21497 research outputs found
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Beyond Gasoline: A Comparative Study of E85 and Electric Shuttle Alternatives
No full textTransportation systems on university campuses play a vital role in achieving sustainability and carbon neutrality goals. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) Daytona Beach campus operates a shuttle service designed to transport students efficiently between the main campus, residential complexes, and the MicaPlex. The current gasoline internal combustion shuttle fleet contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, highlighting the need for cleaner and more efficient propulsion systems. This study compares the cost, emissions, and viability of transitioning the current gasoline-driven fleet to E85 or electric to further the university’s commitment to sustainable development. Through a literature review of fleet adoption studies, regional fuel availability analysis, and lifecycle comparisons of E85, gasoline, and electric vehicles using ERAU’s shuttle routes to model operational performance and energy use, this study examines viable strategies for advancing sustainable and resilient transportation on campus. Evaluation metrics included vehicle fuel compatibility, infrastructure requirements for powering electric vehicles, fuel sourcing, and emissions output data. Findings indicate that E85 and electric powered vehicles can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions significantly, though such reductions may come with higher initial infrastructure and vehicle costs. The benefits of both E85 and electric adoption include reduced dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse emissions across the operating lifecycle of the fleet. Ultimately, this study provides a framework for transitioning campus transportation toward cleaner energy systems, paving the way for greater environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability at Embry-Riddle
An Analysis of Shifting Non-Native Gamefish Dynamics in Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
No full textArthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (LOX NWR), located in southwest Florida, is a 145,000-acre property managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is part of the northernmost remnant of the Everglades watershed. As one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the US, LOX NWR doubles as an active research refuge for invasive species as well as a high recreational use area for a variety of activities, like fishing, hunting, and kayaking. Recreational anglers are permitted to fish in a series of three perimeter canals that border the refuge, where they often target non-native fish species such as peacock bass, goldline snakehead, and clown knifefish. To monitor changes in the population structure of native and invasive fish species within these canals, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) conducted electrofishing sampling in the 2011-2012 and 2023-2024 seasons. The initial report on this survey found a significant increase in the relative abundance of invasive species across the board, but did not analyze their distribution. Subsequent analysis will examine more specific changes in gamefish distribution and population structure in the decade between sampling events. This project aims to (1) visualize the changes in non-native gamefish distribution, (2) visualize the changes in native gamefish distribution, (3) identify and visualize locations in the LOX NWR where stakeholders should expect to find high abundances of non-native gamefish. The maps produced from this additional investigation will contribute useful information for LOX NWR stakeholders, such as refuge managers and anglers, as a potential source for management and recreation decisions
COE Presents: Holland
Get PDFA cultural celebration of the Netherlands with traditional snacks, fun activities, and interactive games that highlight Dutch heritage and everyday lif
Flag Coloring
No full textA calming, come‑and‑go activity to color national flags while learning quick facts and enjoying stress‑relief during a busy wee
Alternative Unleaded Fuels for General Aviation Piston Airplanes: A Pathway to Sustainability
No full textThis study examines the transition from leaded 100 low lead (100LL) aviation gasoline to unleaded alternatives in general aviation (GA) piston-engine aircraft, driven by environmental and health concerns highlighted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u27s (EPA) endangerment finding. Through a systematic literature review and synthesis, it identifies key unleaded fuel candidates, including 91UL, 94UL (Swift UL94), Auto Gas (Mogas), General Aviation Modification Inc. (GAMI) G100UL, Swift 100R, and LyondellBasell/VP Racing UL100E, evaluating their status, compatibility, advantages, and challenges. The analysis addresses regulatory efforts such as the FAA\u27s Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative aiming for a lead-free system by 2030, alongside technical, economic, liability, and distribution hurdles. Findings emphasize GAMI G100UL and Swift 100R as promising drop-in replacements for both low- and high-compression engines, underscoring the need for industry collaboration to ensure safety, sustainability, and operational viability in GA for decades to come
3.5 Years
No full textParking scarcity has led to students and faculty spending over 15 minutes searching for spaces, causing wasted fuel, congestion, and frustration. Addressing this challenge is vital as the university grows and aims to enhance both efficiency and environmental responsibility. This study examines the parking shortage at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus and evaluates the feasibility of developing a mobile parking application to improve sustainability and campus mobility.
