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Undergraduate Research Award RecipientsThe Undergraduate Research Awards Program provides awards to qualified students from WSGC Affiliate Member colleges and universities to create and implement a small research study of their own design as academic year, summer, or part-time employment that is directly related to their interests and career objectives in space science, aerospace, or space-related studies. A faculty or research staff member on student's campus will act as an advisor for the research study, which is conceptualized and designed by the student. WSGC will locate a scientist or engineer from one of the research-intensive universities to act as a second mentor for successful applicants. WSGC is pleased to announce and congratulate the following students on their WSGC Undergraduate Research Awards: 2008-2009Neal Bitter
Dan Hawk
Rachel Worth 2007-2008
Christopher Heaser
Kristen Jones
Aaron Willcutt
2006-2007Quintin BendixenUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Major: Geoscience High School: Eisenhower HS, New Berlin, WI Research Title/Area: Planetary Geology Synopsis: The cold and dry continent of Antarctica can be used as a Martian analogue. Found within the Allan Hills, Antarctica are eolian formed dunes consisting of gravel clasts that could mimic the landscape of Mars. Gustav Borstad University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Majors: Physics and Mathematics High School: Independent Study HS, Lincoln, NE Research Title/Area: Investigation of the Hydroxyl Radical Using Laser Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Synopsis: The object of the proposed research is to investigate the hydroxyl free radical through the use of high-resolution spectroscopy in the far-infrared. The experimental technique used to probe this molecule is known as laser magnetic resonance. Joshua Hakala University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Major: Physics w/ Astronomy emphasis High School: Elkhart Lake HS, Elkhart Lake, WI Research Title/Area: Interstellar Medium – Astronomy Synopsis: When massive stars die, they explode, sending an expanding shell into the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM). Using H-a images, we will compare maps of ionized and neutral hydrogen to learn how the shell is interacting with the ISM. Adam Hinkle Marquette University Major: Physics High School: Hayden HS,Topeka, KS Research Title/Area: Theoretical Physics; Cosmology Synopsis: A Lorentz-violating theory, the Standard Model Extension (SME) exists which provides a picture of new physics lying just beyond conventional theory and experiment. Additionally, recent cosmological observations and measurements are providing rich data for confirmation of theories of our universe, in particular, confirmation of Lorentz violation in nature. One such measurement that of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) has invited a special opportunity to study the SME. My proposed project is an analysis using theoretical and numerical techniques to identify the nature of Lorentz violation in the polarization of the CMB. Matthew Kelley Marquette University Major: Physics High School: Spencer HS, Spencer, WI Research Title/Area: Radio Analysis of Core Collapse Supernovae Synopsis: I will study core collapse supernovae by measuring their radio waves emitted as the shock interacts with the circum stellar material. By doing this I will be studying the evolution of the progenitor before the explosion. Through long term monitoring of supernovae, a model can be created to describe them. By understanding supernovae, we may be able to understand things like distances and gamma ray bursts better. Patrick Liesch University of Wisconsin-Parkside Major: Biology High School: JI Case HS, Racine, WI Research Title/Area: Astrobiology - Role of Organic Silicates in the Biomineralization Process Synopsis: Polymerization of silicic acid occurs rapidly when added to many of the amino acids and their Maillard products. There are essentially two mechanisms for the preservation of amino acids and Maillard products in silicates. First, the amino acids or Maillard products could simply be entombed during the polymerization process. Secondly, the amino acids or Maillard products could react to bond to the silica gel. Infrared spectroscopy will be used to investigate these possibilities by focusing on the 1000-1200 cm-1 region, where the Si-O-Si and Si-O-C bond frequencies can be found. Deuteration will help resolve the peaks in the infrared spectra. Column chromatography will also be used to investigate the possibility that amino acids and their Maillard products bind to silicic acid but remain in a soluble form. Allison Noble University of Wisconsin-Madison Majors: Physics and Astrophysics High School: Homestead HS, Mequon, WI Research Title/Area: Cosmology Synopsis: I propose to build and erect three small radio telescopes on the roof of the physics building, Chamberlin, in order to develop and test new techniques for interferometry. An interferometer is an array of telescopes that combines signals to generate a higher resolution image of the sky than a single, smaller antenna can create by itself. I will build and compare an “adding interferometer” with a “multiplying interferometer.” My results will be used to design the millimeter-wave bolometric interferometer (MBI), a 1000-telescope array that will measure the polarization anisotropy—variation in the polarization that depends upon the direction of its measurement—of the cosmic microwave background radiation. These