Stander Symposium Projects

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  Leveling up: Using Storytelling to Build Community

  Maren Gainer, Mary Katherine Nestos

  Over the last ten years, a sales and fundraising class has focused on a philanthropy project that helps and guides students to support a non-profit of their choice. This experiential and hands-on process motivates students and embeds vulnerability, as they seek funds, share the reasons behind their chosen non-profits, and passionately present in front of their peers. The class combines low-stake assignments with high-reward outcomes, encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and fosters a sense of community and connection. Highlighting the results of our 13 question-survey, sent to recent participants in the philanthropy tournament. We will explore how harnessing vulnerability will help develop a deeper understanding among peers and the impact to the classroom as a whole.

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  Living Life on the Edge: Why Brown Street is a Hotspot for Crime

  Christina Diaz, Samantha Matheis, Ella Raimondi

  In this class project for SOC 324: Communities & Crime, we worked to identify a crime problem or a plan to promote safety that is pertinent to our own community. We applied relevant social science theories in order to understand the problem of crime on Brown Street. Based on these theoretical explanations, we offer strategies to address the crime problem and to enhance community safety, as well as an action plan to implement our recommended solutions.

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  Localization of Melt Pond Regions in the Arctic Using Transformer Models

  Aqsa Sultana

  Recent breakthroughs in Natural Language Processing (NLP) have inspired the use of transformers in computer vision, where they have shown significant promise in tasks like image classification. This study focuses on applying transformers for pixel-wise classification in images. By using pure transformers as encoders, images are divided into patches, and these patches are embedded into tokens, which are fed as input to a Vision Transformer. The self-attention mechanism within transformers allows the model to focus on important patches relative to their neighbors, enabling it to capture long-range dependencies and contextual relationships across the image.However, challenges arise when dealing with the complexity of image datasets, scalability of models, and limitations in capturing long-range contextual information. To address these issues, we turn to the Swin Transformer. The Swin Transformer processes images hierarchically, building feature maps progressively by merging image features at deeper layers. Initially, image patches are grouped into regular windows, which are processed separately using self-attention. In the following layers, the window partitioning is shifted, enabling the model to perform self-attention across the boundaries of these windows, thereby enhancing its ability to capture finer details and long-range dependencies.We evaluate the performance of Swin Transformers on Arctic melt pond data, using high-resolution datasets from the Healy-Oden Trans Arctic Expedition (HOTRAX) and NASA’s Operation IceBridge. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the Swin Transformer in localizing melt ponds and achieving precise segmentation in complex Arctic imagery.

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  Making Our Classrooms Democratic: Influences and Methods in Teaching Current Events

  Matthew Kolsti

  This literature review examines factors that influence how current events, especially contentious topics, are taught in high schools as well as methods that are used by teachers to team them. It was found that political situations and culture wars can influence curricula, and that teachers and administrators choose to comply or resist. This research suggests that various ideologies influence the methods each teacher uses in the classroom to teach controversial subject matter.

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  Mapping PLN immunoreactivity within the thalamic reticular nucleus

  Summer Istenes, Hayden Ott

  Calcium (Ca2+) is a crucial cellular messenger involved in numerous physiological processes, including muscle contraction and synaptic transmission. The sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2 (SERCA2) is a key regulator that helps maintain Ca2+ homeostasis in the cell. An inhibitor of SERCA2 is the protein phospholamban, which is encoded by the gene PLN. While SERCA2 and PLN interactions have been extensively studied in the heart, research in the Pitychoutis Neuroscience lab has uncovered a significant role for PLN in the brain, specifically within the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). The TRN regulates the complex interactions between the thalamus and cerebral cortex and has been shown to be anatomically divided into distinct sub-sectors related to different sensory and limbic processing, including: visual motion/attention, visual, visceral, gustatory, somatosensory, and auditory sectors. Disruptions in Ca2+ regulation within the TRN have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This honors thesis project seeks to map the spatial PLN expression within the specific sectors of the TRN in mice by employing fluorescent immunohistochemical techniques coupled with confocal microscopy. The proposed experiment will allow us to identify the TRN sectors in which PLN is expressed and gain insights into its function in the brain and relation to behavioral processes.

