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"most was jargon": An (Anti)-Psychoanalytic Reading of Robert Lowell's Life Studies
No full textRobert Lowell was a Pulitzer-Prize winning poet and one of the pioneers of the Confessional movement. He also was a notoriously unstable megalomaniac, who was institutionalized several times throughout his life for his manic-depressive behavior, now known as bipolar disorder. Lowell’s psychological plight, like the suffering of other confessional poets, was made public through his poetry. Life Studies (1959), specifically, encapsulates his neuroses in poems such as “Skunk Hour,” “Home After Three Months Away,” and “Memories of West Street and Lepke.” This work therefore seemed to confirm Sigmund Freud’s theory that great art emerges from deep neuroses. It is no surprise then that Lowell became the subject of much psychoanalytic criticism in the late 20th century. The mania and depression he (publicly) experienced combined with his notoriously troubled relationship with his family encouraged the psychoanalytic critics to excavate Lowell’s writing for “unconscious meaning.” However, psychoanalytic criticism is perhaps not the most effective means through which Lowell’s poetry can be understood. In this thesis, I will contest that the “unconscious material” that many psychoanalytic critics point to in their research is not unconscious at all. I will also reject the theory of narcissistic fixation as it has been applied to Lowell and Life Studies, and will instead assert that our contemporary understanding of Lowell’s bipolar disorder, rather than narcissistic fixation, can deepen our reading of the work. Psychoanalytic theory can deepen our reading of Life Studies, but the payoff is limited when opposed with its methodological bizarreness.EnglishBachelors of Arts (BA
Muon simulation improvements in the NOvA Far Detector
No full textThe NOvA experiment studies neutrinos, but data from other particles are necessary to understand detector response. The chosen standard candle is the constant shower of cosmic ray muons that reaches the detector. Current simulations of cosmic-ray muons are computationally expensive and take an extended period of time. Our method for simulation improvement utilizes data from the Far Detector of through-going muons as the source, avoiding the computational overload of previous methodology. Results of this simulation method corroborate with original data on a majority of fronts, with the notable exception of total energy deposited in the detector by the incoming muon. Conversions made between brightness in ADC and GeV of the incident particle are likely the culprit of this discrepancy, indicating that all parameters of the original data are sufficiently replicated by simulation. Current simulation speeds are reduced when introduced to high energy samples, suggesting the necessity for adjustments in background files before the implementation of this data-driven method in the Far Detector.PhysicsBachelors of Science (BS
The Race Debate without Metaphysics: A Neopragmatist Intervention
No full textMetaphysicians of the social world have spilled much ink debating whether race exists and, if it does, what its metaphysical nature is. In this thesis, I defend a neopragmatist approach to the race debate that explains the notion without appeal to metaphysics. Before giving these arguments, I will give an overview of the current positions in the race debate. Then, I will explain neopragmatism and how I will be using it in my argument. With the neopragmatist methodology laid out, the rest of the thesis will be dedicated to applying the methodology to the notion at hand. Before closing, I argue that if my approach succeeds, the entire enterprise of metaphysical inquiry into race stands in need of justification.PhilosophyBachelors of Arts (BA
Psychology and Philosophical Intuitions
No full textPhilosophy is predominately (if not exclusively) a human activity. Recognizing this fact leads me to argue for an approach to philosophy which emphasizes what psychology and biology have to tell us about how and why philosophers do what they do. However, not only can the cognitive and evolutionary approach tell us how and why philosophers reason the way they do, it can also guide philosophers away from troublesome yet systematic mistakes, which philosophers (like all humans) are occasionally tempted to commit. I seek not only to explain how the approach is useful in theory, I also put it into practice, highlighting several important, flawed, yet seemingly sensible reasoning strategies that philosophers often employ, including the use of philosophical intuitions as evidence
The Moderating Role of Expressive Flexibility in the Relation between Neuroticism and Emotion Regulation Difficulties
No full textEmerging adulthood is a critical developmental period marked by elevated risk for emotion dysregulation and internalizing disorders, including anxiety and depression. These symptoms have been increasingly linked to heightened levels of neuroticism, a stable personality trait characterized by emotional volatility and vulnerability to stress. Effective emotion regulation, particularly expressive flexibility, may be a protective factor against developing internalizing symptoms. However, few studies have directly examined how expressive flexibility influences the relation between neuroticism and difficulties with emotion regulation. This study investigates these associations in a sample of 324 college students (M = 18.9 years, SD = 1.04 year; 58.8% White) using validated self-report measures: the Big Five Inventory–2 (BFI-2), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and