Projects

• Designing Experimental Automation for Extreme Environments

  Read more

  Experimental condensed matter physics and materials engineering often require the development of new methods of measuring fundamental properties of matter under extreme environments. Since it is often impossible to buy equipment capable of making the precise measurements needed under these conditions, the researcher must design and build his/her own experimental systems.  This project will explore the development of parameter controlling systems (temperature, gas flow rate, resistivity, etc.) for fundamental science experiments (e.g., synthesis and physical property measurements) based on low-cost, open-source microcontrollers. Students will gain hands-on experience in programming microcontrollers to monitor experimental parameters and to control these parameters using feedback loops. Students will devise their own unique applications for these approaches and create working devices based on their ideas.

  ORNL Division: Materials Science and Technology Division

  Mentors:  Zac Ward, Matt Brahlek

  Assistants: Jane Chen

  Students: Timari Bailey, Dominick dos Santos, Kourtni Jackson, Alexandrea Lundborg

• Modern Computing Concepts for Science

  Read more

  This summer institute introduces the concepts of modern computing for students in science and technology. We begin with the building-blocks of computing: NUMBERS! Since computers are numerical devices, the decimal, octal, hexadecimal, and binary number systems are introduced and used.

  Computers are devices with both hardware and software components. Hardware is essential to realize a computer design, and so we learn about and manipulate various hardware devices and components found in modern personal computers. We will dissemble and reassemble a personal computer!

  With computer hardware constraints in mind, we begin learning more about modern personal computer operating systems starting with Microsoft Windows 10. The command line interface (CLI) is introduced to manipulate the computer system. After Windows usage is reinforced, we will install a system that allows us to perform additional tasks on a personal computer. This additional virtualization capability will be provided by VMware Workstation or Virtual Box. 

  In the virtual system, we will load a UNIX/Linux operating system and learn command-line commands and install useful software including the Python programming language. In the Python language, the workshop participants will learn and practice the art and science of programming for science and technology.

  ORNL Division: Joint Institute for Computational Sciences

  Mentor: Don Reed

  Facilitator: Jerry Sherrod

  Students: Dylan Johnson, Ethan Kasdan, Sarah Smith, Emily Welch

• Computational Investigation of the Monte Carlo Method for Shielding Optimization and Tally Statistics

  Read more

  This project will bring together concepts of nuclear physics, applied math/statistics, and computer science. A simple 1-D Monte Carlo neutron transport code will be used to investigate two basic research questions. First, when solving the Boltzman radiation transport equation using the Monte Carlo method, are batch statistics or history statistics better for dose tallies? Second, what shielding configuration is optimal for reducing radiation dose rate? Both of these questions will be answered by performing shielding optimization on a simple neutron transport problem using Python and Jupyter Notebooks with the 1-D Monte Carlo code mentioned above. Although simple, these research questions show how computational methods are used for nuclear engineering and will give insight into which statistical methods are better for tallies as the nuclear research community moves toward solving very large problems with cutting-edge high-performance supercomputers that take advantage of new GPU architectures.

  ORNL Division: Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division

  Mentors: Mathew Swinney, Elliott Biondo

  Facilitator: Loftin Gerberding

  Students: Robert Bennett, Piper Cook, Logan Cummins, Walker West

• Climate Sciences Project

  Read more

  This workshop focuses on the science, modelling, and communication of climate change. Climate change science is very complicated, but it is relevant to everyone. Students will develop a better understanding of the science of climate change, how it is being investigated, and how to write and talk about it. Importantly, students will be given the freedom to design and execute their own research project. Students have developed climate science teaching materials for middle schoolers, an environmental stewardship program for rural communities, and a carbon monitoring program for Appalachian regions using NASA databases.

  ORNL Division: Computational Science and Engineering/Communications Office

  Mentor: Bill Cabage and Melissa Dumas

  Facilitator: Ross Toedte

  Students: Grecia Avellaneda-Castro, Giselle Hernandez-Castorena, Artemis Rupe, Carter Scaggs, Andrew Whaley

• Robotic Systems and Engineering Development

  Read more

  Robots are used in the industry to protect humans from hazardous environments or when the work involves highly repetitive and precision tasks. The objectives of this project are to (1) expose students to robotic projects underway at ORNL and (2) provide hands-on experience in designing, constructing, and programming a small robot.  The students will work in groups on similar problems at the Remote Systems Group of ORNL's Fusion Energy Division. The focus of this project is to develop the mechanical and programming skills that are needed to design, build, and operate a robot.  The student will build a robot that can navigate an obstacle course using various sensors (light, ultrasonic and/or touch).  The students will learn which sensors are best suited for which purposes and what logic is appropriate for controlling the robot's trajectory.  Students will be using the Lynxmotion Tri-Track Robot and AL5A Robotic Arm for building and testing.  The students will also program an actual FANUC Robot arm used in Manufacturing.

