Senior Theses 2012 – 2013

Astronomy

Experimental Characterization of Algorithms for Holographic Optical Trapping Alyssa C. Barlis We have experimentally characterized three algorithms for holographic optical trapping applications. Previous computational results based on a 10×10 square lattice of optical traps suggest a significant difference in algorithm performance. Our preliminary results, while inconclusive, show… Continue reading »

Biology

The Agrobacterium T6SS is Activated by Host Responses and Induces Light-Dependent Host Defenses Abigail Davies Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a gram-negative soil bacterium, causes the well-characterized Crown Gall Disease on host plants. This bacterium is the only known organism capable of interkingdom gene transfer. The tumor-inducing Ti plasmid encodes… Continue reading »

Chemistry

Synthesis and Characterization of Mannose-Functionalized Polymeric Micelles Lauren Abougi  Self-assembling glycopolymers have garnered increased attention from the scientific community as an effective solution to the complications presented by current therapeutics. Using glycopolymers to encapsulate highly toxic drugs, targeted delivery can be achieved by exploiting the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect… Continue reading »

Computer Science

Measuring the Effects of Energy Intermittency in Distributed Systems Thomas J. Gaidus ’13 Sorting benchmarks have been developed for researchers to study and compare the performance of different hardware/software configurations using a set of predefined metrics. While these metrics and benchmarks do measure many useful characteristics of the… Continue reading »

Geosciences

 Evolution and Distribution of Permeability in a Complete Section of Upper Oceanic Crust:  IODP Hole 1256D Miranda L Bona ‘13  Permeability is the principal hydrologic parameter controlling fluid flow in the Earth’s crust, yet measuring oceanic crust permeability has proven to be a challenge due to limited access… Continue reading »

Mathematics and Statistics

Regression With Missing Data:  An Investigation of the Case with Uniform Predictors and Missingness Related to the Response Variable Jack T. Ervasti Missing data is a very important problem in many fields, including the social, behavioral and medicinal sciences. As a result, a number of techniques for… Continue reading »

Neuroscience

Effects of Neonatal Fluoxetine Exposure on Behavior Across Development in Rats Selectively Bred for an Infantile Affective Trait Sierra Germeyan  Infants born to depressed mothers are at higher risk for insecure attachment and behavioral problems.  Thus, current medical practice is to continue psychotropic medication of pregnant women… Continue reading »

Physics

Experimental Characterization of Algorithms for Holographic Optical Trapping Alyssa C. Barlis We have experimentally characterized three algorithms for holographic optical trapping applications. Previous computational results based on a 10×10 square lattice of optical traps suggest a significant difference in algorithm performance. Our preliminary results, while inconclusive,… Continue reading »

Psychology

  Maternal Relationship Representations and Preschoolers’ Physiological Responding to Relational Disruption Julia Bender Stern  Previous research has established the importance of physiological regulation in response to stress as a predictor of child outcomes, but no prior study has examined the effect of maternal relationship representations on child… Continue reading »