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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2023

Exploration Habitat (X-Hab) 2013-2014 Academic Innovation Challenge

Outreach activities were coordinated with OSU’s NASA Education Office and focused around the Space Habitat Innovation Challenge. Two challenges were developed for this year: the Rapidly Prototyped Tool Challenge (RaPTC) and the Space Habitat Airlock Challenge (SHAC). RaPTC was open to eligible high school student teams while SHAC was open to eligible community college student teams. Teams involved 3-6 students from 12 states across the country and submitted videos or virtual presentations.1 Entries were judged by the OSU XHab students and were provided with feedback on feasibility and design. Three groups in each challenge were selected as finalists for a final virtual presentation and interview with students and professors in the engineering program at Oklahoma State University. Three groups total were selected to present their design to engineers and astronauts at a NASA JSC. Judges included astronauts Joe Acaba, Nicole Stott, and Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger.

Jamey D Jacob↗
NASA NTRS2023

Designing Learning Experiences With A Low-Cost Robotic Arm

Robots have gained immense popularity in Hollywood and growth globally in both industrial manufacturing and non-manufacturing environments and applications such as healthcare, service sector, and space exploration. To date, there are several examples of simple and low-cost educational robotic platforms and commercially available platforms (e.g., Lego Mindstorms, VEX Robotics) for incorporation into existing curriculum. However, most low-cost examples require access to rapid-prototyping tools, such as 3D printers to manufacture the structure of the robot, while commercially available platforms are relatively expensive (> $1,000). Although the low-cost, open-source examples provide increased access, these examples require design and manufacturing tasks that would be considered outside the learning objectives of an upper-level robotics course and are better suited for other introductory courses. Thus, we asked, how can a robotic platform be incorporated into existing robotics curriculum to enhance students' learning experiences? To explore this research question, we introduce a low-cost (<$200), untethered, and transportable robotic platform that is easy to assemble using off-the-shelf components. This kit can be powered from a laptop computer and does not rely on access to rapid-prototyping tools such as 3D printers or laser cutters, making this a more accessible option in undergraduate engineering courses. Specifically, we aimed to investigate the design of experiential learning experiences for the mathematical modeling of the forward and inverse kinematics of a serial robotic arm that complements existing robotics curriculum. The experiential learning experience focuses on traditional written answer, simulation in MATLAB, and finally implementation on a robotic platform. Few studies examined this accessible option when evaluating experiential learning experiences that complement existing robotics curricula. To assess the impact of this robotic arm kit in an undergraduate course, we implemented an educational intervention that allowed us insight into student perceptions, takeaways on the course and activities involving the robotic arm, and the impact of the course on their career outlook when comparing activities that involved use of the robotic arm and those that did not. Details on the design, development and implementation of the learning activities is provided. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. The results presented in this paper discuss students finding the learning activities on the robotic arms more helpful than those without, and that students found high value in the hands-on experiences and real-world scenarios offered by the activities using the robotic arm. Challenges to implementation of the robotic arms are discussed, including students’ prior knowledge of using robotic arms.

Eric J. Markvicka↗
DOE OSTI2015

TMS 2014 143rd Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Annual Meeting Supplemental Proceedings (ISBN: 978-1-118-88972-5)

