Space resource management is an emerging field attracting both commercial and academic interest due to increased engagement in space exploration, presence in space, and technological advancements. Space resource management is multifaceted as it involves the infrastructural aspects of utilizing resources in space, making it crucial as humanity extends into outer space. This study reviews key aspects of space resource management as well as their current state in terms of research, policies, and industrial activities. It aims to identify the major challenges in methods, legal frameworks, sustainability, and international collaboration. Based on current research and projects, suggestions will be made on scaling up the utilization of space resources. Reviewing eight key areas of growing interest, we find that engineering advances and sustainable practices are vital for long-term space exploration and resource utilization. International communication and collaboration should be highly prioritized in moving forward with space activities, as the legality of many actions in space is beyond national jurisdictions. The economy of recreational and commercial activities in outer space is promising and is undoubtedly part of our future, with potential revenues reaching billions of dollars and growing for industries such as space tourism. This research provides a comprehensive overview of the future of resource management in space and outlines the next steps to optimize resource exploration and utilization in space.

Piezoelectric materials convert mechanical stress into electrical potential on its surface. This is caused by polarized grain boundaries within the material, when the stress is applied the boundaries shift in such a way that voltage is produced. These materials have vast applications in sensors and energy harvesting. The purpose of this project is to analyze the effect of space environments on piezoelectric materials. Piezoelectric materials have material constants that determine their behaviour in space. An electromechanical impedance measurement methodology is applied to material samples. The impedance of the materials is used to determine the constants associated with the material before and after the samples are sent to space. It is anticipated that the space environment will have a significant effect on the material's conditions and performance. We consider extreme temperatures or acute radiation to be the factors most influencing material deterioration in space. A better understanding of how the conditions in space affect piezoelectric materials will allow for preventive measures to be taken. In this way, conditions when the materials lose their functionality are avoided. If the conditions can not be prevented, then the decline in effectiveness can be accounted for in the engineering process.

ATP synthase is an essential process that plays a crucial role in cellular energy production. It is responsible for synthesizing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's primary energy currency. ATP powers a wide range of cellular processes, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and protein synthesis. ATP synthase is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it harnesses the energy from a proton gradient to drive the synthesis of ATP. The proton gradient is created by the electron transport chain, a series of protein complexes that transfer electrons from one molecule to another, releasing energy in the process. The energy stored in the proton gradient is used by ATP synthase to rotate a molecular rotor, which in turn drives the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. Defects in ATP synthase can lead to a variety of diseases, including mitochondrial diseases, which are characterized by muscle weakness, fatigue, and other symptoms. These diseases are caused by mutations in the genes that encode the subunits of ATP synthase. One such mutation that exists is found in the FO domain, in which glycine is mutated to glutamate. This mutation causes massive inner cardiac infarction after patients with this mutation suffer a major heart attack. The importance of ATP synthase cannot be overstated, and the characterization of these mutations is crucial when it comes to understanding how these mutations can impact biological systems.

The application of drone technology has been around for many years and continues to evolve as technology advances, only being limited by the resources available. Leaf-inspired aircrafts have been around for many years, but with the technology available today and in the future, creates an opportunity to delve deeper into the biomimicry of nature for drone design. Using ecological and technological resources brings the idea of leaf-inspired drones, which can be used in unique ways such as planetary exploration, wildlife monitoring, and many more applications. Studying the unique characteristics of plants around the globe creates an understanding of the aerodynamic characteristic's plants have evolved to thrive in their environments. By harnessing this knowledge and combining it with innovative engineering, the development of a drone that can mimic nature's efficient designs and operate in harmony with the environment can potentially revolutionize aerial technology. Additionally, drawing inspiration from nature enhances sustainability, resilience, and innovation, while providing valuable educational opportunities for future generations. The endless shapes, sizes, and dispersal mechanisms of plants around the globe can help optimize the most efficient drone design for certain applications. Not only will this help further the knowledge of nature, but it can also be beneficial in reducing the ecological footprint caused by aerial technology. By promoting the development of environmentally friendly drone designs, the integration of biomimicry principles can lead to more sustainable practices in the field of aviation.

