UB STEM Programs 255 Capen Hall University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14261 (716) 645-7301 cpmc.buffalo.edu/ubstem
Dr. Letitia Thomas, Director of UB STEM Programs lthomas@buffalo.edu Nancy Campos, UB STEM Graduate Assistant ncampos@buffalo.edu Shayne McKay, UB STEM Newsletter & Publications Editor semckay@buffalo.edu
Words from the Director Dr. Letitia Thomas The main goal of UB STEM is to provide UB students with the skills necessary to achieve their personal and career goals. Through our various programs, we try to ensure that students are prepared for life after college; whether that means attending graduate school or finding a job in their field of study. undergraduate and graduate students, such as, paid research internships and fellowship throughout the academic year, which are extremely beneficial in providing valuable hands-on research experience as well as financial support. We also focus on soft skills, social concepts that cannot be learned in the classroom or lab, including: networking and Dr. Letitia Thomas Director of UB STEM Programs
communication skills, professional attire and proper dining etiquette.
Throughout this publication, you will see highlights of our various programs. Most importantly, our publication serves to spotlight our students and their amazing work. It is because of our wonderful students and the dedicated UB faculty that mentor them that we continue to thrive as a unit. We look forward to offering the types of events and supports necessary for their success. Dr. Letitia Thomas
Nancy Campos, UB STEM Graduate Assistant (Left) and Dr. Letitia Thomas, Director of UB STEM Programs (Right)
University at Buffalo STEM Programs LSAMP
S-STEM
UBBD
The SUNY Louis Stokes Alliance
UB Science, Technology,
The UB Bridge to the
for Minority Participation
Engineering and Mathematics
Doctorate (UBBD) Program
(LSAMP) Program seeks to
(STEM) Programs seek to
seeks to increase the number
diversify the STEM workforce by
increase the number of
of historically
significantly increasing the
historically underrepresented
underrepresented students
numbers of students successfully
students pursuing STEM
pursuing doctoral studies in
completing high quality degree
disciplines. These programs
STEM disciplines. UBBD
programs in science, technology,
provide services to improve
provides new graduate
engineering and mathematics
the academic performance,
students with funding of
(STEM) disciplines. Particular
retention, graduation and
$30,000 per year for up to two
emphasis is placed on support of
graduate school acceptance
years; full tuition and fee
groups that have been
rates of STEM students. This
waivers; a support network of
historically underrepresented in
program is sponsored by the
professionals and faculty
STEM disciplines: African-
National Science Foundation.
mentors; participation in
Americans, Alaskan Natives,
workshops and seminars;
Native Americans, and Hispanic
interdisciplinary research
Americans.
opportunities; and paid travel to conferences.
LSAMP Summer Research Program Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
Kalina Browne Sophomore, Chemical Engineering Under the guidance of Dr. Carl Lund, Kalina’s research
focuses
on
generating
biofuels
produced from cellulose. It has been proven that cellulose, when exposed to an aqueous acid, produces a useless byproduct called humins. With her focus now on using a nonaqueous acid, Kalina is analyzing the glucose formate for physical and molecular properties. The main goal is to successfully produce useful byproducts from cellulose for biofuel applications. The impact of this research can turn cellulose, a current waste product, to a productive source for producing biofuel.
John Ghosen Sophomore, Chemical Engineering Under the guidance of Dr. Mark Swihart, John is trying to develop a method to synthesize magnetic nano-particles uniformly. In other words, the goal is to produce nano-particles with the same shape and size, which has proven difficult. By treating chemicals with heat, the elements break down and eventually cluster to form nano-particles. By producing them uniformly, these nano-particles can be applied on a larger scale in the medical field. These applications include clearer MRI imaging and cancer tracking possibilities.
Kendra Claiborne
Senior, Computer Science Kendra joined the lab of Dr. Chunming Qiao to study and analyze a system referred to as Indoor Localization. Kendra is tracking mobile devices throughout Davis Hall and users’ Wi-Fi signal strengths in different indoor locations. These WiFi signal strengths are then compared to known
signal strengths throughout the building, thus allowing a user’s Wi-Fi strength to behave as a localizer. By tracking all mobile users, the contact duration and place between users are also recorded. The research team hopes to use the findings to create a model for the propagation of influenza.
Abner Bogan Senior, Mechanical Engineering The depletion of natural resources has motivated the research in alternative fuel sources. Under the direction of Dr. Berat Haznedaroglu, Abner’s research focuses on optimizing the growth rate and lipid yield of a certain species of algae. This species of algae contains a high concentration of lipids and hydrocarbons that can be readily used in biofuel applications. However, these special species of algae have a relatively low growth rate, which in result increases the production costs. By changing the growth media solution, Abner hopes to find the most efficient growth condition for the algae. The impact of this research can potentially turn biofuel into a large-scale competitor against petroleum.
