This study evaluates the structural integrity of reinforced concrete by comparing the mechanical properties of steel and fiberglass rebar. The primary objective is to assess the differences in material performance, performing compressive and flexural tests to quantify the ductility, load-bearing capacity, and durability of each rebar type under stress. The expected outcome is to determine the viability of fiberglass rebar as an effective alternative to traditional steel, particularly in terms of its mechanical performance and long-term reliability.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery and bioimaging due to their nanoscale size, water solubility, biocompatibility, and fluorescence properties. When functionalized, they enable both therapeutic delivery and real-time tracking in biological systems. This study focuses on the engineering of an optical system designed to cost effectively perform ex vivo spectra collection of GQDs. We utilized a bifurcated fiber optic cable connected to a laser and spectrometer, enabling simultaneous excitation and signal collection through a single optical path. Because excitation and collection occurred at the same angle rather than the conventional 90-degree configuration, a high optical density 840 nm long pass emission filter is utilized to optimize signal collection and minimize scattering. The system's cheap and easy to build design offers a streamlined method for studying nanomaterial-based therapeutics, providing a foundation for future advancements in biomedical imaging.

This study aims to educate participants about the formation and significance of grain structures in metals, focusing on the processes by which grains form and how these structures influence material properties. Using 1018 steel (low-carbon), 1045 steel (medium-carbon), 1080 steel (medium-carbon), ductile and grey cast iron, and PbSn (lead-tin) samples, 18 teams explored the random formation of grain structures through a series of preparatory steps, including mounting, grinding, polishing, etching, and hardness testing. Each team examined their samples at four magnifications to identify microstructural features and measure grain size using two different methods. In addition to the technical analysis, the teams focused on uncovering the artistic patterns that emerge from the randomness of grain formation. The study will highlight the art found in these naturally occurring structures, demonstrating how materials science and art intersect. By the end, participants gain an understanding of grain theory and microstructural analysis while also developing an appreciation for the unexpected artistic forms created by these random processes in materials like steel, cast iron, and lead-tin alloys.

Microclimates, which refer to the localized atmospheric conditions within small-scale environments, can be influenced by a variety of factors such as vegetation, topography, and human activity. One of the key elements that affect microclimates is the type of canopy cover present in an area. Open areas, where there is little vegetation and more exposure to the elements, often experience different conditions compared to areas with dense canopy cover, where the vegetation provides more shelter and shade. Understanding the differences in microclimatic conditions between these two types of environments helps us understand how these environmental conditions affect people, plants, and animals. The purpose of this study is to explore how microclimates vary between open areas and areas with closed canopy cover, focusing on factors such as temperature, humidity, and NDVI to better understand how canopy cover influences environmental conditions.

Increases in city size and frequency have correspondingly led to increases in Urban Heat Island (UHI) strength and frequency. These urban heat islands have had serious implications for both children’s health and education. One widely accepted UHI mitigation strategy is green spaces. However, these have mainly been studied in the context of parks. This study aims to fill in a necessary gap of knowledge by studying the effect of green spaces at elementary schools. This was done by looking at the percentage of tree coverage at 273 public elementary schools in Tarrant County and comparing them to the Land Surface Temperatures (LSTs) of those schools. Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS Pro, and Google Spreadsheets were the three main software systems used to accomplish this. This study found that the percentage canopy cover and LST were inversely proportional at elementary schools in Tarrant County. It also found that other factors apart from trees effect LST.