Robots for exploring high hazard areas have been in high demand. With this robot application, extreme terrain accessibility and robotic control are important to traversing unknown areas. Rover exploration has addressed this issue through advanced suspension, joints, and navigation systems akin to the Perseverance rover on Mars. This project will study the optimization of navigation and drive systems on a prototype rover. The rover uses a rocker-bogie suspension system to maintain stability and contact with the ground on all six wheels through extreme terrain. A large majority of the rover is 3D printed so parts can be rapidly manufactured . This allows for easy implementation of upgrades and repairs to the rover. The Mechanical Engineering outreach program utilizes this project to allow high school students to build the rovers. The current robot has no navigation system, but is manually controlled using a drone remote and VR headset with a camera mounted to the robot, so that it can be operated from a distance. Future improvements of this system will include an autonomous navigation system and a capable and precise drive system. The long term performance goal of the rover is to scale obstacles larger than its wheels using alternate actuation systems and navigate itself to a preset destination, while gathering data. These improved capabilities will allow for greater insight into solutions for traversing extreme terrain. The intention is to eventually facilitate testing for rovers capable of exploring hostile environments on earth or other planets.

Recycled concrete fines (RCF) may be a good alternative to sand in concrete by improving strength, diverting waste away from landfills, and reducing ecological impact from sand harvesting. For this research, old concrete was crushed and sieved to control the size of the particles and match that of regular sand. These particles replaced the sand in new concrete in intervals of 25% from 0%-100% recycled particles. The new concrete was tested in compression at cure times of 7, 14, and 28 days. Each composition except composition 5 (100% RCF) increased in strength from the first test to the last. C5 was also the only composition with RCF to have a strength below the control at any point in testing. The samples generally had a type 5 or 6 failure, meaning chips broke off the sides of the cylinder towards the top or bottom ends. In general, the results match data from literature that indicates a strength increase with increasing RCF percentages, but higher percentages begin to decrease in strength. Our sample failures were most likely due to slanted sample ends so the pressure was not evenly distributed. This project has been funded by New Mexico Tech’s Green and Sustainable Engineering Design Fund, which we would like to thank for their support.

The production and disposal of tires may result in the emission of harmful fumes, including SO2, CO, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. Additionally, the decomposition of tires can take up to 80 years. These effects lead to many health hazards that can, in the worst cases, be fatal. Rubber latex, serving as a substitute for natural rubber, is used as the rubber matrix in this project. The solid fillers utilized consist of a combination of zinc and starch, or cellulose. Solid fillers are to be incorporated at mass percentages of 5, 10, and 15 to compare variations in strength and hardness in comparison to the control values of rubber latex. This project aims to address these issues by developing a sustainable material for tire use. The research involves conducting experiments to examine the degradation of the rubber matrix in acidic conditions, as well as assessing tensile strength, shore A hardness, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, the obtained tensile strength and hardness values are to be compared to industry standards as a way to evaluate the suitability of the tested materials for industrial applications. The addition of fillers is anticipated to enhance the hardness and tensile properties of the tested rubber materials. In an acidic environment, the degradation of the rubber matrix will be represented by a plot showing mass loss over time. 

The purpose of this study is to compare the atmospheric soundings in different cities and identify similarities and differences in temperatures and weather. Our hypothesis is that Socorro experiences weather similar to Albuquerque and El Paso. By comparing these urban regions, we aim to identify the similarities and differences in the weather patterns as recorded by weather balloons launched to measure pressure, humidity, temperature, and wind. In our Atmospheric Measurements Lab, we launched two weather balloons (one white and one black) into the stratosphere. Despite challenging conditions characterized by strong

winds and cloud cover, the white balloon consistently provided atmospheric data for this experiment. The black balloon, launched under clear skies with minimal wind resistance, exhibited a faster ascent with similar data. We compare the atmospheric conditions of the two balloons

with each other and with soundings from Albuquerque and El Paso to determine variations in data and weather.