The Magnetic Materials for Energy Applications IV, held at the 2014, 143rd Annual Meeting of The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society (TMS), brought together experts, young investigators, and students from this sub-discipline of materials science in order for them to share their latest discoveries and develop collaborations. This symposium, which is organized by The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society, is an important event for this community of scientists. This year, over 50 high-level technical talks were planned over the course of the event. In addition, the students and young investigators in attendance ensured the maximum benefit to the next generation’s work force in this area of study. Meeting global energy needs in a clean, efficient, secure and sustainable manner is arguably the greatest challenge facing mankind today. Magnetic materials play a critical role in myriad devices for the collection, conversion, transmission and storage of energy. For example, high performance permanent magnets are currently in great demand for the generators in wind turbines and electric motors in hybrid vehicles. Other classes of advanced magnetic materials are essential for efficient inductors/transformers and motors. Energy efficient cooling based on the magnetocaloric effect is another exciting possibility which is rapidly becoming industrially viable. The potential energy savings related to refrigeration and air conditioning based on magnetocaloric materials are highly attractive. This symposium allowed experts in areas relating to the advanced characterization, simulation, and optimization of magnetic materials to convene and present their latest research. The types of interactions afforded by this event are beneficial to society at large primarily because they provide opportunities for the leaders within this field to learn from one another and thus improve the quality and productivity of their investigations. Additionally, the presence of young investigators and students with technical interests in this field provides promise that the United States will continue to be a leader in this area. The support provided by the Department of Energy for this event directly enhanced its impact on the field by helping a number of students, young investigators, and technical experts attend and participate in this event. This symposium brought together research experts and students in the field to present the latest developments on the science surrounding advanced characterization, simulation, and optimization of magnetic materials and their use in energy applications such as generation and magnetic cooling. A strong technical program, containing more than 50 presentations was developed and organized around the following technical sessions. A strong list of invited speakers contributed to the high quality of technical content. Rare Earth Permanent Magnets: Processing, Characterization and Modeling Rare Earth Free Permanent Magnets Fundamentals of the Magnetocaloric Effect and Current Status of Magnetic Cooling Technology Magnetocaloric Materials High Performance Soft Magnets I High Performance Soft Magnets II

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Are We Preparing the Next Generation? K-12 Teacher Knowledge and Engagement in Teaching Core STEM Practices

Several of the recent reform efforts in K-12 STEM education (e.g. Next Generation Science Standards [NGSS and Common Core State Standards-Mathematics [CCSS-M]) have included significant emphasis on the practices of STEM. We argue that K-12 teachers’ ability to effectively engage their students in these core STEM practices is fundamental to the success of potential and current engineering students and their subsequent careers as engineers. Practices such as identifying problems, modeling using mathematics, and arguing from evidence are fundamental processes in engineering. Helping students develop their capacity to engage in these practices early in their education will increase the likelihood of the students applying the practices and developing skills aligned with the work of engineers. We contend that engaging in the practices associated with engineering may increase K-12 student interest and the successful pursuit of engineering as a career because they will find relevance in what is being taught and gain knowledge of the applications of STEM content which will help them develop talents aligned with the work of engineers.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Utilization of Renewable Energy to Meet New National Challenges in Energy and Climate Change

The project aims to design a microgrid system to promote utilization of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar to address the national challenges in energy and climate change. Different optimization techniques and simulation software are used to study the performance of the renewable energy system under study. A series of research works performed under the grant Department of Energy (DOE) is presented. This grant opportunity affords Howard faculty, students, graduates, undergraduates, K-12, postdocs and visiting scholars to benefit state of the art research work. The research work has led to improve or advance understanding of new hardware technologies, software development and engineering optimization methods necessary and sufficient for handling probabilistic models and real-time computation and functions necessary for development of microgrid system. Consistent with State of Project Objective Howard University has partitioned the task into the following integrated activities: 1. Stochastic Model for RER and Load • Development of modeling Renewable Energy Resources (RER) and load which is used to perform distribution power flow study which leads to publication in refereed journals and conferences. The work was also published at the IEEE conference. 2. Stochastic optimization for voltage/Var • The development of voltage VAr optimization based on a review of existing knowledge in optimization led to the use of stochastic program and evolution of programming optimization method for V/VAr optimization. Papers were presented at the North America Power Systems Conference and the IEEE PES general meeting. 3. Modeling RER and Storage • Extending the concept of optimization method an RER with storage, such as the development of microgrid V/VAr and storage is performed. Several papers were published at the North America Power Systems Conference and the IEEE PES general meeting. 4. Power Game • Development of power game experiment using Labvolt to allow for hands on understanding of design and development of microgrid functions is performed. Publication were done by students at the end of their summer program. 5. Designing Microgrid Testbed • Example microgrid test bed is developed. In addition, function of the test bed are developed. The papers were presented at the North America Power Systems Conference and the IEEE general meeting. 6. Outreach Program • From the outreach program, topics from the project have been included in the revision of courses at Howard University, new book called Energy Processing and Smartgrid has being developed. • Hosted masters students from University of Denver to complete their projects with us. • Hosted high school students for early exposure for careers in STEM • Representations made in IEEE conferences to share the lessons learned in the use of micro grid to expose students to STEM education and research.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

