fulton undergraduate research initiativeFURI - Ira A. Fulton Schools ...

fulton undergraduateresearch initiativeFURIspring symposium 2013

FURIThe Fulton UndergraduateResearch Initiative (FURI)is designed to enhance andenrich a student’s engineeringeducation by providing handsonlab experience, independentand thesis-based research andtravel to national conferences.At this semiannual symposium,students present their researchand share their findings withpeers, Fulton Engineering,the ASU community andthe community at large.engineering.asu.edu/furi

The Fulton Difference:Discover. Create. Innovate.April 12, 2013Thank you for joining us for the Spring 2013 FURI Symposium.This year we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ira and Mary Lou Fulton’s gift to theengineering schools—an investment that has enabled many things for our students includingthis undergraduate research program that has become one of our signature experientialopportunities.In 2005, the first year of the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative, 35 students participated.Today you will have the opportunity to meet with nearly 150 students who are working onadvances in health, energy, education, security and sustainability.Our students are working alongside faculty in the lab, gaining valuable hands-on experience.Some are traveling to national conferences to present their research. All are performingimpressive, high-level work that has a real impact in our society.We are very proud of our students’ accomplishments this semester. We are also grateful foreveryone who helps make this program such a success. We extend congratulations to all andlook forward to the continued success of this fantastic program.Sincerely,Paul C. Johnson, Ph.D.Professor, Civil, Environmental andSustainable EngineeringDean, Ira A. Fulton Schools of EngineeringAmy SeverAssociate DirectorUndergraduate Student Engagementsnapshotspring 2013141FURIstudents9645men women8 freshmenmajorsAerospace Engineering 8Biomedical Engineering 26Chemical Engineering 34Civil Engineering 13Computer Science 11Computer Systems Engineering 2Electrical Engineering 14Engineering Management 1Industrial Engineering 1Materials Science and Engineering 8Mechanical Engineering 2334 sophomores62 juniors37 65 seniors mentors

2 Spring 2013 FURI Symposiumparticipants* Honors Thesis ProgramStudents in the FURI researchprogram develop an idea underthe mentorship of an engineeringdoctoral student or facultymember, then apply for funding.Once accepted, they performresearch, attend workshops andprepare research summaries.Participants receive stipendsand research supply budgets.Shannon Brown 7Chelsea Brzezinski* 7Robert Bui 7David Bull 8Michael Bull 8Dillon Card* 8Joe Carpenter III 8Matthew Carroll* 9Amelia Celoza 9Conrad Hom 15Jonathon Houda 16Chelsea Howard 16Sebastian Husein 16K. Hyder Hussain 16Jose Ibarra 17Lisa Irimata 17Amanda Ispas 17Abbas Jaber 17Sanya Mehta 24Maddison Meier 24Matthew Mellott 24Jacob Messner 25Jennifer Megan Mincieli* 25Walker Mitchell 25Frederick Moor 25Seth Morales 26Michael Munger 26Jared Schoepf* 32Ankush Sharma 33Erin Shear 33Brad Shoemaker 33Victoria Smith* 33Amanda Snodgrass 34Gregory Spell 34Mikaela Stadie 34Albert Stanton 34Engineering students in thethesis program at Barrett,The Honors College havean opportunity to fund theirthesis work through FURI.The travel grant program helpsstudents participate in nationalconferences by providingfinancial assistance with travelexpenses.Santhi Priya Challa 9George Chen 9Yan Chen 10Katelyn Conrad 10Javier Corral 10David DeJeu 10Taylor Dolberg* 11Clinton D’Souza 11Kathleen Duggan 11Amit Jha 18Jessica Jia 18Jessica Johnson 18Kaitlin Johnson 18Justin Jordan 19Paul Juneau 19Chikara Kakizawa 19Hara Kumar 19Brett Larsen 20Patrick Murray 26Kyle Ness* 26Miranda Ngan 27Jeffrey Nguyen 27Cameron Noe* 27Gerald O’Neill* 27Tiffany Pifher 28Chelsey Poling 28Spencer Prost 28Daniel Stehlik 35Michael Steptoe 35Samuel Stevenson 35Matthew Swann 35Kevin Tao 36Kevin Tyler 36Xavier Vargas 36Johnathan Vo 36Alex Walsh* 37Derek Dulin 11Winnie (Ching Yan) Lau 20Michael Przeslica 28Anna Weiss 37Anngela Adams 3Bijan Fakhri 12Brady Laughlin 20Ellen Qin* 29Joseph Williams* 37Matthew Aguayo 3Chase Fauer 12Edward Lawrence 20Noelle Rabiah* 29Louis Wilson 37Joseph Babb 4Darcy Frear* 12William Lee 21Kiarash Rahbar 29Reed Wittman 38Jason Babbel 4Andre Fuentes 12Alex Links 21Qasim Rahman* 29Alicia Wolfe 38Kingsten Banh 4Matthew Geres 13Phillip Logan 21Tasnuva Rahman 30Diane Wu* 38Andrew Barkan 4Alison Gibson 13Suyana Lozada 21Paul Rayes 30Erick Yanez* 38Kaitlyn Beaudet 5Zachary Gordon 13Michael Machas* 22Amanda Riggs 30Weidong Ye 39Nicholas Berk 5Taylor Graber* 13Beth Magerman* 22Mariela Robledo* 30Jonathan Yoo* 39Vincent Bevilacqua* 5Anthony Grace 14Elan Markov 22Julie Rorrer 31Kristen Bishop 5Marian Grucky* 14Abhinav Markus 22Austin Roth 31Amy Blatt* 6Mackenzie Hagan 14Jonathan Martin* 23Michael Rozowski 31Jeremy Blazer 6Ibrahim Halloum* 14Isaias Martinez 23Francesco Ruta 31Taylor Bolton* 6Shawn Haupt 15Stephanie Maxwell* 23Lindsey Ryder* 32Zachary Branum 6Cruz Hernandez 15Chelsey McAlpin 23Rafael Santana 32Andre Brewer 7Caroline Hom 15Matthew McDaniel* 24Dagan Sassarini 32

acknowledgementsFinancial support for FURI programs is made possible by Mr. Ira A. Fulton and Barrett, TheHonors College which contributes to the FURI Honors Thesis Program.Special thanks to all of the mentors, family and friends for supporting our students throughthis program.We appreciate the efforts of all who helped make this program a success, especially:Delilah Alirez, business operations specialistEmily Bennett, research advancement administratorHelen Burns, accounting associateHasan Davulcu, associate professorMegan Duskey, student engagement assistantJhanaye Glynn, administrative associateMichael Goryll, assistant professorRolf Halden, P.E., associate professorKarmella Haynes, assistant professorStephen Krause, professorMary Laura Lind, assistant professorJenna Marturano, administrative assistantBarbara Minich, business operations managerCynthia Moayedpardazi, business operations managerBeverly Naig, business operations managerJay Oswald, assistant professorTrudy Perez, administrative associateShaunna Price, business operations specialistStephen Rippon, assistant deanKatrina Roalson, manager, fiscal and business servicesAmy Sever, associate director undergraduate student engagement, FURI directorTomi St. John, business operations managerAlicia Stiers, business operations managerCarol Vance, administrative assistantBrent Vernon, associate professorNellie Voise, academic financial specialistAnngela Adams, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaDIABETES BIOSENSOR UTILIZINGCAPILLARY ACTION THROUGH AHYDROPHILIC MICROFLUIDICMentor: Jeffrey La Belle, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThere are over 25 million people with diabetesin the United States, and they need a practicalglucose-measuring device because thecurrent procedure is painful and inconvenient.The TOUCH tear glucose-sensing device isnoninvasive, using tear fluid instead of blood.It is at a critical stage of its development, andthe next phase involves creating a hydrophilicmicrofluidic. CL2000X, PDMS, 9962polymer and 9960 polymer were tested usinggoniometry to determine which material wouldbe the best to use to construct the microfluidic.9960 polymer was determined to be the mosthydrophilic. Future devices will utilize capillaryaction in a microfluidic.Matthew Aguayo, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Casa Grande, ArizonaEVALUATING SUSTAINABLEREPLACEMENT MATERIALS INCONCRETE SYSTEMSMentor: Narayanan Neithalath, associateprofessor, and Kirk Vance, graduate researchassociate, School of Sustainable Engineeringand the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityDevelopment of sustainable concrete materialsusing less expensive and environmentallysensitive materials such as limestone,metakaolin, fly ash and silica fume is atopic of great importance. This currentstudy aims to add to the understanding ofthese materials, enabling their safe use inengineering applications. The use of limestonein combination with silica fume is shown toincrease sustainability without significantdecreases in mechanical, heat evolution andreactivity performance. Future work will includeadditional mechanical testing, as well as furtheranalysis of the durability characteristics of thesecements.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu3

4 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumJoseph Babb, Computer Systems EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Casa Grande, ArizonaJason Babbel, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Peoria, ArizonaKingsten Banh, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Chandler, ArizonaAndrew Barkan, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaAUTONOMOUS AGENT REASONING INAN ONLINE ENVIRONMENTMentor: Joohyung Lee, assistant professor,School of Computing, Informatics, and DecisionSystems EngineeringResearch Themes: Security, HealthIn order for a virtual agent to operateautonomously within an online environmentit must sense unexpected changes to itssurroundings and react accordingly, all thewhile attempting to satisfy its original purpose.Unfortunately, traditional ad-hoc approachesof simulating this become unwieldy in complexenvironments. To remedy this, the languageaC+ has been designed and an automatedimplementation has been provided. aC+provides a declarative syntax for describingsystems and a formal basis for interleavingreasoning and execution. In the future, theapplications and limitations of aC+ should beexplored to further evaluate possible extensionsto the language.THE PULSE OF BUILDINGS: WEATHER-INDEPENDENT ENERGY EFFICIENCYANALYSISMentor: Kristen Parrish, assistant professor,School of Sustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Themes: Energy, SustainabilityThis research focuses on energy efficiency insustainable building design and operations;specifically, it analyzes the effect of weatheron energy consumption at ASU’s WrigleyHall. Upon gathering the appropriateelectricity consumption data as well as theweather data, an energy model was createdto facilitate the analysis. This model usesmulti-variable regression to “normalize”electrical consumption over time, accountingfor outside air temperature among otherweather characteristics, to facilitate accuratecomparisons. In the future, consumption couldbe normalized for building occupancy, programand other characteristics in support of a moremeaningful understanding of true energyefficiency.NOVEL CEMENT REPLACEMENTMATERIALS FOR SUSTAINABLEINFRASTRUCTUREMentor: Narayanan Neithalath, associateprofessor, School of Sustainable Engineeringand the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityThis research focuses on using fly ash, abyproduct of coal-fired power plants, alongwith different alkaline solutions to form a finalproduct with properties comparable or superiorto those of ordinary Portland cement concrete.Fly ash mortars using different concentrationsof sodium hydroxide and waterglass weredry- and moist-cured at different temperaturesprior to subjecting them to uniaxial compressiveloading condition. Since moist-curingcontinuously supplies water for the hydrationprocess of activated fly ash mortars whilepreventing thermal shrinkage and cracking, thesamples were more durable and withdrew anoticeably higher compressive stress than thedry-curing samples.A NOVEL MECHANISM FOR GAITREHABILITATIONMentor: Panagiotis K. Artemiadis, assistantprofessor, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthThe rehabilitation of walking motion in victimsof debilitating strokes has become an importantissue in the field of biomedical engineeringbecause of its tremendous potential forapplication in the improvement in the quality oflife for a person with disabilities. In this research,a novel mechanism has been developed forexperimentation with individuals with gaitimpairment. The design implements a treadmillsystem with varying forces to imitate changingsurfaces. It is hypothesized that the addedstimuli will improve the brain’s ability to restoreconnections that allow walking motion. In futureprojects, the design of this system will berefined for much wider applications.

Kaitlyn Beaudet, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Chandler, ArizonaNick Berk, Computer Systems EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Gilbert, ArizonaVincent Bevilacqua, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaKristen Bishop, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Gilbert, ArizonaCOHERENCE DETECTING IN ACTIVESENSINGMentor: Douglas Cochran, associate professor,School of Electrical, Computer and EnergyEngineeringResearch Theme: SecurityThe project explores the performance ofdetectors in deciding whether a common signalis present in multiple noisy channels of sensordata, when one channel contains a strongsignal. Thus far, work has been done performinga greatest likelihood ratio test (GLRT) underthe assumption that all the data are available inone place. The resulting detector is comparedto a detector based on generalized coherenceestimation. Further work will examine the use ofmaximum entropy to provide surrogate statisticsfor nodes that are not in direct communicationto enable the aggregation of only locallycomputed scalar statistics.USING ROBOTICS TO AID GEOMETRYEDUCATIONMentor: Winslow Burleson, assistant professor,School of Computing, Informatics, and DecisionSystems EngineeringResearch Theme: EducationThis project aims to discover how robotics canbe used to reinforce geometric concepts ineducation. This project works under the GaLLaGprogram (Game as Life, Life as Game), whichencourages the fusion of technology and dailyliving. Through a combination of psychologicaland technological research, the project isdeveloping an interactive space in which youngstudents can experience geometry, rather thansimply learn it about it on paper. This projectis currently working towards implementing aphysical infrastructure to support this learning.HUMAN ERROR CORRECTION INANTHROPOMORPHIC ROBOTICARMATURESMentor: Panagiotis K. Artemiadis, assistantprofessor, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthIn order to make robotic controllers more stable,it is necessary to get a characterization, or evena model, of the human brain in a human-roboticcontroller scenario. This is especially true withteleoperated robotic armatures. Therefore,the focus of this research is to characterizehuman corrective behavior in the presence of asystematic error in robot joint kinematics. It canbe seen that the initiation of corrective actionis present in the peak of velocity. Furthermore,the velocity profiles of errant human motionare modified consistently across reach targetlocations.ENGINEERING OUTREACHMentor: Martin Reisslein, professor, School ofElectrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: EducationProfessor Reisslein’s research team focuses onthe effectiveness of engineering outreach toelementary, junior-high and high-school children.The team developed computer programs,surveys and activities to not only teach thechildren, but to also address the stereotypesof engineers and engineering. By partneringwith multiple schools and outside-of-schoolactivity centers, such as the Arizona ScienceLab, the research team tested many differentapproaches to the outreach. The lessons had apositive effect on the children. However, furtherstudy with new test groups is required as theprograms and activities are perfected.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu5

