Undergraduate Fellows

2008

Emily Byra

Influence of gender and estrogen on cardiac deconditioning in microgravity
Health Science/Nutrition, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Jun Ren

David Dixon

Effects of propranolol in rats when applied following subsequent stress reminders in post-traumatic stress disorder
Pharmacy, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Suzanne Clark

Kyle Fox

Analysis of SPIN FET characteristics with variations in material properties and thickness of Ferromagnetic Materials
Electrical/Electronic (Physics), Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Jinke Tang

Joseph Griffith

Nitrogen Deposition in the Snowy Range of Wyoming
Environmental Science, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Stephen Williams

Kyla Jones

Influence of gender and estrogen on cardiac deconditioning in microgravity
Life Sciences, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Jun Ren

Trent Mankowski

Investigating energy transfer in Ce3+ and Cr3+ co-doped phosphors and their applications in white light emitting diodes (LED’s)
Physics, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Jinke Tang

Daniel Peterson

Extremal Graph Theory and the Optimization of Communications Networks
Mathematics, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. G. Eric Moorhouse

Joseph Reed

The Role of Light in Virulence and Biofilms in Klebsiella Pneumoniae
Molecular/Cell Biology, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Mark Gomelsky

Timothy Reed

An Investigation of the Landscape Development and Climatic History of Table Mountain, Fremont Co., Wyoming
Earth System Science, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisors: Suzanne Smaglik and Carol Frost

2007

Alyssa Cooper

Synthetic Spider Silk: an Emerging Biomaterial
Electrical Engineering and Molecular Biology, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Randolph Lewis

Joseph Griffith

Organic Matter and Soil Characteristics of High-Elevation Alpine Zones above 3,200 meters in the Mountains of North-central Colorado and Southeast Wyoming
Department of Renewable Resources, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Stephen Williams

Karl Heimbuck

Factoring Integers with Elliptic Curves and Applications
Department of Mathematics, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Andreas Stein

Geoffrey Luke

Autonomous Navigation through Binocular Computer Vision
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Cameron Wright

Sage McCann

Identification of Thermophilic Bacteria and Characterization of their Habitat: Big Horn Spring at Hot Spring State Park, Thermopolis, Wyoming
Department of Chemistry and Geology, Central Wyoming College
Advisor: Prof. Suki Smaglik

Jeremy Pepin

Synthesis of a Simple Predecessor of RNA and DNA
Department of Chemistry, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. John Hoberg

Micah Schuster

Constraining Galaxy Evolution via Hydrogen Line Emission Luminosity Functions
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Daniel Dale

Dane Taylor

Micro-fluidic Droplet Oscillation and Transport Analysis with Matlab Simulation
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. David Thayer

Sean Ukele

Use of Nanoparticle Structures to Promote Stability and Activity of Extracellular Enzymes for Application in Biofuel Cells
Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Patrick Johnson

Teal Wyckoff

Sagebrush Community Structure Characterization for Improved Remotely Sensed Imagery Utilization in the Laramie Basin, Wyoming
Department of Geography, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Kenneth Driese and Dr. Steven Prager

2006

Dustin Carruthers

Applications in Control Theory: Quad Rotor Helicopter.
Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. John F. O'Brien

Jim Gampetro

Thermoplastic Resin Impregnation of Fiberglass Tows for Pultrusion.
Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. David Walrath

Bryan Gorges

Improving Future Undergraduate Research Providing Remote Control for the Physical Sciences Rooftop Telescope
Computer Engineering, Univ. of Wyoming
Adivsor: Dr. Steven Barrett

Joseph Griffith

Organic Matter and Soil Characteristics of High-Elevation Alpine Zones Above 3,200 meters [10,500 feet] in the Mountains of North-Central Colorado and South-East Wyoming.
Dept. Renewable Resources, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Stephen Williams

Robert Grogan

Modeling and Simulation of Parallel Robotics with Matlab
Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. John O'Brien

Westin Joy

Analysis of solutions of the Possio integral equation in 2D aeroelasticity.
Mathematics, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Peter Polyakov

Ben Kelley

Extrasolar Planet Search in NGC 188.
Physics and Astronomy, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Henry Kobulnicky

Laura Portscheller

Extrasolar Planet Search in NGC 188
Physics and Astronomy, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Henry Kobulnicky

