Texas Instruments is developing a new micro-optical-electro-mechanical device called phase light modulator (PLM). The TCU senior design team developed a robust testing system that can expose 20 PLM devices to different light sources with the capability of monitoring the temperature and light intensity at each device location. The system design and construction of the testing system will be presented. In addition, the selection and operation of LEDs, temperature and light sensors, as well as the optical components that are needed for the light source and sensors will be discussed.

This research assesses the relationship between income per capita and the amount of maintenance received for the major roads across the State of Texas. Relevant datasets and analysis techniques such as demographic (census data), population density (distribution), road network, maintenance records, etc. will be carried out using ArcGIS Pro software. A series of maps highlighting analysis results derived based on the various parameters will be produced to provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between the variables, if any, that would be useful for future decision-making.

Trees provide an array of benefits to urban communities, such as oxygen production, flood mitigation, air pollution reduction, increased property value, cooling effects, and cultural services. Tree distribution, however, varies across cities, impacting the delivery of these services from neighborhood to neighborhood. Research has shown that low-income neighborhoods are more likely to have less trees than wealthier neighborhoods, leaving these neighborhoods more vulnerable to health impacts, such as heat-related and respiratory illnesses. The purpose of this study is to analyze tree canopy cover in relation to a set of demographic variables at the US Census block group level to understand if inequities exist in Fort Worth, Texas. We used a geographic information system (GIS) to assess the extent to which age, race, income, and housing characteristics are related to tree canopy. We conducted a correlation analysis between percent canopy cover and the demographic variables. Preliminary results suggest that majority minority and low-income block groups possess less canopy cover than predominantly white, higher-income areas in Fort Worth.

The present study is aimed at comparing the annual income per household to amenities in districts within the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. Several datasets and analysis results including the spatial distribution of public and private schools, school ratings, proximity to health facilities, parks, and other government provided services will be combined to investigate the research question. Some of the data analysis techniques that will be implemented using ArcGIS Pro include creating buffer zones which act as visual guides to better demonstrate comparisons and communicate the findings in an interactive way.

Each year, as much as 40 percent of food produced in the United States is wasted by producers or consumers. When food waste is sent to landfills, it competes for limited space and generates the greenhouse gas methane. Globally, food loss and waste represent 8 percent of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Restaurants are known to be a contributor to food waste, both in the kitchen and from consumers. The purpose of this research is to examine food recovery efforts of restaurants in Fort Worth. We sent a survey to 371 restaurants in Fort Worth asking about their food waste management practices. The survey was designed to document restaurants’ current food waste practices, interest in food donation and composting programs, and business characteristics. We analyzed the responses through descriptive statistics and other statistical methods to evaluate how practices varied by business demographics and type of establishment. From this survey, we discovered local barriers to food recovery and from these, we suggest forms of outreach or programming that would help restaurants to reduce food waste. We also used responses to identify and map ideal food waste drop-off locations for restaurants that the city could use to plan recovery efforts.