Andre Brewer, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2016Hometown: Gilbert, ArizonaShannon Brown, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaChelsea Brzezinski, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaRobert Bui, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Gilbert, ArizonaCARBONATION OF THERMALLYACTIVATED SERPENTINE MINERALS:POTENTIAL FOR PORTLAND CEMENTREPLACEMENTMentor: Hamdallah Bearat, research scientist,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityThis research project explores the carbonationof thermally activated Mg-silicates assubstitutes for Portland cement. To moreresponsibly use resources, research into thesequestration of CO 2via carbonation of themineral lizardite (Mg 3Si 2O 5[OH] 4) in order toform an economically viable cement was done.Activation temperatures of lizardite (so that theproper reactions can be faster) were tested.Also, the carbonation reaction product wastested. The first of the mechanical tests wereperformed. The most effective temperaturefor activation was found to be 650°C. Thisresearch shall be expanded and coupled withsolar thermal as a renewable energy source formineral activation.FLEX FOOT DEVELOPMENTMentor: Jeffrey La Belle, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThe objective of this research is to testalternative composites’ properties in order toimprove the durability and affordability of thecarbon-fiber-flex foot. Tests were run in orderto determine how much stress fiber glass andcarbon-fiber composites can handle before theyfatigue and break. A model of a prosthetic footwas built based off a current model in acrylic,sheet metal and solid works. For future work thecomposites will be modeled on the prototypesin the shape of the foot and the pressure pointsand stress on the composite material will betested.THE DYADIC INTERACTION ASSISTANTFOR INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUALIMPAIRMENTSMentor: Vineeth Balasubramanian, assistantresearch professor, School of Computing,Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThis project aims to develop a technology thatcan enrich the social interaction experience ofindividuals with visual impairments. The dyadicinteraction assistant system (which is intendedfor two-person interactions) is comprised ofa webcam, Mac OS X desktop computer withintegrated software, and a haptic device forvideo input, data processing and data output,respectively. The system is currently capableof displaying the dominant facial emotion, topthree facial action units, and facial featurepoints in real time. Future research will involvethe addition of the haptic device and testing thesystem with both individuals who are sightedand individuals with visual impairment.SIMULATION OF EM FIELDAPPLICATORS FOR ALZHEIMER’STREATMENTMentor: James Aberle, associate professor,School of Electrical, Computer and EnergyEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthElectromagnetic field (EMF) treatment maybe a promising technique for preventing andmitigating Alzheimer’s disease. The objectiveof this research project is to design near-field,head-only EMF delivery systems and evaluatetheir ability to deposit electromagnetic energyuniformly throughout the brain. By usingsophisticated electromagnetic simulationsoftware, two types of EMF applicators havebeen examined, a capacitive applicator and aninductive applicator. The success of each type ofapplicator was determined based on the specificabsorption rate measured throughout ellipsoidmodels of a mouse’s and human’s brain. Futurework includes finalizing the EMF applicatordesigns based on the results collected.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu7

8 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumDavid Bull, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Paradise Valley, ArizonaCONTROLLED DOPING OF ZINC OXIDENANOWIRESMentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, Schoolof Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: EnergyOne of the major engineering challengesof today is energy. This project aims to findsolutions by developing transparent solarpanels that could replace windows. However,development of transparent zinc oxide solarpanels in the future will require a better materialto conduct electricity to create an ideal p/n-typerelationship for power generation. This projectfocuses on altering the electrical properties ofzinc oxide nanowires through doping that willallow more energy to be generated from thesolar panels than current zinc oxide solar panels.This research is being done with anotherundergraduate student, Ali Azhar.Michael Bull, Materials Science andEngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaENZYMATIC PRECIPITATION OFCALCIUM CARBONATE IN SOIL ASA REPLACEMENT FOR PORTLANDCEMENTMentor: Edward Kavazanjian, professor, Schoolof Sustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityThis project focuses on characterizing theprocess of using the enzyme urease anda solution of aqueous urea and calciumions to strengthen soils by precipitatingcalcium carbonate. Currently, this project hasinvestigated two major variances in this process.The first investigated how different deliverymethods for the urease enzyme and urea/calcium solution can create different results inthe overall strength and the uniformity of thesample’s strength. The second investigatedhow larger amounts of calcium carbonateprecipitation lead to higher sample strengths.In the future, this project will investigate thefeasibility of using this method with commonsoils.Dillon Card, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Montrose, ColoradoROBOTIC TACTILE SENSING: HUMAN -ROBOT INTERFACINGMentor: Panagiotis K. Artemiadis, assistantprofessor, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthThe ultimate aim of this research is for roboticprostheses to successfully and safely interactwith unknown environments/objects based ontheir tactile grasp inputs. Through the creationof a novel tactile sensing glove, grasp forcescan be recorded and studied. Forces can bemeasured from over 20 locations on the hand,and joint angles of the fingers can be calculatedto predict finger positions. Whether it is therehabilitation of post-surgery patients or theprogramming of new prosthetic equipment, thisresearch aims to improve our understandingof human performance and apply thatunderstanding into robotic functionality.Joe Carpenter, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Gilbert, ArizonaDEVELOPMENT OF Y-DOPED ZNO THINFILMS VIA NOVEL INKJET PRINTINGTECHNIQUEMentor: Terry Alford, professor, School forEngineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: SecurityYttrium-doped zinc oxide (YZO) is a newn-type semiconductor with electrical propertiescompatible with channel layers in thin-filmtransistors. This could make up the display in asmart-phone or a crucial part of a transparentsolar cell. Inkjet printing techniques were usedto deposit the YZO films on glass substrate. Thethickness of each layer is around 15 nm. Thefive-layered YZO films had RMS roughness of 7nm and had lower transparency in the 550-900nm range than the three layered YZO films,which had RMS roughness of 3.69 nm. Theresistivity of the films is 0.144Ω-cm.

Matt Carroll, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Martinez, CaliforniaAmelia Celoza, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaSanthi Priya Challa, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Sandy, UtahGeorge Chen, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Karlsruhe, GermanyDISSIPATION IN WOOD-FRAMESTRUCTURESMentor: Thomas Attard, associate researchprofessor and lecturer, School of SustainableEngineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Themes: Energy and SustainabilityA project has been undertaken to developan advanced seismic protection systemthat significantly reduces structural andnonstructural damage in wood-frame structuresby combining high strength with sustainableenergy dissipation. The goal is to integrateadvanced composite technology into woodseismic engineering by wrapping a polymericcomposite around the exterior faces ofwood-framed shear walls so as to confine thestructure. The knowledge that will be gainedfrom this project can then be used in the retrofitof existing structures where the shear wallwrap, a strong, flexible load-bearing polymericcomposite, may be attached to existing woodsheathing.CHARACTERIZATION OF FIBERORIENTATION AND DISTRIBUTIONIN FIBER REINFORCED ASPHALTCONCRETEMentor: Kamil Kaloush, associate professor,School of Sustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityFiber reinforced asphalt concrete (FRAC) isa growing industry in transportation materials.Important criteria for sustainable pavements aredurability and life cycle costs. FRAC providesresistance to wear and cracking by addingsynthetic fibers to the asphalt concrete mixture.Improvement in FRAC performance can beachieved with better fiber distribution in theasphalt mixtures. Several fiber introductionmethods at the asphalt plant currently exist;x-ray computed tomography was identifiedas a laboratory technique to capture fiberdistribution and distinguish between the variousfield introduction methods. Research activitiesinclude the use of micro-tomography imagingresources at the Advanced Photon Source atArgonne National Laboratory.TRAVEL GRANTBUILDING A LIBRARY OF HAPTICEXPERIENCES FOR THE USE OFEVERYDAY TOOLSMentor: Veronica Santos, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: HealthIntelligent robot interactions with physicalobjects begin with the construction of a libraryof experiences. The sense of touch can reveala great deal of information about an object andone’s environment. The goal of this project isto investigate haptic feedback from a roboticarm and hand equipped with tactile sensorsas an everyday tool is grasped and made tointeract physically with the environment. Forceand vibratory tactile signals will be related totasks such as using a writing implement on aflat surface. Future work includes expanding thehaptic library to include additional activities ofdaily living.ULTRAHIGH SENSITIVITY STRAINSENSING IN SEMICONDUCTOR CHIPAPPLICATIONSMentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, Schoolof Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: EducationThe objective of this research is to introduce anew strain sensing technique that can detectvery small amounts of localized strain across alarge area. This new technique uses a polymergrating in conjunction with an optical setupto measure strains on different substratessuch as copper or silicon. Improvements inthe optical setup have made it possible toscan the diffracted beam to find the peakposition, instead of manually controlling thestage. The task now is to be able to reproducemeasurements made last semester with anautomated stage scan.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu9

10 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumYan Chen, Mechanical Engineering/ComputerSystems EngineeringGraduation: January 2015Hometown: Zhejiang, ChinaOPTIMIZATION OF POCL3 DIFFUSIONIN SOLAR CELL PRODUCTIONMentor: Stuart Bowden, associate researchprofessor, School of Electrical, Computer andEnergy EngineeringResearch Theme: EnergyPhosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) diffusion is acrucial process in solar cell production. Duringdiffusion, the wafers are placed into a hightempfurnace tube that flows N 2, POCl3 and O 2.The result is the formation of the PN junction.The optimization of POCl3 diffusion involvescross-boat consistency, shifting of diffusionprofiles and improving blue response. Recipeswith cross-boat uniformity and techniques inshifting diffusion profiles have been developedleading to improved blue response and cellefficiency. Further optimization will tailor thePOCl3 diffusion for a recently developedenhanced silicon nitride deposition and lead tocell efficiencies over 18 percent.Katelyn Conrad, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Gilbert, ArizonaTHE DEVELOPMENT OF A PROSTHETICHAND WHICH MAXIMIZES THEARTICULATION OF INDIVIDUAL JOINTSMentor: Jeffrey La Belle, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThe objective is to create a prosthetic that hasextensive control of the individual joints, as ahuman hand does. A prototype of a mechanicalhand was created, and its pros and cons wereinvestigated to reveal that the current system,while it works, is not anatomically correct, andthus cannot facilitate the same movements as ahuman hand. Therefore, more in-depth researchof the anatomy of the hand has been utilizedin the designs for a second prototype. Thefeasibility of using nitinol actuators to power thehand was also investigated.Javier Corral, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Hermosillo, MexicoBORON DIFFUSIONMentor: Stuart Bowden, associate researchprofessor, School of Electrical, Computer andEnergy EngineeringResearch Theme: EnergyThe research topic deals with how to developmore effective ways to etch diffused boron onnegative-type silicon wafers. Silicon etchingusing hydrofluoric-nitric-acetic acid solutionswith varying HF concentrations had beenemployed to determine the ideal etching rateto achieve more efficient photovoltaic cells.Dry etching using nitrogen trifluoride had alsobeen used to analyze possible benefits overwet silicon etching. In the future, purple etch(KMnO 4) solution should be used to analyzepossible benefits compared with HNA and NF 3etching.David DeJeu, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Gilbert, ArizonaINVESTIGATING CEREBRAL ANEURYSMTREATMENT AT DIFFERENT STAGES OFANEURYSMAL DEVELOPMENTMentor: David Frakes, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineering and School of Electrical, Computerand Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThis purpose of this research is to examine theeffectiveness of various aneurysm treatments inorder to better understand the most appropriatetreatment for any given anatomical model. Theresearch involves characterizing virtual stentsto give them physical properties, simulatingphysical interactions that will occur when eachtreatment is applied to a patient, and analyzingthe simulated flow of blood through a vesselwith an aneurysm. The anticipated result is thateach stent will perform differently depending onthe geometry of a vessel and the results can beused by doctors to determine the most effectivetreatment for a patient.

Taylor Dolberg, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaClinton D’Souza, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Mumbai, IndiaKathleen Duggan, Industrial EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Arvada, ColoradoDerek Dulin, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaALZHEIMER’S DISEASEMentor: Michael Sierks, professor, School forEngineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthAlzheimer’s disease is among the top tenleading causes of death in the United States.With no current cure or treatment, what canbe done to combat this disease? ProfessorSierk’s lab is extensively studying Alzheimer’s todiscover a diagnostic and therapeutic solutionfor this disease. The target of the researchis beta-amyloid protein, which causes majorproblems in the brain when it misfolds andaccumulates. Research is being performed toidentify new antibodies to bind to the proteinand prevent aggregation. Hopefully, withcontinued research of beta-amyloid, a diagnosticand therapeutic solution for Alzheimer’s will bediscovered in the near future.PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO ENHANCESECURITY IN SAAS CLOUD MODELMentor: Partha Dasgupta, associate professor,School of Computing, Informatics, and DecisionSystems EngineeringResearch Theme: SecurityThe goal of this project is to determine andpropose secure practices that will improvesecurity in a cloud-computing environment.This joint project with Rafael Santana providesan in-depth analysis of SQL injection and itseffectiveness. The suggested security practicesfocus on how to reduce the risks of SQLinjection breaches in a cloud environment. Thisproject concentrates on a single attack on aspecific point-of-entry for breaching the SaaSmodel. Future work is to expand these securepractice solutions to cover other points of entryand diverse breaches in an SaaS model.ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIPBETWEEN STUDENT PRODUCTIVITYAND THERMAL COMFORT IN A HIGHEREDUCATION ENVIRONMENTMentor: Kristen Parrish, assistant professor,School of Sustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Theme: EnergyThis project focuses on finding an appropriatemetric for assessing student productivityand thermal comfort in a higher educationenvironment. Research suggests that thereis a correlation between thermal comfort,or how comfortable a human is in their builtenvironment, and productivity. Historical dataand infrared images were analyzed to explorethe relationship between classroom temperatureand student success in a probability andstatistics class. Future research will be done toassess student productivity through the use ofretention quizzes and thermal comfort surveys.A regression model will be built to furtheranalyze the relationship between productivityand thermal comfort.CAD-INTEGRATED HIGH-SPEED AIRVEHICLE DESIGN OPTIMIZATION TOOLMentor: Timothy Takahashi, professor of practiceSchool for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SecurityThe design of aircraft, and in particularsupersonic aircraft, is a bewildering complextask. There is such a vast array of competingfactors that it becomes difficult to reconcilethese factors and produce a functionalaircraft that meets design requirements. Toaddress this, a software tool that is capable ofperforming complex trade studies many timesfaster than a human possibly could is needed.To date, internal functional elements of thisprogram have been developed and will, with thecontinuation of research, be integrated into apowerful aircraft design tool.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu11

