Archives: Portfolios

My research is centered on the domain of X-ray astronomy, where we explore the extreme phenomena of the universe. X-ray telescopes necessitate precision to capture faint signals, given their operation at grazing incidence angles. However, during launch and gravitational release, vibrations induce low-frequency errors, which degrade image quality. To tackle this challenge, my focus lies in the development of correctable X-ray optics. These optics harness the inverse piezoelectric effect to rectify errors. Although they are not designed to address large low-frequency errors, they can effectively correct disturbances incurred during launch and deployment. My primary objective is to fabricate gold-plated, miniaturized X-ray optics with a particular emphasis on optimizing the slumping process of the glass substrates. This procedure entails thermal slumping of the glass, followed by gold coating. Using an interferometer, I investigate how variations in slumping parameters impact optic precision. Through the fine-tuning of these parameters, my research endeavors to consistently attain precise curvature, thereby maximizing the potential correction range offered by piezoelectric actuators. Ultimately, this work has the potential to enhance the imaging performance of X-ray telescopes, making contributions to the field of X-ray astronomy.

Life in space has been a question plaguing science for many decades. While onsite research is difficult to conduct, due to both the necessary expense and preparation behind it, there are places on Earth which can be used as models to study space’s unique conditions and even its potential for life. In particular, my research advisor, Dr.Joshua Sebree, and I, as well as a group of other researchers at the University of Northern Iowa, have been using Wind Cave National Park as an analog for space, especially in studying the Icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn. With its moderate temperatures (constant 55℉) and high humidity (99%), the environment of the cave, especially around its subterranean lakes, highly resemble the atmospheres of these aforementioned moons.

However, one caveat of studying this cave is that its levels of human contamination are relatively low and many of its crystalline features cannot be removed without permanently altering the cave’s makeup. Because of this, my research specifically focuses on using spectroscopic studies, mainly UV-VIS and XRF spectroscopy, to study and trace the organic and mineral makeup of this cave, allowing us better understand the certain conditions and possible extreme life present. Also, within the lab setting, replicative studies and new methods are constantly being developed, allowing us to further our work even on the surface. From there, along with the rest of the team, we hope to build a comprehensive understanding of this cave’s conditions and life forms which can then be applied to extraterrestrial atmospheres.

In the scope of astrobiology, the exploration for life within the Solar System is ongoing. Planetary caves are a possible environment that may be habitable for life on other planets and moons. Planetary features may also provide evidence of the presence of life-sustaining materials within the Solar System. The icy moons of Europa and Enceladus have interstitial lakes which harbor organics. Titan’s methane cycle may carve out karstic features in organically rich dunes. Calcite found on Mars is evidence of ancient water once existing in the area. In order to understand how life may be sustained on other planets, extreme environments on Earth must first be explored. In 2023, the University of Northern Iowa astrobiological underground team and I spent more than 80 hours underground doing cave research at Wind Cave National Park. Wind Cave offers a unique opportunity to examine planetary analogs in an isolated environment with limited contaminants. Zebra calcites are evidence of ancient water that helped to form the cave and are used as an analog to Mars. Currently forming flowstone preserves a record of organics from the surface and is analogous to Titan, Europa, and Enceladus. Using UV spectroscopy, further examination of cave formations can be analyzed to determine composition and formation of speleothems. The overall objective of my project is to study analog areas in the cave to which resemble our Solar System to determine the minimal conditions to sustain life. Comparing Wind Cave analogs to features throughout the Solar System, expands our understanding of where life might exist outside of Earth.

The Pollinator Habitat Enhancement Conservation Reserve Program (CP-42) allows farmers to turn their land, once used for agriculture, into restored prairie to provide floral sources and habitat for wild pollinators. In order for these sites to be fully effective, they must be accessible to native bees and other pollinator species. Previous research was conducted in 16 CP-42 sites in Northeast Iowa to examine the wild bee community composition and genetic diversity. Through this NASA research project, we will examine 16 CP-42 sites and understand the habitat connectivity between these restored habitats and other natural habitats in the landscape, and determine how native bee species travel between habitats to colonize the restored CP-42 sites. These 16 sites were surveyed between 2018 and 2023 to monitor the vegetation and the native bee communities within the area. Aerial images and roadside planting data will be georeferenced using ArcGIS software in order to delineate and quantify potential pollinator habitats surrounding these CP-42 sites. Paired with the collected bee data, we will associate the habitat connectivity among CRP sites and natural habitats to the bee diversity and density data, in order to understand the movement of these native bee species, and how these pathways are being used to establish new bee communities in these restored sites. This data will also help us to examine the degree of habitat fragmentation in the landscape and the effect that it may have on the native bee communities.

Stability of the genetic material is critical for all organisms including human beings. Exposure to radioactivity adversely affects genome stability by causing random breaks in the DNA backbone, leading to cell death. In humans, such breaks are predominantly repaired by an enzyme, DNA Ligase IV, via a random non-homologous end joining process. Thus, Ligase IV plays an important role in maintaining genetic stability. As a result, Ligase IV also makes it harder to treat cancer by inducing double stranded DNA breaks. Understanding the role of DNA ligase IV in cancer cells is critical to developing effective treatments. This project will study the effects that DNA damage has on the levels of Ligase IV in human cancer cell. The lines HTB-19, HTB-20, and HTB-26 will be used as model cells for this project. These cells will be treated with varying concentrations of radiomimetic drugs (compounds that mimic the effect of radiation by initiating DNA double-strand breakage). After the treatment the level and function of Ligase IV will be analyzed with respect to cell viability.

Batteries are constantly developing as our society advances. Studies show that solid-state electrolytes have numerous benefits compared to the typical liquid electrolyte. More specifically, glassy solid-state electrolytes are a strong contender because they have lower processing temperatures, are less likely to form dendrites, and have greater chemical flexibility. Glassy solid-state electrolytes are also safer because they are less flammable, can store a greater amount of energy, have a longer life cycle, and can be made smaller than an average battery. The main issue with glassy solid-state electrolytes is their inability to retain good contact between both ends of the battery due to their thickness. To combat this, the glass needs to be drawn into a thin film so it can have a comparable amount of contact to a liquid electrolyte. I am helping to create different kinds of lithium-based glasses that are extensively tested using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). These tests allow us to become closer to finding the best possible chemistry for glassy solid-state electrolytes.

Exposure to radiation causes double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in human DNA, leading to many types of cancers. Humans are at risk of radiation exposure through medical examinations, treatments, nuclear accidents, and space travel. Thus, investigating the effects of radiation-induced DNA damage is important for finding new ways to protect humans from radiation-induced disorders. Last year, I investigated the effects of DSBs on B-Raf, an important signaling protein involved in cell growth and DNA repair pathways using human cancer cells as models. These cells were treated with doxorubicin, a radiomimetic drug (a compound that mimics radiation and creates DSBs in cells).

My results clearly show a concentration-dependent reduction specifically in the B-Raf protein levels. This decrease in B-Raf levels also correlates with the formation of DSBs in the treated cells. The mechanisms underlying this specific reduction of B-Raf levels due to doxorubicin treatment are unclear. During this scholarship, I intend to analyze the effects of doxorubicin treatment on Ras protein, which is essential for forming functional heterodimers with B-Raf. Additionally, I will also examine the effects of doxorubicin on the levels of B-Raf and Ras mRNA. My studies would shed new light on understanding the effects of DSBs due to radiation exposure, leading to new developments for protection against radiation exposure for astronauts and other space travelers. Additionally, these studies may further improve therapeutic applications of radiomimetic drugs, like doxorubicin, in the treatment of various cancers.