Super Smash Bros. is an immensely popular game franchise that allows players to embody their favorite Nintendo video game characters and settle the age-old playground question of ‘who would win in a fight?’ Characters in the game feature a wide variety of aesthetic designs, ranging from human-in-appearance to anthropomorphic. Existing research suggests that players tend to relate more closely to characters that resemble humans, enhancing their identification with them. This study delves into the relationship between design and win rates of top-level competitive Super Smash Bros. Ultimate players, aiming to discern any connection between character identification and performance. This avenue of research is relatively novel, lacking prior empirical data for reference. Nonetheless, past studies imply that a stronger bond between the player and their character may lead to enhanced competitive outcomes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, video games and video game culture experienced rapid growth in popularity. This surge, coupled with the stay-at-home measures enforced by the pandemic, led to a more favorable perception of video games, particularly at an individual level. This project aims to extend the research on the impact of COVID-19 on video games by examining the discourse surrounding the medium – specifically, news articles concerning video games before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States (US). We anticipate that the coverage of video games in these articles will incorporate a higher level of nuance since the onset of COVID-19. The news articles will be categorized into three distinct groups: articles addressing the effects of video games on mental health, articles associating video games with violence, and articles discussing the educational use of video games. The project will employ integrative complexity – a psycholinguistic variable that has previously been used to study the topics of news media and video games – to compare articles published before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis will facilitate the determination of whether the language used in these articles has shifted towards more complex or simplistic rhetoric on video games since the pandemic, providing insight into potential societal shifts in how the medium is viewed and discussed. 

The video gaming industry has experienced rapid growth and has become an integral part of contemporary culture. A significant portion of the industry's revenue is generated through in-app purchases in free-to-play games; previous research suggests a social benefit to the inclusion of in-app purchases, particularly concerning character customization options, which enhance the longevity of video games. Additionally, studies have identified a relationship between players' in-game social status and the monetary value of their cosmetic items. Expanding this prior scholarship, this study examines a comprehensive dataset of popular multiplayer games listed on the Steam Database platform. Each game's longevity is assessed through an analysis of its monthly player base, and games are categorized based on whether they offer in-app purchases and other independent variables. These variables are then analyzed to determine whether in-app purchases meaningfully contribute to the longevity of multiplayer video games. The findings shed light on the social impact of character customization and other in-app purchases on game longevity.

The Pokémon video game series started in 1996 with the launch of Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, this ongoing franchise of games immerses players in the vibrant Pokémon universe, where they assume the role of Pokémon Trainers and embark on a journey to capture and train the titular creatures. The series is structured into generations, each unveiling new regions, Pokémon species, and gameplay elements, often coinciding with the introduction of new handheld consoles. With each new game release, there's an opportunity to enhance sales by tweaking various elements such as catch rates, creating an environment that seemingly produces continual engagement and enjoyment for players. This study delves into the evolution of the Pokémon franchise, focusing specifically on the relationship between catch rates and the popularity of individual Pokémon; while catch rates fall under the purview of the developers at Game Freak, popularity is the domain of fans and players. Thus, this study provides insight into the interplay between developers and gamers in the maintenance and continuation of long running video game franchises.

Concrete, one of the most widely used building materials, has two large drawbacks: first is the negative environmental effects of producing cement, and second the material limitation of non-reinforced concrete. While non-reinforced concrete can withstand large compressive loads, its capacity to withstand tensile loading is much lower. The goal of this project is to use a recycled fiberglass insulation material additive in our concrete mix design to produce a concrete sample with an improved tensile strength, without compromising the compressive strength of our sample. This fiber-reinforced concrete would have the benefit of being a viable option, in cases where traditional steel-reinforced concrete is not. To test the effects of our fiberglass additive we prepared three concrete cylinders. Using a standard high-strength concrete mix in addition to our fiberglass material. We tested the compressive strength of two cylinders and the tensile strength of one cylinder. We found that the recycled fiberglass insulation additive increased the tensile strength of the concrete. This Research indicates that the use of recycled fiberglass insulation in concrete could not only reduce the carbon footprint of concrete but also result in a more versatile non-reinforced concrete, capable of use in complex formwork where the use of reinforced concrete is not possible.