faint fluctuations, a result of primordial gravitational waves produced during the period of inflation directly after the Big Bang, will shed light on the physics of the early universe. My research will help to limit systematic error of the instrument and contribute to the success of MBI, a prototype for NASA’s Einstein Inflation Probe. I also propose to create an outreach program in which the community will have access to the telescopes to elicit scientific interest amongst students. Sarah Palmer University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse Majors: Physics and Math High School: Lincoln High School, Manitowoc, WI Research Title/Area: OVI line from the Eridanus Superbubble Synopsis: Measurements of OVI emission in the direction of the Eridanus superbubble will help unlock information about the interstellar medium. Melania Riabokin University of Wisconsin-Madison Majors: Astronomy and Physics High School: Conserve HS, Land O' Lakes, WI Research Title/Area: Astrophysics Synopsis: This proposed research project consists of taking data on the HI in a selected group of magellanic spiral galaxies (both interacting and non-interacting) in order to reach a conclusion regarding the galaxies’ asymmetry. The visual data that is gathered on the galaxies is not sufficient to produce accurate approximating of mass in the galaxies because about 90% of the matter in them is ‘dark’ or not detectable in the visible light images of galaxies. Benjamin Rizzo Marquette University Major: Physics High School: Marquette University HS, Milwaukee, WI Research Title/Area: Atmospheric Models (Mars) Synopsis: Numerical modeling techniques of the Earth’s atmosphere has proven useful when applied to the atmosphere of Mars. With this past year’s efforts at Marquette University, atmospheric models have been used to study the convection and turbulence conditions of the Martian atmosphere. However, further analysis is required for a more accurate depiction of the weather conditions present on Mars. This year’s proposal seeks to build upon our previous work by introducing the effects of ambient wind. These models have the potential to be useful tools in predicting prospective landing sites for further Mars research while providing a means to model the atmosphere of other planets. Alex Viana University of Wisconsin-Madison Major: Astrophysics High School: Oak Park River Forest HS, Oak Park, IL Research Title/Area: Galactic Evolution and Asymmetry Synopsis: Our project proposes a multispectral investigation quantifying point and axial asymmetries in an isolated set of galaxies in order to test for a correlation between asymmetric gravitational potentials and non-interacting galaxies. 2005-2006Bustamante, Jennifer 2004-2005Jennifer BustamanteMarquette University Research: Astronomy: Photometric observations for the Transit Search Project Synopsis: Transit Search is a differential photometry project designed to locate extrasolar planets. Stars are monitored using CCD-imaging in attempt to detect a small decrease in light on the order of 1-10% that would indicate a transiting planet. Sabrina Dechene Marquette University Research: Radio Study of J1628-41a, Testing Physics with a Microquasar Synopsis: Microquasars are physics laboratories which can be used to observe special and general relativity. I will be studying long-term observations of the microquasar J1628-41a so that I can better explain the frequent jet outbursts of this source. Rebecca Grundy University of Wisconsin-Madison Research: Dark Matter in Groups of Galaxies Synopsis: The vast majority of galaxies, including the Milky Way, reside in loose groups. A group is a small collection of 4-5 large galaxies and up to 25 small galaxies. Matter is not evenly dispersed throughout the Universe with most of the dark matter and baryon distribution in the intergalactic medium. It is important to understand the evolution that lead to this and why it continues to stay bounded together. The dynamical evolution of groups and the impact that has on the galaxies is relatively understudied. One of the major barriers to studying this has been the difficulty of determining proper group membership. Accurate radial velocities are needed in order to determine if a group is a bound entity, and multi-object spectroscopy allows one to establish group membership from radial velocities for a large number of galaxies at once. I will be calibrating and analyzing already obtained data of the NGC 664 galaxy group. The data was obtained using the multi-object spectrograph on the WIYN 3.5 meter telescope. I will learn how to use IRAF software, which is a software package designed for the calibration and analysis of optical astronomical data. With that software, I will be able to determine which galaxies are members of the group and work out the radial velocity of each membered galaxy by comparing the observed wavelength of their emission line(s) to the respective rest wavelength(s). I will plot the distribution of the radial velocities and by measuring the width of that distribution I can find the velocity dispersion and determine the total dynamical mass of NGC 664. Alex Harrington University of Wisconsin-Madison Research: Undergraduate Research for CIMSS Synopsis: Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) products, along with NASA satellite products, provide plausible options for validation. Qualitative analysis of CRAS satellite products, provide plausible options for validation. Qualitative analysis of CRAS satellite forecasts, correlated with actual GOES infrared and water vapor imagery will investigate the reality, or