Matthew Geres, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Casa Grande, ArizonaATOMIC LAYER DEPOSITION ONNANOPORE MEMBRANESMentor: Michael Goryll, assistant professor,School of Electrical, Computer and EnergyEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthAs DNA sequencing becomes increasinglyrelevant in medicine, many researchers haveturned to nanoparticle characterization. Onemethod of processing such small particles isvia the construction of what may be called ananofluidic transistor—a fabricated membranewith nanopores containing an electrostaticgate that may pass particles when activated.Like any transistor, an insulator is needed.Aluminumoxide—one insulator of choice—wasdeposited onto the silicon substrate via atomiclayer deposition, amounting to roughly 2 nmthick (about 20 atomic layers). Once deposited,electrical characterization was carried out to testthe viability of aluminumoxide for the transistorapplication.Alison Gibson, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaELECTROMYOGRAPHIC DECODINGFOR THE GENERALIZED NEURALCONTROL OF ROBOTSMentor: Panagiotis K. Artemiadis, assistantprofessor, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthCurrently, EMG control interfaces requireintensive user-specific training before utilizingrobotic devices. This project presents a newclassification method that generalizes acrossusers without costly training. An EMGsensorizedsleeve records signals from thehuman peripheral nervous system, while anoptimized decision algorithm decodes thesesignals into five distinct hand motions for anygiven user in real-time. This method was testedon ten subjects using leave-one-out validation,resulting in an average accuracy of 80 percentacross users with average specificity of motionat 98 percent. These results present a varietyof new opportunities for large-scale studiesand increased accessibility to EMG-driventechnology.Zachary Gordon, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaSYNTHESIS OF NANOSTRUCTUREDMATERIALS FOR SOLID-STATE LITHIUM-ION BATTERY ELECTROLYTESMentor: Candace Chan, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyModern lithium-ion batteries contain a reactive,flammable and organic electrolyte that is veryunsafe at higher temperatures. The objective ofthis research was to investigate the propertiesof metal oxide nanowires to act as safersolid-state electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries.The focus has been to be first to synthesizethe compound Li 7La 3Zr 2O 12(LLZO) underhydrothermal or microwave conditions for useas an electrolyte. Conditions such as source oflithium and base, pH and time were investigatedand X-ray diffraction and scanning-electronmicroscopy (SEM) were used to analyze eachsample. Future research involves tailoringsynthesis conditions to yield better formation ofLLZO based on results of XRD and SEM.Taylor Jeffrey Graber, BiomedicalEngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaA NOVEL DEVICE FOR STIMULATINGVASODILATION IN THE MICROVESSELSMentors: Bruce Towe, professor, and RichardHerman, research professor, School ofBiological and Health Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: HealthOne possible treatment strategy to peripheralvascular disease (PVD) is the use of lowfrequencyelectrical stimulation to drivethe sciatic nerve to induce vasodilationof the microvessels. Using an implantedneurostimulator driven by external ultrasoundand controllable pulse characteristics, the sciaticnerve was driven at a pulse width of 1 ms andfrequency of 3 Hz. The results were determinedby a laser Doppler and the device was found tohave increased peripheral blood flow in levels of20 percent over baseline. A more robust studyis required which would test multiple deviceson multiple rodents to obtain a more statisticalanalysis.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu13

14 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumAnthony Grace, Aerospace (Astronautics)EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaATTITUDE CONTROL SYSTEMS FORCUBE SATELLITESMentor: Iman Alizadeh, lecturer, School forEngineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: SecurityThe purpose of this research is for attitudedetermination and control of a cube satellite.With the use of MATLAB, the Euler equationsof motion have been simulated while takinginto consideration a disturbance torque dueto the gravity gradient of Earth. The orbit wasdetermined for the cube satellite and STK wasused to collect orbit data. With the orbit dataand MATLAB, the magnetic field direction andstrength has been calculated for a single dayof orbit. The next step is to develop the controllogic for the attitude controls using magnetictorque rods.Marian Grucky, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaNOVEL SILOXANE NANOPROBES FORMOLECULAR AND CELLULAR IMAGINGMentor: Vikram Kodibagkar, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthOxygen delivery is crucial for the developmentof healthy, functional tissue. Low tissueoxygenation, or hypoxia, is a characteristic that iscommon in many tumors. Hypoxia contributes totumor malignancy and can reduce the successof chemotherapy and radiation treatment.There is a current need to noninvasivelymeasure tumor oxygenation or pO 2in patientsto determine a personalized treatmentmethod. This project focuses on creatingand characterizing nanoemulsions using apO 2reporter molecule hexamethyldisiloxane(HMDSO) and longer chain siloxanes as wellas assessing their cytotoxicity. Creation ofmultimodal (MRI/fluorescence) nanoemulsionsand imaged cell uptake was also explored.Mackenzie Hagan, Civil (Environmental)EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaCO-REDUCTION OFTRICHLOROETHYLENE ANDPERCHLORATE IN THE HYDROGEN-BASED MEMBRANE BIOFILM REACTORMentor: Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, assistantprofessor, School of Sustainable Engineeringand the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe objective of this research is to study theco-reduction of trichloroethene (TCE) andperchlorate in a hydrogen-based MembraneBiofilm Reactor (MBfR) while using adechlorinating microbial consortium. Thisconsortium is known to reduce TCE to ethene,but has not been tested for perchloratereduction. A special MBfR was constructed. ThisMBfR is maintained in continuous operationfor TCE microbial dechlorination. In parallel,batch bottle cultures were also established togrow and enrich TCE dechlorinators. Futurework involves the assessment of the microbialcommunity’s function when the two electronacceptors (TCE and perchlorate) are provided inthe MBfR.Ibrahim Halloum, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaCHARACTERIZATION OF ANALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE FROMLACTOBACILLUS BREVISMentor: David Nielsen, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyThe objective is to characterize the kineticsof the enzyme ADH 3, which is found inLactobacillus brevis. Thus far, the kinetics ofADH 3has been characterized on several shortchain substrates using a Michaelis-MentenModel. It was observed that for both aldehydesand ketones the K Mdecreased (suggestinga greater enzyme affinity) as chain lengthincreased. From this, it may be inferred thatlonger chain aldehydes and ketones would bebetter suited for the enzymatic conversion bythis enzyme. Future work includes in vivo assayof the enzyme in recombinant E. coli and L.brevis, both aerobically and anaerobically.

Shawn Haupt, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Goodyear, ArizonaWILL DOSES OF PYRIDOXINE HELPACCELERATE DIABETIC WOUNDHEALING?Mentor: Michael Caplan, associate professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThe objective was to investigate whetherpyridoxine (a form of vitamin B6) accelerateswound healing in patients with diabetic ulcerwounds in the lower extremities. In a clinicaltrial done in conjunction with the Arizona HeartInstitute, specific patients in the experimentalgroup were given 100 mg of pyridoxine a dayalong with normal wound care, while those inthe control group received treatment for woundswithout pyridoxine. It was found, using bothlinear and exponential fits on the data as well asnormalization of wound size, that there was nostatistically significant difference in the meanhealing rates of wounds between the controland experimental groupsTRAVEL GRANTCruz Hernandez, Materials Science andEngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaEMBRACEMentor: Erin Walker, assistant professor,School of Computing, Informatics, and DecisionSystems EngineeringResearch Theme: EducationEducation is a crucial part of today’s society andit begins at the elementary level. The purposeof this project is to help ELL (English LanguageLearners) students with reading comprehension.The project is to construct an application onthe iPad to help students practice and exercisetheir English reading skills. This semester wasspent creating paper prototypes for the designinterface of the application and testing with aset of elementary students.Caroline Hom, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaCONTEXTUAL BEHAVIOR OF ASYNTHETIC CHROMATIN PROTEINMentor: Karmella Haynes, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthContextual sensitivity is a challenge forsynthetic biology applications. Protein-DNApackaging (chromatin) of human chromosomescan influence the function of synthetic systemsin unexpected ways. We have developed abioinformatics-based pipeline for identifying andpredicting sources of contextual variance of theartificial regulation of endogenous genes. In thiswork, we focused on a synthetic transcriptionfactor, called Pc-TF, which can be used toactivate anticancer genes and potentially, tissueregeneration pathways. Pc-TF is designed tobind the histone methylation mark H3K27me3,and activate nearby genes. This semester wasfocused on validating the bioinformatics workthat was performed in previous semesters.TRAVEL GRANTConrad Hom, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2016Hometown: Tucson, ArizonaSYNTHESIS OF CORE-SHELLCOMPOSITE POLYMERIC IONICLIQUID-SILICA MICROGELS VIAONE-STEP PICKERING EMULSIONPOLYMERIZATIONMentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SecurityPickering emulsions (or solid stabilizedemulsions) have received increased attentiondue to their differences from conventionalemulsions and tremendous applications.Development of novel polymeric ionic liquidsilicacore-shell composite microparticles werein process, via a one-step Pickering emulsionpolymerization route. Ionic liquids are uniqueliquid materials composed of large, stericallyhindered ions. Polymeric ionic liquids wereformed by polymerizing the cation of the ionicliquid. These core-shell microparticles areanticipated to yield unique applications dueto the charged nature of the polymeric ionicliquid and the robustness of the silica shell.Future work includes further development ofsuch microparticles and exploration for sensingapplications.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu15

16 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumJonathon Houda, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaPERTURBATION-BASED LEARNING OFSKILLED TASKS IN HUMANSMentor: Panagiotis K. Artemiadis, assistantprofessor, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthThe purpose of this research is to test theeffects of human motor-control learning ofskilled actions when perturbations are appliedto the intended motion of a subject. A roboticarm is used to both measure and perturb themovements of an individual’s arm when askedto follow a specific pattern on a table. Theseperturbations are then optimized to achieve thefastest relative learning time when compared toa control with no robotic training. Understandingthese mechanisms for sensory-motor control ofthe upper limb can lead to new state-of-the-artmethods for motor rehabilitation.Chelsea Howard, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaTHE DEVELOPMENT OF ZEOLITICIMIDAZOLATE FRAMEWORK (ZIF-71) NANOPARTICLES AND THEPRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENTAND ANALYSIS OF ZEOLITEIMIDAZOLATE FRAMEWORKINCLUSION NANOCOMPOSITE (ZIFINC)MEMBRANESMentor: Mary Laura Lind, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyThe primary objective of this project was tosynthesize zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-71) nanoparticles. Once these particles werecharacterized, they were then included intosmall samples of zeolite imidazolate frameworkinclusion nanocomposite (ZIFINC) membranes.These membranes were then subjected toa process of pervaporation, which separatessolutions of miscible liquids. They were analyzedto see if they could recover ethanol, which is abiofuel that is used in the clean energy industry.As of now, the preliminary analysis shows thatthey can recover some ethanol.Sebastian Husein, Materials Science andEngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Gilbert, ArizonaPROFILE MAPPING OF PHOSPHOROUS-DOPED SILICON SOLAR CELL EMITTERLAYERSMentor: Stuart Bowden, associate researchprofessor, School of Electrical, Computer andEnergy EngineeringResearch Theme: EnergySolar cells have garnered much attentionas a viable replacement for fossil fuels. Totruly compete with current energy sourceshowever, solar cells must achieve muchhigher working efficiencies. One barrier toobtaining this is reduced absorption of lightin the blue wavelength range as caused byphosphorous concentrations in the emitter layer.Electrochemical Capacitance-Voltage (ECV)profiling is used to characterize the emitter layerto gain an understanding of how to fine-tunethe phosphorous concentrations to a moredesirable gradient which leads to efficiencygains in silicon solar cells.TRAVEL GRANTKhateeb Hyder Hussain, BiomedicalEngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaDETECTION OF WATERBORNEPATHOGENS VIA SPLIT BETA-GALACTOSIDASE COMPLEMENTATIONMentor: Karmella Haynes, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThe ability to do rapid, on-site testing ofwater sources could significantly reducechildhood mortality rates. One and a halfmillion children under the age of five die eachyear from diarrhea. The most frequent causesof acute childhood diarrhea are waterbornebacterial pathogens including E. coli, shigella,Campylobacter and salmonella. Geneticallyengineered bacteria can be used to massproducea protein-based biosensor, allowing forcheap production of a sensor that can be easilyused in the field. Molecular cloning techniqueswere used to assemble and isolate fragments ofthe biosensor construct. Future work will focuson completion and testing of the biosensor.TRAVEL GRANT

Jose Ibarra, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Las Vegas, NevadaLisa Irimata, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: San Diego, CaliforniaAmanda Ispas, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Mesa, ArizonaAbbas Jaber, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: December 2013Hometown: Nabatieh, LebanonA VISUAL ANALYTICS SYSTEM FOREXPLORING WEATHER AND HEALTHLINKAGEMentor: Ross Maciejewski, assistant professor,School of Computing, Informatics, and DecisionSystems EngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThis research explores the link between healthtrends and weather phenomena by creatinga visual analytics system. This system allowsresearchers to combine publicly availableweather data with syndromic surveillancedata collected from emergency departmentsand visualize the results through interactivechoropleth maps and linked temporal views.The system enhances the data analysisprocess by allowing researchers to interactivelyexplore correlation information utilizing thePearson’s coefficient, thus allowing researchersto form hypotheses about links betweenhealth and weather. Future work will explorethe combination of more data sets and thedevelopment of novel visual analytic tools foradvanced data analysis.THE EFFECTS OF BRAINSTEMNORADRENERGIC LESIONS OFCRANIAL MOTOR FUNCTIONMentor: Jeffrey A. Kleim, associate professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthCranial motor impairments associatedwith Parkinson’s disease can be attributedto the depletion of the neurotransmitternorepinephrine in the locus coeruleus. Acomprehensive animal model mimickingbehavioral impairments is critical in advancingmotor functionality treatments. We developeda behavioral assay to measure cranial motorfunction in rats, including tests of tongueextension and chewing frequency. The first taskmeasures tongue extension required to receivea food reward. The second task measures thefrequency and amplitude of acoustic signalsgenerated by the animal eating. These tasks aidin assessing damage to the locus coeruleus andconsequent effects on cranial motor function.ENGINEERING YEAST TO DETECTTUBERCULOSISMentor: Karmella Haynes, assistant professor,and René Davis, graduate research associate,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthTuberculosis is considered a global epidemic,and this kind of disease affects developingcountries that do not have the technologyneeded for early detection. This project aims tosolve this issue by developing a user-friendlybiosensor for faster detection. Specifically thiswill begin with testing an intein construct inboth yeast and mammalian cells. It will includestandardizing modular parts in an attempt tomake the system easier to integrate into any setof proteins. This kind of detection is fast, reliableand an easy-to-use diagnostic tool.CONSTRUCTION OF A THERMALCONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENTPLATFORM FOR THE EXPLORATION OFTHERMOELECTRIC MATERIALSMentor: Robert Wang, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyThe thermoelectric potential of nanostructuredmaterials is being investigated for theconversion of waste heat (e.g. exhaust fromautomobiles, jet engines, power plants, etc.)into electricity. To facilitate this exploration, athermal conductivity measurement system usingthe 3-omega technique has been constructed.This system, controlled by a LabVIEWprogram, is capable of measuring the thermalconductivity of thin films and bulk materials.Control measurements of intrinsic galliumarsenide have yielded correct values of thermalconductivity ranging from 51-57 W/m-K. Workto add temperature-dependent measurementcapabilities and build a temperature coefficientof resistance platform is underway.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu17

