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Tick-Borne Disease Risk and Climate Change : A Survey-Based Analysis of Eau Claire County Residents’ Knowledge and Perceptions
No full textColor poster with text, images, charts, maps, and graphs.This project is titled Tick-Borne Disease Risk and Climate Change: A Survey-Based Analysis of Eau Claire County Residents’ Knowledge and Perception. Tick-borne diseases are an increasing concern in the United States, including Wisconsin, where they are common. Evidence suggests that climate change is contributing to this rise, as warming temperatures expand the geographical range of ticks and extend their active season. The aim is to assess Eau Claire County residents’ awareness and understanding of the rise in tick-borne diseases, as well as their perceptions of the role climate change plays in this issue. Data is being collected through an anonymous online survey, with 75 participants so far. Preliminary results show that most participants (76%) are between the ages of 18-24, and 92% live in suburban areas. Regarding tick-borne disease concern, 48% are somewhat concerned about contracting one, and 33% somewhat agree that the risk in their area is high. While 74% report taking preventative measures, 43% feel they are not well informed about tick-borne diseases and prevention steps. Concerning climate change, 61% of participants express being extremely concerned, and opinions about its link to tick-borne diseases are divided, with 36% strongly agreeing and 36% remaining neutral. Data collection is ongoing.University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
Investigating Population Estimates of Southern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys volans) in Two Habitat Types in Schmeeckle Reserve
No full textSouthern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys volans) are one of 3 species of flying squirrel found in North America. Since 2020, students with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s student chapter of The Wildlife Society have been trapping Southern flying squirrels in 2 locations, a mixed hardwood forest and an oak savannah with large oaks, in a small Reserve north of campus, but trap success varies with year. For instance, we trapped 12 unique individuals in one location in Fall 2024, but trapped 0 the previous year. We use Sherman traps suspended in trees baited with peanut butter, oats, and bacon grease in September and October each year. We affix a uniquely numbered tag in each squirrel’s ear, weigh them and determine sex and age. We will use a Huggins closed capture model in program Mark to estimate and compare population sizes and variability between the 2 trap locations. We hypothesize that there will be more population variability in the mixed hardwood forest with a lower estimated population size. We aim to improve our understanding of the population variability of Southern flying squirrels in the Reserve.University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Chapter of The Wildlife Society and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Undergraduate Research, Scholarly, & Creative Activity
Shelf-Life Detection and Extension Methods for Avocados Using Various Storage Conditions and Packaging Solutions at the Retail Store Level
No full textPlan BAvocados, while highly nutritious and popular, are hindered by a short retail shelf-life, leading to
significant food waste. This research aimed to address this challenge by investigating effective
methods for extending avocado shelf-life post-ripening and their practical application in retail.
The study revealed that coating avocados with methyl cellulose and storing them at 4°C
remarkably prolongs their freshness. Specifically, avocados at Stage 3 ripeness maintained their
quality—including moisture, texture, and color—for 40 to 50 days. Avocados at Stage 4 ripeness
with methyl cellulose and stored at 4°C extended to 30 to 40 days. These findings are
particularly significant as they far exceed the 3-5 days of shelf life from Stage 3 ripeness while
normally storing at room temperature (23°C) in retail and address a research gap concerning
avocado preservation at 4°C with methyl cellulose coating for Stage 3 ripeness. This research
offers a practical and scalable solution to mitigate food waste and enhance sustainability within
the retail food sector
Internal, Workplace, and Structural Variables Impacting Decent Work
No full textThe Psychology of Working Theory (PWT) is a vocational theory describing the impacts of structural forces (e.g., oppression, economic constraints) and employee characteristics (e.g., work volition, career adaptability) on decent work, defined as work that supports vocational and general wellbeing. The current document describes three studies that make up my doctoral dissertation. These studies examine internal, workplace, and structural barriers that inhibit the career trajectories of US workers and the strengths and supports that workers use to counteract those barriers. Study 1 uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate how workplace environments support or restrict workers’ career adaptability, defined as one’s capacity to adapt to changes in their career. Findings demonstrate that work volition, cognitive job demands, and autonomy support predict career adaptability. Study 2 used mixed methods to examine ways that workers craft their jobs to meet their needs, including by changing their work relationships, work tasks, and work meaning. Study 2 uses SEM to integrate job crafting into the PWT model and provides a thematic analysis of 8 interviews exploring employees’ job crafting strategies. Findings demonstrate support for job crafting as a mediator of work need satisfaction and provide rich narratives of job crafting. Study 3 uses SEM to measure the impacts of intersecting racism and heterosexism on employees’ experiences of workplace dignity. Findings demonstrate that work climate, organizational identification, and work volition positively predict workplace dignity, whereas racism and heterosexism negatively predict workplace dignity. This dissertation extends PWT scholarship by addressing extant gaps in PWT research, incorporating intersectionality theory explicitly into PWT, and integrating novel variables (e.g., workplace dignity, job crafting) into the PWT model.2027-08-2
DRIFTLESS DIVIDED: CARDINAL-HICKORY CREEK AND WISCONSIN TRANSMISSION RESISTANCE
No full textThe U.S. is experiencing a renewable energy building boom. Transmission lines, along with wind and solar farms, are being proposed and built, across the country. In order to unlock renewable potential, most abundant in the nation’s center, we have been told, we need to build high voltage transmission lines (HVTLs) to get electricity to where it’s needed. These are not small projects and their price tags are growing. As public serving infrastructure, how they’re built matters. The way they’re designed will contribute to how they engage with, and serve society over time. Circulating discourses posit that “we need more HVTLs,” but often stop there, not asking, “what kind of HVTLs do we need?”