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  Markov Chains

  Jordyn Hurley

  Markov Chains model stochastic processes and are used to predict random events and their outcomes. In Markov Chains, I explored the different techniques found to demonstrate practical uses within real world scenarios. A good reminder for Markov Chains is in each event, the probability depends on the state of the previous event that occurred. Markov Chains can be applied to different theories to help analyze complex ideas. The theories include:- Transition matrices- Multi-step transition probabilities and distribution vectors- Regular Markov Chains- Absorbing Markov Chains

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  Mechanical Design of an Aircraft with a Bio-Inspired Rotating Empennage

  Benjamin Schaiper

  An aircraft without a vertical stabilizer and using a novel rotating empennage is currently under study at the Air Force Research Lab. The project aims to produce a highly maneuverable tailless fighter aircraft that is inspired by the flight of hunting birds. Flying creatures do not have a vertical stabilizer and exhibit remarkable maneuverability by rotating their tail feathers for lateral stability and pitch control. In the tailless bio-inspired aircraft, lateral control is gained by providing the empennage with an additional degree of freedom. The bio-inspired rotating empennage (BIRE) concept aircraft has the capability to rotate the empennage about the roll axis, in addition to tilting each horizontal stabilizer about the pitch axis. The selected platform for the BIRE project is a single-engine, supersonic, tactical aircraft, based on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The design of the mechanical drive and structural components is ongoing. This poster will illustrate the concept and current state of development.

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  Mending a Checkered Past: Reintroduction of the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly into Ohio Wetlands

  Penelope Fisher

  The Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly, Euphydryas phaeton, is a wetland-dwelling butterfly native to the Eastern United States. Its bright orange aposematic coloration indicates its toxicity to its predators as it carries toxins sequestered from its native host plant Chelone glabra, or white turtlehead. This species is unique in that the larvae overwinter during their 4th instar as caterpillars. However, due to this overwintering capability, the species has been proven to be very temperature sensitive, with winter heatwaves proving fatal for many larvae. With the global temperature increasing, many E. phaeton populations have begun to dwindle, and habitat loss has driven many populations into endangerment with the loss of wetlands and their native host plant C. glabra. Despite the declining population size and home range contraction of the species, little to no research has been completed detailing the Baltimore Checkerspot lifecycle. Most research on this butterfly occurred in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, which does not account for how it is being affected by the rapidly changing environments and climates of today. Moreover, this species has complex growth behaviors, as it is both gregarious and an overwintering species, making cultivation in new or restored wetlands difficult. Overall, due to the butterflies’ threatened populations and their complexity in development patterns, it is crucial to research rearing methods in order to reintroduce populations to wetlands so that the endangered status of this species does not turn to extinct. In collaboration with the Five Rivers MetroParks, I will be studying how to successfully rear E. phaeton in order to reintroduce the butterfly to restored wetlands. Reintroducing these butterflies will create more stable wetland habitats and give the species a better chance at survival due to heightened biodiversity.

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  miR-137 targets Myc to regulate Development and Tumor Growth in Drosophila eye model

  Rad Padma

  During organogenesis, the regulation of gene expression controls the fundamental cellularprocesses like cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. Among many gene regulatorymolecules, miRNA(s), a class of small non-coding RNAs, regulate more than one targetmRNA expression during development. To understand the molecular-genetic mechanism(s)regulating eye development, we employed a forward genetic screen to identify the miRNAinvolved in controlling patterning and growth in the Drosophila eye. We identified miR-137whose gain-of-function (GOF) in developing eye results in reduced eye phenotype and loss-of-function results in enlarged eye phenotype. We found that reduced eye phenotype isaccompanied with reduced expression domains of markers of retinal determination anddifferentiation and increased negative regulators of eye development like Wingless (Wg) andHomothorax (Hth). In the developing eye, Wg is known to block the progression of asynchronous wave of differentiation referred to as the Morphogenetic furrow (MF). The GOFof miR137 significantly downregulates the expression of dpp-lacZ, an MF marker. Usingbioinformatic approaches, followed by genetic experiments, we identified Myc as a target ofmiR-137 as the GOF of Myc can rescue reduced eye phenotype of miR-137 GOF or viceversa. Our data suggest a new role of miR-137 in targeting Myc in the developing eye todetermine eye size by regulating retinal- determination, -differentiation, and cellularhomeostasis. We tested GOF of miR-137 in RasV12 , scrib RNAi background, an establishedtumor model for oncogenic cooperation that results in neoplastic tumors. The GOF of miR-137 show a significant rescue of tumor phenotype in the eye along with a significantreduction in Myc levels. Our studies shed light on the role of miR-137 in tissue homeostasis,growth regulation, and development.

