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Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science

ASPiRe Advanced Summer Program in Research

FRED DEMATTEIS SCHOOL OF

ENGINEERING AND . APPLIED SCIENCE

5th Annual Symposium Hofstra University 208 Adams Hall

August29,2022 · 9:00 a.m. - 3:40 p.m.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This is the sixth annual Advanced Summer Program in Research (ASPiRe) Symposium to be hosted by the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science and I am pleased that twentyfour students have participated. A key component in its success and growth is the most generous financial support it receives from distinguished benefactors of the DeMatteis School. This year special recognition is due to: John D. Cameron, Jr., P.E. James K. Donaghy '90 Joseph M. Heaney III, PE R & M Engineering Sina Y. Rabbany, PhD Thomas J. Sanzone '82 Paul R. Saueracker '78 Anne Shybunko-Moore Casimir S. Skrzypczak, '70 Their support of these exceptional researchers is of immeasurable value to the students themselves and adds luster to all our educational endeavors.

Sina Y. Rabbany, PhD Dean Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science

TABLE OF CONTENTS Presentation Schedule ...................................................................................................................2 1. Investigation of Deep Learning for Affective Computing: Music-Based Emotion Recognition in Therapy..............................................................................................................3 2. Ultrasonic Isolation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal or Stromal Stem Cell Fractions ..............3 3. Self-Corrected Buckling in Helical Structures .............................................................................4 4. Machine Learning based Predictive Models in the Service of In Virtro Fertilization ....................4 5. Experimental Investigation of Vortex Shedding Patterns of Tapered Cylinder Pairs ...................5 6. Effect of Spacing on a Close-Coupled Delta Wing Pair ..............................................................5 7. Chromatographic Separation of Hair Biomaterials......................................................................6 8. Engineering Microfluidic Platform for Vascularization of Organoids ...........................................6 9. Power Monitoring System for the Robotic Autonomous Wound System.....................................7 10. Investigation of Microplastic Extraction Methods from Road Dust ............................................7 11. Changes to NYCRR Part 360 and the Resulting Effects on Solid Waste Management and Data Analysis...............................................................................................8 12. Ergonomic Design of a Computer Mouse .................................................................................8 13. Proving Malware Freedom with Zero Knowledge .....................................................................9 14. Shells: From Physical to Digital ................................................................................................9 15. Design of a Solar-Power Assisted Drone ...............................................................................10 16. Solar Cell Efficiency & Energy Harvesting ..............................................................................10 17. Schedule Maker for Engineering Students .............................................................................11 18. Exploration and Application of IoT Tools and MQTT ..............................................................11 19. Assessing Mechanical Properties and Cell Interaction with Plant-based Scaffolds.................12 20. Decellularized Leatherleaf for Vascular Applications ..............................................................12 21. Decellularization of Plants to Produce Tissue Engineered Grafts ...........................................13 22. Environmental Sustainability and Energy Analysis of FIRST Robotics Build Season..............13

PRESENTATION SCHEDULE TIME 9:00 AM 1

9:05 AM

9:20 AM

9:35 AM

9:55 AM

10:10 AM

10:25 AM

STUDENT/ADVISOR Matthew Laraia Andrew Lane Daniel Rivas Dr. Sleiman Ghorayeb Luke Figliozzi Jeffrey Schreck Stefan Wharwood Dr. Andy Borum Uriya Sabah Dr. Oren Segal Dr. Baruch Abittan, (Northwell) Christopher Barbera Matthew Hanson Dr. David Rooney Dr. John Vaccaro Christopher Barbera Matthew Hanson Dr. David Rooney Dr. John Vaccaro

PROJECT TITLE Dean Rabbany Welcome Investigation of Deep Learning for Affective Computing: Music-Based Emotion Recognition in T herapy Ultrasonic Isolation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal or Stromal Stem Cell Fractions

Self-Corrected Buckling in Helical Structures

Machine Learning based Predictive Models in the Service of In Virtro Fertilization

Experimental Investigation of Vortex Shedding Patterns of T apered Cylinder Pairs

Effect of Spacing on a Close-Coupled Delta Wing Pair

BREAK

10:40-10:50 AM 7

10:50 AM

11:05 AM

11:20 AM

11:35 AM

11:50 AM

12:05 PM

Megan Forst Dr. Roche de Guzman Ashley Marquez Villanueva Dr. Sina Y. Rabbany Vivian Narh Dr. Edward Currie Kassandra Melendez Dr. Margaret Hunter Jessica Selle Dr. Margaret Hunter Logan Biedermann Dr. Salvador Rojas-Murillo

1:00 PM

1:15 PM

1:35 PM

1:50 PM

2:05 PM

2:15 PM

Engineering Microfluidic Platform for Vascularization of Organoids Power Monitoring System for the Robotic Autonomous Wound System Investigation of Microplastic Extraction Methods from Road Dust Changes to NYCRR Part 360 and the Resulting Effects on Solid Waste Management and Data Analysis Ergonomic Design of a Computer Mouse LUNCH BREAK

