Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are efficient, tunable, small devices that are easy to produce andimplement. This makes them an increasingly essential part of our technological ecosystem.Understanding how they function and when they don’t is crucial for understanding new applications andtechnologies. For example, it has been shown that exposure to high energy electromagnetic radiation canchange their functionality In this research project, OLEDs were fabricated, exposed to radiation, andtheir responses were monitored. The change in material makeup of the devices was explored, as well asthe change in in their magnetoconductance, or their ability to move current in the presence of a magneticfield. This poster will discuss the intersection of these two measurements, the best ways to take them,and what we learned from our analysis. Results of the experiment will show the change in thecharacteristics of an OLED with increasing exposure to radiation
The interactions between proteins and lipid membranes are fundamental in biology. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of small peptides that are an important part of the innate immune system and have become an area of interest for scientists with therapeutics and drug delivery. This study focuses on the AMP Maximin 3, which is derived from the skin secretions of Bombina maxima. Maximin 3 is a 27-amino acid cationic peptide that has strong activity against many bacterial and viral microbes. While prior biochemical studies on this peptide demonstrate its antimicrobial activity and selectivity, there is little data that visualizes these interactions at the single molecule level. To accomplish this, we employ Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), a powerful technique for studying the dynamics of single-molecule systems, including protein-lipid interactions in near-native conditions. Here, we acquired AFM images of Maximin 3 with supported DOPC bilayers, which exhibited membrane deformations such as pore formation. Force spectroscopy assays, such as lipid punch-through experiments, demonstrated a shift in mechanical properties of the membrane, such as the yield force. Complementing our AFM results we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to visualize Maximin 3-DOPC interactions at the atomic scale and extract energetic information about the peptide’s binding. Taken together, these results provide a real-time, quantitative analysis of Maximin 3-induced defects in supported lipid bilayers, highlighting their membrane-permeabilizing ability.
Our project aims to computationally evaluate the long-term evolution of exoplanet orbits around massive stars. These stars have high surface temperatures and strong stellar winds. The mass lost through these winds will have important effects on the development of their exoplanets' orbits and environments. We have performed a series of model calculations for a range of hot star properties. Each star is then assumed to have an initial collection of model planets orbiting them at a range of orbital radii. For the detailed modelling of the effects of stellar evolution, we use the open-source computer program Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA). We then run our own code in Python to calculate the effects on model planet orbits. This project should help in the interpretation of observations of exoplanets orbiting hot stars at various evolutionary stages.
Aging is a universal process characterized by progressive musculoskeletal changes, notably spinal disc degeneration, which frequently compromises independent mobility. While the physiological decline of the spine is well-documented, the specific threshold at which these changes substantively hinder gait remains poorly defined.The primary objective of this study is to identify the age-related impact of disc degeneration on independent gait, specifically focusing on the biomechanics of the ankle and knee joints. To achieve this, the project utilizes Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) to evaluate continuous gait data across two distinct cohorts: individuals below 65 years and those above 65 years.The analysis assesses statistical differences in joint angles, moments, and power to pinpoint where mechanical inefficiencies emerge. By quantifying these kinetic and kinematic variances, this research aims to define the critical age range at which spinal degeneration necessitates rehabilitative intervention. These findings will contribute to more targeted clinical strategies for maintaining mobility and functional independence in the aging population.
This study aims to determine whether we can detect the presence of extrasolar planets by using a Meade LX200 12-inch telescope. Our observation technique is to observe subtle changes in star brightness as a planet passes in front of a star. We have carried out preliminary observations on a variable star and found that we can easily detect variations as small as 0.09 for a 13.81 magnitude star. To understand the sensitivity of our system, we have generated simulated data to predict detection thresholds as a function of stellar magnitude. We will use these predictions in selecting targets for future observations.
In this project a force balance that can be used to measure lift and drag forces on objects placed inside of a wind tunnel was designed and built. Data was collected using Vernier force sensors. The balance was designed using the CAD program Onshape. Parts for the force balance were 3D printed and added to elements constructed in a metal shop. Data from the force balance was collected by Logger Pro software and saved to a file for analysis. The force balance was tested using 3D printed airfoils, the results of which are presented here.
Understanding the aerodynamics of systems is crucial in the design of vehicles and structures. Wind tunnels provide a controlled environment to analyze airflow around models that help inform the design process. Large-scale wind tunnels are expensive, so we have built a smaller scale cost-effective one. We have made measurements to characterize the airflow in the test section where models to be tested will be placed. We have quantified the air speed, uniformity, and consistency of the airflow with two different fan systems. This information will be needed for using the wind tunnel in instructional laboratories or future research.