18 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumAmit Jha, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaJessica Jia, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Tuscaloosa, AlabamaJessica Johnson, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: December 2014Hometown: Anthem, ArizonaKaitlin Johnson, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Fountain Hills, ArizonaAN INTERLUEKIN-18 (IL-18) POINT-OF-CARE BIOSENSOR FORCARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CVD)DETECTIONMentor: Jeffrey La Belle, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthInterleukin-18 (IL-18), a potential biomarker forcardiovascular disease (CVD), is currently beinginvestigated for development of a point-of-careelectrochemical CVD biosensor. The biosensorutilizes a 3-electrode configuration andexamines the antibody-antigen binding eventon the sensor surface through electrochemicalimpedance spectroscopy (EIS). Currentresearch has focused on determining thelocation of the optimal detection frequency forIL-18 on a gold-disk electrode (GDE) platformas well initiating development of the biosensoron a screen-printed electrode (SPE) platform.ADVANCED FRAMING TECHNIQUESFOR CARBONFLEX MATERIALMentor: Thomas Attard, associate researchprofessor and lecturer, School of SustainableEngineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityEvery year lives are lost and irreparable damageis incurred by the structural failure of buildings.The goal was to prove that CarbonFlex materialshould replace plywood in current buildingcodes. Two full-scale wood structures wereconstructed under IBC code. One structurehad only plywood for shear resistance and theother had an additional layer of CarbonFlex.Several tests were then conducted to observeproperties and responses of each design.The goal from the data gathered is to provethat CarbonFlex absorbs energy and resistsshear forces better than plywood, and couldbe implemented in safer and more sustainablestructures.TRANSPORT-ENHANCEDTHERMOGALVANIC ENERGYCONVERSIONMentor: Patrick Phelan, professor, School forEngineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityThermogalvanic cells have been largely exploredbecause of their potential to convert lowtemperaturewaste heat to electricity. The maincomplication with the fluid thermogalvanic cell isthat it is difficult to simultaneously maximize theion transport, while minimizing thermal transport.A steady electrode/electrolyte combinationwas found to produce a maximum power fromthe system; the combination consists of anelectrode of copper wire (Cu) with an electrolytesolution containing 5 mM PAA (polymer). Thishas generated a Seebeck coefficient value (αof about 1.5 mV/K. Future exploration is to findwhether or not using a higher quality of polymerwill increase the Seebeck coefficient value,which in turn increases the overall power of thesystem.EVALUATION OF REVERSE DRAWSOLUTE FLUX IN FORWARD OSMOSISPROCESSESMentor: Mary Laura Lind, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe development of forward osmosis (FO), apotential sustainable desalination method, iscurrently impeded by the phenomena of reversedraw flux, in which the draw solution used todrive the process contaminates the feed source.Nine salts were evaluated as draw solutions inorder to find the solution that allowed for thehighest water permeation through a commercialmembrane while maintaining minimal reversedraw flux. Magnesium chloride, calcium chloride,and ammonium bicarbonate were determinedto be the most promising draw solutions tested.Further testing using experimentally developedmembranes may allow for future conclusions tobe made concerning these draw solutions.TRAVEL GRANT

Justin Jordan, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaPaul Juneau, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaChikara Kakizawa, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: December 2014Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaHara Kumar, Engineering ManagementGraduation: May 2016Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaSUSTAINABLE BIOSYNTHESIS OFNOVEL POLYAMIDE BUILDING BLOCKS5-AMINOPENTANOATE AND GLUTARATETHROUGH METABOLIC ENGINEERINGOF E. COLIMentor: David Nielsen, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe creation of petroleum products such aspolymers will need to be replaced by moresustainable processes in the future. One waythat polymers can be made is by using biology,more specifically, bacteria. Through geneticengineering, bacteria can be made to use arenewable feedstock such as glucose andcreate petroleum derivatives that can be usedin polymer processing. So far E. coli has beenengineered to produce the building blocks forthe chemicals required in the processing ofnylon. Developing the genetic pathway furtherwill help to optimize the ability of the bacteria toperform the synthesis required in creating thesepolymer building blocks.DEVELOPMENT OF CALCIUM ALGINATEHYDROGEL FOR CARDIAC STEM CELLDELIVERYMentor: Brent Vernon, associate professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthHeart failure due to damage done by heartattacks is one of the leading causes of deathworldwide. An emerging treatment is calledcardiac stem cell. This project analyzes calciumalginate hydrogel as the potential cardiac stemcell delivery agent. Hydrogels are promisingdrug and cell delivery devices due to their highwater content and favorable biocompatibility.Thus far, the gel has shown to be capable ofencapsulating a degradable surgical mesh thatcan be sewn on by a surgeon intraoperatively.Further tests are required to analyze cellencapsulation capabilities.SIMULATION OF SOLAR CELL USINGPSPICEMentor: Stuart Bowden, associate researchprofessor, School of Electrical, Computing andEnergy EngineeringResearch Theme: EnergySimulating a solar cell using computer modelingis beneficial when calculating the theoreticaloutput of a product before manufacturing.Frequently, a single diode model is used tounderstand the characteristics, but a moreaccurate result can be achieved by a distributedmodel, where the cell is broken down intosmaller components. This research examinesthe difference between the two by modeling asolar cell fabricated at the Solar Power Lab.ENERGIZE PHOENIX,NONRESIDENTIAL RETROFITSMentor: T. Agami Reddy, professor, Schoolof Sustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Themes: Energy and SustainabilityEnergize Phoenix retrofits on nonresidentialbuildings have consistently shown energysavings, though much less than contractorestimates. Annual creeping is the steadyincrease in energy consumption in buildingsover time. The rebound effect is a temporarybehavior change after an energy-efficiencyretrofit that causes building owners to beless conscious of their energy consumption,leading to a temporary increase in energy use.Combined, annual creeping and the reboundeffect had a slight impact on energy use, thoughestimating their exact size and impact on energysavings estimates proved difficult due to randomvariability in the utility bill data.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu19

20 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumBrett Larsen, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Chandler, ArizonaSIMULATING A LOW-POWER CMOSTRIODE TRANSCONDUCTORMentor: David Allee, professor, School ofElectrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: SecurityThere are many applications such as remotesensors and pacemakers that necessitateultra-low-power circuitry for long operatinglife. This circuitry can likely be achieved if themajority of the signal processing for the deviceis conducted in the analog domain and merelythe result is digitized. This semester’s goalwas to simulate a low-power, CMOS triodetransconductor,a key circuit element usedto construct integrators. These integratorscan in turn be used to realize a low-powerimplementation for almost any analog s-domainfilter. All tests were successful, and the nextstep is to test several filters using the designedintegrators.TRAVEL GRANTWinnie (Ching Yan) Lau, ChemicalEngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Hong Kong, ChinaCONSTRUCTION OF A PERVAPORATIONSYSTEM FOR SEPARATION OFBIOFUELS FROM WATER APPLICATIONSMentor: Mary Laura Lind, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityPervaporation is a promising membrane processthat separates biofuels, such as ethanol, fromwater for a renewable alternative to burningfossil fuels. The objective of this research is tosuccessfully construct a pervaporation systemfor ethanol separation testing through metalorganicframework inclusion nanocompositemembranes. Using a dip coating method,thin-film polydimethysiloxane membraneswith dispersed zinc nanoparticles werecreated. The pervaporation system has beenconstructed to characterize various membranesurface properties and their effects on alcoholselectivity. Future work includes using ZIF-71crystalline nanoparticles for the characterizationof zeolite imidazolate framework inclusionnanocomposite membranes.Brady Laughlin, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaCOMBINATORIAL LIBRARY OFSYNTHETIC TRANSCRIPTION FACTORSMentor: Karmella Haynes, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthPc-TF, a synthetic transcription factor developedby Professor Haynes, regulates cell statesby binding the repressive trimethyl-histoneH3 lysine 27 signal (H3K27me3) andswitching silenced genes to an active statein osteosarcoma cells. For this project, DNAassembly will be used to build a combinatoriallibrary of synthetic transcription factors (Pc-TFs)that will potentially activate therapeutic genes incancer cells and developmental genes in stemcells. The aim is to determine how reengineeringthe protein affects methyl-histone targetbinding. A thermostability assay will be used todetermine how domains affect the strength ofprotein binding.Edward Lawrence, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Palmdale, CaliforniaUTILIZATION OF LEVEL SET EQUATIONSTO GENERATE GEOMETRY DATAFOR USE IN COMPUTATIONAL FLUIDDYNAMICSMentor: Marcus Herrmann, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe objective of this project is to determine ifa level set equation (G-equation) method canbe utilized to develop a program that generatesgeometry data files useable in computationalfluid dynamics (CFD) from X-ray tomographymeasurements of actual diesel injector nozzles.A program was written to read the binary STLgeometry data files of the injector nozzles.Smoothing operators were then introduced ona three-dimensional mesh, which containedsigned values corresponding to a minimumdistance to a point in the nozzle. Future workwould include expanding applications to otherfields, such as medical research.

William Lee, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaROBUSTNESS OF EMG-BASED ROBOTCONTROL SCHEMES TO RECORDINGUNCERTAINTIESMentor: Panagiotis Artemiadis, assistantprofessor, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthWith the growing popularity of electromyography(EMG) signaling within robotics, there is thedesire to create a robust EMG-based jointangle decoder for human-robot interfaces orcontrol. EMG electrodes have the potential toshift on the skin during repetitive tasks; thus toemulate an extreme situation of displacement,subjects performed a repetitive task with anarray of EMG electrodes. A system was createdto transform displaced EMG signals to theoriginal signal. This is essential for creating arobust EMG-to-joint-angle decoder for roboticapplications. Future work includes creating areal-time decoder for joint angle calculations.Alex Links, Civil Engineering (EnvironmentalEngineering)Graduation: May 2014Hometown: Globe, ArizonaALGAL BIOFUELS: RECLAMATION OFEXCESS BIOMASSMentor: Amy Landis, Tooker Professor, Schoolof Sustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Theme: EnergyIn the production of biodiesel from algalfeedstock, there is waste biomass producedduring the anaerobic digestion process. Usingwaste biomass from the Northwest WaterReclamation Plant’s anaerobic digester, thetheoretical reclaimable nutrient content ofgiven samples was assessed and used todetermine whether it would be economically andecologically friendly to process the mass for theaforementioned nutrients.Phillip R. Logan, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: San Diego, CaliforniaCOPPER-CONTAINING CATALYSTS FORTHE CONVERSION OF CO2 TO FUELSUSING LIGHTMentor: Jean Andino, associate professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Themes: Energy and SustainabilityThe light-initiated conversion of the greenhousegas CO 2(in the presence of water vapor)over a catalyst provides a potential sourceof sustainably generated fuel, specifically ahydrocarbon such as methane. The synthesisof a copper modified titanium dioxide catalystwas completed in this study. X-ray diffraction(XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET)analyses were completed for characterization ofthe modified catalyst. The identity of productsformed from UV irradiation of CO 2, H 2O andN 2fed over the catalyst was determined usingDiffuse Reflectance Fourier Transform InfraredSpectroscopy (DRIFTS) analyses.Suyana Lozada, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Quito, EcuadorINCREASING ENERGY RECOVERYIN MICROBIAL ELECTROCHEMICALCELLS (MXCS) BY STUDYING THEEFFECT OF AMMONIUM-NITROGENON THE ANAEROBIC DIGESTION OFFERMENTABLE SUBSTRATESMentor: Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, assistantprofessor, School of Sustainable Engineeringand the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe effect of ammonia during microbialfermentation was investigated to improvethe efficiency of microbial electrochemicalcells (MXC), a system where bacteria convertorganics into electricity. Electron balancesin anaerobic microbial cultures with varyingammonium concentrations were used tostudy the distribution of electrons to acetate,propionate and methane. Results showed thatfor fermentation of 300 meq/L of electrondonor with a high ammonium concentration,fewer electrons went to methane than atlow ammonia concentrations. While methanecannot be utilized to produce electricity, bothacetate and propionate can, reducing methaneproduction leads to higher columbic efficienciesin MXCs.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu21

22 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumMichael Machas, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaNON-CONVECTIVE MIXING OFMISCIBLE IONIC LIQUIDS USINGMOLECULAR DYNAMICS (MD)SIMULATIONSMentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Themes: Energy and SustainabilityIonic liquids (IL) are a distinctive class ofmaterials that consist solely of ions and haveinteresting properties (negligible vapor pressure,high chemical stability, etc.) and potential forwide applications. This research addressesthe nature of the interface when two miscibleILs come into contact. Molecular dynamicssimulations can model these systems on themolecular scale to understand the dynamics andfree energy changes of two different ILs withrespect to the interface. The research can be ofgreat importance where mixing is difficult sincethe unique properties of ionic liquids could allowfor diffusion across interfaces at increasedrates.Beth Magerman, Mechanical Engineering(Energy and Environment)Graduation: May 2013Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaTHEORETICAL MODEL OF SOLARPHOTOVOLTAIC AIR CONDITIONINGWITH ICE THERMAL STORAGEMentor: Patrick Phelan, professor, School forEngineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: EnergyA parameterized model was created foroptimization of a proposed solar photovoltaicpoweredair conditioner with ice thermal storagesystem. Energy and cost savings were evaluatedin several circumstances, such as a residencein Phoenix with typical cooling demand. A120-gallon storage tank would supplement anair conditioner and save $2,600 over ten years.Installing a 40-m2 photovoltaic array with 15percent efficiency and 72-gallon storage wouldsave up to 1062 kWh grid electricity monthlyand $12,300 over 20 years with a paybackperiod of only 11 years. Future work includesanalysis of design improvements, experimentaltesting and marketability analysis.TRAVEL GRANTElan Markov, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaUSING OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES INPROBABILISTIC-BASED METHODS FORSUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING DESIGNSMentor: S.D. Rajan, professor, School ofSustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe purpose of this research is to develop moreaccurate solutions to large-scale engineeringproblems. So far, a program that implementsthese solutions has been created and tested.In addition, a number of statistical tests havebeen performed on the developed programto assess how successful the program is inimproving one such engineering problem: thestructure of Kevlar armor. In future research, thegoal is to improve the program until it reliablysolves the problems it is meant to solve within areasonable span of time.Abhinav Markus, Biomedical Engineering(Pre-medical)Graduation: May 2014Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaCHIMERIC REPORTER SYSTEM(C.R.SYS)—A MODULAR TOOLKIT FORBUILDING BIOSENSORSMentor: Karmella Haynes, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthIn developing countries, pathogens such as E.coli, shigella, Campylobacter and salmonellacontaminate drinking water supplies and causeacute childhood diarrhea resulting in deathof 1.5 million children under the age of five,annually. The project focuses on developing aninexpensive biosensor for communities to testfor specific pathogens in the water source, inefforts of reducing the incidence of childhooddiarrhea and ultimately decreasing mortalityrates. The sensor is comprised of a proteinhead (split β-Galactosidase enzyme) and DNAtail. When pathogenic target DNA is present,two DNA sensor tails bind the target, the splitenzyme assembles and blue color is produced.