12:20-1:00 PM 13

Chromatographic Separation of Hair Biomolecules

Michael Raymond Dr. Xiang Fu Kassandra Melendez Shantal Benitez Dr. Edward Segal Bryan Joseph Dr. Sleiman Ghorayeb Kaihil Charles Dr. Sleiman Ghorayeb Nicholas Fine Dr. Mauro Caputi Jason Cheung Alexander Rosenberg

Proving Malware Freedom with Zero Knowledge

Shells: From Physical to Digital

Design of a Solar-Power Assisted Drone Solar Cell Efficiency & Energy Harvesting Schedule Maker for Engineering Students Exploration and Application of IoT T ools and MQT T BREAK

2:30-2:40 PM 19

2:40 PM

2:55 PM

3:10 PM

3:25 PM 3:40 PM

Gianna Rinaldi Dr. Nicholas Merna Nicole Gorbenko Dr. Nicholas Merna Amilia Sanchez Dr. Nicholas Merna Scott Prager Dr. Lynn Albers

Assessing Mechanical Properties and Cell Interaction with Plant-based Scaffolds Decellularized Leatherleaf for Vascular Applications Decellularization of Plants to Produce T issue Engineered Grafts Environmental Sustainability and Energy Analysis of FIRST Robotics Build Season ASPiRe Group Photo

1. Investigation of Deep Learning for Affective Computing: Music-Based Emotion Recognition in Therapy Researcher: Matthew Laraia Advisor: Andrew Lane

The purpose of the project was two-fold: to serve as preliminary work in identifying open problems in the application of affective computing to music and to show its potential applications in music therapy. The ability to manipulate the emotion conveyed by a musical piece can be beneficial to various interventions of music therapy including receptive and interactive music therapy. In receptive music therapy, the therapist can guide the shift of mood in pre-existing music in a way which helps the patient better understand themselves and pay closer attention to what can cause changes in their emotions. In interactive music therapy, this can also help give patients the freedom to create new music to better express themselves, likely giving their therapists better feedback on their progress. The aims of our preliminary work presented here were to: perform feature engineering not only to identify a reliable metric which would determine the affect of a musical piece, but also to identify trends that contribute to the mood of a song; and to solve the problem of affective domain transfer by presenting an implementation of a modified version of the deep learning algorithm known as the cycleGAN.

2. Ultrasonic Isolation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal or Stromal Stem Cell Fractions Researcher: Daniel Rivas Advisor: Dr. Sleiman R. Ghorayeb

Adipose tissue is rich in multipotent stem cells that can be later differentiated into a large variety of cell types. Specifically, adipose tissue contains abundant mesenchymal and stromal cells; in a few words, from a small portion of adipose tissue, a therapeutic amount of stem cells can be collected. Conventionally, the stem cells are isolated from the adipose tissue using the enzyme collagenase, which dissolves the collagen that binds the cells to the ECM; however, the cells isolated cannot be used in human regenerative medicine since there is no guarantee the cells will be completely free of the enzyme and may cause adverse effects in the body. Ultrasound has been widely used in the medical field, ranging from therapeutic to imaging ultrasound, but never as an alternative to isolate cells. This research focused on a novel ultrasonic technique that uses ultrasonic cavitation to dissociate the vascular from fat cells contained within the adipose tissue, therefore, isolating the stem cells without any biological or chemical agents. Previous studies determined that both the ultrasonic and enzymatic method are just as effective in terms of cell viability; more importantly, due to the lack of chemical reagents in the procedure, the stem cells isolated can be used in human regenerative medicine. A 20 kHz Q500 sonicator and a cone transducer were used for the low-frequency ultrasound transmission on either a veal or chicken fat solution mixed with PBS solution at a 1:1 ratio. All samples were exposed at 70% power and 30-30s cycles varying the repetitions only. After isolation, the solution underwent cytometry to measure the cell concentration and viability. Results showed that ultrasound can effectively isolate the vascular fraction containing stem cells. Additionally, a rise and drop in cell viability as the number of repetitions increased; therefore, showing there is an optimal procedure for isolating stem cells and that excessive sonication results in a loss in cell viability. Future research aims to further refine the isolating procedure, cytometry technique and move on into cell culture and differentiation to prove regenerative therapy potential.

