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Measurement Techniques of High-Quality Factor Micro-Ring Resonators in Photonic Integrated Circuits
No full textMultiple measurement techniques were evaluated to characterize high-quality factor micro-ring resonators (MRRs) on photonic integrated circuits (PICs) featuring waveguides with a silicon nitride core and silica cladding, with measurements focusing on a wavelength of 1550 nm. Transmission data were initially collected using an optical power meter, which provided sufficient resolution for basic analysis and alignment, however, failed to capture the narrow resonance features of the MRRs. A high resolution InGaAs detector system was then implemented, offering an increased sampling rate, more accurate Lorentzian peak fitting, and increased sensitivity to fine spectral features. The enhanced resolution revealed subtle standing wave patterns that weren’t visible in the lower resolution measurements. Further analysis identified the U-Bench as one source of reflection and its removal eliminated its associated standing wave. The other source was attributed to reflections within the fiber cables used in the setup. Although, index-matching fluid was applied between the fiber array and PIC to minimize these reflections, it did not eliminate the associated standing wave. These findings emphasize the importance of high-resolution detection methods and precise measurement techniques for obtaining accurate and reliable measurements
Redefining Relief: Leveraging Lean and Continuous Improvement for Humanitarian Aid
No full textLean is a methodology aimed at enhancing efficiency by eliminating waste and optimizing processes. In humanitarian organizations, this approach can significantly improve the way resources are utilized to meet increasing global demand for aid. Our team worked with Medair, a humanitarian non-governmental organization (NGO), to explore how Lean process improvement can help NGOs meet growing aid demands despite limited resources. We aimed to assess Lean awareness, understanding, and usage across the sector. Through surveys and interviews with staff at Medair and other NGOs, we identified that the lack of accessible Lean-related documentation due to inconsistent formats, lack of time/resources, and a lack of leadership engagement limits knowledge sharing and slows adoption. Through case studies highlighting successful Lean applications, we created concise documentation and videos that showcase how Medair has improved its workflows. Additionally, we developed an interactive toolkit to help staff learn Lean principles. We recommend increasing documentation and fostering inter-organizational sharing to further promote Lean adoption. Our work provides a foundation for promoting Lean and Continuous Improvement in humanitarian aid
Engineering Review for Al-Montazah Conference Center
No full textThe Al-Montazah Conference Center in Alexandria, Egypt, was developed as a cultural and conference landmark, blending Islamic geometry with Mediterranean design. Spanning 7,500 m² usable area, the center includes underground parking, large event spaces, and upper-level offices. Executed using a design-build approach with BIM integration, the project overcame spatial and environmental challenges through careful planning and coordination. With a budget of EGP 500 million ($16.1M), the team employed sustainable practices, modular design, and passive strategies. The project achieved high user satisfaction and energy efficiency, showcasing how smart design and project management can produce functional, regionally integrated, and sustainable architecture
Keyboard Killers
No full textThird Culture Threads is an interactive art installation and research project that explores the lived realities of displacement, diaspora, and resilience within the Pakistani community. Rooted in my own experience as a third culture individual, the work blends tactile electronics, poetry, and visual storytelling to reframe the narrative around migration—not as a singular act of loss, but as a layered, ongoing negotiation of identity. Through conductive fabric panels, responsive lighting, and audio-visual elements triggered by human touch, the installation invites viewers to engage deeply with stories often flattened by data and politics
I. A Chemist's Guide to Kirchhoff Graphs, and II. An Exploration of the Surface Behavior of Hydroxide-Derived Nanomaterials.