Jonathan Martin, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Flagstaff, ArizonaSIMULATING DELIVERY, BINDING ANDCLEARANCE OF A NOVEL HYPOXIA-BINDING CONTRAST AGENTMentor: Vikram Kodibagkar, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThe goal has been to produce a model, usedto analyze magnetic resonance (MR) imagedata, that will improve cancer diagnosticsby successfully identifying hypoxic (poorlyoxygenated) regions of tissue, a trait common totumor tissue. A model was developed that yieldsa hypoxia parameter and was used to analyzedMR image data for hypoxia-targeting contrastagent in rats with tumors. It was determined thatfor each of these rat tumors, the center of thetumor mass was more hypoxic than the outerring. The next step will be to expand upon themodel with additional constraints and determineits ability to accurately quantify oxygen levels.Isaias Martinez Jr., Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Casa Grande, ArizonaPHYSICAL WATER TREATMENT FORIRRIGATION WATER WITH HIGHSODIUM ADSORPTION RATIOSMentor: Peter Fox, professor, School ofSustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe project objective is to studying the effectsof a physical water treatment system on waterwith a high sodium adsorption ratio (SAR).Currently, the filtration rates of a treated watersource and a control water source are beinganalyzed through the same type of soil. Watersamples are collected and tested for freecalcium, total calcium and total hardness. Testsshow that both water sources hardly differ infree calcium, total calcium or total hardness,but the untreated water source currently has ahigher filtration rate. Further tests should reveala higher filtration rate for the treated water.Stephanie Maxwell, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Chandler, ArizonaTHE DETECTION OF PREGNANCYAND FERTILITY HORMONES VIAANTIBODY IMMOBILIZATION ANDELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCESPECTROSCOPYMentor: Jeffrey La Belle, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThe purpose of this project is toelectrochemically detect pregnancy andfertility hormones with an end goal of creatingtwo multiplexed sensors for women to moreaccurately monitor their pregnancies ordetermine their most fertile timeframes. Thefirst target, progesterone, was successfullyimmobilized and characterized through \electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.After seven replications in a pure system,progesterone’s optimal binding frequency wasfound to be 371 Hz with an R2 value of 0.996.Failure mode analysis tests were completed tooptimize the immobilization process, and newtechniques were investigated. In the futureusing more sensitive materials like mesoporouscarbon could be implemented.Chelsey McAlpin, Materials Science andEngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Tucson, ArizonaSYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATIONOF INORGANIC NANOWIRES FORENERGY HARVESTING APPLICATIONSMentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, Schoolof Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: EnergyThe objective of this research is to investigateand maximize the possibilities of synthesizingzinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires for use inphotovoltaic energy harvesting. Thus far,varying molarities and power parameters havebeen tested with a microwave solution growthmethod. The first parameter we tested was with0.1 molar HMTA and 0.1 molar zinc nitrate. Ithas been concluded that microwave growthcreates shorter nanowires than the traditionaloven, and the optimal parameters have not beendetermined for microwave growth. Future workincludes testing higher temperatures, controllingpressure and continuous microwave shining.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu23

24 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumMatthew McDaniel, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Tucson, ArizonaSTRATEGIES FOR RECOVERY OF BIO-SYNTHETIC STYRENEMentor: David Nielsen, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityStyrene, a component of many rubber products,is currently synthesized from petroleum in ahighly energy-intensive process. ProfessorNielsen’s lab has demonstrated a biochemicalpathway by which E. coli can be engineeredto produce styrene from phenylalanine, whichE. coli naturally synthesizes from glucose.The pathway can be extended by one step toproduce styrene oxide, which is less volatilethan styrene and theoretically simpler to recover.Improving the yield of styrene oxide would thusprovide proof of concept that the flux throughthe styrene pathway can be increased. Currentstudies are focusing on styrene oxide recoveryusing adsorption.Sanya Mehta, Civil Engineering(Environmental Engineering)Graduation: May 2016Hometown: San Jose, CaliforniaVIRAL INFECTIVITY ON ALGAL CELLSMentor: Morteza Abbaszadegan, professor,School of Sustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Theme: EnergyResearch in algal biofuels has been focused onincreasing the production yields of algal cellsand improving the lipid extraction processes.The purpose of this research is to identify theexistence and impact of viruses on algal cellsin water. Through plaque assay, a method toquantify viral contamination, the presence ofviruses in Tempe Town Lake was confirmed andthen the viruses were isolated. Therefore, it islikely that algal phages could have a significantimpact on algal biofuel production by limiting theyields of production ponds.Maddison Meier, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaNONINVASIVE STRESS SENSINGMentor: Jeffrey La Belle, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthStress sensing is a key factor in monitoringan individual’s heath and preventing injury.Core body temperature is an accurate wayof measuring stress, however there currentlyonly exists invasive methods of measurement.This research project is to create a noninvasivedevice that measures multiple body surfacetemperatures and estimates a core bodytemperature. This will be done by creatinga calibration curve and using data fusion toreceive a core estimate. Future goals are tocreate an integrated device that monitors heartrate variability (HRV), dehydration and core bodytemperature for a more reliable stress monitor.Matthew Mellott, Computer SystemsEngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Flagstaff, ArizonaCFD-BASED DATA CLEANING WITHPROBABILISTIC SAMPLING FOR WEBDATAMentor: Subbarao Kambhampati, professor,School of Computing, Informatics, and DecisionSystems EngineeringResearch Theme: SecurityConditional functional dependencies (CFDs)are a recent extension of traditional functionaldependencies and have shown great promiseas data cleaning tools. CFDs are normallylearned from a clean set of training data,but when dealing with web data the cost ofbuilding a training database can be prohibitive.This research explores probabilistic methodsof identifying and eliminating potential noisein databases so CFDs can be learned from arandomly sampled database. The CFDs learnedin this way can then be used to accomplish theultimate goal of cleaning the data.

Jacob Messner, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaANALYSIS OF MOLECULARINTERACTIONS WITHINNANOCOMPOSITE REVERSE OSMOSISMEMBRANES FOR SUSTAINABLEWATER PURIFICATIONMentor: Mary Laura Lind, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe influences of cation-π and hydrogenbonding on high-salinity reverse osmosismembranes have been investigated usingnuclear magnetic resonance data in orderto better understand the performance ofmodern water treatment systems. Specifically,a comparison was made between simplepolyamide and zeolite-loaded polyamide reverseosmosis membranes to better understand howthe zeolite affects membrane performance andlongevity. The influence of this research willhopefully lead to the development of sustainablewater purification systems to process highlysalinized water sources such as the ocean, atask that is currently infeasible.Jennifer Megan Mincieli, MechanicalEngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Prescott, ArizonaBIMANUAL OBJECT MANIPULATION:TOWARD HUMAN-ROBOTCOLLABORATIVE TASKSMentor: Panagiotis K. Artemiadis, assistantprofessor, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthThe objective is to analyze human tasks duringobject manipulation in order to have human androbotic arms collaborate in such tasks. Duringthis semester, the focus was to understandhuman grasping forces and finger joint anglesduring catching tasks. In order to understandthe joint angles, the Kalman filter was usedto predict the joint angles of the fingers inconjunction with the NDI MotionCapture systemto accurately read the joint angles so the twocould be compared. Future work includesapplying understood human grasping principlesto creating controllers for robot-humancollaborative manipulation.Walker Mitchell, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaWIRELESS VIDEO SENSOR NETWORKPLATFORMMentor: Martin Reisslein, professor, School ofElectrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: SecurityThe objective of this research is to developa low-power, low-cost video sensor networkplatform from the bottom up. The semesterbegan with some characterization of Zigbeemodules (used for low-power communicationwithin networks). Most of the work that hasbeen done in this semester has been to createa serial program which has a library of calls thatcan eventually be used to communicate with Wi-Fi as well as Zigbee modules. Once this is done,the two types of wireless communication will betested in combination with each other.Frederick Moor, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaDESIGN AND TESTING OF A MODULARTENDON-ROUTING SYSTEM FORROBOTIC HANDSMentor: Veronica J. Santos, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: HealthThe objective of this project was to designa modular cable-routing system that wouldconnect a tendon-driven robotic hand to aremote bank of motors. Various cable and cablehousing materials were tested for frictionallosses and stretch, and a set of materialswas chosen. Lightweight adapter plates weredesigned to mate with the robotic hand and thebank of motors. A prototype was manufactured,assembled and tested. Future work includesselection of an optimal tendon-routing path forminimization of frictional losses and modelingof the losses for use in the design of controlalgorithms.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu25

26 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumSeth Morales, Civil Engineering(Environmental)Graduation: May 2014Hometown: Los Angeles, CaliforniaAUTOMATED ECOHYDROLOGICMEASUREMENTS TO SUPPORTVISUALIZATION AND TEACHINGACTIVITIESMentor: Enrique Vivoni, associate professor,School of Sustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityThis research focused on enhancing thevisualization of measurements within acurrent hydrology apparatus. The HydrologyApparatus H313 is a physical model that allowshydrologists to understand important watershedcharacteristics, such as rainfall and runoff,within a laboratory setting. By implementingmodern digital sensing equipment into theapparatus, the research facilitated the precisemeasurements of soil moisture and runoffflow rate. Additionally, the transformationof the apparatus into an ecohydrologicalmesocosm provided important implications onwatershed characteristics within a grasslandecosystem. The research has laid a foundationfor engineering students to pose experimentalquestions concerning water and a sustainablefuture.Michael Munger, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Sacramento, CaliforniaSEISMIC PROTECTION OF WOODHOMES USING CARBONFLEXMentor: Thomas Attard, associate researchprofessor and lecturer, School of SustainableEngineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe objectives for this semester’s research areto observe and analyze the characteristics ofCarbonFlex, a composite wrap for structuralprotection, when used in conjunction withwood homes. Tests on shear walls and a scalestructure with CarbonFlex have been conductedto show the forces required to displace them acertain distance. These tests were comparedwith the control tests, which have shown thebehavior of typical wood structures when loadedand accelerated. The CarbonFlex specimensshowed a noticeably higher capacity for loadingforces, with minimal damage compared to thewooden specimens.Patrick Murray, Materials Science andEngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaTUNNELING PROPERTIES OFSUPERCONDUCTING TUNNELJUNCTIONSMentor: Nathan Newman, Lamonte H. LawrenceProfessor in Solid State Science, School forEngineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: EnergySupercomputing centers require a tremendousamount of energy to operate. To satisfy society’sneed for increased computing power, it is crucialthat devices be built to perform digital logic andmemory functions at lower power consumption.One energy-efficient memory solution proposalis based on Josephson MRAM devices. Withthis end in mind, the tunneling processes ofvarious tunnel junctions were studied in order tounderstand the effect of defects and intermixingon tunneling properties. Defects wereintroduced via irradiation in a RBS. Difficultiesarose from the degradation of junctions withtime. Later, potential weak-magnet materialsfor the free layer in Josephson MRAM deviceswere investigated as part of a project to designand fabricate JMRAM devices.Kyle Ness, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: San Diego, CaliforniaFABRICATION OF MEASUREMENTSYSTEM FOR THIN-FILMTHERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIESMentor: Robert Wang, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyThe objective of this research is to determinethe structure-property relationships betweencolloidal nanocrystal composites and theirthermoelectric properties. Thermoelectricmaterials can help address modern energychallenges by converting waste heat (e.g.automotive exhaust) into electricity. To thispoint, an automated LabVIEW program hasbeen created to conduct measurements on twoimportant thermoelectric properties, electricalconductivity and carrier mobility. Additionally,a physical probe station to implement thesemeasurements has been constructed. Futurework includes tests on colloidal nanocrystalcomposites to discover their structure-propertyrelationships and optimize their thermoelectricpotential.