3. Self-Corrected Buckling in Helical Structures Research Team: Luke Figliozzi, Jeffrey Schreck, and Stefan Wharwood Advisor: Dr. Andy Borum Slender elastic structures tend to buckle under compressive loads. Familiar examples include steel columns, which buckle at Euler’s critical load, and trees that buckle under their own self-weight. Coil springs can also buckle when compressed, and the critical load at which buckling occurs was derived by Haringx in 1949. However, recent applications of coil springs at the micro and nanoscale involve highly flexible structures that can experience self-contact, a phenomenon not accounted for in previous analyses of spring buckling. In this project, we show that accounting for coil contact produces two qualitatively distinct modes of buckling in springs --- corrected and uncorrected. In the uncorrected mode, the spring’s lateral deflection increases monotonically with the compressive load, akin to a buckled column. In the corrected mode, the spring initially deflects laterally, but as the compressive load increases, contact between the spring coils causes the lateral deflection to decrease, and the spring returns to an unbuckled state. We used a combination of experiments and modeling to analyze this phenomenon for springs with coil diameter D = 2.90 mm-31.24 mm and wire diameter d = 0.36 mm-3.68 mm. Using an Instron compression machine and custom-designed gripping mounts, the critical length at which corrected buckling transitions to uncorrected buckling was determined. These results were compared with a model that approximates the spring as an extensible elastic beam with rigid coils attached to the beam’s centerline. Qualitative agreement was found between the model and the experimental results, allowing us to predict the mode in which a given spring will buckle. Knowing the buckling mode of a spring can be useful when designing micro and nanoscale devices that utilize carbon nanocoils and other highly flexible helical structures.

4. Machine Learning based Predictive Models in the Service of In Virtro Fertilization Researcher: Uriya Sabah Advisors: Dr. Oren Segal (Hofstra), Dr. Baruch Abittan (Northwell)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology which is commonly used in cases of infertility or to prevent genetic defect. One of the most important stages in an IVF cycle is to boost egg production through the use of follicle stimulating hormones. The number of mature eggs produced is pivotal as higher production cycles increase the chance of successful fertilization. However, the number of mature eggs produced in a particular cycle of IVF is not easily predictable, and the egg retrieval process does not come without risks (such as injury or infection). Using estimations based on observed patient data, doctors may cancel an IVF cycle if the conditions for a pregnancy are not ideal. The goal of this study is to increase the predictability of IVF cycle outcomes which would allow risks within the process to be minimized, as well as provide doctors and patients data-backed estimations on the potential outcome. This is done by generating a model using deep neural network architectures trained with over a thousand anonymized patient data records in order to most accurately predict the number of mature eggs produced for a patient in a given cycle. This work is a collaboration with Dr. Baruch Abittan, at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

5. Experimental Investigation of Vortex Shedding Patterns of Tapered Cylinder Pairs Research Team: Chris Barbera, Matt Hanson Advisors: Dr. David Rooney, Dr. John Vaccaro

An experimental wind tunnel investigation was carried out on the wake flow patterns generated by the interaction of a steady uniform upstream flow with both single and paired tapered circular cylinders mounted on a flat ground plane. Four pairs of cylinders were examined, three pairs with taper and one of constant diameter. The cylinders were mounted on a rotatable surface, and two spacings between the cylinders were examined, with angles between the cylinders varying from 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the oncoming flow. Special attention was devoted to examining the wake flow for dominant frequencies which would indicate the presence of organized vortex shedding. For each configuration studied, data were collected at 59 span-wise relative heights to allow for analysis of span-wise changes in vortex shedding frequencies. In addition the effect of adding an upper surface plate to the solitary cylinders was examined. Cascade plots of power spectral density clearly show the presence of organized cells of constant shedding frequency for some but not all of the cases examined. Several cases show the appearance of two or more distinct frequencies, especially closer to the free end of the tapered cylinders. This study represents the first known attempt to analyze vortex shedding patterns behind pairs of tapered cylinders having a free end, producing a complicated 3-D wake flow pattern.

6. Effect of Spacing on a Close-Coupled Delta Wing Pair Research Team: Chris Barbera, Matthew Hanson Advisors: Dr. John C. Vaccaro, Dr. David Rooney Delta wings are highly swept wings utilized on aircraft that travel at trisonic speeds. The wings are characterized by a triangular planform and feature a sharp leading edge that create vortices as flow passes over them. At subsonic speeds, these vortices dominate flow and are highly influential to wing performance. A tandem configuration consists of an upstream wing and downstream wing. The project is a continuation of research aimed investigating and understanding the interaction between the vortices of the upstream wing and the downstream wing. The current work focused on the effect of streamwise spacing on the performance characteristics of the downstream wing. Testing was conducted using steel delta wings and an Aerolab Open-Circuit Subsonic wind tunnel. An ATI Gamma Load cell capable of measuring both forces and torques in the x, y, and z directions was used to collect force data on the downstream wing. The angle of the upstream wing was held constant while the angle of the downstream wing was varied from 0º to 50º in increments of five degrees. This process was repeated for multiple angles of the upstream wing. Four different streamwise spacings were tested. These spacings were quantified nondimensionally as distances per upstream wing chord. Tested spacings included 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1. IA~ICLJ..,..o-.tr...... ...

