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- Member of: Barrett, The Honors College Thesis/Creative Project Collection
- Member of: The Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology
Description
This research policy brief explores the potential for third-generation algal-derived biofuels to replace kerosene aviation fuel as a sustainable alternative to conventional jet fuel within Arizona's aviation sector. Arizona provides an favorable climate for both extensive flight infrastructure and algae farms. Implementing algal biofuels offers notable environmental benefits, including high growth efficiency, carbon sequestration potential, and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared with similar alternatives. Their implementation is currently constrained by technical limitations with accessing water, a scarce resource in Arizona, and meeting the fuel demands of the thriving aviation industry.
This research identifies key policy gaps hindering progress toward sustainable aviation fuel, such as the expiration of the U.S. Farm Bill, limited gray water regulations, and underutilization of tax incentives provided through the Inflation Reduction Act. To address these challenges, the policy brief proposes a series of integrated policy recommendations that aim to reform water access laws, biomass crop subsidies, aviation fuel tax exemptions, carbon sequestration tax credits and aviation research & development tax credits. This approach offers a scalable model that could support climate action, economic resilience, energy independence, and long-term global transportation.
ContributorsMoffatt, Lillian (Author) / Weiss, Taylor (Thesis director) / Brown, Albert (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Biological & Health Systems Engineering (Contributor) / Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Eng Program (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
The cerebellum and hippocampus are increasingly recognized for their interconnected roles in spatial and social processing, yet the mechanisms underlying their coordination remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of cerebellar excitatory DREADD stimulation on spatial memory, social behavior, and neural activity in C57BL/6 and YFP mice. Using chemogenetic tools, we targeted cells in the cerebellar vermis to examine how cerebellar activation influences hippocampal function and behavior. Behavioral tests, including the odor-based Y-maze, object recognition, and three-chamber social tests, were conducted to assess spatial memory, recognition memory, and social interaction. Immunohistochemical staining for c-Fos and Ki67 was used to map neural activity and evaluate cell proliferation.
The results revealed that cerebellar stimulation significantly decreased c-Fos expression in the dentate gyrus, a subregion of the hippocampus critical for spatial memory. This suggests that activation of the cerebellum has an inhibitory effect on hippocampal neural activity. The object recognition test showed a significant interaction between object type and condition and a notable difference in the preference index, indicating that cerebellar stimulation may influence recognition memory. Similarly, the three-chamber social test showed a significant interaction between chamber and condition and a difference in the social preference index. This underscores the role of the cerebellum in modulating social behavior. The experiment suggested the potential effects of cerebellar stimulation on both spatial and social tasks, indicating the need for further investigation.
These findings highlight the importance of interactions between the cerebellum and hippocampus in processing spatial and social information. They offer new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying these behaviors and emphasize the broader role of the cerebellum in cognition and social behavior, with implications for neuropsychological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Future research should examine sex differences, increase sample sizes, and explore translational applications to better understand the therapeutic potential of targeting cerebellar-hippocampal circuits.
ContributorsLukacik, David (Author) / Verpeut, Jessica (Thesis director) / Sanabria, Federico (Committee member) / Yang, Yi-Mei (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
This thesis proposes biometric firearm technology as a modern solution to gun violence in the United States, focusing on its potential to reduce unauthorized use, accidental shootings, and gun-related crimes. Through the integration of fingerprint and RFID authentication systems, smart guns are designed to ensure that only authorized users can operate firearms, offering a proactive alternative to traditional gun control measures. Drawing on public health, legal, and economic frameworks, the study explores how biometric weapons can serve both as a public safety innovation and a viable business opportunity. It evaluates existing prototypes, outlines strategies for market adoption, and presents policy proposals including tax incentives, government grants, and law enforcement pilot programs. By examining international models from Japan and Switzerland, this thesis highlights how the U.S. can adapt safety-minded firearm practices without infringing on Second Amendment rights. Ultimately, this work argues that biometric firearms offer a path forward that balances individual freedom with collective security, reshaping the national approach to responsible gun ownership.
ContributorsBriones, Moises (Author) / Scott, Michael (Thesis director) / Duncan, Rhea (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2025-05
DescriptionGrey Matter is the poetry journal of the Narrative Medicine program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix. The anthology holds the work of 32 poets across the healthcare spectrum.
ContributorsShogren, Thea (Author) / Dombrowski, Rosemarie (Thesis director) / Raebel, Raena (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Division of Teacher Preparation (Contributor) / Department of English (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
Machine learning is defined as: the use and development of computer systems
that are able to learn and adapt without following explicit instructions, by using
algorithms and statistical models to analyze and draw inferences from patterns in
data. Neural Networks are one such system that uses a series of connected nodes
(called neurons) where each connection is adjustable according to certain parameters
called ”weights”. Additionally each neuron has an adjustable bias value which adds
a fixed amount to the sum of the neurons connections. Deep learning is an algorithm
for tuning the parameters (i.e. weights and biases) of a network in order to best fit a
given problem.
For this project the problem I have selected is that of symbol recognition. I am
using the MNIST Handwritten Digit dataset which contains 70,000 images of digits
(0-9). Each image is a 28x28 grid of pixels with values from 0-255. The goal of my
system is to take an image and produce the matching 7 segment display representation
of the number in the image.