No full textChemical mechanisms are essential for describing kinetic behavior, but can become complex and unwieldy. Linear algebra-based Kirchhoff graphs are a theoretical tool to represent the connectivity in complicated chemical mechanisms. Behaving like circuit diagrams, Kirchhoff graphs contain deep information about the connectedness of chemical rates and the stoichiometric constraints on a system. This information is used to verify existing rate measurements as well as predict the existence of additional, unmeasured steps. Such analysis can be applied to a range of dissimilar reaction systems, and surprising similarities in connectivity are uncovered
Wings of Gompei - RC Aircraft Design, Analysis, Assembly, and Test
No full textThe Wings of Gompei team consists of six mechanical engineering students participating in the SAE Aero East competition to fulfil the degree seeking requirements of WPI’s Major Qualifying Project. The SAE Aero Regular class offers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of aircraft design while being challenged with building limitations akin to those that may be faced in industry. The team earned experience by designing, analyzing, stress testing, building, and flight testing an RC plane to prepare for the competition in Fort Worth, TX in May 2025. Our mission throughout this project was to successfully manufacture an aircraft that would be capable of maximizing our flight score while adhering to the rules of the competition. The competition score consists of three components: a technical report, a flight readiness presentation, and flight attempts. Points from the flight attempts are obtained from having the longest wingspan possible within the 15 ft maximum, and from achieving successful flight attempts while maximizing payload with a total assembly mass of up to 55 lb. Our team successfully completed the competition submission requirements for the design report and flight readiness presentation, and will be heading to Fort Worth Texas to determine our flight scores at the competition May 2nd to 4th. The final weight of the aircraft is 34 lbf meaning it would be able to carry an allowable payload of 21 lbf at the competition. After our three separate test flights, the team feels confident in our ability to carry out our competition flight plan and achieve our design’s personal maximum possible mission point score of 62.5
Sound Down: Targeted Noise Reduction in Indoor Environments
No full textNoise can be distracting and can even pose a risk to human hearing in large and sustained amounts. Active noise cancellation (ANC) refers to the production of anti-noise (noise 180° out of phase of the original noise) following the measurement of acoustics by a microphone, where the two sound waves sum to zero. This results in the nullification of the original sound. Using ultrasound and a parametric array loudspeaker (PAL), sound can be accurately directed to a target and allow for active noise cancellation in a room without significant isolation between the secondary source and the microphone. The Sound Down project developed the PAL and amplifier and integrated it with a digital signal processor to perform active noise cancellation. The PAL consists of an array of ultrasonic transducers that operate outside the human hearing range. When an audible signal is amplitude modulated into a 40 kHz carrier signal and played through the PAL, extremely directional sound propagates outside the human hearing range until it hits an object, such as an ear, and self-demodulates, creating a virtual sound source at that object
Shear-Induced Deformation and Drug Effects on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells: Biomechanical Properties and Cytoskeletal Structure
No full textThis study investigates the biomechanical and structural responses of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to chemotherapeutic agents, aiming to inform novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Using MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell line, we examined the effects of Paclitaxel (PTX) and Prodigiosin (PGs) drugs through shear assay techniques integrated with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) software to assess viscoelastic properties, including shear strain, displacement over time, and modulus. Structural deformation was concurrently evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence staining to provide both qualitative and quantitative insights. PTX-treated groups exhibited burst drag release profiles, while PGs-treated cells showed sustained release. Notably, all treated samples demonstrated substantial cellular degradation at the 12-hour mark. Over time, the mechanical response of treated cells indicated a decrease in modulus and an increase in displacement, signifying compromised cellular integrity. These findings highlight the utility of biomechanical and structural assessments in evaluating drug efficacy and guiding the development of targeted cancer therapies
Physical Therapy
No full textSkeletal muscle injuries affect approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide and are a major cause of muscle atrophy. This leads to reduced strength, mobility and quality of life. Traditional physical therapy methods are often time-consuming and inaccessible with little at-home patient compliance. Current medical devices that have attempted to combat this are often costly with no variability in the muscle it is targeting. To address these challenges, the team pursued two approaches to this design while focusing on a pneumatic-based approach that utilizes blood flow restriction to promote muscle recovery. The device is comfortable, portable and able to provide adequate pressure to constrict blood flow. A battery and burst test were conducted to ensure pressure parameters were in place, as well as a battery life that is able to last the length of time the device will be used for. This device is intended to be pursued further for added variability and injury specific compression, as well as to broaden the scope of muscles it can be used on
Sensor Development for Medical Devices
No full textPostural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of autonomic dysfunction that can cause symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, especially when a person stands up from a seated or lying position. While fainting is not inherently harmful, the falls and injuries that often accompany these episodes pose a real danger. Studies have shown that around 36% of syncope events result in injury, with some causing serious harm like fractures or concussions. Despite the risks, tools for early detection remain largely confined to clinical environments and are not practical for everyday use. This project aimed to build a wearable, non-invasive device that could detect early signs of syncope and notify the user before a potential episode occurs. The device integrates two key sensors: a MAX30102 module to monitor heart rate and blood oxygen levels, and an MQ-137 sensor to measure ammonia concentration, which may indicate stress related metabolic activity. By combining physiological and chemical data, the device takes a more comprehensive approach to prediction than traditional wearables