Katelyn Brinker – Iowa State University
Multi-Parameter Chipless RFID Sensing Tags Utilizing Additive Manufacturing
Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) plays a critical role in monitoring and maintaining our space and aerospace infrastructure. Wireless passive sensors are of especially high interest and value for these application areas due to not requiring a power source, having a small form-factor, and being minimally invasive to structures. Read more
Samuel Duncanson – Iowa State University
Geochemical nitrogen cycle through Earth history
Nitrogen is an essential element for life on Earth. To better understand possible constraints on the evolution of life, therefore, requires a comprehensive picture of different components of the nitrogen cycle through time. Despite active research concerning the modern nitrogen cycle, including on crop growth and health, we lack understanding of this cycle during certain intervals in Earth history. Read more
Cecilia Fasano – University of Iowa
Fabricating the Next Generation of High Energy Reflection Gratings
This is a project designing and fabricating the next generation of ultraviolet diffraction gratings for use in astronomy. This work will enable future astronomical instruments to reach higher resolutions than ever before, leading to better data, better scientific outcomes, and new possibilities for scientific inquiry. Read more
Samuel Murphy – University of Iowa
Activity Classification for Wearable Sensor Technologies to Capture Natural Human Behavior
My research project focuses on activity classification using body-worn inertial measurement units (IMUs) to characterize the physical (biomechanical) requirements to conduct planetary scientific fieldwork. Outcomes of this project will support decisions relating to extravehicular activities (EVAs) planned for future missions to our moon and eventually Mars. Read more
Efrain Rodriguez-Ocasio – Iowa State University
Production of Macronutrients from Thermally Oxo-Degraded Wastes
The goal of the project is to convert plastic and paper wastes into food for human consumption. My work focuses on the metabolic engineering efforts to program the microorganism to produce macronutrients. Proof of concept was successfully completed with HDPE, the world’s most common plastic, and it is being expanded to other types of wastes. Read more
Zackry Stevenson – Iowa State University
Molybdenum demands for nitrogen fixation in the freshwater Fe(II)-oxidizing phototroph “Ca. Chlorobium masyuteum”
My current work involves determining the biological metal demands of nitrogen fixation funded by an inaugural NASA Interdisciplinary Consortia for Astrobiology Research ICAR. My project will determine the threshold of Molybdenum (Mo) concentrations necessary for nitrogen fixation using the Fe-Mo containing nitrogenase in anoxygenic photosynthetic bacterium to augment what is known from a few culture studies of diazotrophic Cyanobacteria. Read more
Kody Waldstein – University of Iowa
Identifying how viral mutations differentially induce inflammation leading to severe disease
My research seeks to identify how genetic variation in viruses elicits differential immune responses and causes severe disease. To date, I have identified small genetic variations in a complex respiratory virus that results in increased lung inflammation and the recruitment of pathogenic cells of the immune system. Read more
Murtaza Zohair – Iowa State University
This research focuses on enabling high specific energy metal anode batteries through two methods: embedded nanosensors and data driven prediction/optimization. The project has demonstrated the use of this design to sense dendrite propagation through a separator in lithium and magnesium metal anode batteries, an event that can lead to battery ignition. Read more