Physical Sciences
A Pilot Study Investigating Virtual Reality for Chemical Education
Author(s): Kaden Jensen
Insights into hydrogen storage utilizing cyclic amino-borane complexes
Author(s): Jordan Colmenero
Optimization of Cannabinoid Permeation Agents for Transdermal Delivery Applications
Author(s): Madison Bulloch, Alexia Casillas
Testing of an Acousto-Optic Modulator for Implementation as a Laser Q-Switch
Author(s): Micah Laing, Benjamin Holt
Increased Efficiency in Nonlinear Wireless Power Transfer
Author(s): Zachary Butler, Kendall Rosenkrantz, Yoonji Yo
Student's perceptions on the use of Virtual Reality in organic and inorganic chemistry
Author(s): Isabelle Smith, Alexandra Routsis, Laryssa Larson, Josie Wright, Kaden Jensen
Optimizing Continuous-wave Nd:YVO4 Laser Performance for Longwave Infrared Generation
Author(s): Benjamin Holt, Alex Gibb, MicahLaing
Fluoride Speciation Analysis of the Great Salt Lake Utah
Author(s): Danielle Kemmer, Dillon Reynolds, Alyssa Brown, Benjamin Judd, Dean V. Smith, Tyler Jenkins, Asha Ahmed, Amber Thornton Miller, Dylan Jenkins, Nashly Cruz-Guzman
Lensless High-Resolution Imaging with Laser Interference
Author(s): Ulises Thornock, Brian Weaver, Jackson Phippen
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Pterostilbene Derivatives for Potential use as Therapeutics
Author(s): Austin Lamoreaux
Photophysical and Photochemical Investigation of Dipyrrinone Bilin Subunits
Author(s): Cauy Williams, Danielle Newbold
Synthesis and Characterization of [(Ir(dmpmpy)2)2(dpm)]Cl2
Author(s): Joseph Clinger, Ethan Nielsen
Stratigraphic Insights into the Tectonic Evolution of the Rio Grande Rift
Author(s): Levi Hawks
Uncovering Mixture Interactions through Excess Heat Capacity
Author(s): Calvin Crawford
The Stability of Isolated Bovine Milk Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Author(s): Elley Colledge, McCoy Smith, Ian Cutler
From Ancient Cyanobacteria to Future Tech: The Chemistry of Dipyrroles
Author(s): Jaren Meikle, Samuel Archer
Microplastics in Soil: Testing Detection Limits with FTIR and DSC
Author(s): Jenna Olivier
The study of urea on protein biomarker detection by quantum dots
Author(s): Daniel Jensen, Caitlin West
Differences between sexes in spatial visualization and memorization in organic chemistry
Author(s): Dagney Goodfellow, Lauren Jensen, Derek Baker, Seunghwan Shin
Identification of Environmental Microplastics Using Raman Spectroscopy
Author(s): Courtney J. Ebert, Korryn Narvaez, Eliza Ballantyne, Stone Smith, Reece Anderson
Geochemical Analysis of Amphiboles at Mt Hillers, UT
Author(s): Zoe Fischer, Parker Tenney, Chloe FitzGerald Taylor, Logan Chappell, Spencer Hahnem
Brain-eating Amoeba: A Multi-drug Study to Combat Naegleria fowleri and Improve Survival Rates
Author(s): Victoria Green, Ethan Jensen, Ethan Stryker
Strain-Driven Metal-to-Insulator Transition and Ferroelectricity in WTe₂
Author(s): Ross Richins
Encapsulation of Chemotherapeutic Temozolomide in Bovine-Milk Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Author(s): Charlee Cannon, Torrance Johnson, Caleb Weaver
Modifying the Light-Harvesting Capabilities of Phycocyanin using Rhodamine-B
Author(s): Brecken Shakespeare, Colton Koch
Creating a New Distance Ladder with Surface Brightness Fluctuations
Author(s): Mikaela Cowles
Seven potential double star systems in the stellar association WSD 05205+3654
Author(s): Stryder Wiese
Optical Scattering for Rapid UTI Detection
Author(s): Feng Guo, Elise Bauer, Kimball Henstrom, Caroline Torgersen, Hannah Thrupp, Isaac Zabriskie, Alex Martinez, Keaton Fuller, Clint Flinders
Exploring Urban Wildlife Management Plans: A Case Study in Cedar City
Author(s): Jhen Allison Seguiwan
Harmonic analysis of mid-latitude temperatures in the mesopause region: TIME-GCM results and sodium resonance lidar observations during 2009
Cutler, Alynne; Hagan, Maura; Yuan, Titus (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Hagan, Maura (College of Science, Physics Department); Yuan, Titus (College of Science, Physics Department)