Data showed that for a given spacing, increasing the angle of attack of the upstream wing both softened and delayed the onset of stall for the downstream wing. However, increasing the angle of the upstream wing also lead to a decrease in the overall lift of the downstream wing. When analyzing the effect of spacing, results showed the stall angle on the downstream wing was sensitive to the gap flow between the wings. Future research entails changing the vertical relative wing positioning and Particle Image Velocimetry [PIV]. PIV is an optical flow measuring technique that would allow us to see how the vortices of the wings form and interact with each other.

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This graph represents the coefficient of lift vs the downstream angle of attack for our four different spacing’s at an angle of attack of 10 degrees.

7. Chromatographic Separation of Hair Biomolecules Researcher: Megan Forst Advisor: Dr. Roche de Guzman

In regenerative medicine, there is a need for materials with good biocompatibility and bioengineering properties for use as scaffolds for cell reproduction. These protein hydrogels are important as they act as temporary extracellular matrix to support cell signaling molecules, growth factors, drugs, and cells. Crude human hair protein extracts are currently used as gelable materials, but are still unemployable for clinical use due to their impure, heterogenous composition. Protein hydrogels composed of purified keratins have great potential for use in tissue engineering. In our lab, we developed a purification method to separate keratin and keratin associated proteins (KAPs) from hair fiber extracts using various liquid chromatography methods. The AKTA Pure 25L Liquid Chromatography system by Cytiva (formerly known as GE Healthcare) was used to develop a purification method using size exclusion chromatography and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Samples were collected for characterization. We were able to purify proteins indicative of KAPs and keratins and are currently working towards upscaling the process and increasing the yield. Next steps also include further characterizing these extracted proteins via mass spectrometry.

8. Engineering Microfluidic Platform for Vascularization of Organoids Researcher: Ashley Marquez-Villanueva Advisor: Dr. Sina Y. Rabbany

Blood vessels are made from endothelial cells (ECs) and play an important role in transporting nutrients and oxygen to organs in the body. Current advancements in regenerative medicine attempt to recapitulate native tissues by creating organoids. However, the current organoids fail to achieve the same in vivo-like functionality, since they depend on diffusion for nutrients delivery and waste removal. We are interested in developing a strategy to use microfluidic devices to vascularize (i.e., form blood vessel-like structures) organoids. By culturing ECs within a fibrin matrix, we hope to generate 3D structures to study if ECs are able to create a vascularized network and maintain blood flow. The microfluidic platform will be used to assess the functionality of the blood vessel network. Molds, developed using a resin 3D printer, combined with soft lithography techniques, will be used to create the microfluidic device from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). These devices were used to create vessel networks by applying a pressure gradient. We were able to achieve a dense vascular network in vitro that allows for fluorescent beads and heparinized blood transport. These vessels in our vascularized organoids were then subjected to laminar shear stress, using a peristaltic pump, to examine the impact of laminar shear stress on vessel diameter and density. Preliminary results confirm that a stable functional vascular network can be created in vitro which could lead to advances in therapeutic organ repair. 6

9. Power Monitoring System for the Robotic Autonomous Wound System Researcher: Vivian Narh Advisor: Dr. Edward Currie

The main objective of this research is to implement a completely isolated, power monitoring system that is required to monitor a robotic, autonomous, wound closur- system (Gantry) currently under development. This Project employs frequency-to-voltage conversion, voltage-to-frequency conversion, opto-coupler, and NI data Acquisition modules. To implement this power monitoring system, the voltage-to-frequency conversion module, the common cathodes, and anodes were connected to their respective terminals. The working voltage of this convertor is 13.5, with an input controllable voltage range of 0-10V, and an output frequency range of 0-26V. This resulted in a frequency signal output directly proportional to the input voltage. I repeated the exact same process, however with a frequency to voltage conversion module. It was supposed to result in a voltage signal directly proportional to the frequency, however, the experimental result differ. There was curve around 7. Which might be due to some experimental error. Also, I designed a frequency measuring Program using LabVIEW with NI DAQ assistant. First, I had to learn how to use and comprehend the LabVIEW features, which took about 2+ weeks, practicing different projects from the LabVIEW Manual. Then, using the DAQ assistance from LabVIEW, I designed a frequency measuring program supported by the NI data acquisition tool. Using LabVIEW a voltage analog measurement was performed to acquire an analog input voltage, and a time measurement was used to capture the frequency of the signal from the Input voltage.

