I conducted analysis of data from 11 high-precision elemental abundance analyses of twin-star binary systems from previously published studies and included our own data for one additional pair. The goal of my analysis was to see if there were any new trends related to the differential abundances (Δ[X/H]) versus other common parameters in addition to condensation temperature. I did not find significant trends for surface gravity or effective temperature, but there is a weak correlation between the differential abundances and separation between the binary stars. As the separation between the stars increases, the absolute value of the difference in abundance increases for all chemical species. This suggests that less abundant chemical species tend to show higher star-to-star differences in abundance. This weak correlation could suggest inhomogeneity in the molecular clouds from which the binary star systems had formed.

The goal of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors is to detect faint ripples in spacetime caused by the merger of massive compact objects, like black holes and neutron stars, using a Michelson interferometer with Fabry-Pérot cavities in the 4-kilometer arms. Because the detectors have length change sensitivity on the order of 10^-20 meters, there are many types of unwanted transient signals that affect the calculated gravitational wave strain signal and interfere with searches for real gravitational waves. These are referred to as glitches; finding the cause of a glitch category is the first step to eliminating it. I searched for the source of 60-200 hertz range glitches known as “scratchy” glitches. I found a correlation between elevated ground motion and detection of scratchy glitches, then estimated false alarm rates for their observed coherence. My research supports on-site efforts to eliminate scratchy glitches.

Biomimicry as a practice has generated a plethora of innovative technologies. By observing key processes that evolution has converged upon, we can improve and evolve manmade mechanisms. This literature review addresses the importance of vortices in biological systems and compares their locomotive purposes across a wide range of animal phyla. The development of particle image velocimetry (PIV) has enhanced our ability to study the vortex mechanics of remarkably fast or efficient animals. Such experiments have made great contributions to the human understanding of flow and kinematics. Vorticity studies, for example, have produced results that contradict the paradigm for animal motion-- particularly in how the inherent low-pressure zone associated with vortices can allow animals to maneuver through a fluid. Lampreys and jellyfish have shown to use vortex-based locomotive techniques to “suck” themselves through the water. Additionally, the “hyper-pitching" process of the zooplanktonic sea butterfly is controlled by pressure fields generated by leading edge vortices. Such findings have interesting implications for the future of biomimetic water and air travel, as the utilization of pressure as opposed to thrust may facilitate the creation of more efficient vehicles. Furthermore, comparative biological studies allow for a more in-depth interpretation of animal kinematics that have been difficult to study due to lack of proper technology. By creating qualitative analogies between air travel and water travel, we can reexamine how airborne creatures move.

The idea of energy, matter, and motion has perplexed many philosophers and physicists from antiquity to modern physics, from Plato to Einstein. New and developing physical theories raise different interpretations of energy and matter but no complete theory of everything exists at present. However, there is a law we can almost take for granted - the Law of Conservation of Energy, it simply states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed although it can be transformed from one form to another. With an up-to-date history of the first law of thermodynamics, physicists in the field can have a sense of what has been done and what not. A complete overview of the rudimentary law would also provide a continuous timeline in which one can identify flaws in current theories. After establishing the foundational theory and history of conservation of energy, this literature review aims to provide a comparative study between the concept of mass and energy in two of the most profound physical theories - Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity. Subtle implication of numerous laws of thermodynamics and mass-energy equivalence like Dark Energy, Dark Matter, Higgs Mechanism and Blackhole Thermodynamics is studied in an introductory manner for potential history and correlate direct and indirect links to energy conservation.

Jupiter and Saturn are our solar system’s largest gas giants with some of the most popular features of any known planet: Jupiter’s Great Red Spot (GRS) and Saturn’s rings. Over the summer of 2018, we analyzed these characteristics at Pacific Lutheran University’s W. M. Keck Observatory. Closer to the Earth, Jupiter’s atmosphere is subject to differential rotation in which the atmosphere of the planet rotate at different speeds. We use feature tracking and 2D to 3D mapping techniques to observationally determine the angular rotation of the GRS and compare it to the expected rotation of 11.5 km/s determined by the magnetosphere. Through our analysis we observe the movement of the GRS over multiple nights and determine the average speed to be around 10.97 km/s, a 4.60% difference from the expected value. Further beyond, Saturn’s rings are composed of particles of ice and dust that are thought to be remnants of comets, asteroids, or moons that collided in orbit around the planet. Since these rings are not single structures, their particles feature non-uniform spacing. The light intensity of the rings increase as you approach the B ring from either direction (with the exceptions of the Cassini Division, Encke, and Keeler gaps). Our research focused on determining the spatial variation of these intensities as observed from our land-based observatory and comparing this data to Hubble Space Telescope data quantifying atmospheric scattering in Tacoma.

Reactions of titanium oxide and silicon dioxide are of importance in materials used in high temperature environments. There are questions concerning the reaction of titanium dioxide (rutile) with silica. Both are important as potential materials or reaction products in thermal barrier coatings or environmental barrier coatings in combustion environments, as for example in gas turbine technologies. The extent of reaction and temperature range are important questions to answer for this chemical system. Experimental evidence would suggest that a third cation is necessary to have compound formation. Presently we are exploring the reaction of titanium dioxide with silicon dioxide with small amounts of yttrium oxide being added. Mixtures of the three oxides are being subjected to heatings at various temperatures from ca. 1200-1500°C. Samples are characterized before and after heating by means of X-ray diffraction and diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy, transmission infrared spectroscopy, and/or diffuse reflectance UV/Vis spectroscopy as appropriate. There hasn’t been any evidence of reactions between titanium dioxide (rutile) and silica. The sample will be continued to be heated at longer times and higher temperatures, and results in experiments to date at1300 °C will be presented.

What drives a space program? As more and more countries search for new areas of expansion, we must ask ourselves: who among them will be the leaders of space exploration in the 21st Century? This question has become extremely relevant due to the presence of a possible Modern Space Race. 2018 – 2020 will see more space missions from more countries than at any time since the Cold War Space Race. Although it is not a race to score firsts, there is a definite air of competition in the current space exploration scene. This literature review examines the driving factors behind the first space race and the current state of the emerging actors in space exploration. Studying the Cold War Space Race is important in helping us understand what sustains such a large-scale competition for space, along with the consequences that it might bring. For example, space and culture formed an interdependent relationship that seemed to feed into each other in a closed and self-sustaining cycle in that the space race generated a space-based culture in the United States, which in turn supported the US space program’s continued existence. Comparing the two different races may lead to a better understanding of the state of the Modern Space Race.