Systems Software
The goal for this project was to create a user-friendly program capable of accurately detecting ‘bots’ (automated accounts) on Twitter, inspired by the influx of bot activity and public conc…
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Diabetes affects 30 million Americans, and costs $300 billion a year. The first regimen prescribed to new patients is usually metformin: it is very effective at reducing the level of sugar i…
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Introduction The purpose of this experiment is to bring awareness to air pollution. In recent years news reportings on severe wildfires, such as the California and Texas wildfires, has focus…
Biochemistry
Third Award
During circulation, red blood cells (RBCs) experience shear stress. While RBCs are mechanically robust, extreme flows may compromise the spectrin network and lipid bilayer, leading to hydrop…
Materials Science
Imagine a world where our coastal cities are drowning and pollution is the norm. This could very well be our reality if the use of fossil fuels is not decreased. One of the ways fossil fuels…
Robotics and Intelligent Machines
Studies predict that demand for autonomous vehicles will increase tenfold between 2019 and 2026. However, recent high-profile accidents have significantly impacted consumer confidence in thi…
Microbiology
Vibrio cholerae is a bacterium that causes the severe diarrheal disease cholera. V. cholerae exists as two strains: environmental and toxigenic. Environmental strains cannot cause cholera an…
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
The purpose of this project was to develop an algorithm capable of predicting protein structure. The first step was to research how other protein modeling software work like homology modelin…
Embedded Systems
Wearable technology relies on the use of sensors to monitor bodily movement. Soft, flexible, and durable sensors are needed in devices for everyday use. Here, I present a novel method for cr…
Engineering Mechanics
When it comes to small, versatile, capable, and durable robots that can be used for search and rescue or exploration, there are few, if any, available. The goal of this project is to design…
Environmental Engineering
Background: Mussels are increasingly being utilized as a natural method to remove and filter harmful algae and other natural debris from our water systems. In the context of concerns for cli…
Translational Medical Science
This study will evaluate the efficacy of the herbal supplement Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha root) for treatment of depression, anxiety and stress. The American Psychological Association s…
Microbiology
Fourth Award
Background: Glyphosate, the main chemical in popular weed killers, is found in common foods such as breakfast cereals, bread-products, eggs, and snack foods. Glyphosate blocks a necessary am…
Behavioral and Social Sciences
As many schools are choosing to integrate technology into the classroom, such as iPads and laptops, administrators are pushing that state-mandated standardized tests are also taken on the co…
Animal Sciences
Fourth Award
Northeastern United States populations of pollinating hawkmoths are in long-term decline or have been locally eradicated. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a hypothesized contributor; howe…
Microbiology
This project was pursued in order to study how statins and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) affect vacuole formation in Tetrahymena. Both statins, which are drugs which help to lower cholesterol, a…
Microbiology
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an infectious disease characterized by flu-like symptoms that can progress rapidly to a fatal respiratory disease. HPS is caused by Sin Nombre Virus (S…
Earth and Environmental Sciences
How does topography impact the formation, size and strength of a tornado? In order to better understand how a tornado changes when it travels across different land masses a small-scale torna…
Materials Science
The biodegradable materials from renewable natural resources contributes to sustainability and reduction in the environment impact associated with waste disposal. 3D printing offers the manu…
Mathematics
The purpose of this project is to develop a cipher (encryption algorithm) and cryptosystem that is both practical and provably secure. First, I investigate the relationship between continued…
Mathematics
Second Award
The mathematical field of algebraic topology studies the association of algebraic data to topological spaces, which are generalizations of geometric shapes. Since its creation in the early 2…
Robotics and Intelligent Machines
The purpose of this project was to create a computer simulation of an intersection with no traffic controls (stop signs or traffic lights), and develop artificial intelligence capable of mak…
Biochemistry
In order to study and understand biological processes, it is necessary to be able to track intracellular interactions between molecules. Fluorescent proteins are often fused onto a protein o…
Biomedical Engineering
There is a great need for a more effective in vitro disease model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) for use in high throughput drug screening. It was hypothesized that oleic acid a…
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
The intrinsic subtype of breast cancer is a major factor considered in the development of individualized treatment regimens for patients. An understanding of when and which molecular changes…
Translational Medical Science
Kyphosis is the excessive curvature of the thoracic spine along the sagittal plane, creating a hunchback or slouching appearance. It is a pressing issue in modern society due to anatomical i…
Biomedical Engineering
The seasonal Influenza A virus (H1N1) remains a highly contagious and deadly disease worldwide. Rapid sensitive testing options remain limited. Although success has been found in methods suc…
Biomedical Engineering
This work focused on applying existing cell phone technology as a cost effective innovative tool for wound measurements. Precise wound measurements are utilized for medical records, document…
Translational Medical Science
Ketosis is a metabolic state in which some of the body’s energy supply comes from ketone bodies, a product of the breakdown of stored triglycerides. Uncontrolled ketosis leads to an excessiv…
Mathematics
The dynamics of polynomials in the space of 2X2 real matrices of the form Q(Z) = Z^2+C with a Constant C consisting of complex eigenvalues, identical eigenvalues, and distinct real eigenvalu…