The supernova remnant (SNR) 1604, otherwise known as Kepler’s Supernova, is in the Ophiuchus constellation in the Milky Way Galaxy. It was observed in October 1604, notable for its significant brightness being seen even in daylight for up to three weeks. Previous studies showed ejecta knots traveling upwards of 10,000 km s-1, indicating the remnant is in free expansion. This is unusual for an SNR this old, as current evolution theories predict free expansion ending ~200 years post explosion as the ejecta interacts more with circumstellar material (CSM). Based on archival Chandra data, results are presented from resolved spectral analysis of two regions in the remnant showing high velocities, as well as two regions showing lower velocities. Based on a factor of solar abundance, the elemental abundances observed in Kepler’s spectra were resolved. The electron density and elemental mass was calculated based on the abundances found. Results indicate that electron density and mass do not play a significant role in determining spatial velocities of the ejecta dominated regions. Key Terms: Supernova remnants, X-ray astronomy, Spatial velocity, Mass and density relation
Vision impairment from damage to the cornea, retina, or optic nerve is a major global health issue. Current treatments, like corneal transplants, are limited by donor shortages and immune rejection. Regenerative medicine offers a promising alternative through the use of injectable extracellular matrix (ECM)-based microgels. These microgels aim to mimic the native ocular environment, supporting cell survival and delivering regenerative signals. Each target tissue will undergo a tailored decellularization process to remove cells while preserving essential ECM components, confirmed by histological staining (H&E, DAPI) and DNA quantification. The decellularized ECM will then be enzymatically digested and crosslinked into injectable microgels capable of gelling in situ. These will be evaluated using cell viability assays, attachment studies, and neurite outgrowth measurements to assess their ability to support neural and tissue repair. This research could provide a minimally invasive, customizable alternative to current treatments, offering a scalable solution not dependent on donor tissue. By promoting regeneration and enhancing cell survival, ECM-based microgels could become a transformative therapy for ocular diseases and injuries.
Since 2000, suicide rates among Black adolescents have surged by 78%, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This rise is particularly alarming given that Black youth are disproportionately exposed to chronic stressors such as community violence, racial discrimination, and a higher prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—all of which are strongly linked to suicidality and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Social connectedness, defined as one’s perceived availability of supportive relationships, is empirically recognized as a protective factor in trauma recovery. However, existing research tends to emphasize the presence of support without addressing how accessible or functional those supports are in the lives of marginalized youth. For Black adolescents in particular, identity may shape the availability of social support and its effectiveness in buffering against trauma-related distress. This study used a cross-sectional design to conduct a secondary analysis of de-identified baseline data from 124 trauma-exposed youth, ages 5 to 19, who received services through the Child and Families Healing After Trauma Clinic at Rutgers University between 2017 and 2024. By examining this interaction, the study aims to clarify how Black identity influences both trauma responses and the protective power of social connectedness—informing more culturally responsive interventions for marginalized adolescents.
We know conferences can be exciting but also overwhelming at times. To support your well-being, a Quiet Room will be available throughout the day. This space is designed for quiet reflection, meditation, or simply taking a break.
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 4:00pm EDT PotomacSheraton Inner Harbor Hotel 3rd Floor
As a McNair Scholar and pre-medical student, I am pursuing a degree in psychology with a focus on medical and behavioral sciences, along with studies in law and criminal justice. My research examines how early childhood experiences, both adverse and supportive, shape adult outcomes across emotional, psychological, behavioral, social, and physical domains. Drawing from developmental psychology, attachment theory, and trauma-informed frameworks, I investigate the long-term effects of early trauma, neglect, family instability, and caregiver relationships, as well as the protective influence of secure attachment, consistent caregiving, and supportive educational environments. My work emphasizes the early childhood period (ages 0–5) as a critical stage for brain development, identity formation, and coping strategies. These formative experiences often leave lasting impacts on mental health, emotional regulation, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. I look forward to connecting with graduate schools, learning more about their programs, and exploring opportunities to bridge clinical research with medical training, advancing healthcare models that address both symptoms and the developmental and psychological roots of patient well-being.
