We looked at a possible macroscopic model, the LWR model, but ultimately turned to a microscopic model, the IDM. Here, autonomous vehicles were incorporated,and a Matlab simulation was run. Simulation results along with existing research was analyzed,and differing traffic densities, lane changing, and heterogeneous traffic were then taken into account which resulted in an analysis of the MOBIL model. Finally, using traffic networking schemes, and analysis of available data, a unique model was proposed, with talk of expected results and implementation on the greater Seattle Area. Existing data suggests that these added vehicles will ease traffic congestion and increase road capacity.

While the ocean's upwelling regions bring nitrogen-rich water to the surface, evidence shows that the micronutrient, iron, can be limiting. In areas of low iron, the biological utilization of nitrogen is inhibited, preventing phytoplankton from fulfilling their productivity potential. It is thought that iron concentration of coastally upwelled water is tied to the coast’s geology , but there are more factors involved. To investigate this, we analyzed samples of California’s upwelling coast from published data that were deemed iron replete or limited. By studying the location's sea surface temperature and altimetry, plumes of water were proven an additional factor that influences iron.

Galaxy interactions provide ideal conditions for triggering star formation, and impact galaxy evolution and the structure of the universe. I present analysis of one compact group of interacting galaxies. Areas of increased star formation are classified by the identification of the most UV bright regions within the galaxies. In order to gain deeper insight into how mergers drive galaxy evolution, star formation histories are determined by fitting ultraviolet to mid-infrared photometry to Spectral Energy Distribution (SED) models.

Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop and analyze mathematical models are highly sought-after skills, especially when they are paired with the auxiliary skill set of strong scientific writing, the ability to collaborate across disciplines and effective visualizations of quantitative information. We focus on the development of these auxiliary skills by (1) offering training to teams who participate in COMAP’S Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) and (2) through the PIC Math course, a problem-solving course in which students work on problems provided by an industry client.

Inconsistencies between Quantum Mechanics and General relativity have motivated many new theories which unify these two very successful models of physics. Many of these theories predict changes to the behavior of gravity at the sub 50 micron distance scale, specifically deviations from the newtonian Inverse Square Law (ISL) and Weak Equivelance Principle (WEP). We measure the twist of the torsion pendulum as an attractor mass is oscillated nearby in a parallel-plate configuration, providing a time varying torque on the pendulum. The size and distance dependence of the torque variation provides a means to determine any deviation from the WEP or ISL at untested scales.

Heavy metal contamination of soils and waterways due to industrial processes, continues to be a problem in the United States. Recent reports indicate that microbial surface layers (S-layers) are able to bind and sequester heavy metals, thereby removing them from the environment. Our approach is to enhance this process for heavy metal bioremediation. Using a highly sensitive fluorescent dye, lead remediation was measured in the nanomolar range. Results show that upon exposure to 39.0 nM Pb solution engineered C. vibrioides strains Hcm 027,028, remediated the solution to, 9.6 ± 0.3 nM, 9.0 ± 0.2 nM respectively and 13.3 ± 0.1 nM for the wild type.

Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin (ASR), a photoactive membrane protein, undergoes light induced conformational change associated with release of a transducer protein, ASRT. This complex is proposed to control transcription. However, DNA binding to ASR has not been demonstrated. We prepared ASR in soluble nanodiscs. Our data show ASR nanodiscs had a retinal absorbance shift (≈548 - 537 nm). DLS of ASR nanodiscs, separated by SEC, displayed two populations (21.9 ± 6.3 and 31.1 ± 12.5 nm). These populations may represent varying oligomeric states. Preliminary data from crosslinking studies suggest ASR exist in a trimeric state. We conclude ASR is stabilized in the nanodiscs, enabling studies of ASR.

Patrick’s Point State Park has experienced a tremendous growth of English Ivy that has causing a damage to park resources. The goal of this study was to accurately map English Ivy habitats, estimate coverage, and survey English Ivy colonization effects on tree trunks. The results showed that the English Ivy growth has decreased from 8.0 acres to 6.5 acres between 2015 and 2016 respectively due to park restoration activity supported by volunteer organizations. The English Ivy growth on tree trunks was significant for Western Hemlock and Sitka Spruce. With this project the park will be able to locate the most English Ivy spots that require attention, and monitor their growth rate.

The current research focuses on producing hydrogels from chitosan, a bio-renewable bio-compatible and bio-degradable polymer. Hydrogels are used as contact lenses, drug delivery systems, and biomedical applications such as tissue engineering. Chitosan is the deacetylated form of chitin, an abundant biopolymer found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects. Amino acid coupling, using 1-Ethyl-3-(3- dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC), is employed to covalently attach trans-cinnamic acid to the free amine of chitosan. Modified chitosan is then cross-linked under UV irradiation to produce hydrogels. The swelling capacity and sterilizability are currently under investigation.

This study examines the Santa Rosa fire in 2017 using remote sensing techniques to estimate the acreage of burned areas. Landsat 8 imagery of the pre- and post- fires were used to extrapolate the burn severity using two methods: (i) Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) and (ii) change detection analysis. The results of burn severity of both methods were on average 24% under-approximated comparison to values supplied by Cal Fire. While comparing acreage burn, provided by CAL FIRE indicates that our results were on average 76% ±8% accuracy in identifying burn severity. Of the two methods, the change detection using iso clustered unsupervised classification scheme was more accurate.