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
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
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