Miranda Ngan, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Chandler, ArizonaPARTICLE TRANSPORT ANDEXTRACTION AT IONIC LIQUID BASEDINTERFACESMentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe objective of this research was toinvestigate the effectiveness of ionic liquids(ILs) in absorbing microparticles in IL/water systems. 1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumhexafluorophosphate (BMIM PF6) wasdispersed into water using a sonicator aftermicroparticles were added to the system. Thefluorescence intensity was measured using aconfocal laser-scanning microscope. Theseresults were compared with those from thecontrol before microparticle addition. Thecomparison suggested that the IL had a strongability to adsorb the microparticles. Futureresearch includes analyzing such an effect inPickering emulsions and other ionic liquids atdifferent temperatures.Jeffrey Nguyen, Chemical Engineering andMaterial Science and EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaIRON COMPOSITE CEMENT ANDAPPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABILITYMentor: Hamdallah Bearat, research scientist,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityIron powder is abundant industrial waste. It haspotential to produce iron-based concrete thatcan replace current ordinary Portland cement(OPC), meanwhile reducing CO 2emissions towhich OPC is a main contributor. Preliminaryiron powder carbonation and product testingwith X-ray diffraction and scanning electronmicroscopy indicate effective chemicalcharacteristics of the product and thermalstability of iron carbonate cement product.Producing cement with various aggregatesalong with mechanical testing of actual productwill determine which aggregates yield the mostefficient concrete product. Optimization ofdifferent parameters (e.g. PCO 2, temperature,time, particle size) controlling the carbonationprocess shall be pursued.Cameron Noe, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaLINEAR VS. COILED NITINOLACTUATORSMentor: Jeffery La Belle, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthNitinol, an alloy that has a unique materialproperty of shape memory enabling thedevelopment of an artificial muscle. Theobjective of this research is to determine if acoiled nitinol configuration has an advantageover a linear configuration. The tests performedhave been used to obtain information aboutforce output, actuation stroke length, powerconsumption and contraction speed for acoiled nitinol configuration. Using this data andinformation from the manufacturer, the nextstep is to design the actuator using informationgathered to optimize the effectiveness of sucha device.Gerald O’Neill, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaIMPEDANCE IN THE HUMAN ARM WITHREGARDS TO EXOSKELETON CONTROLMentor: Panagiotis K. Artemiadis, assistantprofessor, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthThis research is an investigation into themechanical properties (specifically impedance)of the human arm in an effort to improveexoskeleton control for rehabilitative andaugmentative purposes. This involvesconducting experiments with a human subjectattached at the wrist to, and working with, arobotic arm. To this end, a wearable couplinghas been developed, tested and evaluated tojoin together the human and robotic arm. Havingfound this coupling’s operational characteristics,it was employed in the planned experimentation.The results from these experiments areanalyzed and used to improve exoskeletoncontrol.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu27

28 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumTiffany Pifher, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Mayville, MichiganIN VITRO MODEL OF ENDOTHELIALDYSFUNCTION IN DIABETESMentor: Michael Caplan, associate professor,and Eric Lehnhardt, graduate student, School ofBiological and Health Systems EngineeringResearch Theme: HealthIn healthy conditions, endothelial cells normallyalign and elongate with respect to the bloodflow. When endothelial cells do not functioncorrectly, plaques in the vessels are able toaccumulate. Professor Caplan’s laboratory grouphas previously found that under high-glucoseconcentrations, human aortic endothelial cellslack the ability to properly align. The goal of thiswork is to test the function of endothelial cellsin an in vitro model when cultured with highglucose and fatty acids. Further testing in in vivomodels would support the research and helpto improve current treatments for patients withdiabetes.Chelsey Poling, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaMODELING AND ANALYSIS OFPARACEST MRI DATA FOR CANCERPROGNOSISMentor: Vikram Kodibagkar, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthPARACEST contrast agents are currentlygenerating interest in the field of magneticresonance imaging (MRI) because of theswitchability of their contrast effect as well astheir potential to overcome some limitationsof the most commonly used contrast agents.Previously, Professor Kodibagkar’s groupconducted experiments using an albuminbindingPARACEST agent to acquiretime-course MRI images of tumors. Usinga mathematical model for PARACESTcontrast agents implemented in MATLAB,PARACEST data was analyzed to correlatecontrast with agent concentrations and extractpharmacokinetic parameters.Spencer Prost, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaMULTISENSORY INVESTIGATION OFMONOCULAR OPTICS AND SPATIALSENSOR SYSTEMMentor: David Claveau, lecturer, School ofComputing, Informatics, and Decision SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThe principal focus of the multisensoryintegration research was the Grand Challengeof human and biological systems, emphasizingthe contribution of the vestibular system to amonocular optical sensor in determining anobject’s spatial properties. The primary methodto achieve this coupling was the combinationof computer vision algorithms utilizing OpenCVassisted by an accelerometer. By integrating themotion of the accelerometer, the multisensorysystem was able to more accurately determinethe relative distance and size of an objectthan it could with vision alone, supporting thehypothesis of the importance of the vestibularsense in estimating spatial properties.Michael Przeslica, Materials Science andEngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Mesa, ArizonaPHOTOACOUSTIC RESPONSE OFCARBON NANOTUBE-BASED ASSAYSMentor: Michael O’Connell, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: HealthCarbon nanotube based assays, in combinationwith a laser, can be used for medical imagingand detection by monitoring or mapping theintensity of ultrasound emitted in the presenceof a target protein. An ultrasound excitationdetectionsystem was constructed and usedto provide proof-of-concept detection andanalysis of the signal produced by nanotubedye-ligand conjugate systems currently beingdeveloped. Multiple laser energy power metersand detectors are used in conjunction withthe ultrasound detection device to correlatelaser properties with the characteristics of theultrasound emission.

Ellen Qin, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Chandler, ArizonaNoelle Rabiah, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaDerrick Kiarash Rahbar, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaQasim Rahman, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaEFFECTS OF METAL CATIONS ONPOLYMER-MEDIATED GENE DELIVERYMentor: Jacob Elmer, postdoctoral researchassociate, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthThis research seeks to determine a method toincrease gene delivery to human cancer cellsby decreasing polymer:DNA (polyplex) size.Calcium phosphate has previously been shownto condense DNA for gene delivery. DLS resultsshow that adding cationic polymers to metal/DNA complexes further decreases their size.Prostate cancer cells were thus transfected withmetal-DNA polyplexes and gene delivery wasquantified by measuring luciferase expressionwhile viability was measured with an MTT assay.Preliminary results showed an increase in genedelivery for metal/polymer polyplexes relativeto control polyplexes. Future work includesrepeating the experiments with differentpolymers and/or cell lines.“SMART” ASYMMETRIC POLYSTYRENE-GOLD NANOPARTICLESMentors: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityAsymmetric particles are particles that containan irregularity which prevents them from havinguniform characteristics across their surface.Due to their irregularity, these particles haveinteresting applications, such as the selfassemblyof advanced materials, catalytic usage,stabilization of emulsions, and several others.This research project focuses on the synthesisof asymmetric particles that contain a “smart”polystyrene core which allows the particlesto change in size with temperature variance.The particles are organic-inorganic hybridwith a single gold nanoparticle serving as theirregularity on the particle.BIOSENSING WEARABLES FOR SOCIO-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO AIDCHILDREN WITH AUTISMMentor: Vineeth Balasubramanian, assistantresearch professor and Troy McDaniel,postdoctoral research assistant, School ofComputing, Informatics, and Decision SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThis project aims to design biosensingwearables that obtain physiological data in anunobtrusive manner from children with autism.Existing products that monitor physiologicaldata are not designed to measure the necessaryphysiological responses that capture theemotional states of children with autism inreal-world settings. In this project, a biosensingsuit with the capability of recording data such asheart rate, skin conductance, skin temperatureand pulse rate in real time, is being designed.Ongoing work includes a user test study to beconducted with children at S.E.E.K (Specializingin the Education of Exceptional Kids) Arizona.CHARACTERIZING THE ROLE OFVISUAL FEEDBACK RELATED TO LIMBCONFIGURATIONS IN 3-D SPACEMentor: Christopher A. Buneo, associateprofessor, School of Biological and HealthSystems EngineeringResearch Theme: HealthMotor behavior is prone to variable conditionsand deviates further in disorders affecting thenervous system. A combination of environmentaland neural factors impacts the amount ofuncertainty. Characterizing these factorswould allow comprehension of sensorimotorintegration and assist in interpretingexaggerated movement variability in patients.Subjects were placed in a 3-D virtual realityenvironment and were asked to move from astarting position to one of three targets withand without visual feedback of the moving limb.The starting limb configurations were variedwith respect to the vertical Z-axis in separateblocks. Movements were monitored using aVisualeyez motion tracker. Future work willexplore the effect of noise in estimating the 3-Darm configuration with different visual feedbackmechanisms.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu29

30 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumTasnuva Rahman, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Dhaka, BangladeshSTUDENT-LED PILOT LINE FORMANUFACTURING SOLAR CELLSMentor: Stuart Bowden, associate researchprofessor, School of Electrical, Computer andEnergy EngineeringResearch Themes: Energy, EducationSolar energy is a clean and renewable form ofenergy that has potential to become the majorsource of energy. Research is being carried outto determine the characteristics that may affectthe efficiency of solar cells in order to makesolar cells efficient enough that the price for theamount of energy is reasonable for it to becomea major source of energy. The student-led pilotline at ASU trains students in the process ofmanufacturing cells. A website PVCDROM hasbeen designed with background informationand videos of manufacturing steps. Future workincludes interviewing students to observe theeffectiveness of this design.Paul Rayes, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaTECHNICAL GRAPHING TOOL WITHAUTOMATED ASSESSMENT CAPABILITYMentor: Brian Skromme, professor, School ofElectrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: EducationThis project is to develop a graph entry andmanipulation system that can be used inclasses, and to test it to determine its potentialadvantages. Background research was done todetermine the graph types that are used mostoften in introductory engineering. A prototypeof the graphical interface has been created anda few graph types can be drawn. As this hasnot yet been tested, no conclusions have beenreached about the effectiveness of this type ofsystem. Future work will involve expanding thesystem, adding the ability to check student input,and testing the system in classes.Amanda M. Riggs, Civil (Environmental)EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Mesa, ArizonaMICROBIAL AND CHEMICAL QUALITYOF DRINKING WATER IN THE NAVAJONATION, ARIZONAMentor: Morteza Abbaszadegan, professor,School of Sustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Theme: HealthDrinking water quality from groundwatersources on the Navajo Nation has concernedNavajos in rural communities. The issue ledto this study to determine the microbial andchemical quality of drinking water from sevengroundwater sites and two houses near thereservation town of Leupp, Ariz. Each samplesite tested positive for coliforms or E. coli atleast once, with averages of seven coliforms andfour E. coli per 100 mL. These results suggestthat the water at the sites is not adequatelytreated or maintained for human consumption.Mariela Robledo, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: December 2013Hometown: Somerton, ArizonaNOVEL GEL COMPLETELY COMPOSEDOF SALTSMentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyRoom temperature molten salts, often referredto as ionic liquids, are novel materials that havereceived increasing attention due to their uniquemolecular nature and wide range of applications.They are salts with irregularly shaped ions thatresist crystalline packing and thus remain liquidat room temperature. Recent testing showedcompelling gel behavior and formation ofemulsions and encouraged future testing forapplications specifically in energy and batteries.TRAVEL GRANT

Julie Rorrer, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Corvallis, OregonINVESTIGATION OF PHOTOCATALYTICPROPERTIES OF AMORPHOUSSODIUM TANTALUM OXIDEMentor: Candace Chan, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyThe focus of this project is to investigate thewater splitting capabilities of sodium tantalumoxide and to investigate the effects of particlemorphology on photocatalytic activity. Sodiumtantalum oxide is of interest because of itsstability and catalytic activity for water splitting,especially in the ultra-violet range. Amorphoussodium tantalum oxide nanoparticles weresynthesized and illuminated with ultravioletlight. The photocatalytic activity capability of thenanoparticles was characterized with ultravioletvisible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) using methlyeneblue as an indicator. Future work involvescharacterization of nanoparticle morphologieswith X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) and transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM).Austin Roth, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaFOCUS LOCALIZATION IN EPILEPTICRATSMentor: Kostas S. Tsakalis, professor, School ofElectrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: HealthLocating the epileptic foci is one of the criticalcomponents in the treatment of epilepsy,especially in patients considering surgicalremoval of the focus. However, locating thecorrect epileptic focus can often be difficult, andfalse focuses are often located. The generalizedpartial directed coherence was calculated foreach EEG electrode for one rat with epilepsy.The results show that generalized partialdirected coherence gets larger in an area wherethe expected focus is located. Further researchover multiple rats needs to be conducted.Michael Rozowski, Chemical Engineeringand ChemistryGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Glendale, ArizonaSYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATIONOF ORGANOMETALLICS FOR TAILORINGMEMBRANE SELECTIVITYMentor: Mary Laura Lind, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyA consideration in the design of membranesis their stability in the environments of theirintended implementation. If the membranesare stable, they should exhibit no significantchanges in their structure after being exposedto these environments. Of interest is the stabilityof the selected nanoparticles dispersed inthe membranes. The material of interest wassoaked in liquids in which it might be requiredto operate. Over time, samples were removedfrom this bulk material and characterized, whichrevealed a change in structure. This suggeststhe material studied is unfit for its applicationand other materials should be considered.Francesco Ruta, Civil EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Bari, ItalyCOMPOSITE, ANTISEISMICMATERIALS ON CONVENTIONAL WOODSTRUCTURESMentor: Thomas Attard, associate researchprofessor and lecturer, School of SustainableEngineering and the Built EnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityConventionally-built wood homes are unableto withstand the torrential conditions ofnatural disasters. The application of new,stronger materials to traditional designs maybe the answer. A composite material calledCarbonFlex—which is seen as a leadingcontender for the strengthening of woodstructures—was tested on several woodskeletons. The normal plywood and nails appliedaround the columns were replaced by rolls ofthe carbon-fiber, stapled and glued, and sprayedwith a quick-drying polyurethane coating.Testing has concluded that CarbonFlex makesstructures more resistant both to the violentvibrations from earthquakes and the piercingdebris shot by tornados.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu31

32 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumLindsey Ryder, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Peoria, ArizonaRafael Santana, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Douglas, ArizonaDagan Sassarini, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Nutrioso, ArizonaJared Schoepf, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaINTEGRATION OF LOW-DENSITYLIPOPROTEIN AND HIGH-DENSITYLIPOPROTEIN FOR USE IN ANINTEGRATED BIOSENSOR FORCARDIOVASCULAR DISEASEMentor: Jeffrey La Belle, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThe objective of this study is to be able tocombine low-density lipoprotein and highdensitylipoprotein in order to determine thepercentage of LDL over the total amount ofcholesterol using electrochemical methods.Previous research on the optimal frequencyof LDL and HDL is used for the calculationof total cholesterol. This new method forpercentage of LDL verses the total cholesterolwill give a better representation of risk level forcardiovascular disease as well as simplify thedesign of the biosensor by reducing the needfor tuning.PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO ENHANCESECURITY IN SAAS CLOUD MODELMentor: Partha Dasgupta, associate professor,School of Computing, Informatics, and DecisionSystems EngineeringResearch Theme: SecurityThe goal of this project is to determine andpropose secure practices that will improvesecurity in a cloud-computing environment.This joint project with Clinton D’Souza providesan in-depth analysis of SQL injection and itseffectiveness. The suggested security practicesfocus on how to reduce the risks of SQLinjection breaches in a cloud environment. Thisproject concentrates on a single attack on aspecific point-of-entry for breaching the SaaSmodel. Future work is to expand these securepractice solutions to cover other points of entryand diverse breaches in a SaaS model.CONCRETE PRODUCTION AND CO 2SEQUESTRATION VIA CARBONATIONOF MECHANICALLY-ACTIVATED ALKALIEARTH SILICATESMentor: Hamdallah Bearat, research scientist,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityThis research project explores the potential ofcarbonation of mechanically-activated alkalisilicates in producing sustainable substituteto Portland cement and sequestering CO 2inthe process. The mechanical activation andcarbonation reaction involving olivine has beena research focus. The reaction is enhanced byamorphization of the reacting materials. XRDand SEM/EDX have been used to characterizeolivine samples before and after activationand their carbonation products under variablereaction conditions. The overarching researchgoal is to produce concrete while sequesteringCO 2. Efficacy of these tests will be determinedby the characterization and strength of the finalcarbonated product of alkali silicates.ANALYZING HIGH INTERNAL PHASEPICKERING EMULSIONSMentor: Lenore L. Dai, associate professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyRecently, Pickering (solid-stabilized) emulsionshave garnered wide attention for their usein energy and pharmaceuticals applications.Through the use of a scanning electronmicroscope, high internal phase Pickeringemulsions have been analyzed to furtherunderstand their characteristics.