Ionized jets are an essential component in understanding the formation of massive stars. Molecular flows from high-mass protostellar disks via ionized jets may help confirm the theory that high-mass stars form in a more advanced version of disk accretion that is known to form low-mass stars. In order to further the theory of high-mass star formation, we observed five molecular tracers toward 23 high-mass star-forming regions with the Karl G. Janksy Very Large Array (VLA). The observations occurred in A-array, the telescope’s largest configuration, to give the required resolution for maser emission in the VLA’s K-band (18.5–26 GHz). My work is to reduce the VLA observations and determine if there are detectable masers associated with each of the 23 sources. Two transitions are particularly interesting: the ammonia (NH3) 3–3 and 6–6 inversion states. We are currently unsure if they provide maser or thermal emission. I have worked extensively on reducing the observations of these transitions toward the source G34.43+00.24mm2, which has known detections of the NH3 7–7 inversion transition, to determine which type of emission is present. Our current thinking is that the ammonia detections near G34.43+00.24mm2 are thermal emissions. Data reduction has begun for the other 22 sources, and we expect to detect more thermal and perhaps maser emissions. Results from these investigations will be presented.

Hydroxyapatite-based bioceramic materials are utilized for the musculoskeletal reconstruction, as a bioactive ceramic material due to their compositional similarities to human hard tissues and to the mineral component of bone. However, the limitated bioactivity of hydroxyapatite is a serious concern when it comes to bone grafting, as it often leads to graft failure. Additionally, post-surgical bacterial infection on hydroxyapatite graft causes osteomyelitis, an inflammation of bone tissue that is usually the result of an infection that needs to be rectified with costlier and more painful revision surgery. The objective of this research is to use transition metal oxides such as ZnO and MgO as dopants, that are expected to incorporate antibacterial properties. The phase identification studies show successful fabrication of doped hydroxyapatite. The fabricated grafts will be used as an alternate drug delivery vehicle with Tannic acid (from tea). To evaluate the synergistic effects of tannic acid in conjunction with ZnO and MgO-doped hydroxyapatite, more research is being conducted.

There is sufficient evidence that cybersickness varies among clinical definitions of motion-induced sicknesses. It is theorized that physiological auditory and visual mechanisms are misaligned when the vestibular system reads anatomical cues of rest while the visual system reads cues of motion onset by computer screens and virtual reality headsets. The neurological confusion in physiological response leads to a motion-like sickness known as cyber sickness. Oculomotor symptoms of fatigue, eye strain, and headaches combined with vertigo and disorientation lead to reduced physiologic condition if persist long-term. Today, VR headsets are used in a variety of environments including underground mine search and rescue training. purposes. Therefore, the aim of this study is to bring clarity to this condition specifically in the interaction of humans, robotics, and VR. It was theorized that the degree of cybersickness would be reduced if the subject’s physical movements were better matched with the visual and auditory stimulation, they received by means of using an omnidirectional treadmill to implement the free movement. This was determined to be supported as subjects post physiological state as measured on a self-report scale of symptoms adapted from Kennedy, Robert S., et al. "Simulator sickness questionnaire in comparison with vital signs measured reported decreased severity of symptoms in the treadmill group as compared to the stationary group of subjects after statistical analysis.