The goal of this project was to investigate methods for reducing the cost to complete
this identification task. These methods are separated into three main sections:
1. Topology
2. Knowledge Distillation
3. Network Pruning
The Topology section investigated the impacts of changing the layer sizes of a
network. In this section I found that it is better to have more connections to the
output layer than to any other layer in the network. This makes sense as the output
layer is what we expect to have the results we are looking for and so giving it more
data allows for better differentiation.
The Knowledge Distillation section focused on a training method of the same
name. This method involves the use of a larger, well trained teacher model. This
model is used as an example for a student model to try and mimic. I found that
this setup can work very well, with the student often outperforming the teacher after
the same amount of training. However, the target of the training must be chosen
carefully to avoid interfering with the student’s learning process.
The final section focused on network pruning. Pruning is a process that happens in
biology to remove weak connections to make a neural network more efficient. I found
that automatically removing connections throughout the training process worked exceptionally
well with results of our pruned network matching the control. However, I
did find that more investigation is needed to identify which connections are the most
important before removing them at the start.
ContributorsFrink, Ethan (Author) / Osburn, Steven (Thesis director) / Bazzi, Rida (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Computer Science and Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
UniRate is a peer-driven digital review platform designed exclusively for college students to share honest, experience-based insights about all aspects of campus life, from housing and dining to academics and social culture. Unlike generalized platforms such as Yelp or Reddit, UniRate creates a trusted, student-verified ecosystem built “for students, by students,” promoting authenticity and relatability. UniRate is more than just a review site, it’s a cultural tool that modernizes how students choose, experience, and influence college life. UniRate aims to give information and access about universities never available before for the benefit of all who want to experience campus life.
ContributorsGaitan, Matthew (Author) / Hasson, Ethan (Co-author) / Wilhoit, Evan (Co-author) / Thorell, Jack (Co-author) / Burleson, Cole (Co-author) / Byrne, Jared (Thesis director) / Giles, Charles (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive breast cancer
subtypes, marked by high recurrence rates, limited treatment options, and poor patient outcomes due to the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 expression. This project explores a novel theoretical framework grounded in tumor heterogeneity and evolutionary game theory, proposing that TNBC may be transformed into a more treatable ER-positive phenotype through estrogen supplementation. Tumor heterogeneity theory suggests that even within a population of phenotypically similar TNBC cells, rare subpopulations may exist that express ER. Estrogen, acting as a natural growth factor, could selectively promote the proliferation of these ER-positive cells. Over time, this selective pressure may shift the tumor's overall phenotype, favoring ER-positive subclones. According to evolutionary game theory, such selection dynamics can significantly influence tumor evolution and composition. To investigate this hypothesis, MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells were cultured and exposed to supplemental estrogen. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) using DAB HRP staining was performed to detect the presence and potential enrichment of ER expression within the cell population. If supported by our findings, this study may reveal a potential mechanism for converting TNBC into ER-positive breast cancer, thereby expanding treatment possibilities through established hormone therapies and potentially improving patient outcomes.
ContributorsSerna, Amber (Author) / Maley, Carlo (Thesis director) / Richker, Harley (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2025-05
DescriptionA short puppet show and an accompanying essay to serve as commentary on the limited representation of autism in children's television.
ContributorsMcGinty, Max (Author) / Hunt, Kristin (Thesis director) / Finley, Rachel (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
My thesis proposes a permanent market for Downtown Chandler’s Farmers Market produce, ensuring year-round access to fresh, nutritious food. This initiative promotes healthier eating, strengthens ties between the community and local farmers, and supports long-term food security. By bridging producers and consumers, it fosters economic growth, enhances local culture, and provides consistent fresh ingredients for families, schools, and businesses.
ContributorsFord, Zoey (Author) / Underwood, Max (Thesis director) / Hoover, Abby (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / The Design School (Contributor) / School of Sustainable Engineering & Built Envirnmt (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
Journalists are the eyes and ears for the communities in which they serve. They don’t cover all issues and stories, however, not necessarily because of a lack of concern, but due to the lack of diverse voices that work behind-the-scenes, on-air, and serve in leadership positions in television newsrooms. This paucity of diversity plays out in many more implicit rather than explicit ways. This issue has been addressed by the theoretical framework of intersectionality, utilized as a rationale in this thesis to further develop an argument on how the absence of diversity in television newsrooms affects the entry of new diverse employees in the workplace. The thesis also analyzes microaggressions in the workplace and the factors that influence not only the hiring process but also the ability of newsrooms to retain diverse talent. Most of all, this thesis gives voice to Black female television journalists who stayed in the journalism business despite all odds and highlights their struggles as well as coping strategies for building their careers and taking it to the heights they have.
The creative element of this thesis brings the research to life, with audio and video interviews that describe the challenges and accomplishments of the 11 interviewees currently working in the industry. This thesis reviews recent and older literature to find common trends, explore the issues previously addressed, and uses the interviews to provide a current picture of the situation in television newsrooms.
Keywords: Diversity, Television News, Black Women, Journalists, Leadership, Producers, Broadcasters
The creative element of this thesis brings the research to life, with audio and video interviews that describe the challenges and accomplishments of the 11 interviewees currently working in the industry. This thesis reviews recent and older literature to find common trends, explore the issues previously addressed, and uses the interviews to provide a current picture of the situation in television newsrooms.
Keywords: Diversity, Television News, Black Women, Journalists, Leadership, Producers, Broadcasters
ContributorsStephens, Imani Christine (Author) / Chadha, Monica (Thesis director) / Sandoval, Mathew (Committee member) / Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut (Contributor) / School of Social Transformation (Contributor) / Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Comm (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05