Research Projects 2024

Available Research Projects in 2024

The following list serves as examples of the range of research opportunities in the REU site activities for 2024. The final selection of research activities allocated to participants will be determined by the participants' preferences and the availability of faculty mentors.

1. Exploring Machine Learning for Terrain Feature Classification

In this NSF REU project, students will delve into the world of terrain feature classification using machine learning. Participants will explore various classification techniques, such as decision trees, support vector machines, and neural networks, to analyze topographical and terrain data. Throughout the summer, students will investigate the strengths and limitations of different algorithms that may be used for accurate terrain feature classification. This hands-on experience will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of applying machine learning to geospatial analysis, contributing to advancements in autonomous systems and landscape mapping.

2. Geospatial Applications for Sensors and Subterranean Structures

Explore the innovative realm of geospatial technology in our research project, dedicated to mapping sensors and subterranean structures. Employing advanced drone technology, we'll capture data from geophysical sensors to facilitate rapid mapping of subsurface features. Additionally, you'll venture into the depths with handheld LiDAR, revealing intricate details of subterranean structures at Marshall's MUSCRAT Park. Throughout this research experience, you'll delve into UAVs, LiDAR technology, ground surveying techniques, and GPS systems, equipping yourself with a comprehensive understanding of modern mapping methodologies and tools.

3. The synthesis of carbon nanomaterials from food waste

Food waste is mostly organic and carbon-rich, so it is a valuable resource that can be recycled and recovered. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a thermochemical process that converts biomass into a liquid product and a solid material called hydrochar. The proposed research will explore the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials from food waste that are locally obtained on Marshall’s campus. Figure 1 shows the schematic diagram of the proposed laboratory scale experiments. These carbon nanomaterials can be used for water treatment or other engineering applications. With the assistance of the faculty mentor, the participant will learn using analytical instruments in the laboratory. The participants will collect samples, run analytical instruments, and disseminate research findings. The participants could work independently and/or as a group with other students.

4. Integrating Terrain Data for Climate-Responsive Urban Planning

The primary focus of this NSF REU project is on understanding how terrain features may influence the design of climate-resilient infrastructure, contributing to effective urban planning strategies. Through hands-on activities during the summer, students will gain practical skills in how to leverage terrain data for adaptive urban development, potentially mitigating climate-related risks in a region. This immersive experience not only fosters a nuanced understanding of the interplay between terrain features and urban resilience but also prepares participants to make tangible contributions to the broader discourse on sustainable urban development in the face of climate challenges.

5. Fire Safety of 3D-printed Biopolymer Nanocomposites

3D printing of polymers has enabled the customized fabrication of objects with complex geometries and functionalities, because of their facile processability and reasonable cost. However, in most cases, the facile processability of polymers is at the cost of their low thermal stability and high flammability, especially those biopolymers, such as poly (lactic acid) (PLA), which is one of the most common feedstocks for fused filament fabrication (FFF). The proliferation of 3D printing in general, and FFF in particular, has largely ignored the inherent flammability of these biopolymers, which can start fires to cause considerable property damage and put lives at risk. Literature is very scarce on the use of polymer nanocomposites for 3D printing applications to reduce their flammability hazards and improve their fire safety, although polymer nanocomposites have demonstrated great potential as flame-retardant materials and possess high thermal stability in bulk polymers manufactured using thermocompression. To fill this gap and pave the way for developing performance-efficient and cost-effective flame-retardant biopolymer composites for 3D printing applications, this project will systematically study the ignition and combustion behaviors of different types of 3D-printed PLA nanocomposites with FFF and advance the fundamental understanding of heat and mass transfer behaviors in the anisotropic condensed phase under well-controlled fire conditions. In this current stage, the work will focus on the 3D printing of biopolymer nanocomposites using FF, such as process parameter optimization and material characterization.

6. Automated Rail Inspection Using Computer Vision

This project aims to revolutionize rail inspection by introducing an advanced automated Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system, leveraging cutting-edge video analytics and computer vision technology. The project’s primary focus is to eliminate manual visual inspections performed by rail engineers and replace them with a highly efficient and accurate automated solution. The methodology includes the development of intelligent models capable of processing visual feed or video inputs. These models will go beyond mere video analysis by automatically identifying relevant clips within the video sequences and detecting the presence of defects with exceptional precision. 

7. Water Decolorization Using Azo-Dye Functionalized Polycarbonate Membranes

The textile industry is a vital component in our modern-day society with many facets including the manufacturing and dying of fabrics to make the clothing society wears. Recent literature has suggested that 2.8 x 10^5 tons of the 7 x 10^5 tons of synthetic textile dyes produced annually are discharged into the environment each year. Recent research has shown that when certain anionic azo dyes are used in a functionalization process involving porous polycarbonate commercial filters, the resulting functionalized filters can be used to effectively remove nearly all the colored textile dye pollutants of the same dye at lower concentrations, leaving behind water that is up 96.4 % free of that specific textile dye. The proposed research will explore the potential of several untested anionic azo dyes to be used as agents in the functionalization process. Alongside the faculty mentor, the participant will get hands-on training in the laboratory, collect flowrate samples, perform ultraviolet visible light spectroscopy on samples, and present findings when possible.

8. West Virginia Climate Pollution Reduction Plan

This research focuses on the assessment of methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gas emissions in West Virginia, targeting reduction goals for commercial and residential buildings, agricultural sources, and others. Key research objectives include conducting an inventory analysis to identify emission sources, evaluating their impact, and prioritizing them. A literature review will compare regulations and measures from other states, assessing measurement methods and data accuracy. The research will contribute to existing work on mitigation strategies, evaluating their feasibility and cost-effectiveness. Economic analysis will delve into the financial aspects, considering upfront costs, potential savings, and impacts on disadvantaged communities. The final task involves developing a comprehensive plan with short-term and long-term reduction goals for methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gas emissions in West Virginia based on prior research findings.