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  Misinterpreting Hippocrates: The Use of “Let Food Be Thy Medicine” in Modern Holistic Medicine

  Laiba Lohani

  This study looks at how modern holistic medicine misinterprets Hippocratic ideas, particularly through the popular phrase "Let food be thy medicine," which is often attributed to him despite its absence from his writings. While this phrase is frequently used by holistic practitioners to emphasize the role of diet in health, its historical accuracy and alignment with Hippocrates' teachings are questionable. The study explores how the misquotation of this phrase influences the promotion of food-based therapies and its broader implications for complementary and alternative medicine. Drawing on secondary sources, including scholarly works on Hippocratic medicine and research on holistic health trends, this study analyzes how Hippocrates' legacy is invoked in contemporary health discourse. Early findings suggest that modern practitioners use Hippocrates as a symbol of whole-body healing, despite the complexity and limitations of ancient Greek medicine. This pattern reflects a broader tendency to appropriate history to validate current health practices. Understanding these misinterpretations is crucial for recognizing how historical medical ideas are reshaped to support modern wellness narratives.

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  Modeling Atmospheric Refractivity Using the Split-Step Method: Python Implementation

  Nahom Worku

  Understanding atmospheric effects requires accounting for atmospheric refractivity, the slowly varying large-scale component of the refractive index. Refractivity gradients can alter optical wave trajectories and introduce anisotropy effects. Standard wave optics approaches typically neglect these effects due to the complexity of their description, instead addressing refractivity impacts through ray-tracing methods. However, this simplification overlooks potential anisotropy effects caused by temperature gradients. Current descriptions of optical anisotropy remain ad hoc, and widely used non-Kolmogorov turbulence models lack predictive power in capturing these effects.This motivates a deeper investigation into the influence of temperature gradients—and consequently, refractivity distributions—on optical wave propagation in the atmosphere. As part of this effort, we developed a Python-based code based on the well known split-step technique to model refractivity effects. The refractivity is represented by the set of the phase screens. To validate the accuracy of our approach, we compared simulation results with published data. We conducted laser beam propagation simulations over distances ranging from 1 km to 10 km under standard US76 Atmosphere model conditions, considering an initial Gaussian beam with a 10 cm radius. The results demonstrated strong agreement with existing data. Additionally, we explored laser beam propagation in the presence of an Inverse Temperature Layer (ITL) with varying parameters, revealing significant laser beam intensity reshaping due to refractivity gradients.

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  Modeling Groundwater Flow in the Salar de Atacama

  Isabelle Blackwell

  The Salar de Atacama, a hyper-arid basin in northern Chile, is a critical region for lithium extraction, where brine mining operations have expanded rapidly. However, current mining regulations primarily address solid-state resource extraction, leaving brine-based lithium mining largely unregulated. This lack of oversight raises concerns about groundwater depletion and long-term environmental impacts. Understanding how bedrock properties influence groundwater flow is essential for assessing the sustainability of lithium extraction in the region.Currently, I am in the early stages of developing the necessary modeling skills and refining my research hypothesis. The first semester has been dedicated to learning groundwater modeling techniques and establishing a conceptual framework. Moving forward, the second semester will focus on designing simulations, selecting appropriate modeling tools, and refining methodologies. The third semester will involve executing numerical simulations to assess groundwater movement under varying hydrostratigraphic conditions. Finally, the fourth semester will synthesize the results, analyze trends, and evaluate the broader implications of bedrock influences on groundwater flow.By improving our understanding of groundwater dynamics in the Salar de Atacama, this research will provide insights into how lithium mining operations interact with regional hydrology. My poster presents progress to date and outlines the next steps in this study.

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  Modeling Honeybee Population Through Differential Equations

  Reed Diller, Andrew Mosler

  Honeybee populations are critical for global agriculture and are also a part of the food that we consume, yet they have been declining due to various factors including habitat loss, climate variability, pesticides, and parasitic infestations. This study (Romero-Leiton, Gutierrez, Benavides, Molina, Pulgarín, 2022) takes a detailed approach to modeling honeybee colonies through differential equations. Authors used mathematical models to explore equilibrium conditions for colony survival, and also included an analysis of USDA honey production data (1985–2019) with linear models to reveal a declining relationship between colony numbers and honey yield over time. These results show that stress induced death in the colonies significantly impacts the stability of the colony itself. This then leads to reduced honey production and potential colony collapse. In this work we present a comparison of numerical solutions of the mathematical model in (Romero-Leiton, Gutierrez, Benavides, Molina, Pulgarín, 2022) using Runge-Kutta methods. We use MATLAB’s built-in functions.

