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DC to DC Buck Converter
Full text linkThis research project focuses on the design, implementation, and optimization of a high-efficiency DC-to-DC buck converter that steps down 12V to 5V for applications such as USB-powered devices, embedded systems, and automotive electronics. Building on my Associate’s degree project, where a 555 timer-based was replace with a LM2576 switching regulator IC.
The research involves circuit simulation in Multisim, PCB layout optimization in Ultiboard, and prototype testing to assess voltage stability, efficiency, and thermal performance. The project will incorporate best practices in power electronics design, including proper grounding techniques and thermal management strategies.
Expected outcomes include a fully functional, high-efficiency buck converter, a comprehensive research report, and a technical presentation. This project will reinforce core concepts in power electronics, circuit analysis, and PCB design, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world engineering applications while preparing me for future research or industry roles
Echoes of Exclusion: The Underrepresentation of Women in Congressional Testimony and Its Consequences for Judicial Decision-Making
Full text linkCongressional hearing witnesses play a major role in the legislative process, providing information to committees to assist members and staff in crafting legislation. Recently, there has been increasing focus on the impact of congressional witnesses on legislative outcomes, executive implementation of federal statutes, and corresponding judicial decisions. This has raised questions as to the extent to which the underrepresentation of women and other marginalized groups as congressional witnesses can be measured and how their lack of representation translates to inequitable outcomes across all branches of government. This work explores the widespread use of congressional witness testimony in recent U.S. Supreme Court opinions, reiterating that witnesses play a significant role in establishing the legislative history, which, in turn, is later relied upon in judicial decision making. In this Article, we quantify the references to congressional witnesses in U.S. Supreme Court opinions using a publicly available dataset of opinions dating from 1789 through 2020. Although not surprising given our past work, we find that while the Court regularly references Congressional testimony in its opinions, women as congressional witnesses are demonstrably underrepresented in these opinions. We argue that the ongoing underrepresentation of women as congressional witnesses will be more consequential to judicial outcomes following the Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, 603 U.S. 369 (2024), overturning Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837 (1984)
Harvest Gold Distillery
Full text linkThe goal of our research project is to establish and grow Harvest Gold Distillery: a corn-based liquor distillery in Ohio that aims to produce and sell high-quality spirits while offering unique services that enhance outreach in the community. The motivation behind this business venture is rooted in one of our team member’s family traditions; Alex’s family makes homemade liquors, which has fostered an in-depth understanding of the distillation process. Alex’s firsthand experience with the craft provides a solid foundation, yet we recognize that starting a distillery involves significant challenges and requires thorough research in several functions of business. This project seeks to explore and develop the systems and mechanisms needed to transform this idea into a well-organized, profitable business.
Harvest Gold Distillery will offer a variety of corn-based spirits for sale both directly to consumers at our facility and to other businesses. The facility will also eventually serve as a destination for tours, tastings, and a dine-in restaurant, combining the spirit of craftsmanship with community engagement. This will not only create an additional revenue stream but also provide a space for socializing, entertainment, and gastronomic experiences, enhancing the local economy and supporting small businesses. The mission of Harvest Gold Distillery is to produce liquor using intentionally and locally sourced ingredients where possible, promoting sustainability and regional culture. Our long-term objective is to grow the company from a five-person startup to a thriving enterprise, employing up to 100 people within 10 years
From the Freedom Train: A historical perspective on Dr. Joseph L. White
Full text linkThis paper explores the generational impact of the late Dr. Joseph L. White, the Father of Black Psychology. During a time when psychology lacked cultural awareness, Dr. White pioneered a wave of institutional and community change among Black Psychology. Through his Academic Freedom Train, a mentoring system inspired by the Underground Railroad System, Dr. White influenced an interconnected network of mentees committed to decolonizing psychology and promoting Black Psychology. The paper frames the history of racism in psychology in the context of Dr. White\u27s life, his role in promoting Black Psychology, and his commitment to mentees. Dr. White\u27s legacy and Academic Freedom Train lives on through the work of his mentees, his values of diversity and a strength-based approach, which has changed the scope and discipline of counseling and clinical psychology
Seen Not Heard: The Application of \u3ci\u3eYounger\u3c/i\u3e Abstention in Child Welfare Reform Litigation