perhaps find discrepancies in the capability of the CRAS to forecast notable system features. Similarly, using NASA MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), a satellite instrument with high spatial resolution, one can qualitatively note satellite features, but more importantly, compare how satellite forecasts, as depicted by the CRAS, correspond to MODIS versus GOES. Do the results from the CRAS favor MODIS or GOES imagery? Specifically, I will save data throughout the month of June. With the CRAS model updating twice daily, I will save forecasted satellite imagery, explicitly infrared and water vapor images. I will then validate these images with corresponding GOES and MODIS imagery. Again, this technique only offers qualitative results. Therefore, I will save forecasted brightness temperatures, as depicted by the CRAS, validating the forecast with actual brightness temperatures. For objective comparisons, I will implement a statistical package that includes the following: Root Mean Square (RMS), threat scores, and gradient skill scores. Results will show that forecasted satellite imagery and brightness temperatures can be a useful tool for forecasters and numerical modelers. Furthermore, a website showing the progress and results of the research would certainly benefit NASA, numerical models, as well as the general public. Stephen Kaeppler University of Wisconsin-Madison Research: Observational Cosmology - Cosmic Microwave Background Synopsis: Superconducting microstrips might be the way of the future for transportation of signal between an antenna and the detector in observation of the Cosmic Microwave Background. Little previous research has been done on the topic and if this proves to be a useful technology, detectors and feed lines could be put onto single integrated circuits. The main measurement of the microstrips will be the power loss by using a “slit” test which varies length. The power loss of the feed line is to be minimized, and if an optimal design can be found, detector/microstrip coupling can be tested next. Julie Karel University of Wisconsin-Madison Research: Deformation Induced Nanocrystalline in Amorphous Aluminum Alloys Synopsis: Amorphous aluminum alloys with finely dispersed aluminum nanocrystals have exhibited ultra high tensile strengths and useful ductility while still maintaining lower densities. Unfortunately, not enough is known about the behavior of the nanocrystalline microstructure to make these alloys useful yet. Potential applications include lightweight materials, which would make these alloys extremely useful in the aerospace industry as a possible substitute for their denser, more expensive titanium-alloy counterparts. I will be studying how mechanical work performed on aluminum-rich metallic glasses effects the densities of nanocrystals that are present. It is hypothesized that greater densities of nanocrystals can be achieved than from thermal treatment alone. I will synthesize these amorphous aluminum alloys, characterize them based on their microstructure and determine the density of nanocrystals present. If a large density is present, this will provide an opportunity to study the impact of the novel nanocrystalline microstructure on structural properties. More specifically the measurement of elastic properties and other mechanical properties such as tensile strength and fatigue characteristics would allow for a determination of whether novel microstructures also exhibit superior properties. These superior properties are what would be of great benefit for future applications in the aerospace industry. Brian Kaster Marquette University Research: Radio wave emissions from type II supernovae Synopsis: When a star dies, a couple of different things can happen. After the collapse of the core, there can be thermal detonations, further collapses in to neutron stars or black holes, or supernovae. Supernovae are created when the core rebounds after collapse, creating a shockwave that is propelled out of the core. In type Ib/c and type II supernovae, this shockwave interacts with the cloud of gas that, during the life of the star, was stripped off and collected near the star. The interaction with this shockwave and the cloud of gas creates a radio signal that we receive in with the Very Large Array. After the data is flagged, calibrated, and imaged, analysis can proceed. Here the data is graphed as flux verses time on a logarithmic scale, creating a typical light curve. Variations in this light curve are the focus of the research. We use these data sets to try and explain the supernovae and events around them. Christopher Klug University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Research: Geological Research involving Permian- Triassic Boundary and possible extraterrestrial cause Synopsis: The Permian-Triassic boundary is now being viewed more and more as a location marking an extraterrestrial impact event. The data of this study will determine, if a conformable boundary exists in northwestern Nevada. Adrienne Stilp University of Wisconsin-Madison Research: The Effects of Massive Stars on the Evolution of Galaxy NGC 4395 Synopsis: Active star formation does not occur in every galaxy in our Universe; those which are currently forming stars, known as “starbursts galaxies,” have many unusual properties. Both high and low mass stars and formed during episodes of star formation; however, because massive stars live for a much shorter time than their lower mass companions, starburst galaxies contain a much higher relative population of high to low mass stars than that of regular