Analyses of sodium resonance lidar temperature measurements made during a three-day period in August 2009 in the mesopause region (ca. 70-120km) above Fort Collins CO, along with analyses of correlative temperature predictions from the Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIME-GCM) reveal diurnal and semidiurnal temperature variations characteristic of solar atmospheric tides. Harmonic analyses via Fourier decomposition of the lidar data reveal a dominant semidiurnal oscillation with amplitudes that are well-represented in TIME-GCM at altitudes below about 92 km. A comparatively weaker diurnal tide was detected in the lidar data. This variation is negligible in the TIME-GCM results below 95km. Downward phase progression associated with upward propagating tides characterizes both tidal model and measurement results. Comparisons between August 2009 mean temperature profiles reveal a cold bias of ~17K in the TIME-GCM mesopause region. Equivalent analyses of temperature during a second three-day period in January 2009 remain in progress.
Faculty Advisor: Hagan, Maura (College of Science, Physics Department); Yuan, Titus (College of Science, Physics Department)
Analyses of sodium resonance lidar temperature measurements made during a three-day period in August 2009 in the mesopause region (ca. 70-120km) above Fort Collins CO, along with analyses of correlative temperature predictions from the Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIME-GCM) reveal diurnal and semidiurnal temperature variations characteristic of solar atmospheric tides. Harmonic analyses via Fourier decomposition of the lidar data reveal a dominant semidiurnal oscillation with amplitudes that are well-represented in TIME-GCM at altitudes below about 92 km. A comparatively weaker diurnal tide was detected in the lidar data. This variation is negligible in the TIME-GCM results below 95km. Downward phase progression associated with upward propagating tides characterizes both tidal model and measurement results. Comparisons between August 2009 mean temperature profiles reveal a cold bias of ~17K in the TIME-GCM mesopause region. Equivalent analyses of temperature during a second three-day period in January 2009 remain in progress.
Shocked Electrons: Determination of the Heating Mechanism in Abell 665
Wik, Daniel (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Wik, Daniel (Science, Physics and Astronomy)
Mergers between galaxy clusters are some of the most energetic events in the universe, driving shock fronts in the intracluster medium (ICM), an X-ray hot plasma permeating the cluster. Shock fronts heat thermal electrons, causing an increase in their temperature. The mechanism by which this occurs is undetermined, with two models being proposed to explain the phenomenon. The first proposes direct shock-heating and the second suggests indirect adiabatic compression, with the electrons subsequently equilibrating with ions heated by the shock. We utilize NuSTAR observations, advantaging its effective area at higher energies, of a shock in the merging cluster Abell 665 in order to discriminate between the models. To do so, a temperature profile was constructed across the shock, utilizing spectral fitting, and compared against the models' predictions. In addition, temperature maps across the cluster were generated to better understand the merger event as a whole. We find that the temperature profile is suggestive of the shock model but is not yet statistically significant, due to NuSTAR's comparatively worse spatial resolution. As a result, we apply a novel joint fitting technique to NuSTAR data and Chandra observations in order to statistically distinguish between the models for the first time, accounting for the scattering of photons due to the PSF. Understanding these processes increases our understanding of the magnetic field of the ICM, allowing for mass determination, permitting galaxy clusters to be used to constrain cosmological studies.
