Studying the Connection Between X-Ray and UV Absorption in AGN Outflows

Active Galactic Nuclei are still somewhat of an enigma; young, bright galaxies with a large range of redshifts. Our current research is focused on gas outflows from the active galactic nucleus (AGN). These outflows are identified by broad absorption lines in the spectra of AGN. Current multi-epoch observations of many active galactic nuclei (AGN) have resulted in broad absorption lines that appear and disappear over time. Current observations show that these outflows have speeds up to 0.2c. Our team’s ultimate goal is to understand the mechanism that drives quasar outflows and characterize the broad spectral absorption lines, as well as why the outflows are variable

Stylohyoid-tympanic articulation in shrews and its possible implications for echolocation

Silvia Pavan, Biological Sciences Faculty

Echolocation has evolved in several mammals, including shrews. In bats, echolocation may occur through the larynx via the stylohyoid-tympanic articulation (ST-A). Using CT scans, we studied the morphology of the inner ear to determine if the ST-A is present in echolocating shrews. Of the nine sampled genera, three have behavioral data suggesting echolocation. Six species presented ST-A, including four species not known to echolocate. Given the limited behavioral data and the small data set, a few interpretations are possible, all of which highlight the need for additional research in this understudied mammalian group in order to reveal the role of the ST-A in shrew echolocation.

Stylohyoid-tympanic articulation in shrews and its possible implications for echolocation

Silvia Pavan, Biological Sciences Faculty

Echolocation has evolved in several mammals, including shrews. In bats, echolocation may occur through the larynx via the stylohyoid-tympanic articulation (ST-A). Using CT scans, we studied the morphology of the inner ear to determine if the ST-A is present in echolocating shrews. Of the nine sampled genera, three have behavioral data suggesting echolocation. Six species presented ST-A, including four species not known to echolocate. Given the limited behavioral data and the small data set, a few interpretations are possible, all of which highlight the need for additional research in this understudied mammalian group in order to reveal the role of the ST-A in shrew echolocation.

Surface Ocean Distribution of Trace Metals in the California Current System During a Year of Anomalously Low Upwelling

Upwelling in the California Current System (CCS) brings nutrient rich water to the continental shelf. Included with these nutrients are some trace metals. Trace iron (Fe) has been shown to be a control on primary productivity in the CCS. 2014 marked a year of low upwelling along the CA coast. This anomaly provides an opportunity to assess annual variability in processes affecting micronutrient distributions here. In 2014, the IRNBRU research cruise measured surface macronutrient and trace metal distributions in the CCS. Their results show lower nutrient concentrations than found in previous studies, and suggest an unusual uptake ratio of macronutrients by microorganisms in the area.

Survey and Map English Ivy Distribution at the Patrick’s Point State Park, California

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.

Survey of Extremely High Velocity Outflows in Quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey's Ninth Data Release

We present the first survey of extremely high velocity outflows (EHVO) in quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey data release nine quasar catalog (SDSS DR9Q). Our survey draws from the 87,822 spectral targets in DR9Q. EHVO candidates were identified by measurement of one of the transitions due to absorption in carbon ion (C-IV), which appear in the spectrum as broad absorption features. Spectrum analysis was carried out by python codes developed by our group with results confirmed by visual inspection. The presented survey is composed of 45 quasars EHVO ranging in velocity from ~50,000 to 30,000 km/s. Our survey will be made available online as a publicly accessible database.

Switching to Electric Cars , and the Efficiency of Allocating Charging Stations

For environmental and economic reasons, there is a global interest in reducing the use of fossil fuels, including gasoline for cars. Whether motivated by the environment or by the economics, consumers are starting to switch to electric vehicles. Several countries are seeing early signs of the potential for rapid growth in the adoption of electric vehicles. In the US and other countries, the release of the more affordable all-electric Tesla Model 3 has resulted in record numbers of pre-orders and long wait lists. Our group set out to find an optimal allocation of electric charging stations in the U.S and South Korea by creating a math model of the number of stations per region.

Synthesis and Evaluation of a Lead Binding Peptoid

Lead is a particularly problematic environmental contaminant. The peptide sequence GGGTNTLSNNGGG has an affinity for binding lead particles. Utilizing solid phase reaction chemistry the peptoid analog was synthesized. The resin bound peptoid has been evaluated for lead binding affinity using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Initial results show a 27:1 lead to peptoid binding with an average 14% lead decrease in the presence of 1.31× 10-5 per mole of the peptoid. Treatment of peptoid bound lead with hydrochloric acid resulted in release of lead indicating the recyclability of this peptoid modified resin.

Synthesis of Bis(diaryl)thienothiadiazole Compounds with Pyridyl and Pyrimidyl Groups For Use in Organic Photovoltaic Cells

An organic photovoltaic (OPV) is a polymeric or small molecule device that accepts photons and generates a current. Donor-acceptor molecules are used to create a heterojunction where an electronic environment dissociates excitons, which are bound excited electron-hole pairs. Charge dissociation is facilitated at the heterojunction by the interaction of an exciton on the donor molecule with the electronic configuration of the acceptor molecule. Thiophene derivatives have proven to be promising candidates for high efficiency donor molecules. Rational design and attempted synthesis of bis(diaryl)-thienothiadiazole compounds with pyridyl and pyrimidyl groups are reported.

Teaming Strategies

Strong teamwork is important in many areas of society. Soccer, in particular, is one area where teamwork is critical to performing well and achieving a high score. The goal here was to analyze the data from the Huskies soccer team to determine what affected the team’s success, such as the number of passes, who was playing, and who was coaching. To analyze the given data, it was extracted into both Mathematica and Python. A Monte Carlo simulation, coded in Python, was applied to analyze wins, ties, and losses for each coach and stats for each player, from which we were able to make suggestions to better the teams gameplay as a whole.