Folaranmi Fakayode Senior, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering In
collaboration
with
Dr.
Jobaidur
Khan,
Folaranmi is developing digital thermodynamic software that can transform how engineers use thermodynamic tables. The software is designed to function as a digital database to replace property tables for different gases. Property
values determined through linear interpolation can also be calculated using this software. Lastly, the software would also be able to generate and analyze different thermodynamic cycles and produce graphs illustrating the behavior of the gases during the cycle.
Deshawn Henry Sophomore, Civil Engineering Drinkable water is limited and highly valued in most developing countries. Under the supervision of Dr. James Jensen, Deshawn focuses on how to effectively decrease the amount of pathogens in fresh water for drinkability using solar water disinfection. His methods consist of using a water lens constructed with a sheet, a specific volume of water and natural sunlight to create a focal point. This focal point is pointed towards the contaminated water heating it to 60째C to destroy 99.9% of the pathogens in the water. More specifically, Deshawn is exploring the most
effective heating conditions under which this solar water disinfection can occur. These conditions include the volume of water in the lens, the thickness of the plastic sheet and the focal point angle between the lens and the experimental water. By changing these variables, the results can determine how each variable affects the heating rate of the water.
David Moreno
Sophomore, Biotechnology The fight against cancer is alive and well. Researchers around the world are working vigorously towards a cure for the fatal disease. David’s research focuses on a cancer-fighting antibody developed by Dr. Kate RittenhouseOlson. In particular, David conducted trials called
internalization, which focused on the antibodies’ behavior after binding to the surface of the cancer cells. This anti-body targets the TF antigens that are present in cancer cells of all types. In other words, the antibody will not target or destroy healthy cells in the body. Future steps will be to ensure the reliability of the humanized form of the antibody.
Laketta Jackson Junior, Psychology Drug addiction has plagued all levels of society for many years. Under Dr. Paul Meyer, Laketta is studying
a
method
that
can
scientifically
determine one’s vulnerability to addiction. During the experiment, mice are fed with food paired with a cue (light). Normally, mice would simply eat the food presented while ignoring the cue
(goal trackers). However Laketta discovered that some mice interacted with the cue prior to eating (sign trackers). By tracking the mice’s behavior, Laketta categorized the mice as either sign or goal trackers. Next, the sign trackers are given food paired with nicotine to further analyze their behavior. Dr. Paul Meyer and Laketta hope to use results from the study to explain one’s predisposition to drug addiction.
Jose Escobar
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering Impeding and reversing global warming has been a growing challenge for scientists and engineers today. With the direction of Dr. Paul DesJardin, Jose’s research focuses on reducing the emissions produced from wood boilers. By using a spectrometer, gas wavelengths are recorded and the different types of gas emissions are identified and analyzed. This data is used to determine which gas emissions are air pollutants in hopes to reduce them. The overall impact of this research is to increase the efficiency of wood boilers by producing more eco-friendly emissions.
Christopher Tjahjadi-López Sophomore, Electrical Engineering Underwater acoustic sensor network allows for telecommunications under the water’s surface. Under the guidance of Dr. Tommaso Melodia, Christopher spends his time reviewing existing algorithms in hopes to produce new algorithms for research purposes. These new algorithms can be used to send different information in the network system. In order to communicate underwater, information must be transmitted from the water’s surface or underwater. The underwater
acoustic
sensor
network
allows
for
underwater
communication from any location. Furthermore, using localization, probes are placed in different locations underwater to form a communication system. These probes emit signals that are received by the other probes in the system. Using strength signal indicators, it is possible to determine the area location of each probe by the signal strength it receives.
Josmely Vélez-González
Senior, Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico/Cayey Capillary isoelectric focusing is a technique used to separate large molecules such as proteins. This separation will occur at the isoelectric point, pH where the molecule is neutral. The samples contain salt in order to preserve them. However, the performance of the separation technique is affected by salt ions present in the sample. The salt affects resolution and prolongs the analysis of each separation. Under the supervision of Dr. Colón, Josmely’s research is focused on developing a method to remove the salt from the samples.
Joshua Bueno Junior, Computer Science With the direction of Dr. Chandola, Joshua’s research is centered on a concept known as Graph Theory.
These types of graphs are
constructed using nodes and vertices. For example, in social networks, nodes can be referred
to
as
people
and
vertices
as
connections between them. The objective of the research is to, in essence, discover a better method to model a synthetic graph from a population of graphs. The synthesized graph is essentially a meshing of all of the graphs in the population of graphs. That is, the synthesized graphs are basically a representation of the population of graphs as a whole. The new graph will provide a better understanding on how these existing data sets can evolve over time.
LSAMP Summer Program Events
The 2014 LSAMP summer interns visit Multisorb Technologies for a tour of their manufacturing plant.
A few of the summer interns take a break from volunteering to pose at Buffalo ReUse.