Rural communities along the path of these projects often resist them, and as a result, developers and some supporters of renewable energy blame those communities, not only for slowing down individual projects but for slowing down the national transition to renewable energy. They are often depicted as either self-centered NIMBY’s (Not In My BackYard), overly pure “tradeoff denying” environmentalists, or “angry farmers” who just don’t like change, don’t know what they’re talking about, and aren’t making productive suggestions for alternatives. A narrative of “green civil war”1 depicts farmers and conservationists at war with renewables. This transition does need to happen quickly, in order for us to effectively address climate change. However, this common set of assumptions might actually be slowing the transition down more. Expecting the “barrier” of those kinds of opposition, HVTL developers often come into communities defensively, and at the last minute, delivering information selectively, and in one direction, an approach which ends up perpetuating conflict, lawsuits, and delays.
I wanted to understand why communities are frequently opposing these “regional/RTO” projects, and who is being served by different kinds of HVTLs. To uncover the complexity invoked by these questions, and with a desire to understand the HVTL “issue” from a granular, community perspective, a regional, RTO perspective, and the perspective of the “national, super-grid,” prioritized by the Biden Administration and recommended by experts, I investigated one of these “regional/RTO” projects within MISO, which was particularly controversial in the area it cut across
Oral History Interview, Ramon Aguilar-Mendoza (2520)
No full textIn his August 2025 interview with Dadit Gunarwanto Hidayat, Ramon Aguilar-Mendoza, WiscAMP member and president of the UW-Milwaukee chapter of the Society of Hispanic and Professional Engineers (SHPE), shares his experiences as a Latino student at UW-Milwaukee in the field of electrical engineering. To learn more about this oral history, download & review the index first (or transcript if available). It will help determine which audio file(s) to download & listen to.In his August 2025 interview with Dadit Gunarwanto Hidayat, Ramon Aguilar-Mendoza, WiscAMP member and president of the UW-Milwaukee chapter of the Society of Hispanic and Professional Engineers (SHPE), shares his experiences as a Latino student at UW-Milwaukee in the field of electrical engineering. He describes how he initially decided to study in the United States, and why he decided to stay. He also discusses his role in SHPE, his reasons for applying to WiscAMP, and his goals for the future. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the WiscAMP Legacy Oral History Project and the UW-Madison Archives and Records Management oral history collection
A PYTHON-BASED FRAMEWORK FOR CAD-INTEGRATED 3D TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION
No full textTopology optimization (TO) is a powerful and widely used design methodology in structural engineering and product design. While numerous academic software tools exist for 2D and 3D TO, they often focus on relatively simple geometries, support only a single TO method, and lack user-friendly graphical interfaces. Furthermore, these tools typically do not integrate with commercial CAD platforms, making it difficult to import complex models or export optimized designs for further develop-ment. These limitations hinder the broader adoption of TO tools in both educational settings and research focused on advanced TO algorithm development.