After School Matters Program at the Hanford Site - 16569

CH2M HILL Plateau Remediation Company (CH2M), a prime contractor for environmental remediation at the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford Site in southeast Washington State, partnered with the nonprofit After School Matters (ASM) organization to provide outreach to local elementary school students in 2013-2014. The program emphasizes building relationships between youths and adults through academic tutoring, homework assistance, mentoring and physical fitness development. The program assists students from families where adults are often unemployed or underemployed. This project not only gives employees an opportunity to mentor and teach local youths, it also helps them prepare the next generation of leaders and experts. A substantial number of employees will be eligible for retirement within the next ten years, and their extensive institutional knowledge will go with them. Visiting schools and sharing this knowledge and experience gives students insights into career opportunities they might not otherwise consider. This program proved so successful, another Hanford Contractor involved their workers, expanding the program to a second elementary school. Also, the program caught the eye of a nonprofit organization, 21. Century After-School Program, who invited the team to expand to a third elementary school. The ASM program at the Hanford Site: (1) targets an often overlooked group of students and provides an opportunity to mentor and teach the future generation; (2) positively impacts the students, volunteers and community; (3) has expanded its reach to other contractors and schools. Lessons learned from this community education program provide valuable context for other organizations interested in similar outreach efforts. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

Ensuring Workforce Readiness for the Energy Industry Through 3D Simulations

In February 2009, during his joint address to Congress, President Obama challenged every American to commit to at least one year of college education and set a goal that the United States should once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by the year 2020. This push by the Obama administration reflected the understanding that while a college degree was becoming a prerequisite to obtain many of the jobs in the 21. century economy; the United States still lagged behind other countries with respect to higher education attainment. Because of this, the U.S. is facing a skills gap between the credentials required for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and the number of skilled workers eligible to fill those jobs. Within the energy industry, the skills gap is compounded by two factors: an expanding domestic industry in energy generation and transmission, and an aging workforce set to retire in large numbers. In fact, a 2013 survey administered by Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) estimates that 36% of the workforce may need to be replaced in the next five years, and nearly 50% will need to be replaced by the year 2023. As a 2014 report by CEWD notes, 'The message for workforce development is clear: qualified and skilled utility technicians and engineers will continue to be in high demand in all types of energy generation, transmission, and distribution jobs'. Simulations provide students the ability to practice proper procedure in a safe environment, test out multiple scenarios to determine an optimal outcome, and repeat practice to solidify learning. Industry currently applies simulation (i.e., 3D Electrical Substation Simulation) as it affords an opportunity for technicians to train in a safe, virtual environment, thus eliminating risks associated with arc flash hazards. The intent of 3D simulation is to enhance the students' understanding of the concepts learned in the course and better prepare students for field work in a related technical discipline. The 3D simulation will reinforce the concepts learned during a specific course and are intended to add real world context to the curriculum. The 3D simulation will be designed such that a student will perform specific job activities incorporating concepts learned during the course. This method of instruction ensures students have an understanding of the concepts and are able to apply the concepts in a real world context. Different scenarios will be developed to ensure a thorough understanding of the concepts with real time feedback when there is a misunderstanding of the concepts. (authors)

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Experiments and Project-Based Enhancements for STEM Learning: Preprint