All Aboard! LSAMP summer interns and UB STEP conduct water-sampling research aboard the Spirit of Buffalo in the Buffalo River.
LSAMP Summer Interns stop for a picture after a tour of the Buffalo Clinical and Translational Research Center on UB’s Medical Campus in Downtown Buffalo.
LSAMP Summer Interns enjoy lunch and chat with Provost Charles Zukoski.
LSAMP Summer Interns spend the day learning “soft skills,” including lunch etiquette, how to communicate their science and professional networking.
UB LSAMP students and staff with Dr. Liesl Folks, Dean of Engineering (UB) and Dr. Durand at the 2014 McNair Conference, a chance for McNair students to present their research to students from across the nation.
UB LSAMP students and staff soaking wet and excited after a thrilling ride on the Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls, NY.
UB LSAMP students and staff volunteer in the restoration project for the Buffalo Central Terminal, which last operated in October 1979.
LSAMP Student Tests Spacecraft Mechanism With NASA Under
the
supervision
of
Dr.
Manoranjan Majji, the University at Buffalo Microgravity Team was testing the use of a new type of joint and its application to attitude control. The Canfield Joint has full hemispherical motion, and when mounted with momentum wheels would be able to Ifem Ononye, a mechanical and aerospace engineering major, enjoying his time on NASA’s zero gravity plane.
change angular position with the correct inputs. The University at Buffalo Microgravity Team conducted
this experiment at the NASA Johnson Space Center through the Reduced Gravity Flight Program. A zero gravity environment is needed to remove the effects of gravity acting on the mechanical joint, which most accurately simulates the environment that a space vehicle would undergo. The experiment
consisted of a pendulum connected to the joint, with a flywheel also mounted to the bottom of the joint. When the experiment was tested in zero gravity, the applied force given to the spinning flywheel caused the joint to rotate in the expected direction, and thus proving the concept. The program is a very rare opportunity to simulate an environment that is normally very difficult to reproduce. The experiments are a part of the Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program at NASA’s Microgravity University. Every summer, the program invites 12 teams of students from across the nation to the Johnson Space Center to propose, design, assemble, fly and evaluate a reduced-gravity experiment of their choice.
Ifem Ononye and UB’s Microgravity Team test the Canfield Joint under zero-gravity conditions with NASA astronauts. takes a break e with NASA astronauts.
Ph.D. Student Against Groundwater Pollution Beynan Ransom, 2010 B.D. Fellow Ph.D. Student, Environmental Engineering Groundwater contamination can pose a serious threat to the surrounding environment and wildlife. If improperly treated, it can lead to even greater threats such as surface water contamination. The Ischua Creek Habitat Phytoremediation Project is focused on preventing the contamination plume from reaching the stream. One type of remedy, called phytoremediation, consists of planting deeprooted trees that act as a barrier between the contaminated water and nearby streams and wetlands. The tree barrier draws the contaminated water through its roots, transpires it to the leaves, and then evaporates it into the atmosphere. In other words, the tree barrier behaves as a polishing step for the contaminated water by intercepting it before it reaches the stream.
Beynan is specifically curious about how much groundwater the trees transpire. By checking the groundwater levels in the nearby wells, the amount of transpired can be estimated. The second method involves analyzing meteorological data such as rainfall and sunlight to separately determine how much groundwater the trees transpired. It has been proven that the two methods yield two different extremes and therefore are difficult to reconcile into a unified model for the transpired water. Under the supervision of Dr. Alan Rabideau, Beynan monitors the sap flow of the trees using sensors in hopes to
accurately determine the amount of transpiration. The goal of this research is to create an accurate model that explains what governs the transpiration rate and subsequently groundwater removal. Dr. Rabideau and Beynan are aiming to create design variables that can bridge the gap between the two methods.
Upcoming Events September 5
UB STEM Welcome Back BBQ Bring a STEM friend!
18
Undergraduate Research & Creativity Fair
5:00pm-7:30pm
South Lake Community Building
11:00am-2:00pm
Student Union
10:00am-1:00pm
Buffalo Central Terminal
TBA
TBA
5:30pm-7:00pm
145 Student Union
TBA
TBA
6:00pm-9:00pm
Flint Village Community Building
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
October 5 Community Service
Week of the 6th
STEP College Student Panel (Volunteers Needed!)
7 Majors & Careers Night
Week of the 20th
Applying to Summer Opportunities Ms. Elizabeth Colucci
November 7th
UB STEM Sci-Fi Movie Night
Week of the 10th Research Lunch Talk
December Week of the 1st
STEM Alumni Career Panel
APPLY TO LSAMP TODAY! Applications accepted all year long. Internships in the fall and spring semesters! Workshops and community involvement! Graduate School Prep! http://cpmc.buffalo.edu/ubstem/lsamp.php
UB STEM Community Partners