fulton undergraduate research initiative fall symposium 2011 · The Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative (FURI) is designed to enhance and enrich a student’s engineering education

fall symposium 2011fulton undergraduate research initiative

IRA A. FULTON SCHOOLS OF engineering

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

The Fulton Difference: Discover. Create. Innovate.

November 18, 2011

Welcome to the Fall 2011 FURI Symposium. As you will see today, the research efforts that our undergraduate students are undertaking are on par with graduate-level work. For many, this has opened doors to scholarships, research opportunities at other institutions and fostered ties to industry.

Their research is impressive, spanning a wide range of challenges in energy, health, sustainability, security and education.

The Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative is one of our signature undergraduate experiential opportunities. Through support from the FURI program, our undergraduate students have the opportunity to work with our outstanding faculty and their research groups, and experience the excitement of discovery, real-world innovation and problem solving first hand.

We would like to congratulate all of our participating undergraduate students as well as their faculty mentors. We look forward to their continued success and the success of the FURI program.

Sincerely,

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

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

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participantsMichelle Abou-Eid 4 Teagan Adamson* 4Rizwan Ahmad 4Now Bahar Alam* 5Ahmed Al-Busaidi 5Rachel Austin* 5Joel Ayala 5Ramya Baratam* 6Celia Barker 6Elliott Bartell 6Joshua Beck* 6Nicholas Berk 7Zachariah Berkson 7W John Boers* 7William Bowman 7Theresa Broniak* 8 Paulo Castaneda 8Amelia Celoza* 8Kevin Chen* 8Zachary Decke* 9 Tyrone DeSilva 9Katherine Driggs Campbell* 9Benjamin Duong 9Keith Dyson 10Erica Engelschall 10Devyn Fajardo-Williams 10Brittney Fallon* 10Taylor Feiereisel 11 James Fiacco 11 Darcy Frear* 11 Ryan Furcini 11Christopher Gardner 12Nathan Gaw* 12Divya Geetha Nair* 12Rachel Ginn* 12Madeline Grade 13Conner Graeff 13Tina Hakimi* 13Brittney Haselwood* 13

Jenny Hastings 14Shawn Haupt* 14 Amada Hernandez 14 Shannon Hertfelder 14 Benjamin Hill 15 Hai Huang 15Mark Huerta 15 Sebastian Husein 15 Richard Huynh* 16 Skyler Jackson* 16Sepideh Jafarzadeh 16 Amy Kaczmarowski* 16 Christopher Kady 17 Sanbir Kaler 17Katelyn Keberle 17Eric Kincaid 17Justin Kirby 18 John Kondziolka* 18 John Konecny 18 Linda Kuenzi 18Dwight Lane 19 Kevin LaRosa* 19Elizabeth Lee* 19 Eric Lehnhardt* 19Jiajie Li 20Steven Limpert 20Suyana Lozada 20Michael Machas* 20Beth Magerman 21Amit Mangukia 21 Aashish Masih 21Stephanie Maxwell 21 Andrea McFerren 22Elisabeth McLaughlin* 22Isha Mehta 22 Elysar Mougharbel 22Alisha Nanda* 23Gabriel Oland 23Warinsinee Phusitkanchana 23

Guy Pickett 23Spencer Prost 24Ellen Qin 24 Tim Reblitz 24Mariela Robledo 24 Joshua Romero 25Austin Roth* 25Katherine Ruh 25 Beatris Rusu* 25Lindsey Ryder 26Neil Saez* 26Matthew Sawtelle 26Pankti Shah* 26Riley Shear* 27Lorenzo Slay III* 27Kristen Soodak* 27Abbey Soulek 27Joshua Steele 28Eric Stevens 28Steven Stowe* 28Emily Sutton 28Caitlin Tennyson* 29Lucas Thompson 29Jonathan Topliff 29Patrick Trang 29Kristen Travis* 30Laun Trinh 30Michael Valacich 30 Logan Van Engelhoven 30Elizabeth Walker 31Alex Walsh 31Michael Wiehn 31Christopher Workman 31 Tara Wright 32Diane Wu 32 Chuan Xu 32Jonathan Yoo 32

FURI Honors Summer Institute:

Tina Alam 35Colin Barry 33 Jorge Calderon 33Eric Chang 35George Chen 35Katelyn Conrad 35Matthew Geres 34Lisa Irimata 33Kenley Israel 34Jason Kam 35Ching Yan Lau 34Brady Laughlin 34Grant Marshall 33Rachel Marx 35Trevor Meiss 34Girish Pathangey 34Michael Rozowski 33Eric Sprute 34Johnathan Vo 34

*Honors Thesis Program

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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, 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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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 with a heavy focus on glucose and 1,5 anhydroglucitol.

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

PROGRAMMING OF A PHANTOM HAPTIC DEVICE FOR STUDIES ON HUMAN AND ROBOTIC GRIP REFLEXESMentor: Veronica J. Santos, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Health

An improved understanding of reflex responses in human grasp could facilitate the development of reflexes

in artificial hands. A virtual reality environment can be used to study human grasp and test artificial limbs. Using a phantom robot setup, a program was developed to unexpectedly move the robot’s end-effector, which could be used, along with an instrumented object, to study the reflex responses of human hands. Such data could be used to develop prosthetic devices which better mimic human reflexes, and thus reduce the cognitive burden on the user.

MICHELLE ABOU-EID, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Cave Creek, Arizona

FORESEEABLE USES AND MISUSES OF TEAR-GLUCOSE SENSOR: IDENTIFYING CONTAMINANTS

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

What are the preliminary warnings a diabetic patient must heed before using a tear-glucose sensor to manage their

diabetes? A tear-glucose sensor naturally comes into contact with the eye’s mucous membrane. This provides a possible entryway for pathogenic specimen to invade the body. In order to ensure the health and safety of diabetic consumers, the presence of microorganisms on the device and common environmental objects must be quantified to circumvent any foreseeable misuses of the device. If bacteria are present, gram staining will classify the specimen and thereby dictate the appropriate disinfecting procedure.

FURIAt this semi-annual poster presentation, 115 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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RACHEL AUSTIN, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

BEHAVIORAL COMPARISON OF A TWO-BIT LEARNING TASK IN RATS Mentor: Jennie Si, professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Health

Intelligent motor control behaviors are analyzed through experiment and computational approaches to address

the significance of electrical activities in neuronal circuits. This project will analyze the relationship between behavioral activity of four male rats during a two-bit learning task and the correlations of their neural firing activities. Thus far, the rats are at various stages in the learning task, each with slightly different methods with hopes of obtaining the best results. Future research will involve analysis of a similar human task. Electrodes will also be implanted into the rats’ motor cortical area to record the neural spike activities during the two-bit task. [TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM]

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

THE EFFECTS OF SOFT WAVE WATER TREATMENT ON BACTERIAL GROWTHMentor: Peter Fox, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: Sustainability

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

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 build up. 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.

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

DETECTING OLIGOMERIC FORMS OF ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN IN CELL AND MOUSE TISSUE TREATED BY NEUROTOXINS Mentor: 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 cells treated with rotenone contain aggregates of α-synuclein. Immunofluorescence and ELISA will be used to identify and quantify these aggregates.

AHMED AL-BUSAIDI, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Adam, Sultanate of Oman

ANALYSIS OF HUMAN METABOLIC SYSTEM BASED ON THE DETECTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE AND OXYGEN IN THE BREATH Mentor: Erica Forzani, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Health

The main aim of the research is the development and optimization of methods to be used to detect carbon dioxide and oxygen in the human breath. The method developed detects both gases using chemical reactions and optical analysis. When the gases come in contact with the sensor, they cause color changes which are detected by a camera that analyzes the magnitudes of the changes and use them to calculate the gas concentrations. The method proved to be reliable and accurate. Therefore, the team is planning to detect other biomarkers in the human health that can be used as health indicators.

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

INVESTIGATION ON THE DESIGN OF STRUCTURES FOR RESISTANCE AND RESILIENCY TO TSUNAMI IMPACTSMentor: Edward Kavazanjian, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: Sustainability

Reconnaissance reports from recent tsunami disaster areas were compiled, along with technical papers on the properties of tsunamis and their interactions with structures, to investigate approaches to designing tsunami-resistant structures. Tsunami-resistant buildings can be used for “vertical evacuation,” which significantly decreases the necessary warning time for life safety. Key information came from structures that withstood the tsunami impact forces. Patterns have emerged from this data that show similarities between surviving structures. These include reinforced high-strength concrete frames, deep-pile foundations, and sacrificial shear walls on lower floors. Future research should include thorough analysis of these cases and reproducible findings.

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

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

The objective of this research was to create a device to indirectly measure the applied force of a tendon-driven

robot hand by measuring the tension in each tendon cable. The uniaxial load cell device is designed such that it deforms when the hand is in use. Strain gauges are attached to the device so that the deformations can be measured and related to the force the hand is applying. The result is a calibration curve which indicates the tendon tension for a given strain. Future work will consist of refining calibration accuracy and relating tendon tension to fingertip force.