This thesis presents a Python-based framework that addresses these gaps by provid-ing a front-end graphical interface for defining and solving topology optimization problems, including those involving complex 3D geometries. The framework sup-ports multiple TO algorithms and solvers, enhancing its flexibility for a wide range of applications. Additionally, we introduce a novel post processing tool that pre-serves essential design features while refining the optimized geometry. The system is integrated with SolidWorks, enabling seamless import and export of design ge-ometries, thereby facilitating a smooth workflow between topology optimization and downstream CAD modeling. Finally, we use the framework to benchmark several 3D thermal and structural TO problems
EVALUATION OF CR-COATED ZR-ALLOY CLADDINGS DURING A LOSS OF COOLANT ACCIDENT SCENARIO IN LIGHT WATER REACTORS
No full textZirconium-alloys (Zr-alloys) have been used successfully as the materials for fuel cladding (tubes that contain the uranium-dioxide pellets) in light water reactors (LWR) on account of their good hydrothermal corrosion resistance and strength, and high neutron transparency. While Zr-alloys have performed well under normal operating conditions, loss of coolant accidents (LOCA) where temperatures can exceed 1000 °C can lead to profuse oxidation of the cladding in reaction with steam. The oxidation reaction can consume a significant fraction of the cladding wall thickness and generat e hydrogen. A near-term solution to address this challenge is to coat the outer surface of the Zr-alloy cladding with an oxidation-resistant material such as chromium (Cr) that can provide additional coping time in the event of a LOCA. While there are numerous avenues for research on Cr-coated Zr-alloy accident tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding, this study focuses on two aspects: post-quench ductility and the ballooning and burst behavior of cladding.
Two Cr-coating deposition methods are used in this research: cold-spray (CS) deposition and physical vapor deposition (PVD). In the cold spray process, powder particles of the coating material are propelled at supersonic velocities on to the surface of a substrate where upon impact they plastically deform to form a coating. CS deposition was performed using the 4000-30 KINETIK commercial cold spray system at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW), using two different carrier gases, helium (CS-He) and nitrogen (CS-N2). Helium imparts higher particle velocities and greater plastic deformation during impact. PVD process involves deposition of atoms of the coating material sputtered from a target using energetic argon ions. An advanced version of PVD, HiPIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering) which provides for superior coating microstructure and greater interfacial adhesion, was used. The PVD coating was performed in collaboration with an external company.
Reflood tests were performed in a specialized single rod test facility designed and built at the UW. Here, a 16” cladding section was heated to temperatures in the range of 600 °C to 1200 °C with a thermal radiation furnace followed by flowing pre-heated RO (reverse osmosis) water through a quartz tube and around the cladding. Following the tests, ring-shaped samples were sectioned from the cladding and subjected to ring compression tests (RCT), where load-displacement plots are also generated as the ring sample is vertically deformed in the radial direction to maximum displacement of 2mm. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was performed after the reflood tests to examine changes in the microstructure, thickness of stoichiometric outer oxide layer, and diffusion depth of oxygen into the Zr-alloy cladding which can embrittle the cladding. Microhardness tests were also performed along the cross-section of the entire wall thickness and were found to replicate the oxygen diffusion profile. The beneficial effect of Cr coating became evident at higher reflood test temperatures. At 1200°C, the CS-He Cr coating showed a significantly thinner oxide layer thickness, and dramatically reduced oxygen ingress into the cladding. This resulted in better post-quench ductility of CS Cr-coated cladding. The presence of the strongly
adhered cold spray Cr-coating also mechanically reinforced cladding section as evidenced by the higher maximum load for untested claddings during RCT compared to the uncoated Zr-alloy. PVD Cr-coated Zr-alloy mitigated oxygen diffusion into the cladding but to a lesser extent than the cold spray Cr coating, due to diffusion likely having occurred along the intercolumnar boundaries of the PVD Cr coating. Similarly, the level of improvement in mechanical reinforcement provided by the PVD Cr coating was notably lower than that provided by the cold spray Cr coating.
