Research was conducted from Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research, atop Baldy Mountain. These beginning studies include weather, monsoonal patterns, and environment. Atmospheric Physics applies principles of the science (physics) to study atmospheric processes (cloud formation, light scattering, energy transfer, lightning phenomena, etc.). The investigation team collected data specific to meteorology/climatology as it relates to the monsoonal flow and the effects transferred to a high-altitude mountain forest biome. Weather data (wind speed/direction, temperature, dew point, humidity, etc.) was collected throughout the study period (2022 & 2023) utilizing the AcuRite 06004M Integrated Multi-Weather Sensor augmented with data collected by the Kestrel 5500 attached to the NASA/AREN AeroKat and Kite Platform along with the High-Altitude Balloon collecting information within the troposphere and stratosphere. In-Cloud weather data was collected (2022) via the Kestrel 5500 to investigate possible subtle weather anomalies present in Cumulus-type clouds. In 2023, a proof-of-concept experiment to deploy a high-power rocket into a cumulus-type cloud was demonstrated as a precursor to fielding a radiosonde-type instrument in 2024. Evaporation experiments in a high-altitude environment were conducted as a part of last year’s study. TDS 1002B Oscilloscope, New Mexico Tech Field Mills, and a student created lightning detector was utilized to document lightning events while ensuring investigator safety. Typification of the Langmuir High-Altitude Environment also began in 2022 and continues utilizing the Cannon Rebel T5 Camera, Nikon D60 Camera, GardePro E6 remotely triggered cameras, Skybasic Microscopes, PocketLab Weather Sensor, quadrats to indicate biotic density, and botany preservation of selected specimens is ongoing.  

The Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) is a network of radio frequency antennas and receivers that are able to resolve a three-dimensional set of sources comprising a single lightning discharge. Because of the cloud-penetrating nature of radio waves, the LMA is particularly helpful for understanding lightning processes occurring in the clouds. It has been previously demonstrated that characteristics of the RF emitted by lightning "leaders" can be used to differentiate between the positively and negatively charged regions of thunderclouds. We analyzed tens of leaders occurring over a 20 minute period in a thunderstorm that occurred near Langmuir Lab on August 8th, 2023. This analysis provides us with an approximate map of the major charge centers of that thunderstorm. The storm produced an unusually large number of positive cloud to ground flashes. The charge structure we found suggests a particularly strong lower positive charge center which is consistent with more positive CGs. We present this LMA data alongside high-speed electric field and fieldmill data, to confirm the high density of positive cloud to ground flashes. We also compare this to a storm producing primarily negative flashes.  

The continual boom of space exploration presents the challenge of surviving harsh conditions beyond our atmosphere and terrestrial climates. Thus, focusing on establishing a habitable environment with sustainable food sources in the lunar environment is vital to NASA’s Artemis missions. Providing lunar settlements with food from Earth would require frequent and expensive payloads, which is infeasible for long settlement periods. Therefore, a sustainable farming method would be exceedingly beneficial. The lunar surface presents many, difficult obstacles for propagation methods, hence, our NASA MINDS team has created a hydroponics chamber that takes those conditions into consideration. This chamber creates a niche intersection between automation and botany to ultimately limit astronautic intervention while bolstering food yield. An automation system is set up to control LED light exposure and watering schedules, all while detecting changes in plant conditions. Two advantages arise from the controlled system. First, the automation saves time for the lunar settlers, so more time can be allotted to research and other settlement efforts. Second, and more notably, separate plant growth nutrients can be supplemented to enhance plant performance and growth. To prevent costly trips of fertilizers to frequently sustain the plants, nitrogen-fixing microbes are used to provide proper nitrogen levels while producing just as much development. Through these components, our chamber has yielded significant growth results thus proving a stepping stone for lunar plant propagation. 

From observations using a methane sensor mounted on the roof of Workman Center on NMT campus, there emerge clear patterns in methane concentration throughout the day. In particular, there appears to be generally higher concentration throughout the evening and night, and a lower concentration in the early afternoon. Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas most prominently found near the surface in our atmosphere. It makes up 0.00018% of the Earth’s atmosphere and is well mixed. The purpose of this project is to better understand the emission of methane from a variety of sources, including academic sources. It is possible that the measured distribution of methane might be from nocturnal sources or from local accumulation as a result of atmospheric dynamics. In order to understand these emission sources, methane observations over time in conjunction with other atmospheric data, such as wind, temperature, and other trace gas concentration data will be used to determine the properties of the local atmosphere during times of high and low methane to identify patterns and potential sources. The results of this investigation will be presented during the symposium. 

