2021-2022
Anna Braun – Drake University
Analysis of Double-Stranded Break Repair Pathway Genes in Mammary Tumor Cell Lines
The effects of radiation exposure can be life-threatening to all living organisms. Radiation exposure may occur from space travel, medical examination and treatments, and tragic accidents like Chernobyl. Read more
Lydia Butters – University of Northern Iowa
Teaching Social Justice Issues Through Mathematics Curriculum
Learning about the social injustices diverse individuals face can be implemented into formal education, specifically mathematics instruction. Further, creating meaningful and relevant experiences for students in mathematics is essential. Read more
Jaylen Cangas – Loras College
Designing and Fabricating 3D-Printed Transtibial Prosthetic Covering
Hundreds of limb amputations occur in the United States every day. The focus of this research is to develop a product that advances the aesthetics of prosthesis and improves the quality of life for amputees. Read more
Victoria Chaparro – Drake University
Probing the Lower Solar Chromosphere Via Dynamical Signatures of UV Bursts in Cold Lines
UV Bursts are small scale brightenings identified by dramatic intensification and broadening of emission lines often accompanied by absorption features from cold metallic ions. They can be used as probes of plasma conditions in the lower solar atmosphere since their spectral features suggest they are magnetic reconnection events in the cool lower chromosphere. Read more
Cole Dorman – University of Iowa
The Development of The MAGIC Magnetic Screening Apparatus
This research project is with MAGIC, a magnetometer instrument for the TRACERS spacecraft. Magnetometers seek to measure magnetic fields and magnetic dipole moments. For more accurate measurements, we need a magnetic cleanliness plan to help minimize local magnetic noise from the spacecraft.Read more
Keegan Finger – Drake University
A Monte Carlo Particle Trajectory Code for Evaluation of Magneto-Ionization Spacecraft Shielding
The MISSFIT (Magneto-Ionization Spacecraft Shield for Interplanetary Travel) collaboration endeavors to design a novel method for protecting interplanetary travelers from harmful radiation using intense magnetic fields and energy loss by ionization and scattering. Read more
Ali Goldensoph – Drake University
A thin layer chromatography purification method for peptide extracts from Sample M
Radiation-induced DNA-damage represents the ultimate form of insult to the cosmonauts’ genetic material because of the chronic and heritable health effects caused by such damage. Monitoring stability of DNA during and after space travel is therefore critical. Read more
Abigail “Andy” Hammer – Iowa State University
Exploiting Assume-Guarantee Contract Patterns to Optimize the Discovery of Design Space Dependencies
Model-checking large and extensive sets of requirements for a system often means tackling the challenging problem of state-space explosion. The Discovering of Design-Space Dependencies (D3) algorithm exploits relationships within systems in order to optimize the model-checking search. Read more
John Horne – University of Iowa
Detection of Emerging Volatile Organic Compounds using Infrared Spectroscopy
This project will measure the absorption spectra of different volatile organic compounds in the air, which will eventually result in developing new technologies for measuring spectra of these gasses. These volatile organic compounds, such as ethylene oxide, are pollutants commonly toxic to humans, and in most cases are high-profile carcinogens. Read more
Hailey Hughes – University of Northern Iowa
Macrophotography: A Closer Look at Our World
Research plans for this project includes the use of stacked macrophotography to survey the insects that are present in the local prairies around the University of Northern Iowa. Within this survey I will be documenting various insects and their unique morphological traits. Read more
Michael Jacks, Jr. – Iowa State University
Real-Time Runtime Verification With Small Aerospace Systems
This project is conducting research on using R2U2 to catch radiation-related faults using the GRIFEX cube satellite as a basis. GRIFEX was developed and launched by the Michigan Institute in 2015 and has suffered long-term degradation due to radiation-induced faults. R2U2 is the Realizable, Responsive, Unobtrusive Unit, or R2U2. Read more
Madelyn Johnson – University of Northern Iowa
Virtual vs. In-Person Instruction: The Impact on Teachers’ Understanding of Physics
Covid-19 forced nearly all U.S. schools to switch to virtual instruction in March of 2020. With students around the country and world “Zooming” into class, it begs the question, does this new learning environment impact student learning? Read more
Aaron Kirchman – University of Northern Iowa
Stochastic Monte Carlo Simulations of Competing Nucleoproteins on Single-Stranded DNA
A crucial step in the DNA repair mechanism of homologous recombination is the search for homology between DNA molecules. This step is quickly followed by strand exchange between homologous DNA. Read more
Paige Leeseberg – Iowa State University
The Calibration of the Period-Luminosity Relation of RR Lyrae in Globular Clusters
This project consists of processing and analyzing images of globular clusters in the Galactic halo and the Large Magellanic Cloud taken by the NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. The goal of the project is to use variable stars in these clusters as “yardsticks” to measure the Hubble Constant, which describes the rate of expansion of the universe. Read more
Rowan McCarthy – University of Northern Iowa
Preliminary Investigations into Wind Cave and Maquoketa Cave Hydrology
Scarce and complex, midwestern caves have been the subject of little hydrologic research. In association with the Iowa Space Grant Consortium, ongoing investigations are being conducted by the University of Northern Iowa within Wind Cave National Park. Read more
Anna Parr – Drake University
Effects of High Intensity Interval Training on Muscle Function and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Young and Older Mice
To better understand the impacts of HIIT on muscle function and fitness during aging, mice will remain sedentary or complete 10-minute uphill treadmill HIIT sessions three times per week over 8 weeks. Changes in cardiorespiratory endurance will be determined by maximal treadmill tests and muscle strength and endurance. Read more
Baylee Petersen – University of Northern Iowa
Using Field and Laboratory Analogs to Understand Organic Pathways of Habitable Moons
Along with the biology side of things, this project also explores the chemistry side. With multiple STEM fields working together, the group was able to conduct research that will provide insight as to what is in the cave systems and what is potentially in other extreme environments. Read more
Hannah Wubben – Loras College
Math in Animated Movies
This project is conducting research surrounding the mathematics in animated movies. This process involves learning and digesting a number of key animation techniques. Read more