galaxies. Therefore, their effects on galactic evolution are much more easily witnessed in starburst galaxies. Stellar winds and supernovae explosions (SNe) from these massive stars affect the gas content of a galaxy, one of its primary components, by creating holes of ionized hydrogen gas and surrounding shells of H-alpha emission. Therefore, observations of both stellar populations, neutral hydrogen gas (HI), and H-alpha kinematics each factor into understanding the effects of massive stars on a galaxy’s evolution. I propose a comprehensive study of a single galaxy, NGC 4395, in which I will probe the stars’ effects on HI and H-alpha emission in order to correlate stellar winds and SNe with observed effects on the gaseous counterpart of the galaxy. The final goal of the project is to combine the analysis of the effects of massive stars with currently-accepted theories of galactic evolution. Michael Theisen University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Research: Frequency Measurements of Far-Infrared Laser Emissions Synopsis: The C-13 isotope of methanol, 13CH3OH, has been found to generate over 175 FIR laser emissions. Recently, seventeen FIR laser emission were discovered from this isotope and were reported with their measured wavelengths and operating characteristics (polarization, operating pressure, and relative intensity). Of the seventeen lines, spectroscopic assignments have been proposed for nine laser emissions. These spectroscopic assignments, however, can only be confirmed with the measurement of their frequencies. The goal of this work is to measure these frequencies and confirm their spectroscopic assignments. Melanie Vils University of Wisconsin-Madison Research: The Rotational Velocities and Masses of Luminous Compact Blue Galaxies Synopsis: The purpose of this project is to determine the rotational velocities, if any, of the twelve intermediate redshift, luminous compact blue galaxies from long-slit spectra. These results will then be used to make mass distribution estimates. 2003-2004 Undergraduate Research Award RecipientsBloom, Amelia 2002-2003 Undergraduate Research Award RecipientsBierman, MatthewUW-LaCrosse Research: Particle Physics Relating to Stellar Objects Gaal, Veronika UW-Madison Research: Structure & Evolution of Galaxies Through a Case Study of NGC1507 Nencka, Andrew Marquette Research: Astrophysics Norman, Ryan UW-Milwaukee Research: Space Radiation Shielding & Particle Physics Stark, Daniel UW-Madison Research: Astronomy-Massive Star Formation Theory Sutton, Daniel UW-LaCrosse Research: High resolution Spectroscopy of Free Radicals in the Far-Infrared 2001-2002 Undergraduate Research Award RecipientsAndrew BowersUniversity of Wisconsin-Whitewater Research: Use of Hubble Space Telescope to Study Scattering in New Galaxies Daniel Bush University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Research: Spectroscopy of Globular Clusters in the Galactic Halo Natalie Fuchs University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse Research: Optics Research - Far Infrared Laser Stark Spectoscopy Angel Gladney University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Research: Why Few African-Americans are Interested in Space Science Programs Jennifer Jeschke University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research: Theoretical Particle Physics Jeffrey Paradis University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Research: Observations at Yerkes Observatory to Study Dark Matter Maria Spletter University of Wisconsin-Madison Research: Plant Biology John Sullivan University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse Research: Frequency Measurements and Stark Spectroscopy of CH30D Using Molecular Lasers in the Far-Infrared JoAnne Turner University of Wisconsin-Madison Research: Efficacy of Growth Hormone as a Counter Measure for Space Flight-Induced Musculoskeletal Atrophy 2000-2001 Undergraduate Research Award RecipientsAmy J. AnschutzCarroll College Research: Study of Small Molecular clusters Jeannette M. Curran University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Research: Ways to use the vast material at NASA to teach Mathematics Heidi J. Hockel University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse Research: Detect & measure new laser emissions from an optically pumped molecular laser Justin E. Seipel University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research: Aerodynamics: incompressible, subsonic flow over airfoil Jodi A. Supanich University of Wisconsin-Madison Research: Observational Cosmology: Cosmic microwave background radiation Mark P. Supanich University of Wisconsin-Madison Research: Study of atmospheric polarization & the anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background radiation 1999-2000 Undergraduate Research Award RecipientsEfrat LelkesUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison Research: Effects of Microgravity on Cultured Cells Kenneth Rewolinski University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research: Surface Studies Related to Metal-Oxide Absorption of Water Nicholas G. Roland University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse Research: High Resolution Spectroscopy of Interstellar Molecules Mark P. Supanich University of Wisconsin-Madison Research: Observational Cosmology Focusing on Anisotropy Measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background Randy W. Wolfmeyer University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research: Cosmology-Inflation Theory |
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