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2019-20 Graduate student research projects

Marc Brittain – Iowa State University
Intelligent UAS Traffic Management System

Recent proposals for low-altitude airspace operations has initiated a demand for an autonomous air traffic control system that is needed to communicate with future intelligent aircraft, facilitate onboard autonomy or human operator decisions, and cope with the envisioned high-density and on-demand air traffic by providing automated sequencing and separation. Read more


Leo Brueggeman – University of Iowa
Using Deep Learning to Predict Psychiatric Traits

My research focuses on using artificial intelligence to find biomarkers for cognitive and psychiatric traits from medical imaging data. Recently, this imaging data (e.g., retina scans, brain MRIs) has become available in large enough numbers (tens to hundreds of thousands) to be feasible for use by high powered deep learning algorithms, similar to those powering self-driving cars. Read more


Sadie Elliott – University of Iowa
The generation of upward-propagating whistler-mode waves and their interactions with upward-moving energetic electrons in the Jovian polar cap region: Observations from the Juno spacecraft

I conduct data analysis on NASA’s Juno spacecraft, which is currently in polar orbit around Jupiter. I work under the supervision of Dr. Donald Gurnett (Professor emeritus), Dr. William Kurth (P.I. of Juno Waves), and Professor Jasper Halekas (academic advisor). Read more


Jordan Fuqua – University of Iowa
Regulation of Muscle Protein Turnover via Autophagy Modulation

I study how protein turnover is regulated in skeletal muscle via a process called autophagy. Autophagy is the recycling center of the cell. Cells make materials, such as proteins, that are necessary for survival, but eventually, these materials become old or dysfunctional creating a toxic environment if left unchecked. Read more

Kari Jurgenson – Iowa State University
Focusing on the M in STEM: How Students Learn Volume in an Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Unit

Recently, there has been a push to integrate the STEM disciplines, often referred to as integrated STEM education in which science, technology, engineering, and mathematics work together in one cohesive unit. Read more


Noah Laird – University of Iowa
Gene-Activated Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds 3D Printed from Calcium Phosphate Cements

My research is focused on developing implantable, gene-activated bone regenerative scaffolds that can be printed on-demand to fit patients’ unique, large defects in just days. The current gold standard for bone grafts is a graft from the patient themselves, however, as the injury site becomes larger the feasibility of this type of graft precipitously declines. Read more


Adam Lawrence – Iowa State University
Microwave Enhancement and Control of Boron-based Solid Propellants

Increasing the performance and control of propulsion systems will help enable the next generation of NASA missions. Solid propellants are often used for reliable, energy-dense, high-performance propulsion. However, they still suffer from inefficiencies due to incomplete combustion and cannot be throttled like liquid propellant systems. Read more


Hannah Molitor – University of Iowa
Microalgae as a nutritious cattle feed supplement to sequester carbon dioxide and recover nutrients from wastewater

Conventional agriculture places significant demands on natural resources and is generally inefficient. As organisms with tolerance for varied conditions, microalgae (single-cell photosynthetic microorganisms) are a promising alternative to conventionally grown soy for more rapidly and sustainably produced protein-rich animal feed. Read more


Claire Muerdter – University of Iowa
Pollution Processing by Vegetation: Protecting Water, Food, and Environmental Quality

Space travel takes place in closed-loop systems, which benefit from vegetation that produces food and treats waste. My research addresses both functions. Read more


Emily Olson– Iowa State University
Unique Nano-Assembled Coatings with Diverse Applications in and Beyond Space

NASA strives to expand widespread knowledge through the development of innovative technologies for space travel and beyond. Read more

Ashley Paulsen – Iowa State University
Cell encapsulation for root-microbe interactions in vivo

Studying plant roots is essential to further efforts for plant breeding and to enable the development of more resilient plants. My lab works on developing tools to study plant roots in vivo and overtime to facilitate these efforts. Read more


Christopher Sullivan – University of Iowa
Adaptive Model Order Reduction Techniques for High-Fidelity Multibody Vehicle Models

High-fidelity computational models play a critical role in vehicle design and performance evaluation. These models, however, take significant amounts of computational time, even with modern high-performance computing. Read more


Dustin Swarm – University of Iowa
Employing Machine Learning Algorithms to Search for Unique X-ray Sources

Astronomical surveys provide more data than astronomers can process through traditional means. This requires new astronomical methods to sift through large datasets and prioritize scientific investigation.  Machine learning techniques are a key method being leveraged by astronomers to process these large datasets. Read more


Katharine Woodruff – University of Iowa
Relating EEG signals and ECG signals to better understand Cognitive Workload during Flight Operations

My research project will be conducted through the Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL) at the University of Iowa. OPL conducts ingenious research related to human factors in aviation to increase safety, productivity, and inter-operability of the pilot. OPL is led by my project mentor and employer, Dr. Thomas Schnell. Read more

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