models of similar parameters, both untreated and treated with high porosity stents.

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

IN SITU BUTANOL RECOVERY FROM FERMENTATIONS VIA EXPANDED-BED ADSORPTIONMentor: David Nielsen, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Sustainability

Butanol is a high-energy compound and a promising sustainable replacement for liquid transportation fuels. Clostridium acetobutylicum naturally ferments glucose into butanol; however, this process is not ideal as butanol is highly toxic to the cells. The proposed in situ product removal (ISPR) strategy is employed through the use of hydrophobic resin adsorbents in a continuously-circulated, expanded-bed column to isolate the butanol as it is produced by the cells. Our preliminary experiments have proven that the adsorption system can avoid the toxicity limit and have allowed for optimization. Future work will entail the addition of active cell cultures.

JOSEPH WILLIAMS, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Casa Grande, Arizona

SEISMIC PROTECTION OF WOOD HOMESMentor: Thomas Attard, lecturer, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Research Theme: Security

The project objective is to test the increased strength and durability of building materials when wrapped with CarbonFlex, a new generation carbon fiber material. The current project

status is: finished forms to pour concrete beams and finishing building the wood frame walls, which combine into a small house. Once complete, the concrete beams and the wood frames of the house will be attached to an actuator and the forces will be tested. Then the material will be wrapped and tested again. The difference in strength and durability will be compared. Future work includes testing the CarbonFlex under tornado conditions.

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JONATHAN YOO, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

FUNCTIONAL MICROFLUIDIC WITH MICROINDUCTOR INTEGRATED CELL SORTING AND DETECTION DEVICE Mentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: Health

The overall goal of this research is create a magnetic microfluidic device that can isolate magnetically labeled cells, such as cancer-related cells, from a mixed cellular sample. Currently, magnetic microbeads, made compatible with specific surface proteins unique to a cell type, are capable of binding to these specific target cells. A microinductor was fabricated and integrated into a microfluidic device that immobilizes magnetically labeled target cells, preventing them from passing through the microfluidic channel while the remaining cellular sample flows through. In the future, further changes within the device will be made to achieve maximized target cell immobilization efficiency.

DIANE WU, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENTATION FOR MULTIPLEXED DIABETES MANAGEMENTMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The purpose of this research is to design the instrumentation for a device that will help diabetics monitor their diabetes.

The diabetes meter functions similarly to blood glucose meters, but can measure multiple common biological markers for diabetes simultaneously. This project focuses on building the potentiostat and modifying it to make use of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique. A prototype of the potentiostat has been built from scratch. Future work involves testing, generating the multisine input that is needed to control multiple biological markers, implementing the multisine using a summing amplifier and creating a user-friendly interface.

CHUAN XU, Industrial EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Tianjin, China

DEVELOPMENT OF PATIENT ACCESS STAFFING MODELSMentor: Teresa Wu, associate professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Health

Patient access (patient registration) is typically provided in a multitude of locations within a healthcare facility. Given

financial pressures it is often desirable to consolidate admitting points to as few as practically possible; however, there can be a negative impact to patient convenience and satisfaction. In this study, queueing theory is used to evaluate patient service level and mathematical models are generated to optimize the number of admitting points. The developed models are tested on the data collected by Healthcare Excellence Institute. Future work involves developing a generic Excel-based user interface to test model sensitivities.

FURI is one of the innovative programs that make up theFulton Difference.

45+ 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. studentorgs.engineering.asu.edu

4+1 ACCELERATED PROGRAMS 4+1 programs 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 FREE tutoring in math, physics, chemistry and engineering education courses. tutoring.engineering.asu.edu FREE, organized study teams led by specially-trained peer coaches. engineering.asu.edu/studyteams

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

engineers from day oneIn 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 semiannual 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

fulton undergraduate research initiative · the fulton undergraduate research initiative (furi) is...

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