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 with diverse topics such as vertical gardening to building iPhone apps. The module needs to be tested with students to observe knowledge gained and whether there is an interest beyond their discipline. Hopefully, the school of engineering, and other schools as well, will see the potential impact this method of learning could have on students.

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

DRUG SCREENING FOR SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITY WITH TRAILMentor: Kaushal Rege, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Health

The objective of this research is to find drugs that are already FDA approved and repurpose them to sensitize

cancer cells to TRAIL. Screenings have found many drugs, such as anti-malarial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral, that have surprising synergy with TRAIL. This is countered by the lack of death these drugs induce at 20µM. Didanosine, an anti-viral used to help treat HIV, is one of these drugs seen to sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL with high cell viability. The drugs that were found to have some synergy and very little death are going to be reexamined at higher concentrations.

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

IDENTIFYING PROTEIN BIOMARKERS USING ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY (ELISA)Mentor: Michael Sierks, professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Health

As neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s continue their destructive path, a search for a cure is underway. These diseases are marked by oligomeric forms of certain proteins in the body such as α-synuclein and tau. Detection of these proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and eventually in blood could presymptomatically diagnose these diseases. Current research is developing a protocol for the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to identify α-synuclein in CSF samples of diseased patients, and the results have been successful. It is now a matter of optimizing the protocol for blood sample testing.

WILLIAM BOWMAN, Materials ScienceGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Davis, CaliforniaCORRELATING 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 the Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: EnergySolid 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]

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

REDUCTION OF GASEOUS CARBON DIOXIDE TO FUELS OVER THE PHOTOCATALYST TITANIUM DIOXIDEMentor: Jean Andino, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Energy

The reduction of carbon dioxide over light-activated catalysts like titanium dioxide offers a new avenue for the production of fuels, such as methane and methanol, while simultaneously consuming a potent greenhouse gas. In order to better understand the mechanism of this reaction, Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) has been utilized to observe the changes in gas composition within the reaction chamber as the reaction progresses. Future work will look at how different crystal structures of titanium dioxide may promote the conversion of carbon dioxide to useful fuels.

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

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION POLICYMentor: Braden Allenby, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch 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 taken into consideration 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 an evaluation of potential programs to be implemented in the Phoenix metropolitan region.

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

NOVEL METHOD FOR SUB-MICRON PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY FOR NANOWIRE GROWTH Mentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: Education

The objective of this project is to develop a low-cost method of fabricating an array of wells on a

silicon substrate from which nanowires can be grown out of. Using a sample of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a periodic buckling pattern on top as a mask, an array of wells with approximately 300 nm diameter and 600 nm periodicity can be formed using photolithography. Currently, progress is being made on etching the wells down to the silicon substrate from the photoresist as the photolithography process used cannot expose all the way through the resist without destroying the pattern.

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

BIOMARKER CHARACTERIZATION AND 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 were tested. Impedance values correlated to concentrations of BNP. The values were compared to spiked and purified impedance values from CRP. The functional sensor range for BNP was compared to the range for CRP. Future work involves integrating the biomarkers using immobilization and concentration gradients to create a multi-marker sensor. The goal is early detection of CVD risk.

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 mass and volume of drug added. In order to rapidly study multiple formulations, this project developed a technique for measuring elution rates by measuring the diffusion of water into bone cement with the use of dyes and a window. Implementation of this technique will allow for rapid screening of ALBC formulations to optimize clinical performance.

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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 improve knowledge concerning chemical exposure, portable sensors were developed to measure real-time hydrocarbon concentrations. Applications of personal monitors include epidemiological studies, health analysis and environmental monitoring. 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. Research consists of collaborative projects and field studies along with optimization of the sensors’ performance. This semester, the University of Birmingham gathered data in a study to monitor biomarkers and occupational exposure levels. For future work, further collaborations and optimization will to be completed.

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

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

The effectiveness of using bacteria to remove trichloroethene (TCE) from a contaminated location in San Diego was tested. The desired bacterial community, KB-1, was introduced into columns packed with sediment from the contaminated site. Synthetic groundwater containing TCE was then pumped through the columns. Periodically, samples were taken from the column effluents and were analyzed using tools such as gas chromatography. From the collected results, it is shown that KB-1 can effectively remove TCE from the groundwater in the presence of sediment materials from the site.

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

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY BASED SENSOR FOR INSULIN DETECTIONMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The goal of this project is to develop a novel EIS-based sensor capable of measuring blood insulin levels in order to bridge the current medical gap between glucose-sensing and insulin delivery in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). Successful development of this sensor, and the utilization of it in a broader DM sensing project will result in improved DM monitoring capabilities for the millions of people with DM worldwide. Currently, benchmark EIS experiments with purified insulin are being completed in order to ensure that a clear positive correlation between insulin concentration and impedance (resistance) of the molecules is present.

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 sensorized devices for quantitative assessment of hand function. Subjects will be tested on activities of daily living measuring unique dimension of performance which are key to diagnosing disorders affecting hand function. The tools are modular with sensors measuring force and position of the objects. In the near future, tests will be aimed at establishing norms for healthy individuals and for individuals with disorders affecting hand function.

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DEVYN FAJARDO-WILLIAMS, Chemical Engineering and EconomicsGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Castries, St. 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 large quantities of trichloroethene (TCE) dechlorinating microbial culture for use in bioremediation. Cuzdrioara, the model microbial culture used, is capable of reducing the toxic groundwater pollutant TCE to the non-toxic end product, ethene. 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 and up-scaling of the reactor.

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 will test the validity of computational methods for calculating aerodynamic characteristics of the NACA 4415 airfoil in low Reynolds number (Re=20,000) flow. The resulting pressure distributions, force-balance measurements and smoke-flow visualizations will be analyzed to obtain the lift and drag coefficients and the zero-lift angle of attack. Smoke visualization in the open-loop wind tunnel appears to show laminar flow, and literature review has determined that model end plates must be at least twice the length of the airfoil chord to simulate 2-D flow. Results can be used in the design of micro aerial vehicles (MAV).

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

HANDEDNESS AND SENSORIMOTOR INTEGRATIONMentor: Christopher Buneo, assistant professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Sensorimotor integration is the process by which the central nervous system accepts sensory data input and converts it into a motor command output. Current efforts

in the field attempt to determine the relative importance of vision and proprioception as sensory inputs. Our research project aims to continue to identify the importance of each of these inputs, but also to understand the effect of handedness on simple reaching tasks. Subjects are asked to reach to targets with each hand both with and without vision. Motion precision is then quantified for each motion type.

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

ENZYME SPECIFICITY FOR GLUCOSE USED 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 suitable enzymes for a glucose sensor that utilizes tear fluid, rather than blood for development of a tear glucose sensor. Enzymes were tested using tear-fluid concentrations of glucose and other various saccharides. Enzymes that have been tested include glucose dehydrogenase-FAD, glucose dehydrogenase-NAD(P), glucose oxidase type V and glucose oxidase type VII. The glucose dehydrogenases have shown promising results and have shown the greatest glucose signals from analysis of electrochemical data. Continued work includes testing more available enzymes and optimizing the enzyme used in the TOUCH-tear glucose sensor.

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

CAPTURE OF HUMAN HAND MOVEMENT USING HAPTIC FEEDBACK WITH ALTERNATIVE SENSATION WITHIN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT Mentor: Cynthia Overstreet, graduate research associate and Ph.D. candidate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The objective of this project is to study size discrimination using artificial haptic sensation. A glove was created equipped with motion tracking sensors and vibrators. A program was also developed that relates the position of fingertips of the glove to a position in space in a virtual environment. As the fingertips come into contact with objects within this virtual environment, the vibrators are activated. Subjects will be asked to wear the glove and use the feedback from the vibrators to discriminate between several virtual boxes of different sizes. The data will be compared to tests using physical objects.

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 Built 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.

TAYLOR FEIEREISEL, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: December 2012 Hometown: Chicago, Illinois QUASI 1-D COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF AIR-BREATHING PROPULSION WITH LASER THERMAL APPLICATIONMentor: 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 a supersonic inlet is currently being investigated using computational methods. ANSYS was used for mesh generation and ANSYS FLUENT for air flow simulations. The pressure distribution across the inlet surface was calculated to determine the flowfield and the requirements for impulse generation. Further research is required to test the laser thermal application and investigate the pressure wave expansion around a laser-induced plasma and the nozzle’s performance in a repetitively pulsed laser thruster.

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

INVESTIGATING THE COMPLEXITY OF THE JIGSAW PUZZLE PROBLEM WITH DISTRIBUTED CONSTRAINT SATISFACTION ALGORITHMSMentor: Subbarao Kambhampati, professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering Research Theme: Education

The objective of this research is to investigate the ability of multi-agent constraint satisfaction algorithms to solve randomly generated jigsaw puzzle problems. For this investigation, the jigsaw puzzle problem was analyzed and broken down into a set of logical constraints, whereupon an adaptation of the weak-commitment search algorithm was implemented to find a solution. The number of steps the algorithm took to complete was recorded in respect to the arrangement of the puzzle. Future research may involve testing other algorithms to determine if arrangements which require high complexity are algorithm dependent.