Cladding ballooning and burst tests were performed at initial internal pressures of 6, 8, and 10 MPa by introducing argon gas into the cladding. Argon gas was flown along the outer surface of the cladding to minimize oxidation during tests. All Cr-coated claddings exhibited an increase in burst temperature relative to uncoated Zr-alloy, with CS (He) providing for the highest burst temperature, but a relatively brittle coating failure. Burst dimensions between each coating type largely varied with no discern able pattern. CS (N2) exhibited a repeatable, anomalous reduction in burst size at 8 MPa which could be a result of micro-fracturing along the interparticle boundaries which relieved stress. Post-test characterization of ruptured cladding also involved image analysis to measure the burst area dimensions and to measure the diametric strain profile axially, and to measure the post-test wall thickness of the ruptured cross-section. While uncoated and PVD Cr-coated cladding experienced plastic deformation along the entire axial length of the cladding similarly, CS (He) and CS (N2) constrained the Zr-alloy substrate with CS (He) constraining all deformation to only within 4 cm of the burst site. The presence of a Cr-coating mitigates the severity of oxygen embrittlement, ballooning, and burst size compared to uncoated Zr-alloy.1. University of Wisconsin, Madison’s Grainger Professorship (for Prof. Kumar Sridharan) grant number GF000022364
2. National Science Foundation through the University of Wisconsin Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (DMR-1720415)
Adjoint-Based Compactness and Topology Optimization for Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Modules
No full textIn this study, an integrated topology optimization (TO) framework for the design of phase-change material (PCM) based latent-heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems is pre-sented. The framework simultaneously optimizes both the geometric compactness of the enclosure and the spatial distribution of high-conductivity material (HCM) within the PCM region. This dual optimization is achieved by coupling two complementary parameteri-zation techniques. First, a density-based material interpolation approach is used, where a continuous design variable field, denoted as γ, governs the local distribution between HCM and PCM. Second, a space-mapping transformation employing two scaling factors, (Sx, Sy), dynamically modifies the global dimensions of the enclosure during optimization to achieve compactness.
A time-dependent conduction-based melting model is developed to capture transient heat transfer and phase-change behavior within the enclosure. The proposed framework is validated through a series of two-dimensional numerical studies that explore the effects of different boundary temperatures, heat fluxes, and discharge durations. Results demonstrate that the integrated TO approach can substantially reduce the enclosure volume while maintaining the desired thermal performance. Specifically, compared to conventional parallel-fin designs, the optimized layouts achieved up to a 30% reduction in volume and a 40% decrease in temperature rise at the heat source.
By combining material and geometric design within a single optimization loop, this work establishes a unified and computationally efficient method for developing compact and thermally efficient LHTES configurations. The proposed approach provides new insights for designing advanced thermal energy storage systems where space, weight, and efficiency are critical considerations
Characterization of immune cell metabolism and systemic function during the transition period of dairy cows
No full textThe periparturient period represents one of the most physiologically and metabolically demanding stages in the productive life of dairy cows. As animals transition from gestation to lactation, nutrient demands rise sharply while feed intake declines, resulting in a negative energy balance that can compromise immune competence and increase disease risk. While traditionally characterized as a period of immunosuppression, recent evidence indicates that the transition period is marked by immune dysregulation and overactivation, driven by concurrent metabolic and environmental stressors. This thesis aimed to provide an integrative view of immune changes in dairy cows across the periparturient period, examining systemic and mucosal adaptations in major lymphoid and myeloid cell populations, and exploring, at the cellular level, the metabolic activity of T helper cells and the potential for nutritional modulation of immune function through probiotic supplementation.
In the first study, systemic and mucosal immune adaptations were characterized in Holstein cows supplemented or not with Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 from three weeks before to ten weeks after calving. Blood and colon samples were collected at multiple time points, and immune cell populations were evaluated by flow cytometry.
Independent of treatment, both lymphoid and myeloid cell populations changed dynamically during early lactation. The proportion of circulating CD4⁺ T cells decreased immediately after calving but recovered by 70 days postpartum, while cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells increased and remained elevated. Within the intestinal mucosa, dendritic cells peaked at seven days postpartum, consistent with early postpartum antigen presentation. SCB supplementation enhanced humoral activation, as reflected by increased CD86 expression on both naïve (IgM⁺)
and class-switched (IgG⁺) B cells, suggesting improved immune homeostasis through nutritional
support.
The second study explored the metabolic and functional properties of CD4⁺ T helper cells across the periparturient period. Using Seahorse metabolic flux analysis, we found that activated T helper cells exhibited greater glycolytic and oxidative metabolism at +3 and +28 days compared to prepartum. Similarly, T helper cell proliferation and proinflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were upregulated at postpartum, while gene expression of metabolic markers remained stable. These results indicate that T helper cells are metabolically active and functionally competent after calving, displaying features of immune adaptation rather than suppression.
Collectively, the studies presented in this thesis reveal that immune changes around calving reflect an adaptive reprogramming response rather than suppression. Enhanced cellular metabolism and selective activation of immune subsets likely represent physiological responses to metabolic stress and tissue remodeling after parturition. Understanding these mechanisms and identifying nutritional strategies to support immune balance may improve health, productivity, and welfare in transition dairy cows