Computational and experimental studies reveal a role for airframe configuration in insect flight control Daniel Lab at University of Washington
Images and videos under construction. Will update soon!
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My thesis was centered around determining the role of abdominal flexion in insect flight maneuverability and flight control. I developed an inertial dynamics model was developed to simulate the motion of a moth tracking a vertically oscillating stimulus. I used Monte Carlo methods to randomize the control inputs. I experimentally measured various material properties (body length, weight, torsional stiffness and torsional damping) as model parameter inputs. In collaboration with other labmates (Tanvi Deora and Mahad Ahmed), we found that restriction of abdominal movement yielded poorer flight performance in freely flying moths.
Previous presentations: Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, 2015- 2020 Advisor: Tom Daniel Collaborators: Tanvi Deora, Mahad Ahmed, Callin Switzer, Olivia Zahn, J. Nathan Kutz, and Brian Fabien Department of Mechanical Engineering at University of Washington. Funding: |
Piercing mechanics of bed bug tarsi (Cimex lectularius) Loudon Lab at UC Irvine
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My master’s thesis revolved around a peculiar plant-insect interaction in which bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are entrapped by kidney bean leaf trichomes (Phaseolus vulgaris). Historically, kidney bean leaves were used as a natural remedy for bed bug control in the Balkans. The method I have used to test and characterize these properties is nanoindentation. This interaction will aide the development of non-toxic, physical methods for bed bug control.
Previous presentations: Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, 2015 Entomological Society of America, 2014 Southwestern Organismal Biology meeting, 2014 Collaborators: Dr. Timothy Rupert and Jason Panzarino, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UC Irvine. |
Cricket antennae shorten when bending (Acheta domesticus L.) Loudon Lab at UC Irvine
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For my undergraduate research, Dr. Loudon and I investigated the mechanical properties of joints in cricket antennae and applied the results to insect physiology. We measured the change in overall length of straight versus bent antennae and interpreted the physiological implications of the changes. Cricket antennae were shown to shorten when bending. This shortening of the antennae when bending may promote hemolymph exchange between the head and antennae, and prevent stretching of antennal nerves. This study resulted in my second publication. Partial funding provided by:
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Here's the pdf of my presentation at the Southwest Regional SICB meeting 2013.
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Atomic layer deposition on PbSe solar cells Law Lab at UC Irvine
For my first undergraduate research project, Dr. Law and I studied the effects of atomic layer deposition on PbSe quantum dot solar cell photovoltaics. Quantum dot solar cells are susceptible to dispersal of electrons due to quantum confinement. The outcome of this project could lead to more cost effective but equally as efficient solar cells available on the market.
This study resulted in my first publication. Partial funding provided by: |