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

PARALLEL SYNTHESIS AND SCREENING OF POLYMERS WITH ENDOTOXIN BINDING ACTIVITIES Mentor: 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 polyaminoether polymers and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the toxic component of bacterial endotoxin. The methods of characterization include a highly specific fluorescence assay, sizing, and zeta potential determination. Three lead polymers were chosen based upon binding capacities indicated by highest absolute fluorescence counts. The behavior of polymer-LPS complex of one of the lead polymers shows consistency in terms of sizing and zeta potential. Future work includes validation of produced results and a cell culture study.

RACHEL GINN, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

DEVELOPMENT OF ULTRASOUND-ENHANCED MRI (UE-MRI)Mentor: Kevin Bennett, assistant professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The goal is to develop a novel imaging technique to detect tissue microstructure. We hypothesize that high-

frequency ultrasound can alter the effective Brownian diffusion rate of water, which can be detected with high-resolution MRI. We have performed phantom optical/MRI experiments to study the motion of macromolecules/water during continuous ultrasound. We found that 1.65 MHz ultrasound may cause a significant increase in diffusion. Currently, we focus on understanding the sources of contrast and how the technique can be applied for in vivo MRI. If successful, this work may reveal a new MRI contrast technique with sensitivity to tissue microstructure.

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 and 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 Engineering Graduation: 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 is to determine the extent to which people can use proprioception (the relative sense of limb location) and tactile feedback in the absence of visual feedback, to reproduce fingertip pressures and distances. From these results, the information can be used to design better neuroprosthetics. The study examines humans’ ability to reproduce (memory condition) and match (matching condition) deltaCOP (the difference in center of pressure between the fingertips of two digits). So far, results show that humans can accurately reproduce fingertip distances. Further experimentation is needed to determine if deltaCOP can also be accurately reproduced.

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

DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-MARKER STRESS-SENSING DEVICE IN TEAR FILMMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The goal of this project is to develop a biosensor which will monitor the levels of six biomarkers in the body which have shown promise as indicators of stress

related injuries or illnesses. This semester, these biomarkers (cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, glucose and lactate) were tested electrochemically to develop concentration gradients which will allow us to measure their true levels in the body. This sensor will be a powerful diagnostic tool which simultaneously detects the presence, decrease or increase of all five markers, which can aid health care professionals in their ability to rapidly respond to a trauma incident.

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

THE ENZYMATIC DETECTION OF THE CATECHOLAMINE NOREPINEPHRINE TO BE APPLIED IN A CONTINUOUS TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SENSORMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Health

Today, a device to continuously monitor the progress of traumatic brain injury (TBI) does not exist. Catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine) concentrations fluctuate when injury occurs which can be applied to monitoring processes like TBI-associated inflammation. Inflammation causes necrosis of the tissue that hits the skull. This research has accomplished continuously monitoring the concentrations of pure norepinephrine, soon in blood. Other effects of the fluctuating inflammation of a post-injured brain are loss of neuroplasticity, memory and the ability to learn. This continuous sensor will be invaluable to physicians to make treatments more customized to heal the patient more quickly and effectively.

MADELINE GRADE, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

UTILIZING EEG FOR ONLINE SEIZURE PREDICTIONMentor: Leonidas Iasemidis, associate professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Seizure prediction technologies have the potential to improve both diagnosis of epilepsy and localization of seizures for prospective brain surgery. Algorithms

developed at ASU’s Brain Dynamics Lab that quantify chaotic electroencephalogram (EEG) activity were used on patient data from the Mayo Clinic Arizona (MCA) epilepsy monitoring unit. Progress has been made towards the goal of optimizing this program, which is based upon Lyapunov exponent values, for use at MCA in real-time seizure prediction. Data from 10 patients shows potential for online application, and this work will continue with the testing of 10 more patients for further optimization.

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

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

The objective of this research is to understand how magnetic water treatment works by investigating the

effect on the colloid’s electric double layer. Three different water treatments, template-assisted crystallization (TAC), electrically-induced precipitation (EI) and magnetic water treatment (MAG) are being tested in order to evaluate the hypotheses. A stable compound for zeta potential measurements is also being researched. The tests done have shown that TAC and MAG help the colloids flocculate while the EI removes many impurities from the water. After initial research, titanium dioxide is the most likely candidate for testing the Zeta potential.

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

DO FOOD GRADE TIO2 NANOPARTICLES INTERACT WITH WETLAND PLANTS?Mentor: Paul Westerhoff, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and The Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: Sustainability

The aim of this research is to quantify the interaction between food grade TiO2 nanoparticles (E171)

and wetland plants. First, batch experiments are being conducted using several concentrations of wetland plant material and one concentration of nanoscale TiO2 solution. The supernatant will then be measured with ICP-MS to determine the final concentration of titanium. The data will be fit with a model. The tests will be repeated using three additional sources of food-grade E171. Second, we will add the nanoscale TiO2 solution to a continuous-flow wetland microcosm and evaluate its removal in comparison to our model predictions.

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

NEURAL NETWORKS FOR ADAPTIVE FLIGHT CONTROLMentor: Yabin Liao, lecturer, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Security

This research consists of using neural networks to approximate functions for a simple pendulum system. Using resources provided by Dr. Liao enabled a great understanding and background knowledge in neural networks. The next step was to become familiar with the neural network toolbox in the MATLAB program being used to simulate the system. The neural network toolbox takes a function and approximates it, using the inputs and specifications that are chosen. The work to come is to finalize some findings and compare data.

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.

SHAWN HAUPT, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2011 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

WILL DOSES OF PYRIDOXINE HELP ACCELERATE DIABETIC WOUND HEALING?Mentor: Michael 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 B) accelerates diabetic wound healing. In an ongoing clinical trial done in conjunction with the Arizona Heart Institute, patients in the experimental group are given 100 mg of pyridoxine a day while those in the control group receive treatment for wounds without pyridoxine. Data has shown an improvement overall in the rate of wound healing (measured by change in wound surface area over time) with pyridoxine; however, more data needs to be collected and analyzed in order to reach a conclusion.

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

EFFECT OF FIXED-DIGIT PLACEMENT ON GRASP PERFORMANCE AND DEXTEROUS MANIPULATIONMentor: Marco Santello, interim director and professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

The sensorimotor memory representations that link object properties to the planning of how to grasp that

particular object are not well understood. Understanding the sensorimotor processes responsible for skilled hand control is essential in developing robotic hand technology. This research aims to understand these processes by examining whether fixed-digit placement has an effect on sensorimotor learning and high-level representation of motor actions. The preliminary data indicates that subjects can transfer their learning to different digit constraints and still able to manipulate the object as desired. More data needs to be collected with different conditions so the results are more conclusive.

SEBASTIAN HUSEIN, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

FABRICATION, FAILURE AND RELIABILITY CHARACTERIZATION OF METAL-OXIDE THIN-FILM TRANSISTORSMentor: Terry Alford, professor, School for Engineering Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Themes: Health and Security

Metal-oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) are desirable for flexible electronics (flexible computer displays, smart medical bandages, etc.) due to higher stability, mobility and transparency. Typical characteristics of TFTs are altered by electrical, illumination and kinetic stressing. Indium gallium zinc oxide or indium zinc oxide TFTs are fabricated and characterization shows the significance of proper fabrication and post-fabrication steps (high temperature deposition of stacks, post-fabrication annealing and use of encapsulation layers). Lower off-currents and positive impact on mobility and on-currents are seen with proper fabrication techniques. Future work will optimize width/length ratios to improve these further.

BENJAMIN HILL, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

FREE FATTY ACID PRODUCTION IN CYANOBACTERIA IN A CONTINUOUS-FLOW REACTORMentor: Raveender Vannela, assistant research professor, Biodesign Institute, affiliate faculty, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: Energy

The goal of this research is to test the viability of biofuels as an energy source by making and running a small reactor in continuous-flow mode and measuring the fatty acid production levels. A process and apparatus has been designed and built, and the design has been inoculated with a strain of cyanobacteria. Tests are being conducted to determine what flow-rate conditions maximize fatty acids and minimize contamination. Future research will involve further refining of the system, and possibly using membrane technology for fatty acid extraction.

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 facing humanity in the world. Solar

energy is an active research area to solve it. The project consists of research, design and development of a hybrid solar cell. Towards this end, research about solar cell materials characteristics and PC1D simulation of solar cell has been done. The next steps, including manufacturing and characterization, will be accomplished in ASU’s Solar Laboratory. Future work will be done in collaboration with a research group that has a long-term commitment to hybrid solar cell area.

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SEPIDEH JAFARZADEH, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Peoria, Arizona

IN-SITU HEALING OF SILICA OPTICAL FIBER DEGRADED BY IONIZING RADIATIONMentor: Keith Holbert, associate professor, School of Electrical Computer and Energy Engineering Research Themes: Energy and Sustainability

Optical fiber used in everyday instrumentation applications is affected by long-term ionizing radiation

which results in attenuation of the fiber’s light transmission ability. This project aims to reduce or reverse the damage done to the fiber physical structure. It was discovered that silica fiber is the most appropriate type to test using photo bleaching, which is a process that may have the ability to reposition the electrons back to the original arrangement and thereby restore the fiber’s natural features. Future work will focus on experimental methods of photo bleaching and other factors involved in attenuation and healing.

