
Research
Three recent research papers, projects and presentations:
In Search of Civilization: Aligning Atoms and Myth
A presentation and paper investigating how:
-
The evolution of atomic theory and radiocarbon dating impacted our ability to reconcile scientific data with anthropological, architectural, artistic, geographic, linguistic, and literary references to Mycenaean Troy, with a specific focus on Troy's location, identification, development, collapse, and social structures; and
-
AI is used to analyze Herculaneum's Villa di Papryi carbonized scrolls by taking 3D scans with X-ray tomography, digitally unrolling the scrolls, and then searching the digitized layers for ink, which contains traces of lead (which isolates the letters from papyrus fibers using specialized fluorescence).
PRIOR WORK INCLUDED:
Robert Modes Bridge & Civil Rights. Examined the Civil Rights movement's impact on Jim Crow area engineering and civic planning using primary and secondary records. Independently researched architectural structures that segregated people. The primary case study was the Robert Moses Bridge, which redirected traffic into black neighborhoods. Visited the bridge, modeled and 3D printed representations, then read contemporary accounts to contextualize its impact.
The Impact of Artificial vs. Full Spectrum Light Study, and Engineered Natural Light Design Project. Co-designed and implemented a clinical study utilizing controls and a mood questionnaire administered to subjects before and after reading and math skills tests. Tests were constructed under different lighting conditions. Analyzed data and statistical results and elevated ways to improve the study. Designed and researched materials and designed an artificial light that emulates natural light utilizing neodymium glass to filter/balance wavelengths and simulate natural light.
The Impact of Environmental Stressors on NYC Weeds. NYC flora is susceptible to a wide array of stressors, including salinity. An abundance of sodium in the soil can adversely impact plant structure, thereby stunting development and killing plants. Examined the influence of varying salinity levels via water fed to four types of weed under identical conditions before replanting them in separate containers. Each plant was fed a daily mixture of 2 ml of water and NaCl (0%, 10%, 23%, or 30%). Weeds were measured at regular intervals to assess the impact of saline solution on growth. The analysis included survival time and conditions under which weeds thrived. The resulting data on salinity tolerance improved our understanding of conditions that allow for agricultural longevity and weed prevention.