CubeSats are low cost, modular satellites that remain vulnerable to cyberattacks due to limited onboard security. Communication failures are common because few missions include strong encryption or real-time fault recovery. As the demand for secure space-based communication grows, there is a need for adaptive cybersecurity strategies designed for small, resource-constrained platforms like CubeSats. To evaluate adaptive cybersecurity strategies for resource-constrained platforms, this project presents a FlatSat-based testbed running Raspbian Linux to simulate CubeSat operations. It integrates COSMOS (OpenC3) for ground station control and GNU Radio with a software defined radio (SDR) to emulate RF threats (jamming and spoofing). Secure communication is implemented using the CubeSat Space Protocol (CSP) with advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption. Environmental sensors and Python scripts will monitor system performance in real time. The system will be evaluated based on its ability to detect and respond to cyberattacks, using metrics such as packet integrity, latency, and recovery time. This research provides a practical, economic framework for testing secure CubeSat communication using open-source tools. Results are hypothesized to demonstrate faster threat detection than unsecured systems. An affordable, open-source solution for testing CubeSat security will support the development of more resilient small satellite systems for NASA and academic research.
I am T^2 mathematics scholar at the University of Texas at Arlington striving to be a mathematics professor at an 4 year institution.Mathematics has been the constant thread running through my personal and academic life. My fascination lies in its ability to reveal hidden structures and... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:50am - 11:05am EDT SassafrasSheraton Inner Harbor Hotel 2nd Floor
An estimated 97.6 million adults aged 18 years and older had prediabetes in 2021, with the expected numbers on the rise. Prediabetes is a condition where an individuals blood sugar is elevated, whereas diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar is significantly increased due to the body’s ability to respond to insulin being impaired. Patients that are prediabetic are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Mechanistically, insulin and leptin resistances are known to cause these disease conditions. Arsenic is a metalloid abundant in the environment, and arsenic exposure has been associated with the increased incidence of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, the mechanism by which arsenic potentially causes metabolic disorders remains obscure. We hypothesize that exposure to arsenic leads to the leptin resistance through the dysregulation of the autophagic flux. The discovery of the mechanism linking arsenic exposure, diabetes and leptin resistance, which could provide new target molecules in preventing diabetes and obesity.
Students often struggle to reason effectively through formal logic problems. This project explores how strategic and reflective thinking emerge during problem solving in Deep Thought, an intelligent tutoring system for propositional logic. Using multiple data modalities–student conversation and system interaction logs–we aim to understand how different forms of reasoning contribute to performance and learning. We apply thematic analysis to student think-aloud sessions to identify segments of reasoning behavior, such as goal formation or self-correction. These tags inform a qualitative coding scheme used to analyze reasoning patterns across participants. In parallel, we use natural language processing (NLP) techniques to detect similar reasoning behaviors directly from raw conversation transcripts, enabling scalable classification of dialogue features. Finally, Python-based analysis of the numerical interaction logs allows us to examine how behavior unfolds over time in relation to hint usage, efficiency, and task completion. Together, these methods provide a dynamic view of student reasoning and lay the groundwork for real-time metacognitive support in education software.
Early parent-child interactions may play a critical role in shaping children’s later academic outcomes, particularly in mathematics. The current longitudinal study examines how the type of language parents use with their young children, specifically effort-based versus ability-based statements, relates to the development of math skills and mindsets over time. Drawing from naturalistic observations during home visits with children aged 6-7, interactions are coded for statement type (effort vs ability), valence, and target. Standardized math and reading assessments, executive functioning assessments, interviews measuring the child’s math identity and mindset, and parent surveys are also completed during home visits. By focusing on language that reflects either a growth (effort) or fixed (ability) mindset, this research aims to clarify the link between early feedback and later math self-efficacy. Preliminary coding and analysis are underway, with future implications for early education and parenting interventions that foster resilience and achievement in mathematical domains.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes severe, multisystem complications across the lifespan, with chronic lung infections and inflammation being among the most debilitating outcomes. My research focuses on thymidine-dependent Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants (TD-SCVs), investigating how these specific strains induce heightened immune responses compared to other bacterial mutants.