In the continuous quest to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of flight, the natural world offers a plethora of strategies and adaptations that can be harnessed in aviation technology. This review paper explores the multifaceted approaches of energy harvesting and drag reduction observed in nature, emphasizing their potential applications in modern aircraft and drone design. It delves into the study of micro and macro structures in various species, such as the drag-reducing micro-structures of riblets on bird feathers. The paper further investigates the broader morphological adaptations in birds and insects, including topics such as beak shape, coloration, flight configurations, materials, molting, and airfoil design for their contributions to aerodynamic proficiency. In addition, this review highlights various energy harvesting techniques observed in nature, such as soaring and ground effect exploitation, and their potential integration into aircraft design for improved endurance. Through a comprehensive review of these natural phenomena, this work aims to provide valuable insights for the development of innovative, eco-friendly aviation technologies, contributing to the global effort to reduce the environmental impact of air travel while improving the viability of drones in the nano to micro range. 

As a theranostic isotope, Lutetium-177 has had success simultaneously imaging and treating stage 4 prostate cancer and neuroendocrine cancers. Current production of this theranostic is expensive because it requires thermal neutron bombardment to enrich Lu-176 in a nuclear reactor. This method also requires the Lu-176 to be isotopically pure and has a low specific activity of the desired Lu-177. An alternative method is photonuclear production; however, research on this method is limited with a dearth of published results. Photonuclear production involves the creation of high energy photons from a linear accelerator, in a directed beam, that irradiate target materials. We hypothesize that the integrated reaction yield for Lu-177 produced from (g, *) reactions, with energies up to 55 MeV, on natural Hafnium targets will result in a high specific activity sample with lower production costs when compared to the alternative. Preliminary work including literature review and monte carlo simulation have suggested that Lu-177 will have a small reaction cross-section of approximately 1.3 mb, in the 20 – 30 MeV endpoint energy regime, leading to a small yield but will experience an appreciable increase in yield at energies above 40 MeV as other reaction channels become available. When experimental data is available, analysis will determine the experimental yield and integrated cross-section at these as of now undocumented energies to allow comparison between production methods, as well as provide much needed data to the experimental nuclear database. 

Spacecraft assembly cleanrooms can harbor low levels of microbial cells that have the potential to contaminate hardware designed for life-detection missions. We are evaluating epifluorescent microscopy and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) as rapid, accurate, and cost-effective methods to complement other contamination detection techniques. This study is part of a larger effort to characterize background organic contamination and the efficacy of cleaning procedures in Johnson Space Center (JSC) Astromaterials Curation Laboratories and Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) spacecraft assembly rooms. Swab samples from cleanroom surfaces were found to have 101-102 cells cm2. This low level of biomass required careful handling of the samples and regular use of blanks during each stage of sample collection and preparation. FISH was performed using general archaeal and bacterial probes, as well as some group-specific probes. While some active bacteria were identified, a large majority of them were dead or inactive and thus were difficult to identify by standard FISH, which cannot detect dead or lysed calls. These results indicated that a more sensitive form of FISH could potentially be used to better detect microbial activity. Our results are consistent with other studies showing that the bioburden in clean rooms includes active, dormant, and dead cells. We will discuss how FISH and epifluorescent cell counting could be applied in conjunction with current planetary protection protocols. 

Hydroxyapatite-based bioceramic materials are used for musculoskeletal reconstruction, due to its compositional similarities to human bone tissues. However, using hydroxyapatite in the body often leads to graft failure due to infections. Post-surgical bacterial infections on hydroxyapatite grafts is known as osteomyelitis which leads to more painful and expensive surgeries to fix the issue. The objective of this research is to dope hydroxyapatite with transition metal oxides such as CoO and MnO2 that are expected to incorporate antibacterial properties. The phase identification studies show no adverse effect as a result of doping. The fabricated grafts will be used as an alternate drug delivery vehicle with curcumin. Further investigation is underway to assess the synergistic effects of curcumin along with CoO and MnO2-doped hydroxyapatite. 