Motivating k-12 students to pick a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is an effort that requires consistent attention. At different points in time, STEM educators need to pivot themselves and update educational materials to consistently motivate the next generation of k-12 students to enter into STEM careers. Once they enter undergraduate education, universities need to motivate their undergraduates students to consider graduate studies to ensure qualified human resources can be developed for research, and teaching. We present in this paper, our work on developing STEM materials for k-12 students targeting grid integration of hydrogen assets. This paper also presents our work on leveraging open source distribution system model, digital real time simulation tool to create projects for undergraduate students and motivate their interest in research topics, and enter into graduate level education.

electro-magnetic transients↗
DOE OSTI2025

Developing and Demonstrating a Lab Method for Quantifying Hair Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke with a Forensic Perspective

Forensic science and chemistry curricula often lack hands-on experimental designs that effectively simulate the impact of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or other common elements found at crime scenes, such as marijuana, on trace forensic evidence. Hair, a critical form of trace evidence, offers unique advantages for assessing long-term exposure to environmental pollutants, including ETS. This study presents a novel, noninvasive forensic laboratory module designed to evaluate ETS exposure on various human hair types (untreated, dyed, and bleached). The experimental procedure involved controlled cigarette smoke exposure, followed by analysis using UV−visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. Thirteen students participated in the three-week lab module (three sessions per week). Pre- and postlab assessments were conducted to evaluate learning outcomes. The prelab assessment focused on baseline knowledge of forensic hair analysis, as well as student expectations and confidence. The postlab assessment evaluated knowledge gained, technical insights, application of techniques, self-reflection, conceptual understanding, and practical skill development. This design helped students comprehend the effects of chemical treatments that significantly influence hair’s capacity to adsorb ETS residues by altering its physical and chemical properties. Integration of this experiment into the forensic chemistry curriculum led to measurable gains in student understanding, technical competency, and appreciation for realworld forensic applications. This method offers a valuable teaching and investigative tool for assessing individual ETS exposure in forensic contexts.

FTIR↗
NASA NTRS2016

The Climate is A-Changin': Teaching Civic Competence for a Sustainable Climate

A central aim of social studies curriculum is to prepare young people for making "informed and reasoned decisions for the public good" concerning consequential problems like global climate change. By developing students' "vision of a good society" and exploring what actions and policies move our society in this direction, social studies teachers have an important role in preparing students for a world undergoing enormous environmental change. This article discusses elementary curriculum connections between building students' knowledge and understanding about "their community, nation and world" and global climate change. It also suggests ideas for building civic competency and climate literacy while creating opportunities for students to practice high-value skills like "data collection and analysis, collaboration, decision-making and problem-solving."

climate change↗
DOE OSTI2022

An idea to explore: How an interdisciplinary undergraduate course exploring a global health challenge in molecular detail enabled science communication and collaboration in diverse audiences

Abstract Communication and collaboration are key science competencies that support sharing of scientific knowledge with experts and non‐experts alike. On the one hand, they facilitate interdisciplinary conversations between students, educators, and researchers, while on the other they improve public awareness, enable informed choices, and impact policy decisions. Herein, we describe an interdisciplinary undergraduate course focused on using data from various bioinformatics data resources to explore the molecular underpinnings of diabetes mellitus (Types 1 and 2) and introducing students to science communication. Building on course materials and original student‐generated artifacts, a series of collaborative activities engaged students, educators, researchers, healthcare professionals and community members in exploring, learning about, and discussing the molecular bases of diabetes. These collaborations generated novel educational materials and approaches to learning and presenting complex ideas about major global health challenges in formats accessible to diverse audiences.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Obese patients and radiography literature: what do we know about a big issue?