Katie Rogers

Discovering the Genetics Behind Hormone Signaling Pathways
Molecular Biology, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. David Fay

Qi Qi Wang

Substance P and GnRH in the Role of the Circadian Cycle
Zoology/Physiology, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Donal Skinner

2005

Brenda Christensen

Transmitting information securely and correctly using secret sharing schemes and elliptical curve cryptography
Mathematics, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Bryan Shader

Heather Hanson

Spitzer Nearby Galaxy Survey
Physics and Astronomy, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Daniel Dale

Scott Kelley

Remote identification of fluvial & eolian benches and terraces in the Laramie Basin
Geography, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Prager / Daniels

Kandace Krejci

Development of a GIS model to identify private and mineral ownership near key sage grouse leks
Natural Resources, Sheridan College
Advisor: Dirk Birkholz

Erik Reynolds

Light-induced oxidation & reduction of iron: a primordial iron cycle on Earth and Mars
Zoology/Physiology, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Patricia Colberg

Patrick Shea

Testing and analysis of circumferential properties of titanium tubing
Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Mark Garnich

Qiqi Wang

Expression of GFP by the GnRH receptor promoter
Microbiology, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Donal Skinner

John Willford

Development of luminescent biosensor for rapid detection of Eschericha coli 0157:H7
Animal Science, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Lawrence Goodridge

2004

Andrew Curtis

External and Semi-External Algorithmic Analysis of Massive Graphs and Digraphs
Computer Engineering and Mathematics, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Bryan Shader

Ruben Mares

Climate change and the wolf management plan in Wyoming: forecasting effects of changes in precipitation and temperature on wolf livestock depredations by 2025
Dept. of Zoology & Physiology, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Merav Ben David

Lindsey Melhaff

Analysis of Anisotropic Elastic-Plastic Properties of Titanium Tubing
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Mark Garnich

Susan Pitts

Rock and Mineral Identification by Raman Spectroscopy
Dept. of Geology & Geophysics, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Ron Marrs

Gregory Sarchet

Sustained Released Progesterone from Liposomes to Control Ovarian Cancer
School of Pharmacy, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Delwar Hussain

Brian Scoggins

BALQSOs: Different Species or Different Angle?
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Mike Brotherton

Eric Tretter

Bacterial Fe(II) Oxidation in Alpine Lake Sediments: A Window to Earth's Microbial Past?
Dept. of Zoology & Physiology, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Patricia Colberg

Lisa Ann Weber

The Effects of Humic Substances or Iron and Manganese Redox Cycling
Dept. of Chemistry, Univ. of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Patrick Sullivan

2003

Andrea Adams, Brian Durtschi, Erin Hennings, and Loren Cook

Microgravity Aerobic Resistive Exercise Device
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. David Walrath
NASA scientists have documented the rapid bone density loss and muscle deterioration experienced by astronauts on long duration missions in zero-gravity environments such as the international space station. NASA has been working on ways to combat this problem, through medication and exercise. This project will be to design and fabricate an innovative exercise machine similar to a stair stepper, for use in zero-gravity. This machine will incorporate aerobic and resistive training, which are both necessary to prevent bone and muscle loss in a microgravity environment. The goal is to create an effective exercise devise which meets the standards currently expected by NASA, and test it in a microgravity environment through NASA's Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program (RGSFOP).

Benjamin Coburn

Complex Shaped Composite Fittings
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. David Walrath
Composite materials are important to the aerospace industry because of their low density and high strength properties. One of the major drawbacks for composite materials use is joining members together and insuring failure will not occur at the joint area. This research project will create a procedure for designing, fabricating, and testing complex composite joint geometries. This would allow the advancement of composite material usage within consumer-based markets. Design consideration will entail maximizing strength while minimizing stiffness gradients across the composite joint and structure.

Justin Schaefer

X-Ray Analysis of Broad Absorption Line Quasars with Extreme Properties
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Michael Brotherton
Previous X-ray satellites have not had the sensitivity of XMM-Newton and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. We are using this newest generation of instruments to study the X-ray faint class of broad absorption line (BAL) quasars. BAL quasars differ from other quasars in that they are seen though high-velocity outflows that absorb X-rays. By observing BAL quasars at X-ray energies, we can learn about properties of the outflow unobtainable in any other manner. These outflows are likely intrinsically associated with the accretion process that powers all luminous quasars.