10. Investigation of Microplastic Extraction Methods from Road Dust Researcher: Kassandra Melendez Advisor: Dr. Margaret Hunter

Microplastics are small plastic particles, measuring to 5 mm or less, that result from the breakdown of larger plastics and commercial product development. Primary microplastics transpire due to commercial usage, including cosmetic products, clothing fibers, and other textiles. Secondary microplastics result from the weathering of larger plastics such as ultraviolet radiation, wave action, and wind abrasion. As of 2022, there are approximately 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics currently in the ocean. Current research has concentrated on gaining a clearer understanding of the risks microplastics posed on human health and our environment, both marine and terrestrial. In order to combat this unresolved issue, methods have been formed for the removal of microplastic from contaminated areas. However, there are impracticalities and inefficiencies associated with existing methods. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of various developed techniques for microplastic extraction, using road dust. The process for microplastic extraction can be simplified into multiple steps, beginning with sample preparation, separation, and microplastic identification. The experiment began with roadside soil samples collected from different locations, while avoiding outdoor contamination. Then, the samples were broken down using hydrogen peroxide and catalase. Once completed, density separation, through overflow, was carried out while allowing organic matter and microplastics to rise to the surface. Afterwards, the samples were filtered, via a vacuum pump, and the leftover residue was analyzed for microplastics, under a microscope. Further investigation will allow the establishment of a proven procedure for microplastic identification and extraction so that we can reduce the presence of microplastics throughout the world.

11. Changes to NYCRR Part 360 and the Resulting Effects on Solid Waste Management and Data Analysis Researcher: Jessica Selle Advisors: Joseph M. Heaney III, Walden Environmental Engineering and Dr. Margaret Hunter

Solid waste management is the collecting, treating, recycling, and disposing of solid waste material that is being removed from a location because it is no longer in use, or its purpose has been served. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a new version of solid waste management regulations. The new proposed regulations will protect public health and the environment. The enhancements included in the newly proposed regulations will affect how the DEC regulates different types of solid waste and how it can be reused. The changes to the regulation will greatly impact how facilities are operated. Solid waste fill material was recategorized as part of the new Part 360 regulations. This was to separate fill material into new categories to set new rules on where each category can be reused. These categories are limited based on the chemical compositions found in the fill when tested. Since there were numerous changes to the regulations, the data record requirements have been changed as well. Companies are required to have facility data dating back three years for reference. Companies are required to know exactly what is entering their facility, how long it is there for, and where it was delivered after. This type of data could be managed by using an environmental data management system. There are several different software programs that have been created to construct reports, charts, graphs, and display lab results, which are beneficial to companies while managing their environmental data. EnviroData, EQuIS and GaeaSynergy are environmental data management systems that have been developed to make managing data easier and more efficient. They can use lab results and create all different graphics that are useful when looking at environmental data. The new regulations have been revised so facilities currently in compliance with the regulations may need to change the way they operate. It is environmental engineering consulting firms, like Walden, that can assist operating facilities to follow the new guidelines. I was able to research the changes to the newly proposed regulations, attend public comment hearings and learn about environmental data management software’s that will make record keeping easier. 12. Ergonomic Design of a Computer Mouse Researcher: Logan Biedermann Advisor: Dr. Salvador Rojas-Murillo About 87% of the U.S population has computer access (Computer Penetration 2020, n.d.). One of the main computer interaction devices is the computer mouse. Unfortunately, most mice oblige users to deviate their hand posture from a natural position to a horizontal-flat position, which in some cases affects the users’ health in the form of carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects between 3 - 6% of the US population (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, n.d.). Given this reality we are working in two different approaches. The first approach is the development of a research project that seeks to understand what makes a good mouse. Previous research has identified a good mouse as a safe mouse. However, we seek to learn if there is a tradeoff between safety and function that results in an increase of mental effort by applying a combination of subjective and objective metrics. While performing typical computer tasks performed by engineering students, such as selecting an excel cell or drawing a circle in AutoCAD. The subjective metrics include our own survey which includes user comfort metrics such as response, comfort, ease, and grip. In addition, we will use the NASA-TLX method, which is a mental workload methodology, that captures the mental effort required to perform a task. On the other hand, the objective measures would capture mouse performance measures such as speed, drag, distance and mouse accuracy. The second approach is the development of a class activity that would provide an ergonomics research experience to the undergraduate / graduate students in the classroom. We developed a dynamic and interactive lesson plan that aims to teach the principles of ergonomics and human centered design while giving students the opportunity to interact with 3D scanners, 3D printers, and digital modeling software. We consider that by providing students with a hands-on and high-tech experience would be a way to better engage engineering students and prevent them from losing their interest in the major. Since it is known that about 40% of STEM majors either switch to another major or fail to graduate with a college degree entirely (Drew, 2011). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. (n.d.). Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/0415/p952.html Computer penetration 2020. (n.d.). Statista. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1107826/access-to-computer-in-households-worldwide/ Drew, C. (2011, November 4). Why Science Majors Change Their Minds (It’s Just So Darn Hard). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/education/edlife/why-science-majors-change-their-mind-its-just-so-darnhard.html