Full text linkOver 400,000 children are languishing in foster care, and states have little incentive to improve their foster care systems. The only tool capable of sparking meaningful reform is class action civil rights litigation. But this tool is under attack. Several federal courts have relied on Younger v. Harris to abstain in these institutional reform cases. And states are pushing the Supreme Court to resolve the circuit split in their favor. Resolving the Younger quandary is vitally important for child victims of abuse and neglect. The Supreme Court held in DeShaney v. Winnebago County Department of Social Services that children who are not in state custody cannot sue state officials for failing to protect them against well-known risks of harm. If courts use Younger to shut the courthouse doors on foster children, then states, aided by the federal courts, will have functionally immunized themselves against 14th Amendment Due Process claims by children. This combination of DeShaney and Younger would enshrine into American jurisprudence the antiquated and paternalistic quip: children are better seen, not heard. This article makes the case that Younger does not apply to systemic reform litigation aimed at state executive agencies
Let\u27s Chat About ChatGPT: A Practical Guide to Risks in Attorney Use of Generative AI
Full text linkThe rapid rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT in the legal profession has sparked significant ethical and regulatory challenges after a federal judge sanctioned attorneys for citing non-existent cases generated by AI. This incident led to widespread judicial mandates requiring disclosure of AI use and prompted bar associations and ethics committees to address AI’s implications for legal practice. Despite AI’s potential to automate up to 44% of legal tasks, concerns about accuracy and ethical obligations persist. This article argues that the issue lies not with the technology itself but with lawyers neglecting duties of competence and supervision. As generative AI becomes embedded in legal research, drafting, and other functions, this article underscores the urgency for the legal profession to adapt responsibly, balancing innovation with ethical integrity
Effects of Soil Properties on CP Performance
Full text linkThis research aims to evaluate the affect of various soil properties on the effectiveness of cathodic protection (CP) in preventing underground pipeline corrosion. Metal coupons of common pipeline materials with applied CP will be mounted in several separate controlled soil environments to manipulate real world underground corrosion scenarios. Each soil environment will have different physical properties by mixing the soil with a prepared chemical solution. The physical properties to be evaluated include pH, resistivity, and moisture content. At the end of a corrosion duration, weight loss method will be used to evaluate the corrosion rate over that period. Additionally, the oil physical properties will be closely monitored to detect changes over time. Using this analysis, conclusions may be drawn to correlate various soil properties to corrosion rate under cathodic protection. Ultimately, the data will be used to better understand environments in which CP may or may not be an effective method of corrosion prevention
Polystyrene Plastic Waste as an Organic Hydrogen Carrier
Full text linkThe proposed research develops and studies catalytic chemical processes that enables using polystyrene (PS) plastic waste as solid “organic hydrogen carriers” (OHC). Demands for OHCs are driven by desire to alleviate climate change, by replacing carbon-based energy sources with hydrogen. However, hydrogen is highly flammable and difficult to store and transport so OHCs are needed to facilitate its transportation. Common OHCs are liquid petroleum chemicals with unsaturated chemical structures. They can be hydrogenated to store hydrogen and dehydronated to release hydrogen at desired application sites. The proposed research aims to investigate the following cycle: hydrogen storage by hydrogenation of PS to poly(vinyl-cyclohexane) (PVCH) over cheap, sustainable nickel-based (Ni) catalysts, transportation as a solid, then on-site dehydrogenation back to PS. The motivations for this work not only come from a desire to use OHCs to reduce the impact of plastic waste on climate change, but also for the desire and need to reduce plastic waste. If this research is successful, polystyrene waste from plastics will be repurposed. Repurposing this waste reduces landfill waste, pollution, and the need to purchase new materials, which consequently saves costs. As polystyrene is a solid, it also allows for cheaper and safer transportation than the liquid OHC alternatives
Internal or External: An Exploration of the United States Police Chief Hiring Process
Full text linkThis paper explores the hiring processes of police chiefs across the United States, focusing on internal versus external hiring practices. The goal of this research was to identify common trends, legislative barriers, and the impact of leadership on the hiring process through historical context, legal analysis, and case studies. The findings suggest that internal hires dominate chief appointments, though external hires are often sought during crises. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research and highlights the need to more fully understand this phenomenon. Understanding the processes and limitations surrounding the appointment of new leadership is critical to reform and organizational stability. Keywords: Chief of Police, Hiring practices, Internal, External, Leadershi