Reflection: 

This year in AP Research, I learned a lot about the differences between a Mars and Earth environment and how research surrounding their differences has developed through the years. I learned about how solar irradiance values are calculated for each of the planets and how this research was developed at NASA in the 1980s. I will use my discoveries I learned through this research as a basis or starting point for future research I conduct. I can use the variance or correlation of data that I derived from the results of my research project to conclude the effects that the light intensities I simulated had on Chlorella vulgaris. This correlation can then help determine how these results can be combined with other results to come to a new conclusion. For example, I know how light intensities impact the growth of Chlorella vulgaris, but if I also conducted research on how a low atmospheric pressure impacts the growth of C. vulgaris, then I could combine those findings to learn more about the Mars environment. Regarding the final product of my research, I learned how the final presentation was much more broad and less detailed than my final paper. The final research presentaiton product focused on understanding my research methodology, results, and impacts of my research mainly, but the reearch paper actually dove into the literature review and preliminary research associated with my research project. The oral defense also helped me understand the aspects of my presentation that I didn't quite elaborate on. I understood that I was lacking a deeper analysis of the effects of my research and I made sure to talk about that more in my paper. On a broader aspect, I understood myself more as a researcher this year. At the beginning of the year, I had totally underestimated my capacity and ability to perform the research I did. But throughout the year, I was able to work through a lot of challenges that I was sure would destroy my research project. I was able to develop into a much more experienced researcher and person. I will apply all the new things I learned to my research in any future research and projects that I do.

Acknowledgments: 

I want to thank my parents and brother for helping me through this AP Research Process firstly. Whether it be reading my AP Research Paper or helping me engineer soltuions related to the light intensity simulation problems I was having, they have always had my back throughout this year. 

I want to thank Mrs. Dobos and Mr. McBride for all their endless help and support for my AP Research Project. No matter how many challenges came my way, they helped me pick up the pieces and start again. When I was denied a lot of BioTechnology supplies this year, I wasn't sure if I could make my project work but they helped turn my project into a reality and helped me work through any challenges related to obtaining supplies for my project unconditonally. Even after helping me with all of that, they were still willing to devote their time to helping me improve my presentation skills so I could be truly successful for my AP Research presentation. 

I also want to thank a lot of other teachers whose help was integral to the success of my project. I want to thank Mr. Burrdige for all of his help with conducting and understanding my research. Without his help, my data would've had little value. I also want to thank Ms. Wills, Mrs. Reilly, and Mrs. Moss who always beleived in my research and did not hesitate to let me borrow and use their supplies for my research project. Their kindness and guidance means the world to me.

I also want to acknowledge my mentor, Professor Niederwieser at CU Boulder for all of his help and incredible insight this year! At the beginning of my project, I had never done a project related to Bioastronautics before, and now I feel like I learned so much. My mentor helped define my research project and understand Biotechnology. He gave me insight on supplies that I would need for this project and work through possible errors that could occur. Whenever any questions would arise in my project, he was always ready to help me through prompt responses and expert answers. His professional insight meant a lot to me regarding my project, but the most important thing to me were his kind words of encouragement and the patience he explained so many advanced concepts to me with.

Lastly, I want to thank all my friends who practiced my presentation with me over and over again, and read every word of my paper to help me improve so much. When I would tell them about any problems related to my research project they didn't just offer support but were always quick at helping me come up with solutions. They asked themselves not just what I can do but also what they can do to help me. 

I truly do not know where my research project would've been without all these AMAZING people! 

My project!!

Abstract: Chlorella vulgaris has been commonly as a nutritional supplement. It contains many nutrients and vitamins that provide benefits boosting health. This study examined the effect of differing light intensities of a Mars vs Earth simulated environment on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris. It was hypothesized that the Earth environment would have significantly higher growth than a Mars environment. Research supporting this hypothesis could lead to further studies in the use of Chlorella vulgaris as a Bioregenerative Life Support System. 25 mL of samples were placed under the respective light intensities for a two week testing period. Data was quantified through total cell count values. Results indicated that the Earth environment had more growth than the Mars environment. Two-sample t-tests indicated statistical insignificance for each comparison with a p-value of less than 0.0001. Through statistical analysis, it can be concluded that the Earth environment had significantly higher growth than the Mars envrionment.

Link to research paper: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jf1heHVC9skjH-TWkFEXfKVvLbCN1YqCAC3lVUCA_lE/edit?usp=sharing

Link to research presentation: https://canva.link/kfhcjn5giwxbvzl

In the future I will be studying Aerospace Engineering at CU Boulder and I hope to expand on the research that I did this year at CU as well!