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

THE USE OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES FOR NUCLEAR FORENSIC APPLICATIONSMentor: Keith Holbert, associate professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Theme: Security

Increasing violence across the world fosters the need for readily available techniques to identify the persons

responsible. Nuclear weapons often carry signatures pertaining to where they were developed. By determining the type of weapon used, the persons responsible can also be exposed. Through the analysis of the effects of a nuclear explosion on various types of lithium batteries found in most modern electronics, a technique is developed to determine the type of weapon used in an attack. Such analysis includes a characterization of the types of batteries and weapons currently available and the chemical and structural changes to the battery.

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-ββ-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, degradability in various pHs and solvents, stability of polymer while frozen, and release rate. In addition, the polymer is currently being tested for biocompatibility. It has been found that the polymer with JAAm releases drugs at a slower rate and degrades more quickly. In the future, poly(NIPAAm-co-DBLA-co-JAAm) will be tested for safety and developed to be visible under X-ray.

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

REVIEW OF HEAT TRANSFER FLUID PROPERTIES AT HIGH TEMPERATURESMentor: Patrick Phelan, professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

Heat transfer fluids at high temperatures are often necessary for concentrated solar power systems and

other applications. However, no comprehensive data table exists detailing properties for common heat transfer fluids at these conditions. Current property data was compiled with the resulting table comprising a semi-comprehensive reference tool. Potential opportunities and challenges in this area were also detailed. Future work includes expanding this table into a reliable resource for high-temperature heat transfer.

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

SYNTHESIS OF MULTI-FUNCTIONAL 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 dye ligand conjugate molecule is added to a solution of CNT that stops the fluorescence. When a specific protein is detected the solution’s fluorescence returns. Further research will measure fluorescence of the CNT themselves in a non-visible wavelength to detect a specific protein. This chemistry will be modified to detect proteins indicative of cancer for in vivo studies.

ERIC KINCAID, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

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

The goal of this research is to develop carbon nano-particles to replace expensive ruthenium dye used in photovoltaic cells and photochemical water-splitting.

Synthesis techniques such as arc-welding, laser ablation, microwave synthesis, and a reaction using coal and sulfuric acid were investigated. The photovoltage was determined using a three-electrode electrochemical cell, with the carbon quantum dots (CQD’s) on fullerene-doped tin oxide (FTO) as the working electrode. The particles require further size separation to achieve desired properties. The photovoltage data showed a voltage change with the light on, but the dark readings returned unexpected results and will be further investigated.

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

ARTIFICIAL VESTIBULAR IMPLANT SYSTEMMentor: Jennifer Blain Christen, assistant professor, School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: Health

There are many individuals that suffer from an improperly or non-functioning vestibular system. The symptoms from

this condition can include disorientation, motion sickness and dizziness, and can be disabling to the sufferer. A microfluidic tilt sensor has been designed and fabricated as the main sensory component of an artificial vestibular system. A test platform with a two-degree-of-freedom angular actuator has been designed and built along with optical input, amplification and signal processing circuits. A detailed investigation has been performed using both theory and simulation, including finite element analysis. Future investigation will include further testing, fluid dynamics and packaging.

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

CHARACTERIZATION OF MEMBRANE SUPPORTS USING A DEAD-END NANOFILTRATION CELLMentor: Mary Laura Lind, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Energy

The method of dead-end nanofiltration was analyzed for the characterization of various commercial membrane

supports. The experiment was performed by passing a solution of known molar mass through a dead-end cell. Polyethylene glycol was chosen to be the suitable solute molecule to act as a marker between the separate supports. A molecular-weight cut-off curve (MWCO) was ultimately formed after submitting the results for TOC analysis. The exact mean molar mass at which 90 percent of the molecules are rejected can be estimated leading to more precise mean molar mass range experiments. Future work will consist of characterizing lab synthesized membranes.

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

MEMBRANE SEPARATION OF AMBIENT AIRMentor: Mary Laura Lind, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Sustainability

The goal of the research currently being worked on is to develop a membrane for lithium-oxygen batteries. The goal is to make a membrane that can selectively separate

oxygen from the other major components of air (nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide). Theoretical calculations have been done to determine the qualities required to accomplish this goal. In addition, published research has been looked over to discover viable candidates to filter the outside air. Future work will entail performing in lab experiments involving the filter’s ability to turn the outside air into pure oxygen.

LINDA KUENZI, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Lenexa, Kansas

CHARACTERIZATION AND MODELING OF CONCEALABLE BODY ARMOR MATERIALSMentor: Subramaniam D. Rajan, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Research Theme: Security

The main objective of this research is to characterize and model dry fabrics, such as Kevlar and Twaron, which

are high-strength, low-weight materials, ideal for applications like personal body armor. This phase of the project focused on the low-density foam used as backing in the knife/spike test. A computer model was built using the finite element analysis software LS-DYNA and adjusted until it matched results from physical tests. The research will continue with the examination of different configurations of dry fabrics and the development of material models that can aid in design and reduce the need for costly full-scale testing.

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

DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED IONIC LIQUID-BASED GEL PARTICLES Mentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor, School of Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy Research Themes: Energy and Sustainability

The overall goal of this research is to develop advanced ionic liquid (IL) based composite gel particles and

explore their potential applications. IL gels have wide applications including physical separation, i.e. oil recovery or gas separation; however, there are limited techniques to prepare IL gel particles. Here we self-assemble IL-based composite gel particles; the gelation forms a shell, is reversible, and the system effectively extracts solid from the aqueous phase. Future work will be performed on identifying chemicals which lead to homogeneous IL-based gel particles.

JOHN KONDZIOLKA, Civil (Environmental) EngineeringGraduation: 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

The antimicrobial activity of porous filter media coated with a quaternary ammonium compound was analyzed. If

successful, this compound could result in a change in water filtration technology on a distributed or large-scale system. Based on prior experimental data for coated media performance after fouling with natural organic matter, Freundlich isotherm graphs were developed. Microbial performance without coated media was evaluated under varying pH conditions to characterize removal rates for coated media under variable pH. Further analysis will be conducted to quantify effective surface areas and evaluate coated media performance with algal conditions.

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

HIGH GEL STRENGTH THERMOSENSITIVE POLYMERS WITH CONTROLLED SHRINKING FOR EMBOLIZATIONMentor: 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 tested for injectability through heated microcatheters; it was also evaluated in a glass aneurysm model to replicate high-flow conditions of a blood vessel.

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

GLUCOSE-MODULATED VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELL ELONGATION AND MOTILITY BEHAVIOR.Mentor: 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 exactly how glucose—and the breakdown of glucose—might be responsible for this phenomenon.

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

ROLE OF KINASES IN ENDOTHELIAL CELL DETECTION OF SUBSTRATE STIFFNESSMentor: Christine Pauken, faculty research associate, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Endothelial cells use signaling proteins to relay information about their microenvironment. Measuring

these proteins in cells that have been cultured on substrates of varying stiffness and protein composition provides information on how cells differentiate microenvironments. Cell behavior is modified dependent on this cellular signaling. Proteins of interest include Factor VIII an endothelial-specific protein and p130Cas which is involved in signaling and migration. Results have indicated the presence of Factor VIII in cells on all variations of substrate stiffness. Further research will show the presence of p130Cas and possible differences in amounts between cells cultured on different substrates.

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

DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF NOVEL SOLAR CELLS USING PHOTOLUMINESCENCE RESPONSE TESTINGMentor: Stuart Bowden, associate research professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Themes: Energy and Sustainability

The goal of this project is to design and build a photoluminescence tester for use at the Solar Power Lab at ASU. Photoluminescence is a new, non-destructive method for testing solar cell efficiency originally developed less than six years ago. Professional systems can cost up to $550,000, so in-house development is crucial. Previous work has been investigated and LEDs have been purchased to develop the tester. Current work is going into designing the heat sink and positioning of the device within the dark room. Future work consists of calibrating the device to determine minority carrier lifetimes within the solar cells.

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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

Syntrophic interactions between bacteria are being investigated to address two major societal needs: renewable energy and wastewater treatment. Microbial community analysis techniques are being implemented to improve bioenergy generation in a Microbial Electrochemical Cell (MXC) through the inhibition of methanogenesis. Glucose enrichment serum bottles (i.e. no anode) have been set up to compare inhibition of methanogenesis under different NH4

+ concentrations. A MXC reactor fed with glucose has been started with a microbial community consisting of anode respiring bacteria, fermenters, methanogens and acetogens. Findings from the serum bottles provide information about NH4

+ inhibition in the MXC systems.

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 Themes: Energy and Sustainability

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

extracting oil from different substances on a molecular scale. Simulations of a hexane-ionic liquid or a water-ionic liquid system were created and oil droplets were initially dispersed in the hexane or water phase. The results were then analyzed to determine the equilibrium positions and dynamics of the oil droplets and effect of nanoparticle presence. This research is anticipated to aid in the understanding of employing ionic liquids as a potentially new and effective method to extract valuable oils from the contaminated organics or soils.