Ankush Sharma, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2016Hometown: Chandler, ArizonaErin Shear, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Corvallis, OregonBrad Shoemaker, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Gilbert, ArizonaVictoria Smith, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaDETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OFFLAGSHIP PROTEINS IN ALZHEIMER’SDISEASED TISSUE AND CSFSAMPLES USING ENZYME-LINKEDIMMUNOSORBENT ASSAYMentor: Michael Sierks, professor, School forEngineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthThis experiment aims to quantify the detectionof several critical misfolded proteins in thebrain that are related to Alzheimer’s diseasevia enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) protocols. The antibodies used in theELISA testing have been concentrated andpurified using techniques such as tangentialflow filtering. With these antibodies, theconcentrations and purity was tested followingWestern blot protocols and were deemedsuitable for use in ELISA testing. Minorconclusions that have been met for this studyinclude confirmation of the attraction of theantibody to the protein. In the future, specificquantification of antibodies will be found.ZINC OXIDE NANOSHEET SYNTHESISAND CHARACTERIZATIONMentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, Schoolof Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: EnergyThis research project is exploring the synthesisand characterization of zinc oxide nanosheets.Zinc oxide sheets were grown in a tubefurnace and then transferred onto varioussubstrates for analysis. Analysis methodsincluded optical microscopy, field-emissionscanning electron microscopy, and Ramanspectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy was usedto test the effect of tensile stress on nanosheetproperties. The sheets were transferred ontopolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates withvarious thicknesses of gold coating. These arecurrently being used to determine a baselineRaman spectrum for the sheets; once that hasbeen accomplished, the sheets will be stretchedand subjected to further Raman spectroscopy.DEVELOPMENT OF A SIMULATIONPLATFORM FOR HUMAN-ROBOTPHYSICAL INTERACTIONMentor: Panagiotis K. Artemiadis, assistantprofessor, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthThe objective of this project is to provide adigital representation of a robotic arm which willbe used to provide mobility to stroke victims.The digital model is designed to follow themovements of the real robot as the brain sendssignals to control the real robot. So far, themodel has been created and data can be sentthrough a wireless connection to the computerwith the digital model. Rotation points aregenerated by a program which can move thedigital model in real time. The next step is to usethe human brain to generate the data.ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION OFESTROGENS FOR THE DEVELOPMENTOF A FERTILITY SENSORMentor: Jeffrey La Belle, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThe concentration of the hormone estradiolin the blood has a strong correlation withdetermining the peak ovulation range of awoman. Thus if the concentration of estradiolcan be determined, a biosensor can be createdto accurately predict a women’s ovulation period.The first step in this process is characterizingestradiol using electrochemical impedancespectroscopy via immobilization. A concentrationgradient was created and tested over a rangeof frequencies, 1- 97,000 hertz, to determine anoptimal frequency at which estradiol shows thestrongest correlation. The optimal frequency forestradiol lies within the range: 10-150 hertz.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu33

34 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumAmanda Snodgrass, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Peoria, ArizonaDEVELOPMENT OF A DYNAMIC THREE-DIMENSIONAL TACTILE DISPLAYMentors: Hanqing Jiang, associate professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergy and Hongyu Yu, assistant professor,School of Earth and Space ExplorationResearch Theme: HealthThis project is designed to create a dynamic3-D tactical display system that can be appliedto the health field by serving as an interfacebetween smartphone technology and individualswho are blind. Hydrogels have been the primarymaterial used due to their swelling and deswellingproperties. Different combinationsand ratios of monomers have been tested tounderstand how each respond to visible light.Ideally, the materials will swell with visible lightand shrink when light is not on it. More researchneeds to be performed to reach the desiredresponse to light irradiation.Gregory Spell, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Tucson, ArizonaCHARACTERIZATION OF ZINC OXIDETHIN FILMS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENTSMART WINDOWSMentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, Schoolof Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: EnergyEnergy-efficient smart windows integrate solarcells with materials that change color when avoltage is applied across them to create a selfpoweringwindow that controls how much lightenters. A crucial aspect of these devices is thesemiconductors in the solar cells. An apparatushas been built from light-emitting diodes (LEDs)to expose the semiconductors (zinc oxide) toultraviolet radiation to etch geometric patternsinto them when covered by a light-sensitivematerial (a process known as photolithography).Next, the etched semiconductors must betested to determine their electrical properties.Mikaela Stadie, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaWASTEWATER TREATMENT USINGMICROBIAL FUEL CELLS WITHPEROXIDE PRODUCTIONMentor: César I. Torres, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe objective of this research is to develop amicrobial fuel cell (MFC) that will make blackwater treatment energy neutral or positive andproduce hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to facilitatethe reuse of gray water. Utilizing favorablemembrane and cathode materials, a preliminarydesign for the reactor was developed. Acontinuous H₂O₂ production experiment wasrun using chronopotentiometry in order to testthe cell’s efficiency. The electrochemical cell hadan abiotic anode and an air cathode, and FAAwas used as the membrane. Future research willinvolve further analysis of materials to optimizeH₂O₂ production in the MFC.Albert Stanton, Civil (Sustainable)EngineeringGraduation: December 2014Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaIDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OFAGRICULTURAL WASTE PRODUCTSMentor: Amy Landis, Tooker Professor, Schoolof Sustainable Engineering and the BuiltEnvironmentResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe primary focus of this research project is theinvestigation of the agricultural and industrialprocesses of Yulex Corporation, a sustainableagriculture firm located in the Phoenixmetropolitan area. Guayule (Partheniumargentatum) is a shrub native to the SouthwestU.S. and a domestic source of natural rubber.Yulex specializes in growing and processingGuayule to create latex products. This researchinvolves identifying what wastes are produced,where they are produced, and what potentialuses they may have. Valuable co-productsare quantified and compared to provide Yulexwith the information necessary to improve thesustainability of their operations.

Daniel Stehlik, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Gilbert, ArizonaLITHIUM-ION BATTERY CATHODEMATERIALSMentor: Candace Chan, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyRecent developments in polyanion materials ascathodes, which are currently the limiting factorin lithium-ion battery energy density, suggeststransition metal sulfates may have superiorperformance as cathodes. Copper HydroxidePhosphate (Cu 2(OH)PO 4), Iron SulfateHeptahydrate (FeSO 4∙●7H 2O) and ManganeseSulfate Pentahydrate (MnSO 4●5H 2O) weremilled to small particles, coated and fabricatedinto films, assembled into electrochemical cellswith lithium, and tested for electrochemicalproperties. Chemical and structural changeswere analyzed using X-ray diffraction and willbe further characterized by X-ray photoelectronspectroscopy. Results indicate that whileexceptional specific capacities can be achievedwith these materials, structural changes causeinferior cycling performance.Michael Steptoe, Computer SystemsEngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Hollywood, MarylandPORTING IMAGEJ TO MOBILEPLATFORMS FOR ENHANCING IN-FIELDBIOSURVEILLANCEMentor: Ross Maciejewski, assistant professor,School of Computing, Informatics, and DecisionsSystems EngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThis project aims to provide biologicalresearchers with the ability to do infieldbiological processing using a mobile phone.Specifically, researchers in the field withportable open polymerase chain reaction(OpenPCR) machines will take pictures of DNAsamples to be taken and processed immediately.This will allow for improved sample collectionand rapid detection of pathogens. This portionof the project has focused on the mobileimage processing application, specificallymodifying the Java base of the ImageJ libraryto be compatible with Android platform userinterfaces.Samuel Stevenson, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaDEVELOPMENT OF A LIQUID PISTONFOR ISOTHERMAL COMPRESSION IN ACOMPRESSED-AIR ENERGY-STORAGESYSTEMMentor: Steven Trimble, professor of practice,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyThe development of liquid pistons will allowfor energy conversion systems to approachisothermal compression, thus leading to highercompression efficiencies. Based on priorresearch, a computer model of the system hasbeen developed. Given the variables related tothe geometrical dimensions of the chamber andfluid properties, the model will approximate theefficiency of the liquid piston energy conversionsystem. Conclusions can be made associating ahigh surface area to chamber volume ratio withhigher system efficiency. Recommendationsinclude fabrication of a working prototypecapable of monitoring temperatures of systemcomponents.Matthew Swann, Aerospace (Aeronautics)EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaMULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGNOPTIMIZATION TOOL FOR AIRCRAFTMentor: Timothy Takahashi, professor ofpractice, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: SecurityThe goal of this semester’s FURI research isto develop a design-optimization tool to speedup the design process for aircraft. This designoptimizationtool is being created by integratingseveral computer programs that will analyzethe characteristics of an aircraft’s design. Theaircraft’s components can then be varied to findthe best configuration. The design-optimizationtool is currently being used to create a smallrocket plane design which will be developedmore with further work.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu35

36 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumKevin Tao, Chemical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Miami, FloridaKevin Tyler, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: December 2015Hometown: Mesa, ArizonaXavier Vargas, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Goodyear, ArizonaJohnathan Vo, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Scottsdale, ArizonaDEVELOPING REAGENTS FORDIAGNOSING NEURODEGENERATIVEDISEASEMentor: Michael Sierks, professor, School forEngineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthThe objective is to create and purify antibodyfragments that can detect biomarkersfor neurodegenerative diseases such asAlzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’sdisease (PD). α-synuclein is a brain proteinthat can misfold and contributes to PD. Theseantibody fragments can be expressed in E. coliand yeast, then concentrated and purified. Bypurifying antibody fragments against specificforms of α-synuclein and beta amyloid, ELISAimmunoassays can be used to determine thepresence and amount of these biomarkers.Further studies will involve detection of thesebiomarkers in tissue and CSF samples of PDand AD patients.SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATIONOF METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKPARTICLESMentor: Mary Laura Lind, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyThe objective of the research is to synthesizeand characterize metal-organic framework(MOF) particles for their inclusion in apervaporation system used to better recoverbutanol from the fermentation process. Duringthe characterization stage of the MOF particlesit was discovered that the particles are unstablein water after several days. Zeolitic imidizolateframework (ZIF-71) particles, which havevery similar properties, were then investigatedand discovered to be much more stable inwater. Future work will include ensuring evendistribution of the particles throughout themembrane used in the pervaporation systemand the eventual testing of the pervaporationsystem itself.MICROSOFT KINECT BASED ARMPOSITION TRACKINGMentor: Panagiotis K. Artemiadis, assistantprofessor, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthMotion capture systems tend to fail in detectingparticular limb configurations. In efforts toimprove accuracy and increase robustnessof the lab’s current NDI inferred 3-D trackingsystem there is an addition of a low-costMicrosoft Kinect Sensor array. Through testingof both tracking systems it is possible for onesensor’s data to supplement the missing data ofthe other. This information can form an accuratedigital model of the human arm through inversekinematics. Development of this system willexpand the study of human arm motion inefforts to design advanced user-friendlyprosthetics and rehabilitation machinery.CONTROL-RELEVANT MODELING ANDSIMULATION OF REUSABLE ROCKETSYSTEMSMentor: Armando Rodriguez, professor, Schoolof Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: SecurityWith the retirement of the Space Shuttle, thefocus on rocket technology has significantlyincreased. Such vehicles are characterizedby unstable nonlinear aero-thermo-elasticpropulsiondynamics with significant uncertainty.Previously, a rocket simulator was developedbased on a nonlinear model using MATLABand Simulink. The simulator was used tosimulate the aerodynamic parameters of a highpowerrocket. In comparison to experimentaldata, it was concluded that the aerodynamicparameters were simulated to an accuracy ofapproximately 10 percent at subsonic velocities.Future work consists of accounting for moredegrees of freedom in the mathematical modelsin order to produce more accurate results.