The MDLS is a research project that focuses on making efficient loitering UAVs for search and rescue, wildlife environmental monitoring, and surveillance. The primary goal of this project is to have at a minimum of five (5) UAV units that will link together to form a larger flying wing. Each unit will be able to separate from being linked, and can fly manually or autonomously. The key component of this project is the control system being developed, as well as the airframe itself. The airframe is very simple to construct, and is designed to be adapted to any mission the user has planned for it. 

Changes in ploidy, or the number of genome copies inside a cell, has profound consequences for cellular, physiological, organismal, and ecological traits of organisms. Ploidy is highly variable in plant species, ranging from diploid (two genome copies per cell) to 1440-ploid (1440 genome copies per cell), and many of our most important crops are polyploid (i.e., >2 genome copies per cell). Indeed, wild wheat species are mostly diploid, but domesticated species are entirely tetraploid (4 genome copies) or hexaploid (6 genome copies). Recent work has shown that polyploid wheat species exhibit elevated mitochondrial genome content per cell compared to diploid species, indicating that domesticated wheat may have enhanced capacity for energy production compared to its wild relatives. To test this hypothesis, we have developed qPCR-based methods to quantify nuclear and mitochondrial gene copy number and gene expression, and have developed assays of mitochondrial function in wheat leaf tissue. We plan to evaluate the relationship between mitochondrial function and plant yield in the context of a common garden experiment, with replication across benign vs. stressful temperature conditions, so as to reveal whether polyploidy contributes to robustness of energy production pathways in the face of stress. We predict that polyploid wheat will exhibit reduced mitochondrial DNA damage (a proxy for energy production inefficiencies) compared to diploid wheat when exposed to heat stress. By connecting gene expression to mitochondrial function, and, ultimately, yield, we hope to identify key genes involved in energy production that will have the largest benefit for crop improvement efforts. 

This abstract explores the development of a shape memory alloy (SMA) perching mechanism for flapping-wing drones, inspired by avian tendons. Current drone technology faces limitations in landing on challenging surfaces, hindering applications like wildlife monitoring. Leveraging the unique properties of SMA, specifically nitinol, we propose a perching mechanism that mimics the reflex motion of bird tendons during landing. The SMA wires are intricately routed down the leg, simulating the arrangement of avian tendons. Upon landing, the weight and momentum of the drone cause the SMA to contract, naturally closing the talons around the landing surface. This bioinspired approach aims to conserve energy by allowing the drone to adopt a perched position instead of continuous hovering.

The methodology involves a comprehensive study of bird landings to inform the design. A physical model, incorporating nitinol within various materials, will be constructed for testing and validation. The proposed mechanism's performance will be evaluated under various scenarios, including different landing surfaces and environmental conditions. The perching mechanism's reliability, stability, and adaptability will be assessed, ensuring robust performance in realistic scenarios. The primary objective is to integrate the perching mechanism into a flapping-wing drone, particularly one designed on a taxidermy bird platform. This integration aims to enhance the drone's ability to land on irregular surfaces, providing a nature-friendly design for wildlife monitoring. Successful implementation of the proposed mechanism is anticipated to revolutionize drone technology, offering improved landing capabilities and overall efficiency for flapping-wing drones in various applications.

With the advent of large scale survey telescopes, a cost effective followup system is apparent. Solely with the advent of the Vera C. Ruben observatory, the number of transients expected per night are on the order of 10^7. On any given night there may be as many as 10,000 every two minutes. Having a system that specializes in fast response followup observations is crucial. The Wide field infrared Kuiper belt and Exoplanet explorer telescope is being designed to fulfill the role of remote, low response time followup observation. So far the work has produced an 80mm prototype and advancements such as the development of a direct axial flux high resolution motor (DAFR) and, potential 3-D printable mounts. This 80mm testbed will be able to provide critical information about the DAFR system more specifically how it will perform under a wide variety of conditions, pointing errors, mechanical failure points, and internally generated vibrations. When the prototype is complete it will provide a background for the sensitivity of near infrared imaging in the 0.7-2.1 micron band. Work on the final 0.7 meter optical system design has shown that to satisfy the requirements of both being high resolution and wide field by using a thin removable meniscus corrector lens. When the system is being run under the subsecond wide field configuration, the thin lens would change the available flat area from 40 square arcminutes to 4 square degrees.