Social media has been linked to poor sleep among adolescents. Poor sleep and not getting enough sleep contribute to problems with physical and mental health, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. There is a gap in the literature that centers on why teens use social media late at night and whether social pressure may influence teenagers to continue to be on social media despite the need for sleep. The goal of the current study is to examine why teenagers use social media before bedtime, which may include pressure to stay connected to friends around bedtime and etiquette in messaging friends at bedtime, and how this affects sleep quality and duration. These findings help ascertain the motivations of teenagers for valuing social media over their amount of sleep, despite the negative effects that can occur for their mental health. Results that show correlation can create precedence for future studies to continue to examine how social media negatively impacts teenagers' sleep habits.
With the rise of radiation threats and nuclear energy demands, there is a growing need to have a method to detect radiation efficiently. However, with the rise of scintillators being used today for radiation detections the high refractive index of a scintillator results in higher total internal reflection (TIR) resulting in lower scintillation efficiency. This creates an inaccurate measurement of the ionizing radiation. However photonic crystals (PhCs) are an innovative way to not only reduce TIR but also be cost-effective with many different fabrication methods such as nanoimprint lithography. Using modeling software OptiFDTD to vary the PhC size parameters and observe the effects on scintillator light yield. Upon further investigation through simulations Si3N4 was chosen as the main material for the PhC due to its refractive index of 2.0. Pairing this with a Lutetium–yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) scintillator and its refractive index of 1.82 provides a favorable ratio with Snell's law to enhance light output. Where a pillar-based PhCs structure exhibited a high transmission percent of 30% in comparison to the real-life fabricated structures 17%.
Financial technology (fintech) tools such as mobile banking apps, peer-to-peer payment platforms, and budgeting software are changing the way people manage their money. However, access to these tools is not equal. Many low-income communities face structural barriers, including limited internet access, low financial literacy, and a lack of trust in financial institutions. This study examines how these barriers affect fintech adoption in two Southeastern Virginia communities with differing income levels. We hypothesize that lower-income individuals are less likely to use or trust fintech, compared to those in more affluent economic environments. This is not due to a lack of interest but rather to systemic challenges that reduce access and confidence. Using a mixed-methods exploratory sequential design, the study uses qualitative interviews conducted at two church communities, followed by a short survey shaped by those interviews. The survey gathers data on said person’s fintech usage, trust, and digital comfort. This study aims to bring a community-level perspective towards a broader conversation about digital financial inclusion. Findings may support more equitable fintech design, developing local financial literacy programs, and presenting outreach opportunities that meet the needs of underserved populations.
The Hampton Roads region of Virginia faces increasing climate-related threats, including flooding and marine debris accumulation. An estimated 99.6% of downtown Norfolk properties will risk flooding within the next 30 years. While infrastructure interventions such as the Norfolk Sea Wall project aim to address these threats, disconnected community engagement inevitably fails to provide adequate environmental education. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-integrated STEM camp in enhancing high school students’ environmental awareness, self-efficacy, and intentions to advocate for climate change. The one-week program will engage 20–30 students from the Tidewater region in hands-on training using a Surface Autonomous Vessel (Blue Boat) and a handheld sonar device to collect bathymetric data and GIS software to map marine debris and mitigate pollution and flooding hazards. A pre- and post-survey design will measure changes in environmental knowledge, STEM interest, and perceived ability to impact local climate issues. The study hypothesizes that participants will exhibit significant gains in environmental awareness, with increased self-efficacy associated with stronger intentions to advocate for climate change. Conclusions from this study will enhance climate resilience efforts and inspire youth to shape local policy recommendations in vulnerable coastal communities.
