Magneto- and chemostratigraphic correlation underpins much of our understanding of Earth history, yet typical correlation techniques are neither quantitative nor objective. Within this dissertation, I detail my efforts to develop and apply dynamic programming-based algorithms that accomplish optimal and reproducible stratigraphic alignment. I apply these algorithms to three geologic intervals:...
Nearly 24% of Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) containing military munitions are in the nearshore coastal zone with approximately 30% of those sites containing heterogeneous sediment compositions of gravel-sand. Previous exploration in munition mobility was performed on beaches of sandy or muddy bottoms leaving the influence of heterogeneous sediment properties...
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are able to trigger the release of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone which control the maturation of oocytes and ovulation which is vital for reproduction. They are the most downstream neurons that project to the median eminence into the pituitary portal where they release GnRH. Modulation...
Freshwater systems cycle carbon along a spatial and temporal biogeochemical continuum, across which ecosystem processes contribute to transformations of organic matter (OM). Various ecological constraints impact rates OM transformation and production and consumption of the energetic end of respiration, methane. Microbiological processing and complete reduction of carbon substrates to methane...
Objective. Marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance in the United States and in 2018 alone, an estimated 40.3 million adults reported using marijuana in the past year. As legalization for medical and recreational marijuana has been expanding, perceived risk of using marijuana has been steadily declining since the...
Microplastics are ubiquitous in our oceans, yet we are still clarifying what risks they pose to marine organisms, which can be challenging due to their trait diversity and spatial patchiness. Laboratory-based studies assessing risk demonstrate that many marine animals internalize microplastics, either actively through ingestion or passively via respiration. However,...
Cannabis use rates have been escalating in recent years within the United States. The effects of cannabis on motivation and effort-based decision making have been of increased interest. Amotivational syndrome is a term used to refer to a lack of motivation, passive personality, non-productive behavior, and lowered educational attainment due...
Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis (M. avium) is a ubiquitous, acid-fast organism found in water and soil. This opportunistic pathogen is a common causative of pulmonary diseases in immunocompromised individuals and prevalent infection in HIV/AIDS patients. As a primary defense response against infection, immune cells such as macrophages phagocytize M. avium...
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of Johne’s disease, a chronic granulomatous enteritis that plagues domestic and wild ruminants globally. During the silent stages of Johne’s disease, infected animals intermittently shed bacteria for years prior to clinical diagnosis during advanced disease stages. This strategy allows MAP to...
The word orogenesis is derived from the Greek words oros meaning mountains and genesis meaning creation and refers to the study of the complex processes involved in the growth and evolution of mountain ranges (orogens). Orogens develop where crustal deformation builds topography and forms landscapes. This dissertation explores the role...