Topology optimization methods can significantly enhance the design process for 3D-printed components by determining the optimal material distribution within a particular design area to satisfy predefined performance objectives and limits. By employing computational algorithms to iteratively remove unnecessary material, these optimization techniques provide lightweight yet structurally sound designs that maximize stiffness, decrease compliance, or meet special multi-objective functions. Although additive manufacturing methods like 3D printing can subsequently create the necessary topologically optimum geometries, their forms are often complex and counterintuitive. The limitations imposed by conventional production processes can be overcome by combining topology optimization and 3D printing to develop high-performance components that are tailored to match specific applications. Topology optimization, thus, is a powerful computer-aided engineering technique that makes it possible for 3D printing to generate optimal, practical components for a range of industries, including aerospace and biomedical.

New Mexico Tech is home to the Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research (Langmuir) and the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMTRC), two unique state-of-the-art research facilities. This project involves a collaboration to study atmospheric conditions related to shock wave propagation in air in the vicinity of (controlled) explosions. My specific role in the project involves the preparation, launch and meteorological data acquisition from weather balloon platforms. The sample period will run from May through August of 2024; and will involve 30-to-40 balloon launches at various times and locations on the grounds of EMRTC specified by the project leader, Richard Sonnenfeld, director of Langmuir. These launches will require that I drive to specified EMRTC sites to prepare and deploy balloon platforms; with data acquisition being done on site with related (mobile ready) computer hardware and software. Data acquired will then be filtered and subsequently securely shared with project researchers at EMRTC for use in shock wave propagation modeling studies. In my forthcoming poster, I will highlight the steps required to prepare, launch and acquire data from these balloons. These steps will also involve a closer look at the software and hardware required to perform these duties. The goal of my poster is to highlight research being done at Langmuir as well as providing a means for exploration for others who might be interested in doing similar research.

Polyploidy is a condition in which an organism possesses more than two copies of its genome as a result of undergoing a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event. WGD is common in plants (especially crops) and has significant consequences at the genetic, cellular, and organismal levels. Doubling of the nuclear genome is also expected to perturb the essential cellular processes of photosynthesis and respiration. These crucial biochemical processes responsible for energy production rely upon intimate interactions between the nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial genomes. However, as the chloroplast and mitochondria genomes do not double along with the nuclear genome, the genetic interactions critical for respiration and photosynthesis are expected to be disrupted in polyploids, resulting in imbalances. The consequences of this imbalance on respiration and photosynthesis have not been evaluated; however, the effects are likely to impact vital plant traits and attributes, such as yield. To characterize these consequences of altered nuclear-chloroplast stoichiometry, we designed a common garden experiment to measure photosynthetic activity and quantify DNA and RNA in diploid and synthetic tetraploid Arabidopsis thaliana. The results of this work will have major implications for our understanding of the genetics of photosynthesis, which is a major target of crop improvement efforts.

This research aims to develop station-keeping capabilities for high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) in dynamic wind conditions through the implementation of Model Predictive Control (MPC). HAPSs, utilized in broadband communication and surveillance missions, face challenges in maintaining position due to delayed control responses and underactuated dynamics. The proposed solution addresses these issues by optimally determining control inputs that ensure location maintenance.

MPC is based on convex optimization, a field of mathematics concerned with minimizing convex problems. Control laws for systems can be generated through the formulation of a convex optimization problem. The intersection between control theory and convex optimization enables the creation of optimal solutions given system constraints. In other words, an MPC controller produces the optimal solution given constraints. As the name suggests, an MPC predicts the optimal control trajectory and future state of the system given previous data, a concept termed receding horizon control.

We use dynamic models to simulate the behavior of the HAPS in the stratosphere subject to unsteady winds. We implement the MPC in line with the HAPS simulator. This work directly supports active HAPS research and launches. A well-tuned MPC controller is paramount for long-duration missions and energy conservation, which are hallmarks of HAPS.

