This research investigates shape optimization process, using b-spline models and panel methods, to achieve a high lift to drag ratio for an aerodynamic structure. This research is a proof of concept for further research in aerodynamic shape optimization. The coupled process, involving the design and optimization of a random shape,...
This dissertation focuses on defining underlying mechanisms to enable the bio-inspired design of aerodynamic and/or hydrodynamic vehicles that operate within complex environments. This dissertation introduces four overarching research gaps found in current bio-inspired design research and four corresponding approach questions that guide the framework of the presented research. This research...
Considering human product interactions early and often in the engineering design process may improve product quality, facilitate user safety, reduce time to market, decrease or eliminate the need for costly physical prototypes, and reduce expensive late stage design changes. Currently, F1 race cars do not include a cockpit canopy to...
Mercury (Hg) is a bioaccumulative metal that can threaten the health of wild birds. Feathers are commonly used biomonitoring tools for non-lethally estimating Hg exposure in birds because they contain stable Hg concentrations upon completion of feather growth, when blood flow to the feather has stopped. Despite the common use...
Carbonic anhydrases are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze the reverse hydration and dehydration of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate respectively. A variety of tumors in humans show overexpression of human carbonic anhydrase II (HCA II) leading to an acidic breakdown of carbon dioxide into bicarbonate. While a variety of drug inhibitors exist,...
Amphibians are experiencing global population declines and are one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates. This can be attributed to multiple environmental stressors such as habitat loss, disease, invasive species, and climate change. For vocal amphibian species, loss of acoustic habitat due to anthropogenic noise may be yet another...
The role of riparian forests in maintaining temperatures of headwater streams is well established and is a foundation of forest practice rules designed to protect streamwater quality. However, detailed investigation is still needed quantifying specific characteristics of stream systems that affect streamwater temperature including riparian features, stream morphology, and subsurface...
Conservation of natural resources has become a new watchword of the scientific community. While many terrestrial ecosystems are well protected, marine ecosystems have only recently come to the forefront. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been introduced as a means of protecting biodiversity, commercial stocks, and ecosystem services. There are many...
Conservation of natural resources has become a new watchword of the scientific community. While many terrestrial ecosystems are well protected, marine ecosystems have only recently come to the forefront. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been introduced as a means of protecting biodiversity, commercial stocks, and ecosystem services. There are many...
Though numerous drought metrics have been developed by the research community, adoption of these metrics by water managers has been limited. The reasons for this vary, but some include mismatches in time scales and spatial scales between the metric supplied and the operational decisions (e.g. water managers often work within...