13. Proving Malware Freedom with Zero Knowledge Researcher: Michael Raymond Advisor: Dr. Xiang Fu

Consider email platforms such as GMail and Microsoft Office 365. To ensure user safety, all incoming emails are scanned for freedom of malware before they are delivered to the recipients. However, here the user privacy is lost -- every single byte exchanged has been read by the platform provider. We present an email-exchange solution that provides both safety and user privacy. Utilizing the Aho-Corasick(AC) string matching algorithm over ClamAV’s malware signature database as a Deterministic Finite Automata(DFA), the platform scans the contents of any file for malicious signatures. Once scanned, the file is encrypted using the MiMC encryption algorithm and never read by our platform again. The email server is never granted a readable copy. Then, the resulting AC-DFA is serialized before a popular Java circuit construction program called JSNARK encodes the automata into an arithmetic circuit format known as R1CS to prepare for proof generation. To hide the contents of the file and the resulting state of the automata, we utilize Zero Knowledge (ZK) proofs. ZK describes a set of state-of-the-art proving algorithms able to create a proof of a fact while hiding such fact using advanced mathematical properties. In this case, the fact is whether or not the contents of a given file or email are safe. However, ZK proof generation tends to be very slow, so we have implemented a distributed framework to increase performance. The distributed framework splits the R1CS across many machines and generates individual parts of the proof before merging back to one single machine that generates the verifiable proof, proving the file is safe. The current working-version of the software is almost entirely programmed in the Java programming language. While this allows for easier flow and ability to modify and adapt future implementations, Java programs tend to be very slow. Thus, we are currently adapting the project to work in a hybrid Java-Rust environment where the circuit generation still occurs using the current JSNARK package in Java while most other operations occur in Rust. Performance increases are expected to be significant. Especially the transition of the distributed framework from Java to Rust, which expects 100x faster speeds. This project is still on-going and expected to continue into the next semesters. Our intent is to publish all findings and research as a paper. 14. Shells: From Physical to Digital Research Team: Kassandra Melendez, Shantal Benitez Advisor: Dr. Edward M. Segal

Shell structures are defined as thin, curved plates, commonly made with concrete and reinforced steel mesh. These structures are capable of maintaining their shape and support loads without any assistance from a frame or any solid mass materials inside. It’s able to transmit applied forces by compressive, tensile, and shear stresses that act in the plane of the surface so every part of the structure supports only a small area of the load. Shell structures have been used in construction for many years to span over large spaces as not only is it inexpensive, but the wide variety of shapes available can create aesthetically pleasing structures. The objective of this project is to scan physical shell structures, using 3D scanners, to create digital models that can be analyzed. This allows for a better understanding of the reverse engineering properties of these models that can be applied to large scale shell structure in modern society. To digitalize the shell structures, we scanned pre-fabricated physical models using the CAD 3D EinScan-SP and FaroArm 8-axis Edge scanner. The models were created with either a 3D printer pen or cheesecloth and plaster and scanned onto CAD Rhino software. Digitalizing the various model scan onto Rhino allowed us to revise the shells’ framework and refine certain areas, with simply a click of a button. To develop a shell prototype, eighteen extruded acrylic sheets were laser cut using a blueprint, developed on Rhino. Afterwards, the pieces were placed in a convection oven at 248 F, hung by metal chains at each corner, until deformation. Once completed, the acrylic shells were attached, via zip-ties, to metal rods attached on a rectangle plywood piece. The completed experiment was designed to emulate a large-scale shell structure that can created in modern society. Furthermore, the process allowed for analysis of factors that may influence the performance and efficiency of the final design, with the possibility of alternative options for improvement. Finally, further investigation can expand various areas of this structure, such as framework, fabrication process, and can even be applied to new types of edifices and other forms of construction. 9

15. Design of a Solar-Power Assisted Drone Researcher: Bryan Joseph Advisor: Dr. Sleiman Ghorayeb

In our technology-developing world, drones have become an exponentially growing field of interest. We have seen the use of drones in many fields such as camerawork, reconnaissance, and communications. Even on the commercial front, many companies are attempting to utilize drones. A prominent example of this is with package delivery, both Amazon and Walmart have been trying to develop drones that can autonomously deliver packages quickly and efficiently but have not integrated them into their services as of yet. Despite the high demand for drones, one of the biggest hurdles with them is their extremely short flight time. Most drones can fly on average for about 45 minutes, for recreational use this is fine, but for commercial use, it makes them far too unreliable. The majority of drones rely on a Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery for power. Given the importance of weight in drone design, simply adding a larger battery to a drone would not suffice as it would also require more power to keep the drone in air. This project focuses on the design of a drone that can utilize both battery and solar energy to alleviate this issue. Given the altitude in which drones fly, they can more reliably receive direct sunlight, allowing for more consistent power generation. In addition to increasing flight time, I also sought to lower the price of drone manufacturing by using standardized parts that are readily available as well as open-source software. In order to control and program the drone, I utilized Arduino microcontrollers and an Arduino-based open-source flight software called Multiwii. In addition, the frame model of the drone was designed completely on Autodesk Fusion 360, which was then printed with the use of an Ender 5 3d printer. Currently, since the drone is still a prototype, the frame is made out of PLA(Polylactic Acid) filament for cost-effectiveness, for the final iteration it will be printed using a Carbon Fiber/PLA blended filament. All circuits used in the project were designed on KiCad, an open-source PCB maker. The frame and control circuits have been assembled with the expectation of solar panels to be placed on top of the drone in the future developments of the project.

