URSP Student Timothy Reid studies the Elements of the Rank 2 Free Group

I am Tim Reid and I am a senior mathematics major. I am doing mathematics research in the field of abstract algebra. Research in pure mathematics is trying to solve unsolved problems that are brought up in previous research literature. In my research project I am studying elements of a set called the rank 2 free group. The elements of the free group are called words, and we are studying how these words can be used to represent deformations of objects in the real projective plane.

I began this project when I started working at the Mason Experimental Geometry Lab (MEGL). At MEGL we study unsolved math problems by using a method called “experimental mathematics.” Experimental mathematics refers to writing computer programs to generate data sets related to the problem, looking for patterns in the data set, using the patterns to form conjectures, and then trying to prove those conjectures. This semester we began investigating how the words can be used to represent the deformations. To assist in understanding how the words can represent the deformations, I am writing a computer program visualize the deformations in the real projective plane. So far I have learned how the deformations work in general but we are still investigating how the words are related to them.

My goal after I graduate is to enter a PhD program in mathematics and then eventually work as a researcher in mathematics. This research project is my first research experience in mathematics and it has only increased my interest in the subject. 

URSP Student Allison O'Neill Studies and Isolates Aquatic Humid Substances

My name is Allison O’Neill and I am a sophomore Biochemistry major. This semester, Fall of 2016, I am doing research under Dr. Foster to isolate aquatic humic substances and study their chemical structure as well as numerous physical properties. When I was first introduced to this project, I was originally interested in working as an assistant to one of his graduate students in the lab. However, I talked with Dr. Foster more and we decided on a project that I would be best suited to work on. As of now, I have had many opportunities to gain experience working with other researchers in my field of study, as well as working in a chemistry lab and contributing knowledge to my field. Having this experience will help me prepare for my later goals of going to medical school and studying to become a doctor.

My project took a while to get off of the ground. There is not a concrete method to extract humic substances from an aquatic source, but Dr. Foster and a previous undergraduate student of his, Zohair Khan, had developed a technique after reading many articles on the subject. They came up with a glass column packed with the resin DAX-8 that the water samples would be filtered through. However, our first attempt at working with the column resulted in it breaking and we had to go back to the drawing board. After a month of reconfiguring and waiting patiently for parts to come in, I was finally able to start my research.

A typical week for me consists of collecting water samples from various water sources in the Potomac watershed. Then I take them back to the lab and perform a simple distillation of the water, place the filtered sample in the cooler, and have the samples filtered through the resin within 48 hours. Then the resin will be backwashed and deionized. Finally, the samples will be ready to be further analyzed. This can become very overwhelming and time consuming, but I get a lot of support from Dr. Foster and he has helped me understand how hard, yet rewarding, research can be. Ultimately, the biggest thing that I have learned from this experience is to be patient. Since I was unable to start my research right away because of the broken equipment, I had to learn to be patient and prepare for other aspects of my research in the mean time. Furthermore, I plan on continuing this research into next semester, since I will not have enough time to finish everything I planned on this semester.

URSP Student Jasmine Dang Studies Differences in Cognitive Flexibility and its Performance in SART

My name is Jasmine Dang. I am a senior, studying Psychology and Neuroscience. In Spring 2014, I took an introductory human factors psychology course and was delighted to learn about this unique subfield of psychology. I reached out to my course instructor and became her research assistant (RA) in Fall 2015, starting to help out with various projects involving creativity and cognitive flexibility. I learned about URSP towards the end of Spring 2016 and decided to apply under my instructor’s guidance as a mentor. I used my knowledge in cognitive flexibility, incorporated with vigilance, to present my proposal. My study aims to examine individual differences in cognitive flexibility and its relation in predicting performance in a sustained attention to response task (SART).

This URSP project plays a big role in my long-term goals, one of which is pursuing a graduate degree in Human Factors Psychology. Within the course of 2 months after the start of my project, I have been able to apply my skills from the classroom to a research setting on a professional level. I learn how to write an IRB application, to apply for SONA, and to write my own protocol. In addition with filing the paperwork, I meet with my mentor on a weekly basis to discuss the progress of the project including setting up programs and collecting pilot data. The biggest lesson I get from this whole process is that patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to research.

I would like to express my gratitude to all of those who have been patiently guiding me, regarding of their own busy schedule. I also would like to thank those who have made opportunities like this available for students to pursue their ambitions. During this term, I discovered that connecting and taking initiative are critical steps to pursuing any goals. Reach out, ask, and partake! Then, we will make a difference.

URSP Student Ashley Fortner Investigates Effectiveness of Programs Monitoring Endangered Red Panda

My name is Ashley Fortner and I am a senior studying Applied Global Conservation. I am currently working with Dr. Elizabeth Freeman to investigate the effectiveness of two new technology programs in monitoring behavior in the endangered red panda. Due to its status as endangered, scientists are working to promote successful reproduction of this species in captivity. However, red pandas face many challenges such as poor milk production and poor maternal care. To better understand these challenges, Dr. Freeman and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) have placed video cameras within the nest boxes of female red pandas at SCBI. Although these cameras are helpful, problems such as continuous recording and having to hand score behaviors make this process lengthy and difficult. Ruby for Good, a non-profit software company, developed two new programs; one to cut out the video feed not containing red pandas (dead space) and another that will facilitate scoring of red panda behaviors. I will be comparing these new programs with the old methods of behavior monitoring to see if they are as effective at monitoring red panda behavior.

What got me interested in my project was seeing the red pandas daily while I was studying at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Front Royal, Virginia. I was curious about their personalities and their behavior and was dying to learn more. I found out that Dr. Freeman, whom I had known since my freshman year, was currently working with them so I reached out to her to see how I could get involved and she helped me develop this project.

Although my long-terms goals are not concrete, I know that I want to be zookeeper when I graduate in the spring. The ability to study an animal’s behavior and understand what they are expressing will be an invaluable skill as a zookeeper. It is essential to be able to understand these cues to recognize when there is something the animal needs from you and will allow you to implement enrichment to better their quality of life.

A really cool thing about my project is that what I do on a weekly basis is constantly changing as the project develops. Last week, I summarized chapters on proper protocol for monitoring behavior and this past week I poured over 30 hours of red panda footage practicing scoring behaviors. One thing that I have discovered this term is that monitoring animal behavior is not a walk in the park. Animals, like humans, tend to do many things at once. It may seem easy to watch an animal and document its behavior, but as an observer, you have to have an unparalleled attention span and the speed to keep up with what is going on.