Michael Stanchak

Bacterial Fe(III) Reduction in Alpine Lake Sediments: A Window to Earth's Microbial Past?
Microbiology Program, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Patricia Colberg
There is good evidence that bacterial iron reduction may have been an important process on early Earth. More recently, we have learned about the existence of bacteria that carry out the reverse reaction via anoxygenic photosynthesis.  We will investigate four hypotheses about how iron is cycled in iron-rich alpine lakes and study the anaerobic microbial communities that inhabit lake sediments in the Snowy Range of SE Wyoming, particularly those bacteria that participate in the biogeochemical cycling of iron.

Daniel Webber

Muscle Integrity and Preservation in Hibernation
Dept. of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Hank Harlow
Hibernation by small mammals provides researchers with a good model to investigate the accompanying physiological effects of prolonged inactivity. The study of how these animals circumvent muscle disuse atrophy offers potential solutions for better human adaptation to the inactivity and detrimental affects on the body associated with long-term space flight. This research will specifically compare the preservation of muscle integrity between a facultative hibernator (black-tailed prairie dog) and a spontaneous hibernator (white-tailed prairie dog) during the winter with a non-hibernator (lab rat).

2002

Brian Day

Influence of Simulated Microgravity on Glycoprotein Biosynthesis
Dept. of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Donald Jarvis
This project will examine the effects of simulated microgravity on recombinant glycoprotein production by transgenic insect cell lines that encode mammalian glycoprotein processing enzymes. These transgenic cell lines were specifically engineered for improved N-glycan processing and it is expected that simulated microgravity will provide further improvement.

Carrie Donnell

Linking Subglacial Hydrology to Meteorological Conditions
Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Joel Harper
This research will focus on the relationship between meteorological conditions at the glacier surface and hydrological conditions at the bed of the glacier.  This is an independent research project on Bench Glacier, Alaska .

Kari Cowden

Improved Frequency Response of a Hexapod Strut through Damping
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. John McInroy, Dr. David Walrath
A hexapod is a six-degree of freedom precision apparatus that has been used as a vibration reduction mechanism for space applications. The object of this project is to improve the frequency response and decrease the resonant peaks by adding mechanical dampening. Two strategies will be tried; use of a different material or combination of materials in the strut, and redesign of the strut to be hydraulic.

Stanley Hahn

Hands-on Physics for Casper Elementary School Students
Dept. of Elementary Education, Casper College
Advisor: Dave Schwellenbach
This project will produce interactive physics displays, accompanying demonstrations, and summer science short courses designed to reach elementary school age students.

Jake Kutzer

Astronomy in the GeV regime using the Solar Two Gamma-ray Telescope
Dept. of Physics & Engineering, Casper College
Advisor: Dave Schwellenbach
The Solar Two gamma-ray telescope is a directed instrument that can be used to detect gamma rays from celestial objects. This project will involve analysis of data from the energy region between 20 GeV and 300 GeV, a relatively new area of exploration

Jennifer Satterfield

Hands-on Physics for Casper Elementary School Students
Dept. of Elementary Education, Casper College
Advisor: Dave Schwellenbach
This project will produce interactive physics displays, accompanying demonstrations, and summer science short courses designed to reach elementary school age students.

Michael Stanchak

Iron-rich, Alpine Lake Sediments and their Bacterial Residents: A Window to Earth's Microbial Past?
Dept. of Microbiology, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Patricia Colberg
The goal of this research is to establish a role for two types of anaerobic bacteria that mediate iron oxidation. This would be a major contribution to the understanding of microbial evolution in some of Earth's earliest non-thermal aquatic ecosystems.

Jacque D. Sundquist

Detection of Specific Microorganisms in Real Time
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Paul Johnson
The goal of this research is to detect single pathogenic microorganisms by developing a new method for real-time detection of individual bacteria in food or water

Monica Yetter

Science Journalism: Reporting NASA-funded Research at the University of Wyoming
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy and Science Journalism, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Ron Canterna, Jim Kearns
This internship will provide training for conveying science topics to the general public. Monica will work as a science journalism intern with the University of Wyoming News Service .  The project will focus on reporting of NASA-related research and endeavors.