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 salinity, conductivity, pH of the controlled cooling tower is measured. Next, identical data is collected from the cooling tower with the treatment. Data are graphed using Excel and analyzed. Though there seems to be an initial impact from the electromagnetic treatment, more data is needed to fully explain the phenomenon. The next part of the experiment is to test the cooling tower with a temperature differential.

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

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGY AND PUBLIC POLICYMentor: Stephen Goodnick, professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Themes: Energy and Sustainability

A variety of solar energy technologies and public policies are being developed and implemented in nations around

the world. This research seeks to analyze the unique strengths and weaknesses of each of these technologies and policies. Research has been conducted by visiting solar energy technology research laboratories, businesses and policy advocacy organizations in Spain, Germany, Qatar, India, Bangladesh, Japan and Australia in order to consult with solar energy technology professionals regarding this research question. Future work will include an analysis of the collected information and the composition of a comprehensive research paper detailing findings and recommendations.

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AASHISH MASIH, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

DETECTION OF BISPHENOL A IN WATER SUPPLIESMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a compound commonly used in plastics, such as in water bottles, that mimics the effects of estrogen if ingested, even in microscopic amounts. The

primary goal of this research is to develop a reliable biosensor for detecting Bisphenol A in very low amounts. In the course of this research so far, various electrochemical techniques such as CV, EIS, and amp i*t have been learned, and at this stage of the research, work is being done on performing concentration gradients of BPA in order to detect a signal that can be further refined.

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

PHARMASENSE: THE ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION OF PHARMACEUTICALS IN THE WATER SUPPLYMentor: 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 gray water and wastewater, and develop highly sensitive electrode arrays on flexible substrates that can detect these targets. Acetaminophen, found in Tylenol, was characterized on handmade screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). The limitations of SPEs as well as the target (acetaminophen) were tested. It was found that neither pH nor temperature have a significant impact on the signal released by acetaminophen at a fixed concentration, and that the sensors can detect targets in a flow. Next steps include using a flexible, wireless, electronic component and detecting new targets such as hormones.

BETH MAGERMAN, Mechanical Engineering (Energy and 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 attempts to produce a viable option for maximizing photovoltaic energy. The system has been specifically designed to function in sunny climates. It has been designed to use 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 which acts as a heat sink. The solution can then be used for air conditioning along with the AC unit. An experimental prototype is nearing completion. The completed prototype will be used in the development of models which will be used to optimize the final design.

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 towards biomimicking the fish, making a frictionless, highly efficient, inexpensive and self-powering underwater robot that can maneuver at low

temperatures is the goal. With the current data after going through buoyancy test for different plastics, TPE, PFA, polyamides, UHMW-PE and PTFE-PCTFE are the ones which can sustain at low temperatures. Moreover, the fluorocarbon family is an excellent insulator and has good chemical resistance with high ductility making it an option for underwater robot body. More experiments are in progress, including choosing material for a frictionless body that will consume less power and finally defining the shape of robot.

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ISHA MEHTA, Civil EngineeringGraduation: December 2012 Hometown: 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.

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

same 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. Future works include utilizing different object shapes, utilizing a motion tracking device to analyze posture, and isolating the effects of other haptic indicators including proprioceptive feedback. [TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM]

ANDREA MCFERREN, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

TISSUE CROSSLINKING OF BOVINE PERICARDIAL TISSUE USING POLYMERIC CHAIN REACTIONMentor: Brent L. Vernon, associate professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

This research focused on achieving crosslinking in bovine pericardial tissue, with the hope of eventually applying

the same chemistry to porcine corneal tissue for human corneal transplants. Three control forms and one treated form of pericardial tissue were prepared. The treated samples were prepared by chemically bonding polymerizable groups in the tissue and then initiating polymerization of the monomer. Tissue samples were then tested for the presence of crosslinking. Crosslinking was present in the treated, but not the control samples. Future work would include varying the amounts of chemicals and exposure times in order to optimize the tissue crosslinking.

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

ADSORPTION OF CRUDE OIL FROM SEAWATER USING HYDROPHOBIC AEROGELSMentor: Robert Pfeffer, research professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Sustainability

The research objective is to study the adsorption of crude oil from seawater using hydrophobic aerogels.

Aerogels float on water and are able to adsorb organic molecules very rapidly. A simulated ocean apparatus has been created to test the performance of aerogels in conditions similar to the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. It has been found that aerogels can adsorb up to 6.3 times their own weight in crude oil under these conditions. In the future, more work will be done to evaluate the utility of aerogels for oil spill cleanup applications.

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

ENGINEERING THE PHOTOSYNTHETIC CYANOBACTERIA SYNECHOCYSTIS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AROMATIC DERIVATIVES OF PHENYLALANINEMentor: David Nielsen, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Sustainability

The objective of this project was to engineer the photosynthetic cyanobacteria Synechocystis for the production of aromatic derivatives of phenylalanine. The wild type strain of Synechocystis (sp. PCC6803) was grown in BG-11 media (1% glucose) with light and carbon dioxide enriched air. Agar plates were made which were supplemented with two types of antimetabolites, m-fluoro-DL-phenylalanine and 4-chloro-DL-phenylalanine at four concentrations for each antimetabolite: 50, 75, 100, or 125 μg per ml of BG-11 media. It was found that the cells did not show any growth at 125 μg per ml of BG-11 media for both antimetabolites. Future work will be done on lower concentrations.

GUY PICKETT, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

OPTIMIZATION OF THE FIRING PROCESSES OF AL AND AG PASTES ON SI SUBSTRATES IN AN RTA WITH ADAPTATION TO SOLAR CELL SUBSTRATESMentor: Bill Dauksher, assistant research technologist, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: Energy

The objective of this research is to optimize the firing of aluminum and silver pastes on silicon substrates in a rapid thermal annealer (RTA). These experiments were carried out on different types of substrates screen printed with Al/Ag pastes. The parameters of the RTA firing recipe were varied for each set of samples. The effectiveness of each recipe was quantified by visual inspection and through electrical measurements. It was found that the temperature readings of the RTA’s pyrometer differed greatly from the actual temperatures of the pastes. In the future, Al paste etching through the substrate must be prevented.

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

HYPERTHERMIA-MEDIATED DRUG DIFFUSION THROUGH THE EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX Mentor: Kaushal Rege, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Health

The objectives of this research are to understand the limitations of drug penetration through a tumor’s

extracellular matrix and to determine if diffusion increases after hyperthermia. Little to no drug diffusion is readily observed through collagen, a simplified extracellular matrix. We have developed gold nanorods that display a thermal response to laser irradiation in the near infrared region. The effects of heated GNR on collagen and the resultant drug diffusion will be investigated further.

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.

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

ESTABLISHING A BASELINE SOLAR CELL PROCESS ON INDUSTRIAL SILICON SUBSTRATES Mentor: 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. One of these devices has development in progress to store the experimental data in a database server. 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

DELAMINATING 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 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 non-hazardous 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.

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 principle 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 detecting the distance to an object, and an understanding of positional relationships to an object. The primary method by which this was accomplished was a combination of computer vision algorithms coupled with an accelerometer. The research findings will help improve object detections 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.

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

WEARABLE, SUBCUTANEOUS, CONTINUOUS ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR Mentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, 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 sizes of needles and platinum and silver-chloride wires were used as counter, reference and working electrodes in an electrochemical technique such as cyclic voltammetry. Epinephrine and blood testing was completed with two sensitivity levels with the needle configuration for size and signal comparisons. Future work includes building the adhesive patch and performing skin depth modeling.

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

JUST-IN-TIME TEACHING AND LEARNING CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT SYSTEMMentor: Janaka Balasooriya, lecturer, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Education

This research aims to combine just-in-time teaching (JiTT) with active/cooperative learning and suggest a new learning and classroom teaching system for the introductory computer programming classes (CSE100/110). After analyzing the current teaching system implemented in the CSE100/110 classes, areas of improvement have been identified and proposed to be addressed in the new classroom management system. As part of the system, a web tool was developmed to assist in the full implementation of the JiTT. Future work will involve analyzing the results from experimental classes to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of the new system, and also adding more features to the web tool.

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

COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF HIGH- DENSITY RATIO LIQUID JET IN CROSS-FLOWMentor: Marcus Herrmann, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

The objective of this research is to use computational fluid dynamic methods to analyze the behavior of a

high-density ratio liquid jet in a subsonic cross-flow and validate the developed model with experimental data. The current focus of this research is the modification of a previously developed code structure to allow for simulations of higher density ratio liquid jets. Following successful modification, flow characteristics from the simulated flow, such as the jet penetration, will be compared to existing experimental data to verify simulation accuracy.