  ORNL Division: Fusion Energy Division

  Mentor:  Adam Carroll, Adam Aaron, & Venu Varma

  Facilitators: Andy Rayfield, Lane Whiteside

  Students: Wren Duckworth, Belle Le Fever, Trace Loveday, Courtney Purves, Aidan Ryan

• Visualizing and Analyzing Change in Population and Demographics in the Appalachian Region

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  The project will introduce the students to geographical information science (GIS) and spatial data analysis. Using open-source software the students will learn how to analyze data from the census and create maps of various variables like population, race, age and income levels. Students will learn to analyze how these variables have changed over time and what new resources (schools, hospitals, roads etc.) have been build in the areas where population has grown. The students will learn how GIS is used in various applications ranging from urban planning, energy infrastructure to national security.

  ORNL Division: GSHSD

  Mentor: Nagendra Singh

  Assistants: Jessica Moehl & Bennett Morris

  Students: McKenna Adams, Cara Divney, Isabelle Gladson, Emma Thomas, Riley Yates

• A Demonstration of Surface Tension and Contact Angle

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  The contact angle of a liquid on a flat surface determines the spreading or wetting properties of the system. This is an essential aspect of liquid flow and adhesion characteristics and is often used in the industry to develop better materials and evaluate product quality. The angle is measured as the angle formed where a liquid or vapor interacts with a solid surface. The liquid generally forms a dome shape, caused by the surface tension of the liquid and its attraction to the surface. In this project, we will demonstrate how contact angle and surface tension change with different materials, such as graphite, stainless steel, vanadium, and glass. We will also show how surface tension affects contact angle by applying different liquids, such as water, ethanol, and ethylene glycol.

  ORNL Division: Chemical Science Division

  Mentor: Jisue Moon

  Students: Silence Karl, Baylee Newman

• Comparative Evaluation of Oncogenic protein Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and its cysteine variants in Human Cells

  All biological impacts of HGF in cell proliferation are triggered by binding of HGF to its cell surface receptor, cellular mesenchymal-epidermal transition (c-MET). HGF/c-MET signaling induces multifunctional cellular responses. Dysregulation of HGF/c-MET signaling cascade can lead to tumorigenesis by transforming normal cells to tumor cells. We mutated core cysteine residues in HGF and then will evaluate stability of individual variants in protein level. We will also determine the phosphorylation level of c-MET (p-MET) in human cells which is a part of signal transduction pathway.

  Read more

  Majority of the cancers show hyperphosphorylation of pMET and we would like to elucidate if these mutations could abrogate the phosphorylation level in c-MET. The results from the project will help us to dissect the role for the specific cysteine-residues in HGF/c-MET interaction and could set the stage for future therapies that selectively disrupt the MET signaling cascade with limited off-target effects in tumors overexpressing HGF/c-MET. 

  ORNL Division: 
  Bioscience Division

  Mentors:
  Kuntal De

  Students:
  Lexie Unger
  Lalitha Tadikonda 
  Griffin Milford 
  Nathan Brusseau

   

• Designing Experimental Automation for Extreme Environments

  Students will gain hands-on experience in programming microcontrollers to monitor experimental parameters and to control these parameters using feedback loops. The devices built during this process will then be used in real experiments observing electron conduction characteristics of single crystal correlated oxide films in varied environments.

  Read more

  Experimental condensed matter physics and materials engineering often require the development of new methods of measuring fundamental properties of matter under extreme environments. Since it is often impossible to buy equipment capable of making the precise measurements needed under these conditions, the researcher must design and build his/her own experimental systems.  This project will explore the development of parameter controlling systems (temperature, gas flow rate, resistivity, etc.) for fundamental science experiments (e.g., thin film deposition, physical property measurement) based on low-cost, open-source microcontrollers. Students will gain hands-on experience in programming microcontrollers to monitor experimental parameters and to control these parameters using feedback loops. The devices built during this process will then be used in real experiments observing electron conduction characteristics of single crystal correlated oxide films in varied environments.

  ORNL Division: 
  Materials Science and Technology Division

  Mentor: Zac Ward

  Assistants: Matt Brahlek, Yun-yi Pai, Rob Moore

  Students:
  Carter Rogers
  Wade Groff  
  Anabelle Esmond
  McKayla Beldyk

   

• Nozzle design for single phase and multiphase flow for electronics cooling

  This project would be using jet impingement (single phase and multi-phase) to cool hot objects which in our case would be power electronics device. The scope of the project would be to design different nozzle shape/design of nozzles to create different types of jet flow.

  Read more

  Initially the scope of the work would be to design in CAD software (soildworks) and later use 3D printing facility to generate the design. Later we would use simulation software COMSOL or anything available to model the flow if we can manage time after our first step of the work. Main objective of this project would be designing a nozzle which would create jet flow to cool the electronics and the pressure drop of the flow would be not smaller (within certain range).