the Flexible Regulation of Emotional Expression Questionnaire (FREE). Results indicated that neuroticism was positively associated with emotion regulation difficulties, whereas expressive flexibility was negatively associated with both neuroticism and emotion regulation difficulties. Although expressive flexibility did not moderate this relation in the overall sample, gender-specific analyses revealed a significant moderating effect of expressive suppression among women. That is, for women with high neuroticism, habitual suppression may worsen difficulties in regulating emotions. The study emphasizes the importance of examining gender-specific emotion regulation strategies and highlights expressive suppression as a mechanism linking neuroticism and emotional dysregulation in emerging adult women.PsychologyBachelors of Arts (BA
Oyster reef recovery: Impacts of rotational management and restoration efforts on public fishing grounds
No full textCoastal ecosystems are degraded worldwide and oyster reefs are among the most threatened coastal habitats. Oysters are a critical ecosystem engineer and valuable fishery species, thus effective management strategies must balance tradeoffs between protecting reef ecosystems and continued human use. Management practices for oysters commonly incorporate shell replenishment (provisioning hard substrates to increase reef relief) and spatial management (rotational harvest areas or sanctuaries); however, the impact of these practices on reef dynamics and fisheries outcomes are poorly understood, particularly on harvested reefs. This project examines the efficacy of shell replenishment and spatial management practices on public fishing grounds by analyzing long term datasets available for the Rappahannock River in the Chesapeake Bay, USA. Using generalized linear mixed effects models, we examine how oyster reef metrics (brown shell substrate L m-2, recruit density m-2, market density m-2) and fisheries efficiency (meeting daily bushel harvest limit or not) respond to management actions. Our results indicate that a 3 y rotation maintains the underlying reef structure, enhances recruitment, and increases market sized oyster density by 1.23 oysters m-2 on average. Sanctuaries and harvested reefs had comparable brown shell and recruit density; however, sanctuaries had higher market oyster density on average. Shell replenishment practices directly enhanced harvester efficiency, particularly in harvest areas with poor reef condition. Our results indicate that low levels of replenishment (~1000 bushels acre 1) provide substantial benefits to oyster reefs and the fishery. This study is the first to evaluate the marginal benefits of replenishment activities for biological and fisheries outcomes, and a novel, real world assessment for oyster restoration practices on public fishing grounds. Cumulatively, our findings show that spatial management and replenishment practices enhance oyster reefs in temperate estuaries and offers a framework applicable to other degraded ecosystems worldwide.Virginia Institute of Marine Scienc
GIS Data: 2025 Middlesex County, Virginia. Shoreline Inventory, Coastal Natural Buffers, & Marsh Migration Corridors
No full textDisclaimer: The Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) provides these data with the understanding that they are not guaranteed to be correct or complete, and conclusions drawn from the data set are the sole responsibility of the user. Every attempt has been made to ensure that these data and the documentation are reliable and accurate. CCRM, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program assume no liability for any damages caused by inaccuracies in the data or documentation; and make no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or utility of this information, nor does the fact of distribution constitute a warranty.The 2025 Shoreline Inventory, Coastal Natural Buffers, and Migration Corridors layers for the City of Middlesex were generated using on-screen, digitizing techniques in ArcGIS® Pro v. 3.x while viewing conditions observed in Bing high-resolution oblique imagery, Google Earth, and 2021 imagery from the Virginia Base Mapping Program (VBMP). A geodatabase was developed named Middlesex_ShlInventory_NatBuffers_MarshCorridors_2025 containing the following eight features classes displaying bank conditions, shoreline features, natural buffers, and marsh migration corridors:
Middlesex_BankHeightSlope_2025, Middlesex_RecreationalStructures_2025,
Middlesex_ErosionControlStructures_2025_Line,
Middlesex_ErosionControlStructures_2025_Polygon,
Middlesex_BeachesAndDunes_2025, Middlesex_TMI_2025,
Middlesex_MarshMigrationCorridors_2ft_2025 and
Middlesex_MarshMigrationCorridors_4ft_2025This project was funded in part by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program at the Department of Environmental Quality through Grant # NA24NOSX419C0026 of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Data Archive of Mid-21st Century Projections for the Amundsen Sea (Western Antarctica)