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

A STUDY ON CONTROL OF SEIZURES BY VAGUS NERVE STIMULATIONMentor: Leonidas Iasemidis, associate professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

This research study focuses on identifying a set of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) parameters that best

prevents the occurrence of seizures. The central hypothesis is that epileptic seizures desynchronize the preceding abnormal brain synchronization, and that timely interventions for brain desynchonization eliminate the seizure occurrence. At the time of a seizure warning, issued in real-time and online by an in-house seizure prediction program, predetermined electrical stimulations were delivered to rats’ vagus nerves. It was found that VNS parameter sets for optimal seizure control exist. These results suggest an objective and effective methodology to optimize the use of VNS in human epilepsy. [TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM]

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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. It was found that the cells were viable to 1600 mg/L of styrene oxide and that pSTV28styABpTrc99afdc1pal2 was the most efficient producer. Continuing research will investigate product extraction with dodecane.

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 non-invasive

tear-glucose sensor being developed by the TOUCH group. Nafion® coatings and poly-tyramine 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 by 70 percent, but ascorbic acid interference still could pose a threat to the viability of the tear-glucose sensor. Future studies will aim to further improve the elimination of noise and explore options that would combine the beneficial effects of both coatings.

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

FREQUENCY OF HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN FOR USE IN AN INTEGRATED BIOSENSORMentor: 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 frequency at which high-density lipoprotein (HDL) can be tested

using the electrochemical techniques of impedance potential and impedance spectroscopy. Finding the frequency will allow for the integration of HDL among several other biomarkers, including low-density lipoprotein, into a biosensor to test for risk level of cardiovascular disease. HDL 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 what the actual sensor will be testing.

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

OPTIMIZING SAMPLE SPECIFICITY AND ABSORPTION VOLUME FOR TEAR-BASED DIAGNOSTICSMentor: 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 characterize the morphological challenges involved in tear collection, namely the effects of the lipid and mucin layers of the precorneal tear film on electrochemical analysis of the aqueous layer. A two-prong approach was taken—analyzing the electrochemical effects of mucin and lipids as well as altering the capture-device design. The interferents were analyzed at different concentrations both as in solution and as depositions. Future work will involve tailoring the ocular-surface device interface to select against both types of morphological interferents.

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

IN SITU GELLING POLYMER SYSTEM FOR BRAIN ANEURYSM EMBOLIZATION Mentor: Celeste Riley, research associate, 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 and water uptake experiments were undertaken to show behavior at physiological and accelerated conditions. Based on their lower water uptake ratio, the PEGDA575 gels are more favorable for aneurysm treatment.

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

CONTINUED EXPLORATION OF THE STAGGERED MUSCLE ARRAY: SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY’S POTENTIAL FOR ACTUATION IN PROSTHETICSMentor: Jeffrey T. La Belle, assistant research professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

This project’s goal is to explore the possibility of using the shape memory alloy nitinol as an actuator in prosthetic limbs. Nitinol wires with a diameter 0.004 inches were placed in four-bore ceramic tubing in a staggered array which maximizes compression of the nitinol. This array was altered to increase the amount of force produced by lengthening the wires and increasing their number in each array and to compact the original design. Preliminary data and theoretical calculations for the new designs indicate that the new compact form produces roughly double the force of previous arrays with the same compression.

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

DESIGN OF KINECT-BASED OBJECT LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR ROBOTIC GRASPINGMentor: Veronica J. Santos, assistant professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Health

Vision is an important element of the human ability to identify, grasp and pick up objects, an element currently

absent from artificial grasping systems in ASU’s Biomechatronics Laboratory. The Microsoft Kinect IR sensor array was selected to fulfill this role, as it has very high resolution, very low cost and an ability to operate without specialized reflective tracking markers attached to the target object. Thus, the Kinect makes an ideal introductory robotic vision system. Future work will involve development of software to use the Kinect’s sensor data to drive a robotic arm to detect, identify, grasp and lift household objects.

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

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

The objective of the research is to identify and document the methods of generating composite nanoparticles that

are appropriately temperature sensitive for the purpose of controlled drug delivery. At this point, the selection of the appropriate monomers has been completed and a method for synthesis has been developed. Thus far, research has yielded encouraging results and fine-tuning of the temperature sensitive characteristics is underway. The next step is to address the biomedical characteristics and consequences of selected compounds.

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STEVEN STOWE, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2012 Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado

TRANSMITTING ULTRASONIC PHASED-ARRAY IMPLEMENTED USING FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICSMentor: 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 microelectricomechanical systems (MEMS) based phased-array transmitter using the resources of ASU’s Flexible Display Center. A method to cause a phasing-delay by means of a variable DC supply voltage has been devised. Working in conjunction with other students, other necessary circuitry for the phased-array MEMS drivers (such as buffers for signal reinforcement) have been designed, simulated and integrated into the design. The design will continue to evolve and be improved upon to fully realize the potential of the phased array.

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. Future work will focus on in vivo studies.

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

SOIL AQUIFER TREATMENT WITH ‘TERRA PRETA’Mentor: Peter Fox, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment Research Theme: Sustainability

The objective of this research is to determine if soil with natural biochar content acts as a better natural filter for water than does normal soil. Effluent water

was pumped through two columns of soil, one with biochar content 10 percent by volume, to determine if the dissolved oxygen, nitrate and free carbon content of the effluent differ. Statistical analysis will be performed on influent and effluent samples to determine this relationship. For future work, more aspects of the water quality such as the nitrate and ammonia content could be analyzed as well as the impact the type of soil has.

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

LIGHT-SENSITIVE GELS INTEGRATED WITH SI FOR INTELLIGENT ELECTRONICSMentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor and Hanqing Jiang, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Health

The objective of this research is to develop light-sensitive gels that display significant volume change and integrate with silicon for intelligent electronics. The light-sensitive gels were synthesized from two different approaches: one employed gold nanoparticles and the other incorporated chlorophyllin. These gels yielded large deformations (15-50 percent) and fast response times (within 20 seconds). The future goals of this research are to integrate the gels with electronic materials (silicon ribbons) and to make intelligent devices for medical applications such as electronic eyes and artificial muscles.

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JONATHAN TOPLIFF, Materials Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2014 Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

GROWTH OF INTERMETALLIC LAYERS IN VERTICAL LEAD-FREE SOLDER JOINTSMentor: Nikhilesh Chawla, professor, and Kyle Yazzie, graduate research associate, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Sustainability

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of time on the growth of intermetallic layers in lead-free solder joints during extended reflow. For this experiment, solder joints were held vertically in reflow for a range of times. Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the thickness and composition of the intermetallic layers. It was found that the intermetallic layers on the bottom of the solder joint grew much faster than the top, resulting in different intermetallic thicknesses. Future work will include X-ray tomography of solder joints during reflow to determine how the differential intermetallic layers are formed.

PATRICK TRANG, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

DETERMINING QUALITY OF WATER AFTER BACTERIAL CLEANINGMentor: Rolf Halden, associate professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment and Tomasz Kalinowski, graduate research associate, Biodesign InstituteResearch Theme: Sustainability

The objective of the research is to collect and convert raw sensor data into comprehendible reports based on time for analyzing various measurements of certain properties of the water, after cleaning by bacteria, to determine sanitation level. This will be used for deciding which collection of bacteria can best decontaminate a water supply according to the results found during data collection by comparing overall sanitation level between different bacterial solutions. Possible future work may include incorporating intercommunication between microprocessors to synchronize data from all parts of the ISMA and automatic procedure change according to sensor data.

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 aims to investigate the effects of a subject’s hand location in space on their perception of electrotactile stimulation. For this investigation, experimental protocol calls for volunteer human subjects to be equipped with electrode stimulators attached to their fingertips. Subjects are then asked to position their hand in various specified orientations. While holding these positions, stimulation is delivered and the subject is asked to report the intensity felt using a predetermined scale. Data is still being collected to determine if hand position significantly affects stimulation perception. Future experiments may investigate the effects of wrist and finger positions on perception.

LUCAS THOMPSON, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: Seekonk, Massachusetts

GROWTH AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZINC OXIDE NANOWIRESMentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Research Themes: Energy and Sustainability

Zinc oxide nanowires are wire-like structures with a length of about one millionth of a meter or less. Their

small size and electrical properties make them potentially useful in electronics or solar cells. However, first we must learn how to fabricate them in a way that maximizes their qualities and is economically feasible. This project attempts to answer this question by growing the nanowires under varying conditions and then testing their resulting electrical and light-absorbing properties in order to learn more about the relation between their growth procedure and characteristics.

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

RESEARCH GENERATING SINGLE-ORDERED AND HIERARCHICAL WRINKLING STRUCTURESMentor: Hanqing Jiang, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Security

The ultimate goal of the research was to generate and optimize the procedure of creating single-ordered and

hierarchical wrinkling patterns in structures, which would provide major advancements in engineering applications such as flexible electronics, MEMS/NEMS and micro-fluidics Thus far, experiments have been run using pre-stretched polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) samples and UV oxidation to create the wrinkled structures. Research that has been supported by the FURI project in fall 2011 has confirmed the characteristics of single-ordered waves, and also generation of hierarchical wrinkling in samples using a multi-step approach. Future studies will examine the tunable wetting properties of such structures.

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

INVENTORS WORKSHOPMentor: Winslow Burleson, assistant professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch 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 Inventors Workshop at Barrett. Learning modules in areas such as DNA nano-wires, high performance computing 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.