Obesity is a global health issue with obese patients requiring specialised diagnosis, treatment and care through the health service. The practical and social difficulties associated with medical imaging of obese patients are an increasingly common problem and it is currently unknown how student and qualified radiographers perceive and respond to these challenges. By better understanding challenges presented in providing quality imaging and care of imaging obese patients, education for both qualified and student radiographers can be enhanced. Radiographers are heavily reliant on visual and tactile senses to locate the position of anatomical structures for diagnostic imaging and determine radiation exposure through a delicate consideration of dose, image quality and anatomical attenuation. However, obese patients require modifications to routine radiographic practice in terms of movement/assisted positioning, equipment capabilities to take increased weight or coverage. These patients may also be subject to compromised radiological diagnosis through poor visualisation of structures. In this paper, the professional and educational literature was narratively reviewed to assess gaps in the evidence base related to the skill and care knowledge for obese patients. Literature was sourced relating to discrete radiographic considerations such as the technical factors of imaging obese patients, exposure and the impact of obesity on imaging departments’ service provisions. The recent literature (post-2000 to coincide with the sharp increase in global obesity) on the perceptions of health professionals and student health practitioners has also been explored because there are no specific radiographer studies to report. By understanding the research in similar fields, we may identify what common attitudes qualified and student radiographer's hold and what challenges, technical and care related, can be prepared for.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Understanding the Awareness, Knowledge and Perceptions of Interventional Radiology Amongst Undergraduates in the UK

Introduction: The role of interventional radiology (IR) in health care is rapidly expanding in the United Kingdom (UK). However, the presence of IR in the current undergraduate curriculum is lacking. Purpose: This study investigates the awareness, knowledge and perceptions of IR in undergraduates through the clinical years of medical school to suggest future interventions. Methods: A total of 360 questionnaires, designed to test undergraduates’ knowledge of, and exposure to, IR were distributed over a 14-day period in a UK medical institution. Results: Of the 312 respondents (86.7%), the majority had never formally shadowed a radiologist (65.4%) or encountered teaching from an interventional radiologist (54.5%). Most students (88.5%) felt their knowledge of IR was lower than other specialties. Students’ knowledge of IR procedures did not statistically increase through the clinical years. Students were most cognisant of vascular procedures and least aware of IR’s role in oncology. Only 10.9% would consider a career in IR, with 39.7% citing the lack of knowledge and 18.6% citing patient contact as the top reasons for this. Conclusion: Current students have poor exposure to IR through the undergraduate curriculum. Consequently, there is no increase in knowledge of IR clinical practice through the clinical years. Multi-level interventions, incorporating universities and radiological societies are required to increase undergraduate awareness and promote IR as a career. Level of Evidence: Level 3, Local non-random sample.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Nuclear waste Educator's workshop: What and how do we teach about nuclear waste?

A workshop was held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on July 25th and 26th, 2022. The objective was to develop a blueprint for educating next-generation engineers and scientists about nuclear waste management and disposal, which requires knowledge from diverse disciplines, including nuclear, chemical, civil, environmental, and geological science and engineering. The 49 participants included university professors, researchers, industry experts, and government officials from different areas. First, we have developed a list of key fundamental knowledge on waste management and disposal across the nuclear fuel cycle. In addition, we discussed strategies on how to teach students with diverse backgrounds through innovative teaching strategies as well as how to attract students into this area. Through the workshop, we identified the critical needs to (1) develop community resources for nuclear waste education; (2) synthesize historical perspectives, including past contamination and the management of general hazardous waste; (3) emphasize a complete life-cycle perspective, including proper waste management as the key component for energy sustainability; (4) teach students how to communicate about the key facts and risks to technical and non-technical audiences; and (5) accelerate the use of the state-of-art-technologies to attract and retain a young workforce. Furthermore, we aim to build a diverse, inclusive community that supports students in developing their own narratives about nuclear waste, particularly in recognizing that antagonistic views have been important to improving safety and protecting public health and the environment.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2014