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  More Than a Passing Grade: My Intrinsically Motivated Undergraduate Research Journey

  Elizabeth Krahe

  The historiography essay from ASI 120 during my first year was more than just a necessary assignment. Through my research on the founding and funding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities during the Reconstruction Era, I was motivated to learn about the beginnings of black higher education in the US and the importance of advocating for quality education for diverse populations. My value of learning and advocacy continues to drive me to pursue further undergraduate research opportunities in the field of education, including participating in the Berry Summer Thesis Institute.By 2043, the United States is projected to become an official "plurality," with the non-Hispanic White population comprising less than 50% of the total (Devine and Ortman, 2014). Schools are becoming more culturally and racially diverse, yet the teaching population remains predominantly White middle-class females. Teachers need to engage all students to promote excitement in learning. Reading and writing are central to education and tied to academic achievement. This study will explore how interdisciplinary models in high school English Language Arts (ELA) education can advance the academic achievement of immigrant, refugee, and urban students. The aim is to observe how teachers in the Dayton Public School system understand and integrate interdisciplinary models in their ELA curriculum, and the benefits or disadvantages of this integration. Using research from Gloria Ladson-Billings' culturally relevant teaching, Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed, and bell hooks' Teaching to Transgress, the study will be grounded in critical pedagogies for education as a tool for freedom.

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  Multiplication and Division on An Abacus

  Josephine Eckhart

  This presentation will explore concepts of multiplication and division using the abacus, a Chinese counting tool used for performing arithmetic. We will discuss the basic mechanics of the abacus and break down the processes of addition and subtraction as well. Attendees will gain an understanding of how the abacus can be used to teach basic and advanced calculations to strengthen mathematical fluency. This session will also allow attendees to participate in a hands-on demonstration.

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  Navigating Athletes' Mental Health: Challenges Before, During and After the Season

  Ca'ron Coleman, Mary Olivia Eyears, Jenna Ito, Dyrenson Wouters

  College athletes frequently experience fluctuating mental health challenges throughout the sports season due to the physical, emotional, and psychological demands of competition. While sports participation can enhance well-being, pressures related to performance, intensive training, injuries, and external expectations often contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Despite growing awareness, there remains a significant gap in research on how mental health fluctuates across different phases of the sports season and how interventions can be optimized. The purpose of this study is to examine the variations in athlete mental health across pre-season, in-season, and post-season phases, identifying the periods most associated with anxiety, depression, and burnout. Specifically, we aim to test the hypothesis that mental health challenges fluctuate significantly, with heightened stress during in-season competition and increased depressive symptoms post-season due to loss of routine and identity. This study employs a quantitative research approach, collecting primary data through Google Form surveys distributed to athletes at various points in the season. Approximately 80-100 survey responses assessing self-reported burnout, anxiety, and depression levels will be collected. In addition, existing literature on athlete mental health will be reviewed to provide a broader context for understanding these patterns. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA tests and descriptive statistics, will compare mental health trends across the phases. Our findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of seasonal mental health fluctuations in athletes. By identifying critical periods of vulnerability, this research aims to inform targeted interventions by coaches, sports psychologists, and athletic organizations. Enhanced mental health strategies could lead to reduced stigma, improved support systems, and overall better well-being for athletes, ultimately optimizing both performance and quality of life in sports.

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  Nazi Germany's Abuse of Roman Architecture

  Chase Kinder

  My research project identifies the specific intentions behind Hitler’s and the Nazi party’s decision to design their new state buildings in the 1930s based on Roman architectural structures. Precisely clarifying these intentions allows us to understand why Hitler believed that a connection with the Roman Empire would validate his power in Germany and secure his vison for the world. My research process involved analyzing secondary sources from historians who examined Hitler’s plans for the Third Reich’s architecture and interpretated the designs of surviving Nazis structures. This approach allowed me to evaluate why Hitler chose ancient Roman architecture as the basis for Germany’s new architectural landscape and how he influenced his most important state architects, Albert Speer and Werner March, to construct structures like the Kongreßhalle and Reichssportfeld, that were similar to imperial Roman structures. I argue that Hitler instructed his architects to fulfill his vision, that Germany’s public architecture resembles structures from the Roman Empire, because he believed that Roman designs would establish Germany as the world’s most dominant nation and make the individual German citizen feel like they are united under one collective. Hitler’s attempt to unify the German people under his rule with architectural structures provides more insight into his larger plan for mass conformity to the Nazi party and also helps us recognize when contemporary world leaders use certain tactics that force individuals to submit to the masses.