No full textA 3-D numerical model was used for multi-decadal eddy-resolving simulations of the Amundsen Sea embayment (Antarctica). A control simulation covered the historical period 2006-2023 (~2 decades) under realistic atmospheric and oceanic conditions. Three additional simulations representing the mid-21st century were conducted based on future projections from CMIP6 models ACCESS-CM2, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, MRI-ESM2-0 (scenario SSP2-4.5). These three CMIP6 models were selected based on their realism during the historical period as well as their diversity in terms of resolution and level of warming. The four simulations provided information about the regional hydrography, oceanic circulation, sea ice cover, ice shelf basal melt rates, and biogeochemical conditions (nitrogen and iron). The four simulations were then condensed into daily climatologies in order to summarize changes in the seasonal cycle of the Amundsen embayment in response to the projected warming. The present archive includes the four daily climatologies as well as all the information required to repeat the numerical experiments (code and input files).Virginia Institute of Marine ScienceBiological Science
Is Trade the Enemy of Environment?: Congressional Voting on Environmental Policies after the China Shock
No full textHow does trade competition affect support for environmental protection? On the one hand, import shocks can dampen support for environmental protection, as international trade can lead to a race to the bottom or a regulatory chill. On the other hand, import competition can drive ‘dirty’ industries and firms out of business, reducing opposition to pro-environment legislation. The impact of import shocks on environmental protection is thus an empirical question. I leverage a sudden increase in Chinese imports in the United States after the two countries normalized their trade relations. I examine how import shocks experienced by each congressional district affect the pro-environmental score of the district’s representative in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1992 to 2014. My results show that bigger import shocks are positively associated with higher pro-environmental scores of the legislators. The findings suggest that as import shocks decrease the size of dirty industries, it paves the way for the legislators to pursue more pro-environmental policies
GIS Data – 2025 Shoreline Management Model - Lancaster County
No full textGeodatabase: Lancaster_SMMv6_2025_FileGDB
Feature classes.
• Lancaster_SMMv6_ShorelineBMPs _2025 - a polyline feature class containing best management practices recommendations.
• Lancaster_SMMv6_OysterSuitabilityModule_2025 - a polygon feature class containing suitable areas for oyster structure placement.
The metadata file is embedded in the geodatabase feature classes and defines attribute accuracy, data development, and any use restrictions that pertain to data.
Disclaimer: The Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) provides these data with the understanding that they are not guaranteed to be correct or complete, and conclusions drawn from the data set are the sole responsibility of the user. Every attempt has been made to ensure that these data and the documentation are reliable and accurate. CCRM, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (VA-DEQ -VCZMP) assume no liability for any damages caused by inaccuracies in the data or documentation; and make no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or utility of this information, nor does the fact of distribution constitute a warranty. CCRM, VIMS, and VA-DEQ -VCZMP endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this dataset.In 2011, the Virginia General Assembly adopted a policy into law that specifies living shorelines as the preferred management practice for erosion control in Virginia waters. The Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has been developing tools for many years to guide local governments in shoreline management. In particular, they have focused on the use of ecologically preferred alternatives for erosion control and have conducted research into refining the appropriate uses for a large suite of possible treatments based on existing shoreline conditions. A series of Decision Trees were developed to determine shoreline best management practices (BMPs) when conducting onsite inspections. These were developed to support integrated guidance at the management and regulatory level. This body of work has been expanded and re-developed as a GIS spatial model known as the Shoreline Management Model (SMM) to determine appropriate shoreline BMPs from the desktop using available spatial data and the decision tree logic. The assessment is conducted at a parcel level scale, but the output represents a reach-based or cumulative approach to shoreline management.
In 2023, CCRM began an update of the SMM. Version 6.0 continues to use fetch, nearshore bathymetry, bank height, marsh presence, beach presence, presence of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), roads and permanent structures within the riparian zone, and existing shoreline erosion control structures. To enhance the model’s capabilities for evaluating best management practices and determining where erosion control practices may impact ecologically sensitive areas, version 6.0 adds wave energy, federal Form 06/27/2023 navigation channels, presence of RTE species via predicted suitable habitat, bank slope, and narrow creeks.
Most appropriate for desktop reviews, regulatory compliance, and comprehensive planning, the recommendations derived from the SMM may be altered due to lot size, shoreline length along a single parcel, proximity of primary buildings to the shoreline, type of existing erosion control structures, land use practices, and local biota.
The SMM v.6.0 also includes a module that identifies suitable areas for oyster structure placement, which can provide erosion control and habitat enhancement benefits.This project was funded in part by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program at the Department of Environmental Quality through Grant #NA24NOSX419C0026 of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration