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Prompting the Universe: AI-Generated Physics Simulations for Engaged Learning
No full textWe present a practical framework approach for leveraging generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to create interactive physics simulations that foster conceptual understanding of cosmic and natural phenomena, without requiring prior coding expertise. Through iterative prompting methodology and case study analysis, we demonstrate how physics educators can translate conceptual requirements into functional, web-based visualizations that promote active, meaningful learning. Our approach addresses the enduring challenge of making abstract physics concepts accessible, employing dynamic visualization and principles from Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to provide multiple forms of representation. We outline a systematic prompt literacy framework enabling educators and learners to generate simulations for complex phenomena, including gravitational waves, Higgs field interactions, and interactive black hole visualization. This methodology bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and intuitive understanding by facilitating immediate feedback and interactive exploration. Our work aims to democratize the development of physics education simulations by empowering science teachers to become simulation designers, while preserving pedagogical rigor and fostering deep learning
Enhancing the Air Travel Experience of People with Disabilities and Older Adults
No full textIntroduction: This presentation highlights the proposed activities under a recently funded $2.5 million, 5-year project from the U.S. National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. The project will generate new knowledge that can be used to improve the airline travel experiences of people with disabilities (PwD), including those with the greatest support needs. The three aims of the project are to: (1) Cultivate a fuller understanding of the air travel experiences of people with physical disabilities (PwPD) from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including adults aging into physical disabilities; (2) Enhance accessible and inclusive air travel experiences for PwPD through improved employee training; and (3) Implement knowledge translation activities that enhance the air travel experiences of PwPD. This presentation outlines the key studies of the project and reports on the progress of its primary Year 1 outputs—the systematic literature review and interviews with aviation personnel. Literature Review: Participation in society often relies on air travel, which is essential for many individuals to maintain employment, social networks, and engage in various activities. Despite having similar needs and desires to travel, people with disabilities fly at significantly lower rates than people without disabilities.¹,² This disparity is largely due to a range of personal, social, and environmental barriers that restrict long-distance travel for PwD.³,⁴ With increasing life expectancy due to advancements in medicine and technology, it is essential to address the barriers that prevent PwD from participating in the workforce and society, particularly given the growing number of individuals with disabilities, and people who are experiencing mobility impairments due to aging.5 Access to air travel for people with disabilities has significantly improved over the years, thanks to advancements in federal legislation. The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 have been pivotal in ensuring that airlines do not deny boarding to PwD and that airplanes and airports are accessible. Despite the passage of regulations to ensure accessibility and inclusion in aviation, their goals have not been fully realized. In fact, the proportion of customers complaining about accessibility and inclusivity in airlines and airports has been increasing.6 Reports from U.S. airlines regarding customer complaints show that the primary disability-related complaint is failure to provide assistance, with a significant portion of complaints concerning wheelchair assistance.7 Research investigating barriers to accessible and inclusive air travel has been increasing in recent years.8-10 Martin-Domingo et al.’s systematic review11 concludes that barriers related to wheelchair services have received the most attention in theory and practice, and consequently, inadequate or missing accessible facilities in airports and inflight, inconsistent transport procedures, mishandling of mobility aids, and poor services by aviation staff are the most discussed barriers. Their findings highlight the need for improved accessibility in air transport and better staff training to ensure that air travel is inclusive and accommodating. Innovative solutions in air travel to reduce barriers have been documented in the literature although there is a notable lack of research on the effectiveness of these services and programs. For example, projects sponsored by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine reviewed and analyzed airport accessibility strategies and to identify best practices in accessibility.12-15 These projects identified strategies and best practices in wayfinding, facilities, communication and information at U.S. and international airports. However, the extent to which these programs meet the needs of PwD is rarely studied. To enhance accessible air travel, research is needed to understand the multifaceted air travel journey for people with disabilities and older adults. The goal of this project is to describe the barriers to and facilitators of accessible air travel experiences of PwD (Aim 1), with a focus on the lived air travel experiences of PwPD as narrated from their perspectives. These findings will inform a pilot accessibility training program for aviation employees (Aim 2). Insights from these projects and pilot training will facilitate our effort in creating protocols for training program development. Additionally, knowledge translation activities will be strategically integrated throughout the project period to facilitate the effective dissemination of research findings (Aim 3).15 Methods: To achieve Aim 1, we began by conducting a systematic literature review of existing literature on barriers to and facilitators of accessible air travel for PwD, including relevant policies, regulations, and practices in air transport. Additionally, using a mixed-method approach, we are conducting interviews with aviation management to understand the accessibility services they provide, their existing employee training programs, and the challenges they face in delivering accessible services. We will also conduct focus groups and employ photovoice or video-reflexive ethnography with travelers with disabilities and older adults to gain a nuanced understanding of their lived air travel experiences. A national survey will evaluate the prevalence of air travel barriers and their satisfaction with existing accessible air travel services. To achieve Aim 2, we will develop a pilot accessibility training program for aviation employees aimed at improving their service for PwD. We will implement the program with an airline or airport and assess its effectiveness. For Aim 3, we will implement knowledge translation activities to enhance the air travel experiences of PwD. These include disseminating study findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals, through newsletters, social media, infographics, podcasts, and our websites. Results: The systematic literature review on air travel barriers, facilitators, policies, and best practices in aviation is underway. The review follows the PRISMA guidelines and include the review of both academic publications and gray literature, such as government policies, aviation industry guidelines, reports and studies by organizations in aviation and disabilities groups. Using team-developed keywords, the database search yielded a total of 2,063 articles for screening after removing duplicates. Following the title and abstract screening, 267 articles were retained for full-text review. We are currently conducting data charting on the 120 full-text articles that met the inclusion criteria. The main outcomes of the review include: (1) categorizing barriers at each touchpoint of the travel journey; (2) mapping best practices in response to relevant policies and regulations; and (3) identifying barriers and unmet needs resulting from the misalignment between policy and practice. We have been conducting interviews in parallel with representatives from several airlines, airports, and aviation service companies. A snowball sampling technique was used for participant recruitment, beginning with a few individuals recommended by members of the research team. The objectives of these interviews are to: a) understand the current accessible services provided to passengers with disabilities and older adults; b) examine the procedures and effectiveness of existing employee training related to providing physical assistance; c) identify challenges in delivering both accessible services and related training; and d) gather insights and recommendations on improving employee training to enhance the travel experience for people with disabilities and older adults. To date, we have conducted 14 semi-structured interviews. Preliminary findings reveal the complex dynamics among airports, airlines, and service providers in delivering accessible services to passengers with disabilities and older adults. While the lack of proper training may not necessarily be the primary barrier to improve service in accessible air travel, there is a clear need to standardize accessible service training across the industry. Additional challenges must be addressed, including effectively informing passengers about what accessible air travel services do and do not cover, the ambiguity or absence of details in government regulations, and the characteristics of the existing customer service workforce. Addressing these factors is essential to truly enhance the air travel experiences of PwD and older adults. Conclusions: If successfully completed, this project will address critical gaps in knowledge and practice related to accessible air travel for people with physical disabilities and older adults. The findings will inform evidence-based improvements in employee training and service delivery and guide the development of a pilot training program. Dissemination efforts throughout the project will support the advancement of more inclusive, responsive, and equitable air travel experiences for people with disabilities across the U.S. aviation industry. References: 1. Shi L, Cole S, Chancellor HC. Understanding leisure travel motivations of travelers with acquired mobility impairments. Tourism Management. 2012;33(1):228-231. doi:10.1016/j.tourman.2011.02.007 2. Shaw G, Coles T. Disability, holiday making and the tourism industry in the UK: a preliminary survey. Tourism Management. 2004;25(3):397-403. doi:10.1016/s0261-5177(03)00139-0 3. Cole S, Svetina D, Whiteneck G. Developing a Barriers Scale in the Context of Travel: TRIP. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Jan 2019;100(1):52-59. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2018.07.424 4. Cole S, Zhang Y, Wang W, Hu C-m. The influence of accessibility and motivation on leisure travel participation of people with disabilities. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing. 2018;36(1):119-130. doi:10.1080/10548408.2018.1496218 5. National Center for Health Statistics. Interactive Summary Health Statistics for Adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed June 5, 2024. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/NHISDataQueryTool/SHS_adult/index.html 6. Pfeiffer J, Bower W, Rumrill P. The Current State of Air Travel for Americans with Disabilities: Considerations for Policy, Enforcement, Implementation, and Advocacy. Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal. 2023;18(3). 7. U.S. Department of Transportation. Reports and Data on Disability-Related Air Travel Complaints. https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/annual-report-disability-related-air-travel-complaints 8. Darcy S. Flying with impairments: Improving airline practices by understanding the experiences of people with disabilities. The Travel and Tourism Research Association; 2007: 9. Darcy S, Ravinder R. Last out of the plane: Air travel for people with disabilities. 2008; 10. Chang Y-C, Chen C-F. Identifying mobility service needs for disabled air passengers. Tourism Management. 2011/10 2011;32(5):1214-1217. doi:10.1016/j.tourman.2010.11.001 11. Martín-Domingo L, Adiloğlu-Yalçınkaya L, Ertürk M, Farkić J. Existing barriers and suggested solutions for dealing with air passengers with specific access requirements: A systematic literature review. Research in Transportation Business & Management. 2024;53:101104. 12. Ryan, P, Sood K, et al. Assessing Airport Programs for Travelers with Disabilities and Older Adults. The National Academies Press; 2023. 13. Van Horn L, Lipp E, O'Reilly K, et al. Innovative Solutions to Facilitate Accessibility for Airport Travelers with Disabilities. The National Academies Press; 2020. 14. Cole S, Wang W, Zhao H, Zhang Y. Communication Strategies for Airport Passenger Access and Mobility. The National Academies Press; 2019. 15. Harding JR, Bosch SJ, Rayfield WP, Florie J. Enhancing Airport Wayfinding for Aging Travelers and Persons with Disabilities. The National Academies Press; 2017:319. 16. Moore JL, Raad J, Ehrlich-Jones L, Heinemann AW. Development and use of a knowledge translation tool: the rehabilitation measures database. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Jan 2014;95(1):197-202. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2013.09.010
Women’s solo stay at luxury hotels : A focus on consumer experience
No full textThe consumer experiences of women’s solo stay at hotels have been explored by a few researchers. This study expands the Structure of the Consumer Experience (SCE) model for women’s solo stay in luxury hotels. Through in-depth interview with 10 women who frequently stayed at luxury hotels, the GT approach identified four categories such as (1) physical environment, (2) human interaction, (3) mental effect and (4) physical activities as consumer experiences. Theoretical sampling on women’s solo travel led to the addition of two aspects—–mental effects and physical activities—– to the SCE model. Mental effects, such as relaxation and self-reflection, were found to be consumer experiences. Women preferred solo stays did not always concern themselves with the tourist gaze or gendered risks, as highlighted in previous studies. Instead, they engaged in a variety of physical activities (e.g., swimming, having dinner and drinking at a bar) as part of their consumer experience
Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus sojae at the Population Level
No full textAflatoxins are potent mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus species, posing significant threats to global food safety, particularly in staple crops such as rice and corn. Despite extensive research on aflatoxin biosynthesis and regulation, much remains unknown about its ecological function, especially in the presence of other microbial organisms. Understanding these interactions is crucial, as microbial competition and co-existence can influence secondary metabolite production, including toxin synthesis, with implications for both food safety and microbial ecology. This study aims to investigate the genetic and ecological factors influencing aflatoxin production and fungal evolution through population genomics, transcriptomics, and ecological analyses. Specifically, we simulate soy-based fermentation environments to compare domesticated Aspergillus sojae (AS) with its wild relative Aspergillus parasiticus (AP) and examine naturally occurring interactions between AP isolates and Bacillus subtilis (BS). By integrating genomic and transcriptomic data with ecological context, we explore the genetic basis of domestication in fungi and its broader implications for microbial interactions and food fermentation.
To address these questions, we first analyzed genome variation and population structure in AS and AP to understand the genetic consequences of domestication. Next, RNA sequencing was employed to compare gene expression in AS and AP under soy-based fermentation conditions, identifying differentially expressed genes linked to domestication and secondary metabolism. Lastly, we examined the co-culture dynamics of two closely related AP strains with BS, revealing strain-specific transcriptional responses and antimicrobial interactions. The results of this study provide novel insights into the evolutionary trajectory of domesticated fungi, shedding light on the genetic and ecological factors driving secondary metabolite production. By elucidating the interplay between natural selection, human-driven domestication, and microbial adaptation, this research enhances our understanding of fungal evolution and its impact on food fermentation and microbial ecology.Spaulding Smith FellowshipDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)2026-05-1
Operationalization of Regenerative Tourism: A Rapid Review
No full textRegenerative tourism aims to enhance destinations by fostering ecological restoration, cultural enrichment, and community empowerment, surpassing traditional sustainability goals. Despite its growing recognition, there is a significant gap in understanding how regenerative tourism is practically implemented. This study addresses this gap through a rapid review, synthesizing evidence on operational strategies, scales of implementation, and metrics for evaluating effectiveness. Our review focuses on scholarly and trade journal articles published between January 2013 to October 2024, examining works in English and Spanish. The initial search yielded 129 relevant articles, currently undergoing full-text review and thematic analysis. Preliminary findings suggest that regenerative tourism strategies often emphasize ecological restoration, community co-creation, and stakeholder collaboration. Practices include circular economy principles, community partnerships, and biodiversity conservation, primarily at the enterprise and destination levels. Metrics for effectiveness encompass environmental, social, and economic indicators, though inconsistencies highlight the need for standardized frameworks. This research provides critical insights into the practical application of regenerative tourism, aiming to guide businesses and destination managers in adopting and scaling these practices for transformative impacts on tourism destinations worldwide
Ethinyl Estradiol: Evaluating the Effects of a Model Estrogen Receptor Agonist on the Adult Male Mouse
No full textEthinyl estradiol (EE2) is a pharmaceutical estrogen receptor (ER) agonist and estrogen mimic commonly used in birth control and hormone replacement therapy. Pharmaceutical estrogen is also taken at high levels by trans women undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to promote breast growth and other feminizing characteristics. With increasing pharmaceutical use, EE2 contamination in wastewater and groundwater is a growing environmental concern. There is evidence that the male mammary gland is highly responsive to ER agonist exposure during sensitive windows of development, but whether the adult male mammary gland is a strong model for studying estrogenic exposures remains to be seen. In this study, we evaluate the physiological and endocrine-disrupting effects of exposure to EE2 in adult male mice at a range of doses: Low EE2 (1 μg/kg/day), representative of environmental exposures in wastewater, Mid EE2 (10 μg/kg/day) as a mid-range dose, and High EE2 (100 μg/kg/day), representative of estrogen prescribed to trans women undergoing GAHT. Exposures occurred orally through drinking water and lasted for 8 weeks. Chronic exposure to Mid and High doses of EE2 in drinking water caused significant deficits in body weight of adult male mice and altered the size of several organs, indicating toxic effects. Mid and High EE2-exposed males also had larger and more complex mammary glands compared to controls, with epithelial structures structurally and histologically similar to female terminal end buds (TEBs). This study shows that long-term High EE2 exposure in adult male mice induces mammary epithelium with morphology comparable to female mammary glands during puberty. Additionally, the lack of significant effects of Low EE2 exposure on the adult male mammary gland in this study indicates that the male mammary gland may only be an effective screening model for estrogenic chemicals if exposures occur during sensitive windows of development.Master of Science (M.S.)2026-05-1
Investigating the activity of Calcium/Calmodulin protein kinase II (CaMKII) in mouse oocytes using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based biosensors
No full textCalcium (Ca2+) is a pivotal and universal second messenger in cells. Changes in the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ are responsible for initiating, progressing, and completing various cellular processes, including fertilization. In mammals, fertilization triggers a series of Ca2+ oscillations inside the egg. The Ca2+ rise activates Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), a serine/threonine kinase. CaMKII activity is required for cell cycle resumption or exit from the metaphase II (MII) stage of arrested eggs. In mammals, genetic experiments involving the knockout or down-regulation of CaMKII showed that female mice were sterile despite their eggs showing the ability to initiate regular Ca2+ oscillations. A series of well-structured studies unveiled that CaMKII activity corresponded with the early distinct Ca2+ increases within the first hour post-fertilization. Intriguingly, it has been revealed that CaMKII is sensitive to the frequency of Ca2+. Despite these findings, the complete profile, and alterations of CaMKII activity in oocytes remain unexplored. Many of the studies so far have been egg-lysate-based or dependent on in vitro assays. Hence, there is an evident lack of efficient tools to measure CaMKII's real-time activity. To study the CaMKII activity, we have developed a genetically encoded Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors that provide a powerful approach for monitoring real-time endogenous CaMKII activity. We have characterized the responses of these CaMKII biosensors through various Ca2+ stimuli and have shown that the sensors are efficient, specific, and can monitor CaMKII activity for a long time. Additionally, we have elucidated the role of phosphatases, which are critical for regulating CaMKII activity.Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.