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

PATIENT SIZE SPECIFIC CORRECTION FACTORS FOR ESTIMATING EFFECTIVE DOSEMentor: Muhong Zhang, assistant professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering Research Theme: Health

This research enables radiologists to easily determine the size-dependent effective dose a patient receives during a CT examination when only height, weight, radiation estimate, CTDIvol and scan coverage is available. After collecting size values for over 300 patients, a relationship was discovered between height, weight and the sum of lateral (LAT) and anterior posterior (AP) dimensions of the abdomen, chest and pelvis. This relationship predicts LAT and AP sums, which can be used to determine a size factor and ultimately an estimate for a size-specific effective dose. Patients observed were adults; therefore future studies should consider pediatric measurements.

LUAN TRINH, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: December 2011 Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

INVESTIGATING THE STABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF A V-TAIL AIRCRAFTMentor: Valana Wells, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy Research Theme: Security

This research investigates the stability characteristics of a V-Tail aircraft. Modification of the software DATCOM

is done to predict stability derivatives. The result indicated that DATCOM data follow the lifting line theory proposed by Phillips, with a small discrepancy due to actual interference. The addition of positive dihedral angle to the horizontal tail will improve roll stability of the airplane. The configuration is optimized when a projected downward vertical tail is attached to a horizontal tail with dihedral in a Y-shaped empennage. Further study will be done on simulating the dynamic stability of the V-Tail.

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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 EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

Butanol is a promising sustainable replacement for liquid transportation fuels and can eliminate America’s petroleum dependence. Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 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 strategy is employed through use of hydrophobic resin adsorbents in a continuously circulated, expanded-bed column to isolate the butanol as it is produced. Preliminary experiments have proven that the adsorption system can effectively avoid the toxicity ceiling in simulated culture environments. Future work will include active cell cultures and allow for the optimization of the bioprocess.

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. The research aims to determine how the aneurysms behave under different treatment conditions. Theoretical bifurcation models have been constructed that vary in dome-to-neck ratio and parent vessel contact angle. These and sidewall aneurysm models will be tested using particle image velocimetry and results will be compared to results from corresponding anatomical models, both untreated and treated with high porosity stents.

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

PARTICLE SELF-ASSEMBLY IN IONIC LIQUID-BASED PICKERING EMULSIONSMentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: Energy

This work focuses on the self-assembly of microparticles in ionic liquid-based Pickering emulsions. In ionic

liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate)-in-water Pickering emulsions, the polystyrene microparticles form monolayers at ionic liquid-water interfaces and are close-packed. Other than equilibrating at the ionic liquid-water interfaces, the microparticles can be transported across droplet interfaces. In oil (polydimethylsiloxane)-in-ionic liquid Pickering emulsions, a unique and new phenomenon is observed: the microparticles can form bridges between the oil droplets, preventing their coalescence. Interestingly, the particles avoid contact with the ionic liquid phase. Future work includes varying the particle size and droplet type to determine the effect on self-assembly. [TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM]

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

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

The aim of this project is to build a realistic CPR manikin that provides instant feedback for a better learning experience. To achieve this, a scaled-down model of a

human torso is being built to test the realism aspect of our structure. At this point, thermoplastics have been found to fill the body cavity space the best, and a hard plastic skeleton provides structural support. Foam representations for the lungs and heart are being looked at as well. Future work will include finding a realistic skin material and building a feedback mechanism for compression rate and depth.

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

TESTING TO IMPROVE ACCURACY OF PATIENT RADIATION EXPOSURE INFORMATIONMentor: Teresa Wu, associate professor, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: Health

DIT is used to track the information contained in patients’ imaging studies and OCR (optical character recognition) is applied to compile scanned records to computer accessible format of summarized information. The research focus is using statistical analysis to find the error pattern and accuracy rate of the converted data from Mayo Clinic Radiology Department. Design of experiment is conducted to estimate the factors that would affect accuracy rate. Confidence intervals of the accuracy rate are generated to evaluate chosen sample sizes and confidence levels. Future work involves improving the accuracy rate in order to realize automatic information processing.

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 to 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.

TARA WRIGHT, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013 Hometown: LaPorte, Indiana

PHYSIOLOGY OF SYNTHETIC CELLS – PHASE ONEMentor: Xiao Wang, assistant professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Research Theme: Education

How does the physiology of synthetic cells compare with cells found in nature? The first step toward answering this question is learning to clone cells. E.coli cells were

used along with various plasmids to achieve cellular transformation (i.e. cloning). Two cellular samples have been successfully transformed and appear to be identical to the originals based on their resistance to an antibiotic. Applications of this research including therapeutic development and tissue engineering exist throughout the field of synthetic biology. Future research includes synthetic cellular response to vibration, change in pH level and light exposure.

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, and measures multiple common biological markers for diabetes simultaneously. This project focuses on building the potentiostat and modifying it to make use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and impedance potential techniques. The potentiostat has been built from scratch and tested. Future work involves generating the multisine input that is needed to control multiple biological markers and testing the impedance potential technique with different types of sensors.

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GRANT MARSHALL, Computer ScienceHometown: Phoenix, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015MICHAEL ROZOWSKI, Chemical Engineering Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015

LEGO® MINDSTORM

The objective of the research was to achieve a better understanding of the fundamentals of computer programming and its applications to robotics and decision systems engineering. During the project, various programs were written in order to have the robot complete specific tasks, including: autonomously traversing a maze, collecting and transporting balls, and engaging in combat with other robots. Numerous trials were performed utilizing several different structural designs and program combinations. At the conclusion of the project, a level of basic computer programming knowledge had been attained.

LISA IRIMATA, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015 Hometown: San Diego, California

ROBOTICS COMPUTATION AND CONSTRUCTION

The overall objective was to program and design a robot using NXT programming language and LEGO® Mindstorms to complete various tasks. These tasks included navigating a maze, ball collection and a sumo competition. In two of the three challenges, the robot was independent of the user while it was controlled by the operator in the third. It was determined that in order for the robot to be fully functional, all of the programming and design must work in tandem. Further investigation would provide more efficient designs and precise coding for the robot to complete the tasks.

COLIN BARRY, Biomedical EngineeringHometown: Brooklyn, ConnecticutGraduation: May 2015JORGE CALDERON, Biomedical EngineeringHometown: Phoenix, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015

NXT ROBOT CONSTRUCTION AND PROGRAMMING

A LEGO® NXT robot was constructed and programmed to navigate a maze, sumo fight with other robots, and collect and deliver plastic balls. For the maze, the robot was programmed to turn the proper direction once it made contact with a wall. The sumo program was made so that the robot would stay within the ring and charge other robots when sensed. The ball-carrying device was constructed to contain plastic balls easily while being transported. The programming allowed the robot to carry out these goals suitably. In the future, construction and programming would be better suited for its environment.

honors summer instituteThe Honors Summer Institute offers a small group of engineering honors freshmen the opportunity to spend two weeks getting to know the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and Barrett, the Honors College.

Yinong Chen, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering, served as mentor for the students participating in the Honors Summer Institute. Their research theme is education.

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TREVOR MEISS, Computer Systems EngineeringHometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015KENLEY ISREAL, Engineering ManagementHometown: Phoenix, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015

AUTONOMOUS LEGO ROBOT PROGRAMMING COMPETITION

The objective of the FURI Honors Summer Institute was to design, build, and program a LEGO® Mindstorms NXT robot that could navigate a maze, collect balls while controlled via Bluetooth, and overpower another robot in a sumo competition. Various sensors and actuators were connected to the main processing unit, or “brick,” in order to accomplish these tasks. The LEGO® NXT software was used to tell the robot how to react its environment. In order to be successful, the hardware and software needed to be designed to work together harmoniously. Future work involves refining those two properties.

GIRISH PATHANGEY, Biomedical EngineeringHometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015MATT GERES, Electrical EngineeringHometown: Casa Grande, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015

NXT ROBOTICS

Learning and implementing artificial intelligence are techniques that explore the boundaries and limits of machinery. In order to explore artificial intelligence, NXT robots were taught to not only follow certain commands but also taught to learn and adapt to certain situations and environments. However, findings have shown that logical programming may not necessarily result in accurate real-time performances. Instead, difficulties were proven while having an inconsistent balance between the program and reality. The future task under hand is to eliminate these inconsistent performances from the robots.

JOHNATHAN VO, Mechanical EngineeringHometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015CHING YAN LAU, Chemical EngineeringHometown: Hong Kong, ChinaGraduation: May 2015

AUTONOMOUS ROBOT DESIGNING AND PROGRAMMING WITH LEGO® MINDSTORMS

The objective of this research was to design and program a robot with artificial intelligence using LEGO® Mindstorms NXT. The robot was programmed to complete tasks including traversing a maze, collecting balls located throughout the maze and competing against other robots in a sumo competition. To complete these challenges, different types of sensors and adapted LEGO® parts were utilized as well as altered program coding. It was concluded that the programming along with the exterior structure were equally important. Future investigation would result in better use of artificial intelligence and a more efficient design.