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  Nonlinear Dynamics of Soft Electro-Active Materials Under AC Voltages

  Nathan Benham

  Dielectric elastomers are a compelling class of electro-active materials that show great promise for large-deformation actuation, sensing, and energy-generation applications. In a recent series of papers, the faculty mentor and coworkers developed analytical models to explore the quasi-static and dynamic response of circular dielectric elastomer membranes to DC (constant) and AC (time-varying) voltages, respectively. These models led to the uncovering of rich and atypical nonlinear dynamic behavior not previously reported in the literature. However, these novel findings have yet to be experimentally verified. Thus, the goal of this Honors Thesis is to (a) develop an experimental setup for electro-mechanically testing circular dielectric elastomer membranes under AC and DC voltages, and (b) deploy it to investigate three key questions: (1) How significant is the influence of constitutive model calibration on the predicted quasi-static (DC) voltage-stretch response? (2a) Can AC voltage pulses be leveraged to achieve large stable stretches without dielectric breakdown? (2b) Can proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control be leveraged to tune AC voltage waveforms to achieve moderate-to-large unstable stretches without dielectric breakdown? The results of this research are expected to advance the understanding of the nonlinear dynamics of soft electroactive materials. If successful, this research could impact the design of actuators, sensors, and isolators used in robotics, measurements, and vibration control.

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  Novel High-Speed Mechanical Press Designs Optimized for Improved Ram Dwell Limited by Joint Force Considerations

  Tianze Xu

  A mechanical press shapes parts by driving a ram into metal to deform it into a desired form. Because this process is widely used—from forming pop cans to shaping car fenders—mechanical presses play a crucial role in global manufacturing. The objective of this research is to develop alternative drivetrain designs for mechanical presses that generate specialized ram motions while meeting industry demands for optimal joint forces. By focusing on mechanical presses, this study leverages their advantages over other forming methods, including higher speeds, lower costs, enhanced accuracy, greater precision, and improved energy efficiency. Even small improvements can significantly reduce processing time and energy consumption. The research evaluates five drivetrain designs under realistic industrial conditions to enhance the dwell phase and achieve the required joint forces. Two of these designs are currently prevalent in industry, while the remaining three offer potential advancements.

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  Number of Spanning Trees

  Jonathan West

  This project is for the course MTH 466: Graph Theory and Combinatorics. A graph is a mathematical object that consists of two sets: a set of vertices and a set of edges. An edge joins two vertices and depicts a relationship between those vertices. A graph is said to be connected if, for any two vertices of the graph, there exists a sequence of edges that is a path between them. A subgraph of a graph is called a spanning tree if it is connected and contains every vertex of the graph while containing no cycles. This project will explore the process of determining the number of different spanning trees on a connected graph with labeled vertices. We will also consider the same question for unlabeled graphs and make a comparison between the two approaches.

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  Numbers Don't Lie: Forecasting the NBA Champion with Machine Learning

  Jonah Mergler

  Growing up in a family of devoted Flyers fans, I developed a deep appreciation for basketball, especially after watching Obi Toppin. The intensity, strategic plays, and constant innovation of the game fueled my passion. When choosing my capstone project, incorporating basketball was an obvious choice. Since college basketball was set to end before my presentation at Stander Symposium, I decided to focus on the NBA, where data is more accessible and player rosters remain stable for longer periods.This project utilizes machine learning and data analytics to predict the 2025 NBA champion by analyzing the last 20 years of team statistics alongside this season’s data. I compiled a dataset featuring key performance metrics, including wins, losses, field goal percentages, rebounds (offensive, defensive, and total), and steals, both for and against teams. Using this data, I developed predictive models to assess each team's likelihood of winning the championship.To classify potential champions, I employed supervised learning techniques such as logistic regressions, LDA, QDA, KNN, random forests, and gradient boosting. The model was trained and validated using historical NBA data spanning two decades. Additionally, I applied various feature selection techniques, including forward selection and LASSO, alongside in-depth exploratory data analysis (EDA) to determine the most significant predictors of championship success.This project aims to offer fans, analysts, and sports bettors a data-driven approach to forecasting the NBA champion. My findings highlight the power of machine learning in sports prediction, demonstrating how data analytics can uncover patterns that may not be immediately apparent through traditional analysis.