Faculty Advisor: Wik, Daniel (Science, Physics and Astronomy)
Mergers between galaxy clusters are some of the most energetic events in the universe, driving shock fronts in the intracluster medium (ICM), an X-ray hot plasma permeating the cluster. Shock fronts heat thermal electrons, causing an increase in their temperature. The mechanism by which this occurs is undetermined, with two models being proposed to explain the phenomenon. The first proposes direct shock-heating and the second suggests indirect adiabatic compression, with the electrons subsequently equilibrating with ions heated by the shock. We utilize NuSTAR observations, advantaging its effective area at higher energies, of a shock in the merging cluster Abell 665 in order to discriminate between the models. To do so, a temperature profile was constructed across the shock, utilizing spectral fitting, and compared against the models' predictions. In addition, temperature maps across the cluster were generated to better understand the merger event as a whole. We find that the temperature profile is suggestive of the shock model but is not yet statistically significant, due to NuSTAR's comparatively worse spatial resolution. As a result, we apply a novel joint fitting technique to NuSTAR data and Chandra observations in order to statistically distinguish between the models for the first time, accounting for the scattering of photons due to the PSF. Understanding these processes increases our understanding of the magnetic field of the ICM, allowing for mass determination, permitting galaxy clusters to be used to constrain cosmological studies.
Heavy metals analysis of particulate matter removed by trees
Dustin, Malia; Holden, Maliea; Peterson, Rob; Chilom, Gabriela (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: Chilon, Gabriela (Dixie State University, Chemistry)
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets suspended in air. Particles vary in terms of origin, chemical composition and size. Particles with diameter of 10 µm and smaller carry an increased risk for human health as they can penetrate deeper into the lungs, even to the alveolar regions. Recent studies suggest that trees can remove particles from the atmosphere through their leaves and their removal capacity depends on the chemistry and morphology of the leaves.
The goal of this project is to analyze the composition of PM for three species of trees commonly grown in St George, Utah: Pyrus Calleryana Bradford, Prunus x Cistena, and Chilopsis Linearis. The amount of PM accumulated on the surface of leaves was determined gravimetrically for two size fractions (2.5-10µm and 10-100µm). Both fractions were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP MS) after acid digestion of filters that collected PM. The average concentrations of the following metals: Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ti, V, Cr, As, Zr, Mo, Se, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pt, and Pb is reported.
The accumulation of heavy metals on leaf surfaces can prevent the metals from being airborne, therefore reducing the exposure of residents to PM pollution.
Faculty Advisor: Chilon, Gabriela (Dixie State University, Chemistry)
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets suspended in air. Particles vary in terms of origin, chemical composition and size. Particles with diameter of 10 µm and smaller carry an increased risk for human health as they can penetrate deeper into the lungs, even to the alveolar regions. Recent studies suggest that trees can remove particles from the atmosphere through their leaves and their removal capacity depends on the chemistry and morphology of the leaves.
The goal of this project is to analyze the composition of PM for three species of trees commonly grown in St George, Utah: Pyrus Calleryana Bradford, Prunus x Cistena, and Chilopsis Linearis. The amount of PM accumulated on the surface of leaves was determined gravimetrically for two size fractions (2.5-10µm and 10-100µm). Both fractions were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP MS) after acid digestion of filters that collected PM. The average concentrations of the following metals: Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ti, V, Cr, As, Zr, Mo, Se, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pt, and Pb is reported.
The accumulation of heavy metals on leaf surfaces can prevent the metals from being airborne, therefore reducing the exposure of residents to PM pollution.
Flavonol Esters: Synthesis, Characterization, and CO Release Activity
Lake, Alexander; Soboleva, Tatiana; Berreau, Lisa (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Berreau, Lisa (College of Science, Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) has been found to have a wide range of potential therapeutic effects. For example, low concentrations of CO have been shown to produce anti-inflammatory, anti-hypoxia, anti-proliferative, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as vasodilation. CO-releasing molecules (CORMs), particularly those which release CO upon triggering with light in the visible range (photoCORMs), are of significant current interest for targeted CO delivery. Our laboratory is developing extended flavonols as highly tunable tunable photoCORMs. In this presentation, the synthesis, characterization, and CO release reactivity studies exploring the use of flavonol esters as CO delivery molecules will be presented.