BRADY LAUGHLIN, Biomedical EngineeringHometown: Phoenix, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015ERIC SPRUTE, Biomedical EngineeringHometown: San Antonio, TexasGraduation: May 2015

PROGRAMMING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LEGO® MINDSTORM ROBOTS

The objective of the project was to design and program a LEGO® Mindstorms Robot with the NXT computer programming language. This robot needed to have sufficient intelligence in order to navigate a maze and push another robot out of a circular ring without falling out of the ring as well. Additionally, the robot was manually controlled to collect balls and place them in a small area. Overall, it was discovered that small changes in programming had immense ramifications on the performance of the robot. A future investigation would lead to an improved design of the robot.

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RACHEL MARX, Biomedical EngineeringHometown: Gilbert, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015KATELYN CONRAD, Biomedical Engineering Hometown: Gilbert, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015

LEGO® MINDSTORM ROBOTICS: ASSEMBLY AND PROGRAMMING

The objective was to create an adaptable robot from LEGO® to perform specific tasks including, traversing a maze, battling another robot and ball collection. A touch sensor was programmed using NXT to guide the robot through the maze. The next task was completed by using light and touch sensors to allow the robot to remain within a ring while forcing the opponent outside. Balls were collected by controlling the robot with a remote control via Bluetooth. After completing the project, it was found that a robot with a simple design performs more efficiently because there is less potential for error.

JASON KAM, Electrical EngineeringHometown: Chandler, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015ERIC CHANG, Mechanical EngineeringHometown: Tempe, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015

AUTONOMOUS ROBOT DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING

The intent of the project was to design, construct, and program an instrumented LEGO® Mindstorms NXT robot to complete three specific tasks. For maze traversal, extensive programming was required to precisely navigate the course. In ball collection, a motorized hopper was implemented, allowing the robot to acquire and hold multiple balls. Finally, great lengths were taken to construct a four-wheel-drive as opposed to the standard two-wheel-drive for greater traction in the sumo competition. It was determined that a robot with modular components for each task can successfully complete all objectives. Future iterations could include further programming to use more sensors.

TINA ALAM, Electrical Engineering Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaGraduation: May 2015GEORGE CHEN, Electrical Engineering Hometown: Karlsruhe, GermanyGraduation: May 2015

DESIGNING AND PROGRAMMING A ROBOT USING VISUAL PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

The objective of the FURI research project was to design and program a LEGO® Mindstorms robot to compete in various events. The three events were: autonomous traversing of a maze, ball collection and sumo bot. Various modifications were made to the physical configuration of the robot as well as the software design for each event, as a rotating head was used for the autonomous traversing of a maze, a cage for ball collection, and a ramp was placed in front for the sumo bot competition. The robot competed with several other robots and placed first.

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where are they now?Raisa Ahmad (Biomedical Engineering ’11, FURI Fall ’09-Spring ’11) works for Goldman Sachs in Salt Lake City as an operations analyst for equity derivatives. Mark Alavi (Chemical Engineering ’10, FURI Fall ’08-Spring ’09) works as a process engineer for an engineering consulting group. Cody Anderson (Environmental Engineering ’11, FURI Spring ’10-Spring ’11) works as a research assistant while pursuing a master’s degree in hydrology at ASU.Michael Bartholomew (Computer Science ’10, FURI Fall ’09-Spring ’10) is enrolled in the graduate program at ASU for computer science. Maria Bengtson (Biomedical Engineering ’08, FURI Fall ’06-Spring ’08) is pursuing a doctorate in rehabilitation engineering at Marquette University. Brent Bowers (Biomedical Engineering ’10, FURI Spring ’08) works at Chandler Preparatory Academy teaching Physics I.Casey Campbell (Electrical Engineering ’09, FURI Spring ’06-Fall ’07) is at Phoenix School of Law in downtown Phoenix, after working for General Dynamics for two years. James Choca (Mechanical Engineering ’11, FURI Summer’10-Spring’11) works as a full-time engineer at a small company called Blockwise Engineering.Amber Dunning (Biomedical Engineering ’11, FURI Fall ’09-Spring ’11) is pursuing a doctorate in biomedical engineering at the University of Southern California.Joy Marsalla Edwards (Environmental Engineering ’11, FURI Fall ’08) works at Intel as an environmental engineer and is pursuing a master’s at ASU in environmental engineering.Laila El-Ashmawy (Civil and Environmental Engineering ’11, FURI Spring ’10-Spring ’11) works as a field engineer for an oil field services provider offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Aaron Estes (Mechanical Engineering ’11, FURI Fall ’09-Spring ’11) is pursuing a doctorate at the University of Buffalo. Michael Fillman (Aerospace Engineering ’10, FURI Fall ’08-Spring ’10) works at Boeing as an aerodynamics and conceptual design engineer and is pursuing a master’s at ASU.Jennifer Gamboa (Chemical Engineering ’11, FURI Fall ’08-Fall ’10) is pursuing a doctorate in biomedical engineering at Duke University.

Michael Garcia (Aerospace Engineering ’09, FURI Fall ’08-Fall ’09) works in the mechanical design and analysis group at Intel.Alan Hogan (Computer Science ’10, FURI Fall ’07-Spring ’08) is a start-up co-founder of Blogic, a company that makes it simple for companies to use their existing website as if it were a blog template. Albert Hsia (Biomedical Engineering ’10, FURI Fall ’09-Spring ’11) is pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical engineering at ASU.Drew Jones (Aerospace Engineering ’08, FURI Spring ’08) is pursuing a doctorate in aerospace engineering at the University of Texas, Austin. Steven Klein (Mechanical Engineering ’06, FURI Spring ’06) works as an engineer at Intel.David Latshaw II (Chemical Engineering ’09, FURI Fall ’08-Spring ’09) is pursuing a doctorate at North Carolina State University. His thesis research is on “Simulating the aggregation amyloid beta in the presence of aggregation inhibitors.” Jennifer Lehrman (Biomedical Engineering ’11, FURI Fall ’09-Spring ’11) is pursuing a master’s in biomedical engineering at ASU and graduating in May 2012. Tyler Libey (Bioengineering Engineering ’11, FURI Fall ’08-Fall ’10) is pursuing a doctorate in bioengineering at the University of Washington and works in a lab exploring auditory signal processing for implementation in cochlear implant technology. Barry Lumpkin (Computer Science ’10, FURI Spring ’08-Spring ’10) is pursuing a master’s in computer science and teaches introductory computer science courses at ASU. James Mertens (Materials Science and Engineering ’10, FURI Spring ’11) is pursuing a master’s in materials science and engineering at ASU. Mike Munroe (Mechanical Engineering ’07, FURI Spring ’06) works as a module engineer for Intel Corp. and is pursuing a master’s in mechanical engineering at ASU. Stephanie Naufel (Biomedical Engineering ’10, FURI Spring ’08-Spring ’10) is pursuing a doctorate in biomedical engineering at Northwestern University.Druh Palma (Mechanical Engineering ’07, FURI Spring ’06-Spring ’07) works as a structural analysis engineer for Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ Propulsion Systems Division in Renton, Wash.

Andrew Payne (Chemical Engineering ’10, FURI Fall ’08-Fall ’09) works as a process engineer for Heliae Development, LLC in research and development to mass produce algae for food and fuel. Jonathan Plasencia (Biomedical Engineering ’11, FURI Spring ’09-Spring ’11) is pursuing a doctorate in biomedical engineering at ASU as a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow.Gary Reynolds (Aerospace Engineering ’08, FURI Fall ’07) works at NASA Johnson Space Center as an engineer/analyst for the International Space Station Active Thermal Controls Systems group. Muriel Steele (Civil Engineering ’10, FURI Spring ’08) is pursuing a doctorate in environmental engineering at Clemson University.Kartik Talamadupula (Computer Science ’07, FURI Spring ’07-Fall ’07) is pursuing a doctorate in computer science with a specialization in artificial intelligence.Ben Teplitzky (Biomedical Engineering ’11, FURI Spring ’08-Spring ’09) is pursuing a doctorate in biomedical engineering at the University of Minnesota. Jorge Valdez (Biomedical Engineering ’10, FURI Spring ’07-Spring ’08) is pursuing a doctorate at MIT, department of biological engineering.Michael Verdicchio (Computer Systems Engineering ’06, FURI Summer ’05-Spring ’06) recently earned his doctorate from ASU and has begun a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Anthony Volpe (Electrical Engineering ’08, FURI Spring ’06-Fall ’07) works as an electrical engineer at a defense contractor overseas.Stephen Vossler (Biomedical Engineering ’09, FURI Spring ’08-Spring ’09) is a third-year medical student at Stanford. Alex Weir (Chemical Engineering ’09, FURI Fall ’08) recently graduated from ASU with a master’s in environmental engineering and works for Olin Chlor Alkali in Henderson, Nev., as an environmental engineer.

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

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

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

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

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

Engineers from day one

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

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

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

engineering.asu.edu

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

Ira A. Fulton

Documents

fulton undergraduate research initiative fall symposium 2011 · The Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative (FURI) is designed to enhance and enrich a student’s engineering education