For amateur astronomers, getting useful science out of their observations is not straightforward due to inaccessibility of tools. Tools and practices for the general community to conduct science in a meaningful way are not readily available. Our goal is to develop an easily accessible program dedicated to night sky observation with a specialization in asteroid tracking. This will include automatic data processing and detail the procedural guidelines on efficient search methods. While building the groundwork for this project, we have experimented with manual image correction and panorama stitching, a technique that an average amateur astronomer would use uninstructed, and determined this method was inefficient for handling large data sets. As a solution, we have written a code that can automatically process data to search for any anomalous motion in astronomical images and plot the orbits of potential observed bodies.

This abstract introduces a groundbreaking approach to enhance the power generation efficiency of Mars rovers by utilizing a shape memory alloy motor, specifically nitinol. The research aims to address limitations associated with current power sources, including Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (MMRTGs), solar panels, and traditional motors. The proposed nitinol motor capitalizes on the alloy's unique ability to undergo phase changes based on temperature, converting direct sunlight into mechanical power for rover locomotion. The methodology involves scrutinizing current Mars rovers, assessing challenges linked to MMRTGs and solar panels, and exploring the relatively unexplored technology of nitinol motors. Experiments are planned using a vacuum chamber and radiant heat source to validate the nitinol motor's performance under simulated Martian conditions, comparing it with MMRTGs. The prototype design features a nitinol band wrapped around pulleys, exposed to sunlight for power generation. A planetary gear reduction mechanism converts high rotational speed to high torque for the drivetrain, with an innovative heat sink pulley incorporating spiral helix cooling fins. The experiments aim to simulate Martian conditions, assessing the nitinol motor's resilience to environmental factors. The anticipated outcomes include a lightweight and reliable motor system that could potentially extend the operational lifetimes of Mars rovers. The paper concludes with a commitment to building and testing the proposed nitinol motor prototype, contributing to the advancement of extraterrestrial exploration technology. 

The Ozone (O3) layer is a massive protector of Earth, and conserving it is crucial to our survival. Because of Ozone’s ability to absorb UV radiation, without it, the UV radiation from the sun would become highly toxic. Using satellite data, we can observe how Ozone concentration has changed per season, as well as in response to the rise in global temperatures. So, how has Ozone changed over the years? And should we be worried about Ozone depletion? We hypothesize that Ozone concentration per year has gradually decreased over the course of a decade, and that Ozone levels vary between seasons, with a higher concentration occurring during the winter. Concentration data from the OMPS satellite collected over the past ten years will be utilized to confirm or disprove this hypothesis.

Ancient sulfuric acid caves represent a unique oligotrophic environment in which only the hardiest of microbes can survive. Our lab cohort conducted a field trip to Cottonwood Cave in Eddy County, New Mexico, to investigate the cave’s underground ecosystem. Samples were collected in hopes of identifying and characterizing unique microorganisms. After successful colony growth and isolation, direct PCR was performed on cultures in order to amplify rRNA genes. The PCR products were analyzed and sequenced using the Sanger method. BLAST analysis of isolates obtained on solid growth media had more than 99.55% similarity to Mycolicibacterium, Bacillus safensis, B. pumilus and B. toyonensis, Microbacterium oryzae and Corynebacterium alkanolyticum. Our current efforts are focused on tailoring media to grow metabolically diverse microorganisms - specifically, methylotrophs and sulfur, nitrite and glucose oxidizers. Our preliminary results show that mineral samples in the cave contain a diverse microbial community, and we will also present results from ongoing enrichment efforts and culture-independent analyses.

Using data from HOBO sensors deployed during the week of February 13-19th, we are investigating how solar radiation and temperature can vary over this five day period, and how different environments such as being near a body of water affect temperature. We hypothesize that temperature will fluctuate throughout the five day period depending on the time of day and location. We also hypothesize that being near a body of water and being on a black surface (metal) will affect the temperature of that area. The purpose of the research is to understand how temperature and solar radiation can vary over a period of five days based on location and time of day. We'll present graphical temperature data from the HOBO sensors to investigate this hypothesis.