The research employed a literature review and comparative analysis of U.S. universities with existing smart-parking systems, including the University of Alabama, Louisiana State University, and the University at Buffalo. Parameters included student-to-parking ratios, campus size, available transportation alternatives, and technology types such as crowdsourced, sensor-based, and predictive systems. Findings reveal that campuses using real-time parking apps, such as ParkZen and Modii, significantly reduced search times, emissions, and traffic congestion.
Embry-Riddle already demonstrates internal interest and student research capability in this area. A prior IGNITE-funded project by Lenge (2017) successfully used image processing to detect parking occupancy through live camera feeds, confirming the technical feasibility of smart-parking infrastructure on campus. Building on that foundation, this project explores a more scalable, software-driven approach. Embry-Riddle’s high vehicle dependence and limited alternative transit make a mobile parking app both feasible and impactful, particularly using a crowdsourced model requiring minimal infrastructure investment. Implementing such a system could substantially improve parking efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance overall campus experience, offering a replicable, data-driven sustainability model for other car-dependent universities
Drone Noise, Local Action, and Federal Power
No full textDrones make noise. Of course, drone noise is quite different from traditional aircraft noise. But increasingly residents in neighborhoods across the country are taking notice of the high-pitched buzzing sounds drones emit as they deliver packages and are flown recreationally. While not all are bothered by the buzzing, to some, drone noise is annoying and concerning.
What to do? Noise is an area traditionally left to state and local government control. And given the extent to which perspectives diverge on just how problematic drone noise is, one may reasonably think its regulation should fall to the states or, perhaps better yet, local authorities. But how does this approach fit in with the federal government\u27s well-established authority to regulate aircraft noise and drone operations in general? Based on an article published in the Journal of Air Law and Commerce in 2024, this presentation explores this preemption question and challenges associated with drone noise regulation. Many issues raised by civilian drone operations are overshadowed by debates about the extent of federal preemption. Noise is no exception. This presentation shows that on the noise issue, the Supreme Court and lower courts\u27 precedent favor regulation at the federal level
Walk Around the World
No full textVisit the 7 continents and get your passport stamped. First 28 finishers receive a medal
Spicy Noodle Challenge (ISA)
No full textA friendly heat‑level challenge that explores spice traditions across cultures—complete with cultural trivia and lots of laughs
Beyond Carbon: Understanding the Role of Contrails in Aviation’s Climate Impact
No full textContrails, the condensation trails produced when jet engine exhaust encounters cold, humid air, are among aviation’s most significant non-CO₂ climate impacts. Depending on meteorological conditions, they may persist for hours and spread into cirrus clouds that trap infrared radiation otherwise destined for space. This short-lived but potent effect may account for up to 35% of aviation’s total climate impact.
This presentation will first outline the science of contrail formation and persistence, then explain why they matter for aviation’s broader climate footprint. Their effects vary greatly with weather, altitude, and season, making them difficult to model, predict, and manage.
Past research established contrails as a driver of radiative forcing, beginning with observational studies and early climate models. Current research is advancing through high-resolution modeling, satellite detection, and operational trials. Potential mitigation strategies include rerouting to avoid ice-supersaturated regions, as well as the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which may generate fewer soot particles and thus reduce contrail formation. These options hold promise but raise questions about efficiency, safety, and cost.
Looking forward, future work must expand beyond science into operational and policy integration. The European Union has begun incorporating non-CO₂ effects into climate policy, but global regulatory pathways remain limited. Progress will require interdisciplinary collaboration to refine models, quantify uncertainty, and develop operational guidelines to achieve industry net-zero goals.
Corrine Girard, Ph.D. candidate at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, will frame contrails as both a scientific challenge and a policy-relevant opportunity, inviting participants to think beyond carbon when addressing aviation’s climate future