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  Observations of Memristive Behavior for Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 and Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 Through Current Voltage Curve Analysis

  Tristan Quach

  As indicated by the consistent validation of Moore’s Law, decreasing the size of electronics has been a perpetual goal for decades. Memristors have a unique way of decreasing the size of devices by performing the functions of what would normally need a group of devices. This is done by making use of the multiple states of a memristor. Additional useful qualities of memristors include in-memory computing, low power consumption, and nonvolatile memory. There are many possible dielectrics that can be used for memristive devices, but barium-based dielectrics show promise. Sixty-forty and seventy-thirty compositions of barium strontium titanate (BST) are dielectrics of interest. Analysis of the current-voltage curve is made from voltage sweeps to observe memristive behavior of these dielectric materials. The sixty-forty composition of BST largely does not show memristive behavior. The same voltage values throughout the voltage sweep do not significantly alter the current value, indicating that the devices are not switching between the high and low resistance states. The seventy-thirty composition of BST largely shows memristive behavior on only the positive side of the voltage sweep, clearly switching from high resistance state to low resistance state. However, the seventy-thirty composition shows similar behavior to the sixty-forty composition on the negative side of the voltage sweep.

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  Online vs. In-Person Learning: A Comparative Analysis of Education in the Digital Age

  Allison Andriole, Peter Dato, Megan Hayes, Patrick Proesel

  The integration of technology into education has prompted significant debate regarding the effectiveness of online vs. in-person learning. This comparative analysis examines the differences, benefits, and challenges associated with each mode of learning in the digital age. The study explores aspects such as student engagement, and learning outcomes, drawing on recent research and real-world case studies. Online learning, characterized by its convenience and global reach, offers a more flexible learning environment, but often presents challenges in terms of student interaction and motivation. In contrast, in-person learning provides opportunities for direct interaction, hands-on experiences, and a structured learning environment, yet it may lack the flexibility that many learners seek. By considering various factors such as technological infrastructure, pedagogical approaches, and the needs of diverse student populations, the study offers valuable insights into how education systems can adapt to the evolving landscape of the digital age.

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  Optical Wave Propagation Model: Python Implementation

  Aidan Augustus

  Optical systems are widely used in free-space communications, military defense, and remote sensing. Analyzing the impact of atmospheric effects on their performance requires the ability to model and adjust key propagation parameters, such as optical path length, turbulence characteristics, and system properties. Simulations provide control over environmental conditions and enable testing of various optical system configurations. Our laboratory research is focused on analyzing atmospheric optical effects to support applications such as the development of optical sensing instruments and the mitigation of atmospheric distortions affecting laser systems. This requires extensive simulations and analysis of optical wave propagation in the atmosphere. Current project aims for testing a developed software package and verifying its accuracy and modeling capability. We implemented the well-known split-step method for the numerical integration of the parabolic equation, modeling a turbulent atmosphere using a series of phase screens. To validate the code accuracy, we conducted laser beam propagation simulations over distances ranging from 1 km to 20 km, considering an initial Gaussian beam with a radius between 5 mm and 20 cm. Simulations were performed under both turbulent and non-turbulent conditions. The results align with analytical predictions in weak and medium scintillation regimes, where theoretical models provide solutions with reasonable accuracy.

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  Original Sin or the Lack Thereof: Rousseau's Philosophical Anthropology

  Jane Carney

  Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s philosophical anthropology finds its roots in deeply theological territory. At the heart of his philosophy is the belief that man is essentially good but becomes corrupted by the influences of society. His strong belief in the innate goodness of humanity therefore led him to question Christian doctrines that appear to contradict that natural goodness. This then led him to object to the doctrine of original sin. Rousseau’s interpretation of original sin, and his subsequent rejection of it, shaped his broader political and philosophical thought, and is thus a vital piece of understanding Rousseau’s broader normative theory. Because he grounded his anthropology in the explicit rejection of Christian doctrine, understanding the theological implications of Rousseau’s anthropology requires that we understand both the teachings that Rousseau rejected, and his grounds for that rejection. This project contrasts Rousseau’s understanding of original sin and theory of human nature with Catholic and Reformed formulations of the doctrine of original sin at that time. To do so, we particularly focus on what Rousseau says about sin, what Rousseau says the Catholic Church says about sin, and what the Catholic Church actually says about sin. We examine a variety of primary and secondary literature on historical Catholic and Reformed teaching on original sin, focusing on the documents of the Council of Trent. In doing so, we shed light on the origins of his thought and the implications of a theological reading of Rousseau. This gives us a richer understanding of Rousseau as a thinker in his own right, of the interplay between theology and political theory, and, most importantly, of the many ways in which we approach the topic of human nature.