Faculty Advisor: Berreau, Lisa (College of Science, Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) has been found to have a wide range of potential therapeutic effects. For example, low concentrations of CO have been shown to produce anti-inflammatory, anti-hypoxia, anti-proliferative, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as vasodilation. CO-releasing molecules (CORMs), particularly those which release CO upon triggering with light in the visible range (photoCORMs), are of significant current interest for targeted CO delivery. Our laboratory is developing extended flavonols as highly tunable tunable photoCORMs. In this presentation, the synthesis, characterization, and CO release reactivity studies exploring the use of flavonol esters as CO delivery molecules will be presented.
Evaluation of Alternative Methods of Quantifying the Force Involved in a Long Jump
Da Silva, Adrik; Greenwald, Michael; Li, Yongtai; Manseau, Julianna; Woods, Ciera (Westminster College)
Faculty Advisor: Conwell, Peter (Westminster College, Physics); Kamenetzky, Julia (Westminster College, Physics)
The long jump is a track and field event that has a history dating back to 656 BC. Understably, much theorizing and experimenting has been done to find the ideal conditions necessary for an athlete to win such an event. This experiment tests the efficacy of such a theory by using an equation derived by Yongtai Li and comparing its calculations to measurements from a force sensor. Based on Newton's Second Law, the force and its respective range produced from a jump were analyzed and Yongtai's equation proved to be similar to the actual force due to the theoretical results overlapping with the measured results, but will be modified in the future to include angle and initial running velocity to provide an accurate measure of the force necessary to travel a certain horizontal distance. This equation and the ease of calculations will prove useful to long jumper's who attempt to defy the limits of the human body by breaking world records in their events
Faculty Advisor: Conwell, Peter (Westminster College, Physics); Kamenetzky, Julia (Westminster College, Physics)
The long jump is a track and field event that has a history dating back to 656 BC. Understably, much theorizing and experimenting has been done to find the ideal conditions necessary for an athlete to win such an event. This experiment tests the efficacy of such a theory by using an equation derived by Yongtai Li and comparing its calculations to measurements from a force sensor. Based on Newton's Second Law, the force and its respective range produced from a jump were analyzed and Yongtai's equation proved to be similar to the actual force due to the theoretical results overlapping with the measured results, but will be modified in the future to include angle and initial running velocity to provide an accurate measure of the force necessary to travel a certain horizontal distance. This equation and the ease of calculations will prove useful to long jumper's who attempt to defy the limits of the human body by breaking world records in their events
How to create very dark surfaces for applications
Lange, Christian; Shen, T.-C. (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Shen, T.-C. (College of Science, Physics Department)
An ideal black surface should have low reflectance uniformly across the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. Black paints are not ideal because they have specific reflection peaks and bands. Vertically aligned nanopillars of proper shapes and physical properties are good candidates, but the fabrication and oxidation in air are challenging. Carbon nanotube (CNT) forests could be a cheap alternative but the optical properties are sensitive to the density, length, and alignment of the CNTs in a forest. A model to understand the correlation between the morphology and optical reflectance of CNT forests and strategies to achieve extremely low reflectance in the infrared region will be presented.
Faculty Advisor: Shen, T.-C. (College of Science, Physics Department)
An ideal black surface should have low reflectance uniformly across the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. Black paints are not ideal because they have specific reflection peaks and bands. Vertically aligned nanopillars of proper shapes and physical properties are good candidates, but the fabrication and oxidation in air are challenging. Carbon nanotube (CNT) forests could be a cheap alternative but the optical properties are sensitive to the density, length, and alignment of the CNTs in a forest. A model to understand the correlation between the morphology and optical reflectance of CNT forests and strategies to achieve extremely low reflectance in the infrared region will be presented.