Jennifer Zygmunt

Testate Amoeba Ecology in Rocky Mountain Peatlands: Assessing Applications in Paleoecology and Biomonitoring
Dept. of Botany, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Stephen Jackson
This study will investigate the ecology and distribution of testate amoebae in Rocky Mountain peatlands. Because they are sensitive to environmental variables, testate amoebae can potentially be used for environmental monitoring and paleoenvironmental reconstruction.

2001

Lisa Beatty

Detection of Specific Microorganisms in Real Time
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Paul Johnson
The goal of this research is to detect single pathogenic microorganisms by developing a new method for real-time detection of individual bacteria in food or water

Kathryn Cantrell

Photometric Studies of the Old Nova RW UMi
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Ron Canterna
RW UMi is an unusual classical nova that is undergoing changes in its photometric period and may be in a pre-eruptive stage. This may be an opportunity to determine the properties of novae before eruption, a very rare occasion. The objective of this project is to obtain, evaluate and analyze new photometric data for RW UMi at the WIRO, Red Buttes, and Asiago Observatories during the 2001 May-July period.

Chris Hackman

Photometry of Southern Hemisphere Clusters in the SDSS Filter System
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Allyn Smith
The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) will systematically map one quarter of the sky using a new system of five wide band filters (u'g'r'i'z'). In March and August 2000, observational data were obtained for several open star clusters in the southern hemisphere using this filter system. Detailed analysis of a subset of these data will be performed, specifically looking at age and metallicity effects within the SDSS filter system. This will lead to a better understanding of the filter transformations and will allow recalibration of existing models of stellar parameters. It will also lead to a better overall understanding of the u'g'r'i'z' filter system.

Stacey Hager

Meteorites and Their Impact: Discovery, Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation
Dept. of Geology & Geophysics, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Ron Marrs
This project will summarize methods for finding, collecting, evaluation, and interpreting meteorites and impact craters. It will provide students and the public with information about meteorites and meteorite craters and their influence on the history and evolution of Earth and the solar system. Results will be presented as a stand-alone display that will encourage interactive study in a classroom, conference room, museum, or other public space.

2000

Kody Featherston

Shoshone Irrigation District Week Monitoring Project
Agriculture Engineering, Northwest College
Advisor: Randall Violett

Thomas Huebner

Mapping and Tracing Obsidian-Bearing Terraces in the Green River Basin, Southwestern Wyoming
Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wyoming Advisor: Cheryl Jaworowski

Sarah Stokes

Modeling Dwarf Novae
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
Advisor: Ron Canterna

1999

Julie Kellogg

Detection of Specific Pathogenic Microorganisms in Real Time
Dept. of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Paul Johnson

Christopher Rodgers

Planetarium Software Workbook
Dept. of Physics & Engineering, Casper College
Advisor: Paul Marquard

1998

Gilbert Esquerdo

Photometric Search for Extra-Solar Planets
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Steve Howell

John Gillham

Wyoming Rangeland Radiometry Biomass Prediction and Satellite Applications
Dept. of Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Ann Hild

Libby Huskey

Structural Optimization of a Six-legged Vibration Isolation/Precision Pointing Platform
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Nancy Peck

Jeremiah Malmberg

Aluminum Corrosion & Aluminum Corrosion Inhibition Using Raman Spectroscopy
Dept. of Chemistry, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Daniel Buttry

1997

Kelly Brennan

Sonic Thermometer
Dept. of Natural Science, Sheridan College
Advisor: J. K. Chu

Joel Maslak

Constructing Dependable Distributed Software on a Heterogeneous Computing Form
Dept. of Computer Science, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. S. Mishra

Arthur Mills

NASA Technology Transfer: Integrating NASA Developed Technology into Industry
Dept. of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Jerry Hamann

Patricia Van Lew

Photometric Search for Extra-Solar Planets
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Steve Howell

1996

Chris Schock

Relevance of Communication Cost on the Performance of Dependable Distributed Software
Dept. of Computer Science, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. S. Mishra

Joseph Smith

Study of Discrete Dynamical Systems
Dept. of Mathematics, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. P. Polyakov

Frank Stroik

Analysis of Unidentified Wyoming Meteorites
Dept. of Geology & Geophysics, University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Carol Frost

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