Accurate measurement of the in-situ strength of cemented paste backfill (CPB) is essential for effective mining operations but remains challenging due to the limitations of current methods. This study introduces a novel hydraulic fracturing technique designed to enhance the precision and cost-effectiveness of CPB strength assessment. The objective was to develop a hydraulic fracturing system that utilizes pressure-time curve analysis to determine late-stage strength of pastefill.
The proposed technique involves applying hydraulic fracturing to measure pressure-time curves during the fracturing process. By analyzing these curves, we can accurately define the strength of CPB at late stages, addressing a critical gap in existing measurement techniques. The developed system is both practical and economically viable, making it suitable for widespread adoption by mining operators.
Our results show that this method provides reliable and precise strength data, significantly improving upon traditional approaches. The ability to measure in-situ strength more accurately while reducing costs represents a notable advancement in mining technology.
The significance of this work lies in its potential to enhance safety and operational efficiency. By offering a more accurate and cost-effective solution for strength measurement, this technique enables better-informed decision-making and improved backfill management practices, directly addressing key limitations in current methods.
Major: Mining Engineering, Michigan Technological University
Current 4th year Mining Engineering Student at Michigan Technological University. Currently looking for internships/research for the 2025 summer as well as future job offers.I aided Dr.Rohit Pandey of Virginia Tech and his graduate student James Frimpong in research involving backfill... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 12:10pm - 12:25pm EDT Severn IISheraton Inner Harbor Hotel 2nd Floor
No staining method exists to enable simultaneous, high-resolution labeling of the gram-negative and gram-positive cell envelope. This project proposes the development of a cellular staining protocol, intended to visualize a “Tricolor” model in pathogenic bacterial species, selected for their relevance in infection and laboratory utility. The “Tricolor” concept has not been realized in gram-negative bacteria and few examples have been engineered in gram-positive models. The development of a comprehensive staining protocol will prove beneficial to cell biology research, offering precision labeling and visualization. A novel benzoboroxole-based dye, OM-488, was engineered for high-affinity complexation with carbohydrate-rich components of the outer membrane and cell wall. OM-488 was applied as a staining reagent to non-capsular species: E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). Parameters of the staining protocol were refined. Serial dilution and colony counting were used to investigate OM-488 toxicity. Samples were imaged with fluorescent microscopy. Results between control and variable plates in serial dilutions revealed no significant differences in cell viability when treated with OM-488, indicating non-toxicity. Fluorescent probes exhibited optimal glycan targeting when prepared under neutral (7.4 pH) conditions and exact treatment durations. Subsequent imaging depicted precise selection and labeling of the outer membrane and cell wall. Future steps will incorporate HADA, a fluorescent D-amino acid, for peptidoglycan staining in addition to OM-488 to produce a dual color model. Continued trials will aim to prove the selective binding to cellular targets and eliminate spectra overlap and bleed-through (crosstalk) between fluorophores of HADA and OM-488.
Debt-accumulative behaviors have remained societally relevant for decades, particularly following the widespread adoption of credit cards. More recently, fintech innovations such as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) have reshaped individuals’ cognitive and emotional relationships with debt, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior research suggests that higher financial literacy is associated with healthier credit behaviors (Lusardi & Tufano, 2015). This study explores the interaction between self-perceived financial literacy and actual financial knowledge, and how this dynamic influences behavior related to traditional credit cards versus newer BNPL systems. We conducted an anonymous survey to collect demographic data and assess credit-related behavior using the “Big Three” financial literacy questions. Additional items measured participants' confidence, self-perception, and emotional responses in relation to their quiz performance. We aim to determine whether individuals who perceive themselves as financially literate exhibit greater confidence in using debt-accruing tools. Furthermore, we examine whether self-perception biases individuals toward preferring one form of credit over another. Finally, we hypothesize that individuals with low financial confidence will show heightened emotional reactivity and reduced cognitive engagement in financial decision-making.