Adaptive Deep Learning Models for Personalized Modeling of Heterogeneous Time-series Data
No full textIn the study of time-series data, the presence of heterogeneity presents a complex challenge for traditional machine learning and deep learning models. This variability can stem from a multitude of sources, such as differences in sampling rates, the presence of multiple frequencies of interest, and the multimodal nature of data collected from various origins. Additionally, the uniqueness of individual subjects further compounds the complexity, introducing variability that requires special personalized models to handle. Given these challenges, conventional models often fall short when tasked with analyzing this type of data, because they fail to personalize the architectures to individuals, particularly when the data is limited, sparse or incomplete highlighting the need for dynamic models that can personalize to new subjects using minimal data in a few-shot or zero-shot manner.
The proposed thesis focuses on the development and application of adaptive machine-learning models designed to navigate and leverage the heterogeneity inherent in time-series data. These models are built with the flexibility to adjust their parameters and structures in response to the specific characteristics of the data they encounter, offering a tailored approach that significantly outperforms standard and state-of-the-art models, particularly in limited data scenarios.
The work is structured in three main parts, each targeting a distinct aspect of the problem. Initially, we explore methods to address the intrinsic data characteristics, introducing dynamic networks capable of integrating data from multiple sources, each with its unique resolution and modality. This section demonstrates the enhanced capability of these models to process and analyze heterogeneous data effectively, showing notable improvements in benchmarks belonging to different applications such as ICU in hospital mortality prediction, early COVID-19 prediction, human activity detection and wearable affective detection.
Subsequently, the focus shifts to personalizing models to accommodate the differences among individual subjects. This part of the research presents innovative approaches for personalized prediction, showcasing the models' effectiveness in scenarios ranging from zero-shot learning to online prediction and forecasting. The application explored here is stress prediction, an area where personalization and adaptability are crucial for accurate model performance.
Finally, we develop dynamic methods that synthesize the approaches from the first two parts, proposing models that adeptly manage both the data-driven and the subject-driven heterogeneities. These comprehensive models represent a significant advancement in the field, capable of dynamically and efficiently addressing the dual challenges presented by heterogeneous time-series data exemplified by an application in zero-shot microclimate prediction.
By bridging the gap between the diverse characteristics of time-series data and the need for personalized analysis, this research contributes valuable insights and methodologies to the domains of predictive modeling and forecasting. The adaptability and versatility of the developed models not only enhance their utility across a broad spectrum of fields, including healthcare and environmental science, but also pave the way for future innovations in the analysis of complex, variable data streams. Through this work, we underscore the potential of adaptive machine learning to transform our understanding and utilization of heterogeneous time-series data, providing a foundation for more accurate, robust, and personalized data analysis solutions.Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.
Understanding Lived Experiences and Reimagining Implementation Practices in Substantially Separate Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Classrooms: Educator and Administrator Perspectives
No full textStudents with intensive social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) challenges remain among the most underserved in the U.S. public education system. Although self-contained/substantially separate SEB program/classroom contexts provide intensive support, research is limited in the ways in which educators and administrators currently experience, implement, and navigate these unique educational contexts. This study explores their lived experiences, focusing on the facilitators and barriers that shape evidence-based practices, decision-making, and systemic supports. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (Smith, Flowers, & Larkin, 2022), this research study centers the voices of those directly engaged in substantially separate SEB programming in public school settings. Fixsen’s (2019) Active Implementation Framework provided a lens to examine how leadership, organizational structures, and systemic forces influence program sustainability. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, participants reflected on the tensions between research-based practices and real-world implementation. The findings of this study highlight strengths and limitations in substantially separate SEB programming in public school contexts. Key facilitators include collaborative leadership, structured environments, and professional development, and persistent challenges, such as limited resources, staff turnover, and inconsistent policies, disrupt program effectiveness. Educators and administrators emphasized the need for systemic change and engaged in a reflective envisioning, reimagining equitable, substantially separate social-emotional, and behavioral classrooms as student-centered spaces prioritizing proactive intervention, relational trust, and integrated mental health supports with community partners. By centering dual practitioner perspectives, this study provides insight into the lived experiences of practitioners engaging in implementing practices and systems in substantially separate SEB program contexts, contributing to discussions on educational equity, systems change, and the future of substantially separate SEB programming in public school communities.Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.