Lightning detection from a geostationary orbit is a relatively new tactic used to study lightning from space. The most recent and reliable data of this sort are from the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM). To investigate what lightning processes can be detected from space, a comparative analysis was conducted between GLM detections and two ground-base lightning detection techniques. The GLM is a sensor placed on the GOES-16 satellite used to continuously observe lightning over the western hemisphere and to support expanded detection of environmental phenomena. To verify GLM’s detections for positive cloud to ground (+CG), negative cloud to ground (-CG) and intracloud (IC) lighting flashes, its data was compared to that recorded by lightning electric field instruments and the Lightning Mapper Array (LMA). The electric field instruments were located on the roof of the Workman building on the NMT campus and the LMA is a sophisticated network of sensors designed to detect and locate lightning in three dimensions with high precision. We compared GLM detections to LMA source altitude as well as identified the different types of lightning based on the lightning electric field signature. Our preliminary results show that each data collection system has its preference for which type of lightning it detects the best although all systems collect data for all types of lighting.

Lithium Zirconate is a recyclable solid-state electrolyte commonly used when doped with substitute electrolytes such as halides. However, the use of Lithium Zirconate itself for its conductivity has seldom been researched. The preparation of pure lithium zirconate has included high-temperature sintering, as shown in previous literature by researchers at the National University of La Plata in Argentina. This has resulted in lithium loss and decreased conductivity. With pressurized, low-temperature sintering, our work focuses on the effects of low-temperature sintering on its conductivity. We acknowledge the New Mexico Tech's Green and Sustainable Engineering Design Fund.

Creating a brain tissue surrogate allows for investigation of damaging mechanisms in traumatic brain injuries. Polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogels can mimic brain tissue properties but can have surface aberrations causing particle blur. This results in low-quality analysis in digital image correlation (DIC) which visualizes strain during hydrogel shear deformation. Since hydrogels polymerize smoothly on stiff surfaces, integrating glass slides could result in limited surface aberrations compared to polymerizing against polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). PDMS gaskets were placed between glass slides for hydrogel polymerization. Midplane hydrogels contained silicon dioxide particles at their midplane, and surface hydrogels were speckled with black acrylic paint. DIC was performed on optical frames of deformed gels (1024 x 1024 resolution) with a subset of 21 pixels, step of 7 pixels, and strain window of 9 pixels. These parameters create a virtual strain gauge of 85 pixels over a region of interest (400 pixels2) which provided 2916 data points. Hydrogels polymerized against glass with surface and midplane patterns lost 0% and 0.14% of the data points compared to 1.37% and 41.35% in the PDMS condition. The loss is supported by DIC error output which describes the average confidence margin. Hydrogels polymerized against glass slides created lower average error values, 0.013 for surface and 0.015 for midplane, than their PDMS counterpart, 0.017 for surface and 0.027 for midplane. Decreases in data loss and error under constant DIC parameters reveal hydrogels that polymerize against stiff surfaces improves speckle pattern application allowing for higher spatial resolution analysis.

Drug-resistant bacteria are an emerging issue with severe consequences for human health.  Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria.  By using the lytic or cell-killing properties of viruses, bacteriophages can be used to treat drug-resistant bacterial infections.  Phages are abundant and relatively unexplored, providing a plethora of untapped potential.  In previous research, we isolated and characterized the novel phage Sp19 from the Socorro Wastewater Treatment Plant influent.  Sp19 infects and lyzes several strains of drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and therefore may be a possible therapeutic agent.  Throughout this process, we learned that novel phage isolation and characterization produces a plethora of data in the form of number and appearance of plaques growing on petri dishes.  Plaques are clear circles present on bacterial petri dishes that show that a virus has infected and killed the bacterial cells in the area.  However, the counting of plaques is tedious and time consuming.  Furthermore, analyzing the morphology or appearance of the plaques is subjective.  For example, the opacity of a plaque describes whether the virus is lytic (and therefore kills the cell it infects) or turbid (instead hibernating in the infected cell).  Therefore, we will create a piece of software that automates the tedious task of counting and analyzing the viral plaques on a petri dish.  Through the use of Python and programming libraries such as OpenCV, this software tool will be able to count the number of plaques on a plate, as well as determine the average size and opacity of a plaque.