Educational Outreach Efforts at the NNDC

Isotopes and nuclides are important in our everyday life. The general public and most students are never exposed to the concepts of stable and radioactive isotopes/nuclides. The National Nuclear Data Center (NNDC) is involved in an international project to develop a Periodic Table of the Isotopes for the educational community to illustrate the importance of isotopes and nuclides in understanding the world around us. This effort should aid teachers in introducing these concepts to students from the high school to the graduate school level.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Investigating the impact of a multi-module operation environment on the task performance time of human operators – An explanatory study

The worldwide demand for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) has surged in recent years due to their enhanced safety and versatility in supporting diverse industrial sectors. A unique feature of SMR operation is that a single human operator is responsible for managing multiple modules. Therefore, securing a sufficient amount of human performance data pertaining to this new environment is essential for the safe operation of SMRs. In this explanatory study, a series of experiments were conducted using the NuScale simulator, a representative SMR design, with student operators. A total of 12 student operators were assigned two types of off-normal events and asked to cope with them using paper-based procedures. Subsequently, their task performance times were compared with those of student operators responsible for a single unit based on the Task Complexity (TACOM) measure. Results indicate that the performance of student operators under the experimental conditions of this study degraded by a factor of 2 to 3, depending on the characteristics of the off-normal events.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Using choice architecture to exploit a university Distinct Urban Mine

Highlights: • More than USD 11 million lie within this UK DUM for small household appliances. • Different collection systems should be established for working or broken appliances. • Consumer behaviour should inform choice architecture. •DUM evaluations should inform future collection system investments. - Abstract: There are widespread concerns regarding the potential future scarcity of ferrous and non-ferrous materials. However, there are already potentially rich reserves of secondary materials via high ownership of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) in economically-developed nations. Young people are particularly high consumers of EEE, thus university students and campuses may present an opportunity to harness this potential. University Distinct Urban Mines (DUM) may be used to exemplify how potential reserves of secondary metals may be exploited, and could contribute to the transition from a linear to a circular economy. This study aimed to evaluate small household appliances (SHA) DUM from a UK university, with the objectives to identify and quantify student households’ SHA ownership, WEEE recycling, stockpiling and discarding habits amongst student households, assess and evaluate the monetary potential of SHA DUM at UK level, and propose methods to exploit DUM for universities in the UK. To this purpose, a quantitative survey was undertaken to measure students’ ownership and discarding behaviour with respect to SHA. The amounts of ferrous and non-ferrous materials were then estimated and converted to monetary values from secondary materials market data to appraise the SHA DUM overall value. Thirty-five per cent of SHA are discarded in the general refuse. Broken personal care appliances (PCA) tend to be discarded due to hygiene and small size factors. When in working order, SHA tend to be equally reused, recycled or stockpiled. We conclude that a total of 189 tonnes of ferrous and non-ferrous materials were available via discarding or being stockpiled at the University of Southampton. Extrapolated to UK higher education level, discarded and stockpiled SHA represent a potential worth ∼USD 11 million. To initiate DUM exploitation within Higher Education campuses, we suggest improving users’ choice architecture by providing collection methods specific to broken SHA.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

Statistical mentoring at early training and career stages

At Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), statistical scientists develop solutions for a variety of national security challenges through scientific excellence, typically as members of interdisciplinary teams. At LANL, mentoring is actively encouraged and practiced to develop statistical skills and positive career-building behaviors. Mentoring activities targeted at different career phases from student to junior staff are an important catalyst for both short and long term career development. This article discusses mentoring strategies for undergraduate and graduate students through internships as well as for postdoctoral research associates and junior staff. Topics addressed include project selection, progress, and outcome; intellectual and social activities that complement the student internship experience; key skills/knowledge not typically obtained in academic training; and the impact of such internships on students’ careers. Experiences and strategies from a number of successful mentorships are presented. Feedback from former mentees obtained via a questionnaire is incorporated. As a result, these responses address some of the benefits the respondents received from mentoring, helpful contributions and advice from their mentors, key skills learned, and how mentoring impacted their later careers.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