Alex Walsh, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Chandler, ArizonaAN INTERACTIVE, BIOFIDELIC CPRMANIKINMentor: Jeffrey La Belle, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthThe aim of this project is to evaluate thebiofidelity of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation(CPR) training manikins in terms of theirphysical response during chest compressionsand develop an improved design thatbetter mimics a human body response. Therelationship between applied force and chestdisplacement during compressions will betested using a force sensor and accelerometer.Controlled tests are being made to evaluatethe legitimacy of the measuring system andto validate its accuracy before testing onCPR manikins. Future work should includethe construction and modification of a morebiofidelic manikin and testing on humans.Anna Weiss, Materials Science andEngineeringGraduation: May 2016Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaCHARACTERIZATION OF INGANNANORINGS FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENTLIGHTINGMentor: Michael O’Connell, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergyInGaN nanorings can be used in solid-statelighting, with high potential efficiency basedon the nanorings’ structure and elementaldistribution. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) was used to take images of samplesand determine their percent composition ofindium and gallium. This technique reported highamounts of indium in the samples, a promisingfactor for energy efficiency. Spectroscopy wasalso used to measure the wavelength at whichthe nanorings fluoresce. Future research withInGaN nanorings will be to create and optimizeenergy-efficient LEDs and electroluminescentdevices using the nanorings.Joseph Williams, Aerospace EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Casa Grande, ArizonaTHERMO PROTECTION SYSTEM OFHYPERSONIC VEHICLESMentor: Armando Rodriguez, professor, Schoolof Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: SustainabilityThe objective of the research is to designa system to protect a vehicle from hightemperatures while traveling at greater thanfive times the speed of sound. Research intofundamental theories and principles and thedevelopment of a model of the heat equationwith initial boundary conditions has been done.Work on varying the number of layers of thethermal protection system and thickness ofeach layer will be performed. Also a tradestudy between the aerodynamic, structural andcontrollability effects will be evaluated. Futurework will involve higher fidelity models.Louis Wilson, Computer ScienceGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Madison, WisconsinCONDITIONAL EXPECTATIONALGORITHMS FOR MATRICESMentor: Charles Colbourn, professor, School ofComputing, Informatics, and Decision SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: SecurityCovering arrays, matrices where every set ofsome columns includes every combinationof symbols, are useful in computer, networkand communications security. These arraysare difficult to construct and current methodsconstruct them randomly. Techniques forderandomization apply only to special cases ofcovering arrays. New approaches for efficientlyconstructing and storing these covering arrayswere investigated, independent of matrixdimensions and the size of each column set.Future research entails finding more efficientmethods and improving algorithmic guarantees.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu37

38 Spring 2013 FURI SymposiumReed Wittman, Materials Science andEngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Tempe, ArizonaSTUDY OF PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITYOF HYDROXYPHOSPHATE ANDHYDROXYSULFATE MINERALS FORWATER SPLITTINGMentor: Candace Chan, assistant professor,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport andEnergyResearch Theme: EnergySemiconducting catalysts are a uniqueclass of material as they convert sunlightinto energy that creates a desired product,possibly even fuels like hydrogen. The mainchallenge of photoelectrochemical watersplitting is finding materials that can efficientlyabsorb light, split water and be stable. Tothis end, photoelectrochemical properties ofmetal hydroxyphosphate and hydroxysulfatewere explored for their stability in variousenvironments. These materials are found innature as minerals, are relatively stable, andhave displayed catalytic and photocatalyticactivity. Studies were done to determine basiccharacteristics of the materials and stability ofthe materials in a variety of environments.TRAVEL GRANTAlicia Wolfe, Materials Science andEngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Fountain Hills, ArizonaPHOSPHORESCENT EMITTERS WITHNARROW EMISSION SPECTRA FORORGANIC DISPLAY APPLICATIONSMentor: Jian Li, associate professor, School forEngineering of Matter, Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: EnergyOrganic displays are the future of portableelectronics and require efficient emissivematerials. The research goal is to identify theeffects of different ligand-metal combinationson the color of emitters for use in energyefficientorganic displays. A synthetic route for aseries of platinum-based narrow-band emitterswas studied, optimized and the compounds werecharacterized via nuclear magnetic resonancespectroscopy. Moreover, the electrochemical,photophysical and electroluminescent propertiesof each compound were tested and will bediscussed.Diane Wu, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2013Hometown: Tucson, ArizonaDEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRICALINSTRUMENTATION FOR MULTIPLEXEDDIABETES MANAGEMENTMentor: Jeffrey La Belle, assistant professor,School of Biological and Health SystemsEngineeringResearch Theme: HealthDiabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that ischaracterized by high blood glucose due tothe body’s inability to produce or use insulin.An important method of controlling diabetes isthe self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).The purpose of this research is to develop adiabetes meter that operates in a similar fashionto current blood glucose meters. However, thismeter will be able to simultaneously measuremultiple biological markers, thus providingmore information per test and allowing forbetter diabetes control. The combination of theselected biological markers will offer greaterinsight into the progression of a patient’sdiabetes.Erick Yanez, Mechanical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaDEVELOPMENT OF A SUBMERSIBLEMAGENETO-COUPLED ROBOT ARMMentor: Panagiotis K. Artemiadis, assistantprofessor, School for Engineering of Matter,Transport and EnergyResearch Theme: HealthThe purpose of the Submersible Magneto-Coupled Robot Arm Project was the finaldevelopment of a two degrees-of-freedomsubmersible magneto-coupled manipulatorarm. The manipulator arm was developed with a160-degree rotation elbow and a continuouslyrotatable forearm, which can function in almostany environment with minimal maintenance.The arm is able to do so due to the use ofmagnetism to transfer torque through staticsealed housings, eliminating the need fordynamic water-proofing and subsequentlytheir limitations. The arm was successfullyconstructed and will be utilized on the NASASpace Grant Robotics team Underwater Roverfor future competitions.

Weidong Ye, Electrical EngineeringGraduation: May 2015Hometown: Fuzhou, ChinaINAS NANOWIRE FIELD-EFFECTTRANSISTORSMentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, Schoolof Electrical, Computer and Energy EngineeringResearch Theme: EnergyThe purpose of this project is to explore thepotential of III-V compound semiconductors.Compared to silicon-based transistors,transistors made with III-V compoundsemiconductors theoretically have higherperformance and efficiency. There are manydifferent types of III-V semiconductors, but thisproject focuses on one, indium arsenide. InAsnanowires were transferred from their verticalgrowth substrate to a planar silicon substrateto fabricate field-effect transistors (FET). Afterfabrication, the devices are characterized toevaluate performance.Jonathan Yoo, Biomedical EngineeringGraduation: May 2014Hometown: Chandler, ArizonaCREATION OF A FUNCTIONAL CELLSORTING AND DETECTION DEVICEMentor: Hongbin Yu, assistant professor, Schoolof Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering.Research Theme: HealthThe overall goal of this research is to createa microfluidic device that uses magneticmicroinductors to isolate magnetically labeledcells, such as cancer-related cells, from a mixedcellular sample as diverse as blood. Currently,magnetic microbeads, made compatible withspecific surface proteins unique to a celltype, are capable of binding to these specifictarget cells. A microinductor was fabricatedand integrated into a microfluidic device thatimmobilizes magnetically labeled target cells,attempting to separate them from the samplefluid. In the future, further changes within thedevice will be made to achieve maximized targetcell immobilization efficiency.Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering engineering.asu.edu39

40 Spring 2013 FURI Symposiumwhere are they now?Teagan Adamson (Biomedical ’12 – FURI Fall’10-Spring ’12) is pursing a master’s in biomedicalengineering at Arizona State University.Rachel Austin (Biomedical ’12 – FURI Spring’11-Fall ’11) is finishing a master’s in biomedicalengineering at Arizona State University thisDecember and will begin working at Medtronic.Lina Bearat (Civil ’12 – FURI Fall ’10-Spring ’11)works as a transportation engineer, doing designand planning at Kimley-Horn and Associates.Kevin Chen (Chemical ’12 – FURI Fall’10-Spring ’12) is working on a Ph.D. in electricalengineering at University of California, Berkeley.James Choca (Mechanical ’11 – FURI Summer’10-Spring ’11) works as a full-time engineer at asmall company called Blockwise Engineering.Gordon Freirich (Mechanical ’10 – FURI Spring’10) is leading the engineering team for a localstart-up, Vantage Realized, which is developingalternative mobility options for wheelchair users.Omar Habib (Electrical ’10 – FURI Fall ’10)works as a component designer engineer at Intel.Tina Hakimi (Biomedical ’12 – FURI Spring’10-Spring ’12) is on a Whitaker Fellowship inSydney, Australia, pursuing a master’s.Brittany Haselwood (Biomedical ’12 – FURIFall ’11-Spring ’12) is currently a graduate studentat ASU, pursuing a Ph.D. in biosensors with herFURI mentor, Jeffrey La Belle.Mohamed Reda Herbzi (Computer Science’11– FURI Fall ’10) is finishing a master’s degreein financial engineering at New York University.Albert Hsia (Biomedical ’10 – FURI Fall’09-Spring ’11) is a first-year medical student atthe Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.Ashley Jaeger (Biomedical ’11 ’10 – FURISpring ’09-Spring ’11) is a postbac researchfellow at the National Institutes of Health andcurrently applying to medical school.Amy Kaczmarowski (Aerospace ’12 – FURIFall ’10-Spring ’12) is a graduate student incomputational materials science at the Universityof Wisconsin.John Kondziolka (Civil and Environmental ’12– FURI Fall ’10-Spring ’12) is pursuing a masterof science in environmental fluid mechanics atMassachusetts Institute of Technology.Dwight Lane (Biomedical ’12 – FURISummer ’11-Spring ’12) is pursuing a Ph.D. inbioengineering at University of Utah.Kevin LaRosa (Electrical ’12 – FURI Spring’10-Spring ’12) is pursuing a Ph.D. in electricalengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas.His current research work is in the developmentof high-sensitivity preamplifiers for large-areaneutron detection sensors being developed withthe Flexible Display Center at Arizona StateUniversity .Wenyang Li (Computer Science ’12 – FURI Fall’10) is a program manager at Microsoft, WindowsPhone.Steven Limpert (Electrical ’12 – FURI Spring’10-Fall ’11) moved to Sydney, Australia in January2013 in order to begin a year of graduate studyand research at the University of New SouthWales as a U.S. Fulbright Climate Change andClean Energy Scholar.Brian Lines (Chemical ’10 – FURI Fall’10-Spring ’10) is pursuing a Ph.D. at ArizonaState University and is expected to graduate inMay 2014.Michael Mast (Aerospace ’12 – FURI Fall’10-Spring ’11) is working as a systems engineerat Honeywell Aerospace designing Autopilotsoftware for the Dassault Falcon series aircraftsand the Gulfstream aircrafts, while pursuing amaster’s in aerospace engineering.Elizabeth McLaughlin (Chemical ’12 – FURIFall ’09-Fall ’11) is pursuing master’s in chemicalengineering practice degree at MassachusettsInstitute of Technology.Divya Geetha Nair (Materials Science andEngineering ’12 – FURI Fall ’10-Spring ’12) ispursuing a master’s in materials science andengineering at Arizona State UniversityElizabeth Nofen (Walker) (Chemical ’12 –FURI Summer ’10- Spring ’11) is pursuing a Ph.D.in chemical engineering at ASU.Stephanie Naufel (Biomedical ’11 – FURISpring ’09-Spring ’11) is pursuing a Ph.D.in biomedical engineering at NorthwesternUniversity.Brian O’Neil (Mechanical ’08 – FURI Fall’07-Spring ’08) is finishing a doctoral degree inmechanical engineering at the University of Texasat Austin.Brian Perea (Chemical ’12- FURI Spring’09-Spring’11) is pursuing a Ph.D. in chemicalengineering at the University of California,Berkeley, with an NSF Fellowship project.Guy Pickett (Mechanical ’11 – FURI Summer’11-Fall ’11) is pursuing a master’s in electricalengineering at Arizona State University insolid-state devices, while working as a researchassistant in the Solar Power Laboratory. He isworking on identifying the loss mechanisms inthe singles diffused screen-printed Si solar cellsfabricated at the lab and methods to amelioratethem.Tim Reblitz (Electrical ’12 – FURI Summer’11-Spring ’12) is in the direct Ph.D. programfor electrical engineering under the FultonFellowship. He is working as a QESST scholar atthe ASU Solar Power Lab, studying the n-typesilicon cells using PECVD-deposited borondopedamorphous silicon films as diffusionsource.Peter John Renslow (Aerospace ’10 – FURISpring ’10) is pursuing a master’s in aerospaceengineering at Purdue University, with a researchfocus on explosives and energetic materials.Katherine Ruh (Biomedical ’12 – FURISpring ’11-Spring ’12) is working on a master’sin biomedical engineering at Arizona StateUniversity. Upon graduation she will be workingwith GE Healthcare.Kristen Travis (Industrial ’11 – FURI Spring ’11-Fall’11) is working for W.L. Gore in their medicaldivision as an industrial engineer.Sean Wilson (Civil ’10 – FURI Spring ’10-Fall ’10) is pursuing a master’s degree inhydrosystems engineering at Arizona StateUniversity, while working as a graduatestudent for Dean Paul Johnson in his soil andgroundwater remediation group.Susanna Young (Mechanical ’11 – FURI Fall’09-Spring ’11) is co-founder and CEO of G3 Box.She also works for Phoenix Analysis and DesignTechnologies as a services engineer.

FURI is one of the innovativeprograms that make up theFulton Difference50 STUDENT ORGANIZATIONSRanging from honors and professionalassociations to groups creatingunderwater robots, concrete canoes andlaunching rockets, student organizationsoffer excellent opportunities to learnabout career possibilities and networkwith industry professionals.studentorgs.engineering.asu.edu4+1 ACCELERATED PROGRAMS4+1 programs provide students withthe opportunity to combine advancedundergraduate course work withgraduate course work to earn bothbachelor’s and master’s degrees in fiveyears.engineering.asu.edu/acceleratedENGINEERING CAREER CENTERServing as a central point of contactto connect students and employers,the Career Center connects employerswith engineering students for full-timejob opportunities and internships andprovides comprehensive career coachingservices for Fulton students and alumni.engineering.asu.edu/careerSTUDENT SUPPORT SERVICESThe Engineering Tutoring Center offersfree tutoring in math, physics, chemistryand engineering courses.tutoring.engineering.asu.eduENGINEERING PROJECTS INCOMMUNITY SERVICEEPICS organizes teams ofundergraduate students to design,build and deploy systems to solveengineering-based problems for not-forprofitorganizations.engineering.asu.edu/epicsGRAND CHALLENGESCHOLARS PROGRAMThe Fulton Grand Challenge Scholarsprogram combines innovativecurriculum and cutting-edge researchfor an academic experience that spansdisciplines and includes entrepreneurialand service-learning opportunities.more.engineering.asu.edu/grandchallengescholarsSTUDY ABROADEngineering students are encouraged totake full advantage of the study abroadopportunities that ASU offers.engineering.asu.edu/studyabroad

fueling innovation—building engineersCelebrating 10 years as the Ira A. Fulton Schools of EngineeringAt Arizona State University, we’ve been educating engineers for Arizona andthe world for nearly 60 years. With almost 9,000 students, we are building theengineers of the future and pursuing the discoveries and solutions to challengesfacing society.In 2003, Ira A. Fulton, founder and CEO of Arizona-based Fulton Homes,established an endowment of $50 million in support of ASU’s College ofEngineering and Applied Sciences.His investment served as a catalyst, enabling the development of a dynamicportfolio of strategic initiatives that benefit our students and faculty and thecommunities where they live and work.Throughout, Ira A. Fulton has remained an active supporter of the school thatbears his name. He is a familiar face to students and a regular presence atevents such as this semiannual FURI Symposium.“I strongly believe you cannot have a great citywithout a great school of engineering.”Ira A. Fultonengineering.asu.edu/furi