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Lunar Secondary Crater Identification Through Semi-Automated Data Aggregation: The Beginnings of the Pipeline
Get PDFBased on the number of primary craters on a surface, one can determine the age of that surface, but secondary craters contaminate that count. No single characteristic can distinguish primaries from secondaries with certainty; a feature that is present in one collection of secondaries can be absent in another due to the multitude of processes involved in their formation and degradation. We aim to develop a pipeline that will classify craters based on characteristics that have been used to differentiate secondaries on the Moon, including elevation profiles, degradation state, radar circular polarization ratio, rock abundance, and spatial clustering. We utilize photographic and radar data, which can be visualized, extracted, and referenced using publicly available remote sensing data of the lunar surface, accessible through the Java Mission-planning and Analysis for Remote Sensing (JMARS) geospatial information system software. I discuss plans for the pipeline\u27s structure and preliminary versions of programs that will determine depth-to-diameter ratio and slope ratio from elevation profiles, degree of spatial clustering, and orientation toward a primary. The difference in average slope ratio between a set of primaries and secondaries suggests that slope ratio may be helpful in differentiating secondaries when used in conjunction with other measurements. We conclude that it is best to initially select parameters that result in an excess of possible secondaries identified by the procedures because these craters will be further sorted when used in combination with the other elements of the pipeline
Approaches to Student Motivation: An Analysis and Application of Humanistic and Behavioral Psychology
No full textThis paper evaluates psychological principles regarding human motivation. My background in psychology and education fostered my interest in how we can make school more motivating by changing the school environment. I wanted to understand how psychological theories approaches motivation and how those ideas can be applied in today’s educational system, which is facing a crisis concerning student motivation. I used Rogers and Neill to guide my understanding of humanistic psychology and multiple works from Skinner to inform my understanding of behavioral psychology. Throughout my evaluation of these theories, it became clear that ideas situated in between these theories might produce the most effective changes. This theory is Ryan and Deci’s self-determination theory. I used self-determination theory as a framework to support suggestions I have for making a more motivating school environment. I argue that approaching education with the suggestions I have outlined will foster more intrinsic forms of motivation within students. I conclude with a discussion around possible challenges I foresee would arise if my ideas are implemented within schools
Colonial Waste and Liminal Space: A Look Behind the Muhlenberg General Store
Get PDFThe following project includes both a comprehensive site report on the archaeological field school hosted by Ursinus College and Historic Trappe in the summer of 2024, as well as spatial representations and analysis of colonial window glass distribution over the excavation units. Descriptions of the results of this archaeological investigation aim to expand on the body of knowledge concerning the Muhlenberg general store and the Speaker’s House property where the field school was conducted. An exploration of liminality and archaeological boundaries provides a lens into the structural nature of the general store zone as well as its colonial-era functions. In-depth discussion of colonial waste practices provides further insight into how colonial-era waste sheds light on the general store experience for both residents of the Speaker’s House and store customers. Using ArcGIS Pro software, spatial representations of window glass found during the 2024 field school display patterns suggesting the presence of windows along the back wall of the general store. These results serve as a reference for future historical and archaeological research, but also inform future restoration decisions as part of continued efforts by Historic Trappe to restore the Speaker’s House to its colonial-period character and appearance
Cover Cropping: How Sustainability & Economics Can Work Hand in Hand (Pt. II)
Get PDFResearch finds that while the average rate of soil erosion under natural conditions occurs at less than 1.9 Mg per hectare per year, the current rate of erosion for United States agricultural soils occurs at 6.7 Mg per hectare per year (Nearing et al., 2017). This problem is further heightened by the fact that many farmers are concerned about the added expenses that may come from the use of sustainable practices. As a result, this may lead to an increase in the practice of more harmful conventional agricultural techniques if they continue to be considered more economically beneficial in comparison. This paper aims to see if federal subsidy programs such as EQIP can better incentivize the use of a specific sustainable practice known as cover cropping by giving farmers the necessary financial means to cover their potential cost concerns. Cover crops are typically planted between growing seasons of desired cash crops to promote and sustain soil health. In general, cover crops have often been found to offer benefits such as increased crop yields and a decreased need for fertilizers through increasing the level of soil nitrogen. Using the USDA Census of Agriculture and the NRCS Financial Assistance Database, observations from each county in Pennsylvania during the years of 2017 and 2022 were analyzed to determine if a significant association exists between the rate of cover crop usage and the total amount of EQIP subsidy payments received by each county. The results found were then used to investigate if the use of federal subsidies can effectively encourage farmers to practice cover cropping in order to better sustain soil health into the long run
Untitled Book Stack
No full textThis book stack was created by a first-year student at Ursinus College participating in a Common Intellectual Experience event. After a group Stacks on Stacks activity in Fall 2024, students were invited to submit their own individual creations in Spring 2025.https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/cie_stacks/1149/thumbnail.jp
The Grizzly, October 23, 2025
No full textOpportunities in Motion • Spooky Spectacles and Enchanting Art • In the Blood: A Visceral Scarlet Letter Stage Adaptation • The MAA Fortnightly Question • Greetings From Ireland • The Best and Worst of C-Store (In My Humble Opinion) • An Injured Athlete\u27s Experience: Emma Reinert • Bears\u27 Players of the Week • Field Hockey Fights to Keep Season Alivehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/2059/thumbnail.jp
Hike in Asturias
No full textThis photograph was taken at Cabo de Peñas in Asturias—the north of Spain. It is known as the Ireland of Spain because of its green and rainy climate which allowed for a full rainbow to be visible over the cliffs.
Submitted as part of the Fall 2025 Study Abroad Photo Contest.https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/study_abroad_photos/1070/thumbnail.jp
Deb Giandonato Installation Site
No full textDigital photograph of the interior vestibule of the Wismer dining hall building on the Ursinus College campus. Student photographs of staff, such as Deb Giandonato, were created for a documentary photography class and temporarily installed around campus as part of the Spring 2025 COSA celebration.https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/art_envportraits/1035/thumbnail.jp
Justin Jones, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications 1
No full textDigital photograph of Justin Jones standing near the football field at Ursinus College. A printed version of this photograph was temporarily installed on the interior lobby of the Kaleidoscope building on campus as part of the Spring 2025 COSA celebration.https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/art_envportraits/1046/thumbnail.jp
Digital Spark Presentation: Skippack Business Owners Association, Floral & Hardy, and Blossom Cafe
No full textIn this presentation, Gregory Dervinis, Ursinus College Class of 2027, discusses his summer experience working with businesses located in the village of Skippack, Pennsylvania. In addition to the Skippack Business Owners Association, Gregory worked with Floral and Hardy, a garden center, and Blossom Cafe, a coffee shop