16. Solar Cell Efficiency & Energy Harvesting Researcher: Kaihil Charles Advisor: Dr. Sleiman Ghorayeb

Solar cells have existed for over 50 years. They harvest energy from sunlight by converting it into electrical energy. However, improving the efficiency of this technology has been the main focus of research on solar cells. Due to the physical characteristics of the cell and the physical laws governing photon-electron interactions, most of the solar energy is converted to waste heat energy. The aim of this project was to understand the limitations of cell efficiency and to propose a method for harvesting more usable solar energy or salvaging energy from the heat generated during the photoconversion process. Therefore, an approach to heat energy harvesting involving pyroelectric materials and oscillating heat pipes is proposed.

17. Schedule Maker for Engineering Students Researcher: Nicholas Fine Advisor: Dr.Mauro J. Caputi

The research was based around figuring out an efficient way to make engineering students' lives easier when it comes to building a schedule. Sometimes it can be daunting as a first-year student or even beyond to sit down and figure out what classes you can take and what you need to take with them. So, using the Matlab app designer, I created an app that shows students exactly what they could have wanted right in front of them. When first trying to design the app, the goal of simply getting a schedule to be proposed to the student was the only focus. However, after making that, we realized that the user interface was something that was just as vital to the app. The user interface was something that initially was overlooked, however, seemingly became the main form of making schedules less challenging. The app started with forcing the user to have a significant amount prepared on their own, however, slowly becoming more of a user friendly task. Initially, the user had to enter in all of their previous courses into an excel spreadsheet. Starting off this way would be overwhelming for a new student. The next step was to allow the user to have their information be enterable through the app. This then leads into buttons to enter information to finally allow the user to enter in chunks of information at once, just by selecting information and allowing it to disappear. Ultimately through this project, users now have a friendly screen set up that allows them to see what classes they have taken, are currently taking, will still need to take, and possibilities for classes for the following semester.

18. Exploration and Application of IoT Tools and MQTT Researcher: Jason Cheung Advisor: Alexander Rosenberg IoT, otherwise known as the Internet of Things, is slowly taking the world by storm. Although the idea of IoT is nothing new and has been around for many years now, IoT is now becoming the new biggest trend today. The reason is because of its robust implementation of supporting and monitoring big data in many different areas, which, if used correctly, can provide many beneficial keen insights. For example, sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and healthcare, are now integrating IoT to monitor and gain statistical data on improving their products further. In addition, it allows them to automate their processes and reduce human error. As a result of the many benefits that IoT offers, this research project aims to explore and utilize IoT tools and technologies for possible integration into a robotics project. Specifically, methods using an ESP8266/32 board and MQTT for remote sensing and remote-control applications to leverage navigational purposes for autonomous robots, such as a line-following robot that we created last year using the Adeept DarkPaw Robot.

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19. Assessing Mechanical Properties and Cell Interaction with Plant-based Scaffolds Researcher: Gianna Rinaldi Advisor: Dr. Nicholas Merna

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It is accountable for more than 610,000 deaths annually. The most common replacement for the plaque filled artery is the autologous saphenous vein, however it is often damaged and deemed unusable. This was the motivation for exploring the possibility of using plant tissue for vascular grafts. Throughout experimentation, a detergent and enzyme based decellularization protocol for Black-Eyed Susan Leaves from prior testing was used. This is done to remove the cells and DNA, while keeping the extracellular matrix intact. The focus was using this leaf scaffold resulting from decellularization and rolling it into a tubular structure to resemble an artery. The reason for using additional binding agents, is that cell-to-cell interactions are not strong enough to keep the scaffold sheets stuck together. Therefore, prior to rolling the leaves, the first step was to test different gelatin and glutaraldehyde concentrations for strength and solubility. This narrowed down which combinations would be the easiest to work with and help the leaves maintain their rolled shape. A cytotoxicity test was performed to observe the behavior of cells while in contact with the gelatin and glutaraldehyde to make sure no negative interactions occurred. Optimal gelatin and glutaraldehyde concentrations were placed in each well of a 24 well plate with 50k cells. The cells were observed every 24 hours over 6 days. Once the gelatin and glutaraldehyde mixtures passed the cytotoxicity test, these mixtures were placed onto a 2D sheet of leaves and seeded with cells. The leaves were observed and fed each day. They were imaged after 6 days and some cells were visible, which proved to be promising. The heart, which is attached to the coronary artery, acts as a pump causing pressures of 80-120mm Hg to be placed on the artery. To simulate these forces and ensure that the graft would maintain its mechanical integrity after implantation, burst pressure testing was performed. This was done by attaching the ends of the rolled leaves to a pressure gauge and a water filled syringe. The syringe was squeezed to release the water into the vessel and the pressures were recorded. The leaves were able to achieve these standard pressures, indicating that they would be suitable for implantation and be able to withstand the bodies forces. Our future plans include seeding cells onto the 3D scaffold as well as coming up with a protocol to stain and image the cells on the leaf sheets. This summer was spent extensively testing the leaf scaffolds for harmful interactions with cells, subjecting the rolled leaves to their maximum pressures, and fine-tuning protocols for gelatin and glutaraldehyde mixtures. 20. Decellularized Leatherleaf for Vascular Applications Researcher: Nicole Gorbenko Advisor: Dr. Nicholas Merna

Throughout the United States, the leading cause of death is coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease creates a partial or complete blockage in the blood vessel which prevents proper blood flow to the heart. The research project focuses on creating vascular grafts to be implanted to aid the damaged vessel. From the beginning, the vascular graft was created from Black Eyed Susan leaves and was successful for a limited time. Over the past few months, the leaf wasn’t seen to be structurally strong as it used to be. Therefore, the improved vascular graft is created from a leaf called leatherleaf viburnum which is grown yearly on Hofstra campus. Many vascular grafts have been created from materials found in a lab; however, using leaves has benefits such as biocompatibility and being inexpensive. Throughout the five weeks of the program, many techniques and protocols were tested to meet the requirements of a vascular graft. The first step in creating a successful graft is decellularizing the leaf which removes any foregin DNA. The research began with the BES as previously mentioned, but throughout the summer the BES would disintegrate during the decellularization process. Decellularization is essential to ensure biocompatibility has been achieved prior to any other experiment. Observing the disintegration of the BES, the project was changed to use leatherleaf viburnum leaves. The same decellularization experiment was completed and the leatherleaf was seen to be fully decellularized and remove about 97% of DNA. The DNA removal was assessed during DNA testing which was conducted twice to ensure the results were consistent. After the successful decellularization, the leaves were mechanically tested through tensile testing. Leatherleaf showed very high mechanical integrity by having an elastic modulus of 3.740 N/mm^2 in comparison to BES being 1.89 N/mm^2. The elastic modulus of the aorta vessel is about 0.08 N/mm^2 which implies the leatherleaf would be mechanically strong enough when implanted. In addition to the leatherleaf being mechanically strong, it would need to withstand the high pressures in the vessel. Therefore, burst pressure testing was performed to see if the graft will withstand the pressure changes that actively occur in the body. The burst pressure of the coronary artery is about 80-120 mm Hg and the leatherleaf graft is seen to withstand 688 mm Hg. Due to the high burst pressure, the graft will not experience complications such as rupturing from forces. The leatherleaf has been successful in DNA testing, tensile testing and burst pressure testing which shows it would withstand the challenges when implanted into the vessel. 12

21. Decellularization of Plants to Produce Tissue Engineered Grafts Researcher: Amalia Sanchez Advisor: Dr. Nicholas Merna

The research involves the construction of a vascular graft with a natural scaffold, produced from a plant leaf. The purpose of this project is to appropriately decellularize plant leaves that will resemble the mechanical and biological properties of blood vessels, allowing the scaffold to effectively perform under the same in vivo conditions. This research focused on studying the effects of various detergents, such as SDS and EGTA, for the decellularization process. During the weeks of the ASPiRe program different experiments and testing strategies were performed on the leaves to evaluate if they are appropriate and effective to use as a scaffold such as tensile, burst pressure and DNA testing. For example, tensile testing allows us to determine the elastic modulus of the leaf scaffold. On the other hand, with burst pressure testing it is possible to see if a 3D vessel constructed by rolling the decellularized leaf can withstand the same pressure that vessels normally see in the human body without rupturing. In the future, the scaffold will be recellularized by seeding with human endothelial cells and placed into a bioreactor system for mechanical pre-conditioning.

22. Environmental Sustainability and Energy Analysis of FIRST Robotics Build Season Researcher: Scott Prager Advisor: Dr. Lynn Albers

FIRST, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, seeks to inspire K-12 students to love STEM while engaging in gracious professionalism. They offer three programs depending on grade level; FIRST Lego League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics. FIRST Robotics (FRC) is for students grades 9-12 who engage in an intensive 6-week build season followed by a 4week competition season; longer if a team qualifies for nationals. During this build season, many materials are purchased and shipped, sometimes overnight. While the financial cost is clear, the cost to the environment is not. This project aims to analyze the "cradle to grave" cost of materials needed to build FIRST Robotics robots during a 10 week build and competition season. Using just the packages shipped from AndyMark, a primary supplier of materials for FRC teams globally, we evaluated the vehicles and fuel usage to transport the materials and determine the carbon footprint. With this information, adjustments to FRC can potentially be recommended to make it more ecofriendly.