  Step 1: Literature review and brainstorming for the in initial design of nozzles

  Step 2: analyze the merit/demerits of each design and reduce the design options

  Step 3: Develop a CAD geometry of the nozzle design (one or two depending on how many designs we choose)

  Step 4: Do the flow analysis of the particular design using a CFD software

  Step 5: Explore how we can print it by 3D printer, choose right material for doing so and go for it.    

   

  ORNL Division: Building and Transportation Science Division

  Mentor: Himel Barua

  Facilitator: Loftin Gerberding

  Students:
  Chris Baez 
  TJ Carroll
  Vanessa Lay
  Chloe Kirk     

• Modern Computing Concepts for Science

  This summer Academy introduces the concepts of modern computing for students in science and technology. We begin with the building-blocks of computing: NUMBERS! Since computers are numerical devices, the decimal, octal, hexadecimal, and binary number systems are introduced and used.

  Read more

  Computers are devices with both hardware and software components. Hardware is essential to realize a computer design, and so we learn about and manipulate various hardware devices and components found in modern personal computers. We will dissemble and reassemble a personal computer!

  With computer hardware constraints in mind, we begin learning more about modern personal computer operating systems starting with Microsoft Windows 10. The command line interface (CLI) is introduced to manipulate the computer system. After Windows usage is reinforced, we will install a system that allows us to perform additional tasks on a personal computer. This additional virtualization capability will be provided by VMware Workstation or Virtual Box.

  In the virtual system, we will load a UNIX/Linux operating system and learn command-line commands and install useful software including the Python programming language. In the Python language, the workshop participants will learn and practice the art and science of programming for science and technology.

  ORAU Division: Joint Institute for Computational Sciences

  Mentor: Don Reed

  Facilitator: Jerry Sherrod

  Students:
  Jamion Carter Jr 
  Jeffrey Eubanks
  Chloe Alberti
  Reagan Raffo
  Leah Scott      
  Karrina Finley

• Computational Investigation of the Monte Carlo Method for Shielding Optimization and Tally Statistics

  This project will bring together concepts of nuclear physics, applied math/statistics, and computer science. A simple 1-D Monte Carlo neutron transport code will be used to investigate two basic research questions.

  Read more

  First, when solving the Boltzman radiation transport equation using the Monte Carlo method, are batch statistics or history statistics better for dose tallies? Second, what shielding configuration is optimal for reducing radiation dose rate? Both questions will be answered by performing shielding optimization on a simple neutron transport problem using Python and Jupyter Notebooks with the 1-D Monte Carlo code mentioned above. Although simple, these research questions show how computational methods are used for nuclear engineering and will give insight into which statistical methods are better for tallies as the nuclear research community moves toward solving very large problems with cutting-edge high-performance supercomputers that take advantage of new GPU architectures.

  ORNL Division: Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division

  Mentor: Tara Pandya

  Students:
  Aislinn Hamilton 
  Nadia Robinson 
  Tristan Razote
  Zach Starnes

   

• Climate Sciences Project

  This workshop focuses on the science, modelling, and communication of climate change. Climate Systems Science (CSS) holds unique challenges in both formal and informal educational settings. CSS is a multi-science at the crossroads of numerous fundamental sciences such as chemistry and physics, thus requiring special skills of its scientists, educators, and communicators. Furthermore, CSS is a socio-scientific topic and is therefore more than a science issue, precipitating vastly different social framings.

  Read more

  Climate Systems Science (CSS) holds unique challenges in both formal and informal educational settings. CSS is a multi-science at the crossroads of numerous fundamental sciences such as chemistry and physics, thus requiring special skills of its scientists, educators, and communicators. Furthermore, CSS is a socio-scientific topic and is therefore more than a science issue, precipitating vastly different social framings.

  This workshop focuses on the science, modelling, and communication of climate change. Climate change science is very complicated, but it is relevant to everyone. Students will develop a better understanding of the science of climate change, how it is being investigated, and how to write and talk about it. Importantly, students will be given the freedom to design and execute their own research project. Students have developed climate science teaching materials for middle schoolers, an environmental stewardship program for rural communities, and a carbon monitoring program for Appalachian regions using NASA databases.

  ORNL Divisions: 
  Computational Science and Engineering Division
  Communications Office

  Mentors: Melissa Allen (Computational Science and Engineering Division) and Bill Cabage (Communications Office)

  Facilitator: Ross Toedte

  Students:
  Josh Wang
  Emma Duffer
  Cas Lennon-Puthoff 
  Tori Teague 
  Eyrin Kim 
  Robey Hudson

• Robotic Systems and Engineering Development

  Robots are used in the industry to protect humans from hazardous environments or when the work involves highly repetitive and precision tasks. The objectives of this project are to (1) expose students to robotic projects underway at ORNL and (2) provide hands-on experience in designing, constructing, and programming a small robot.  The students will work in groups on similar problems at the Remote Systems Group of ORNL's Fusion Energy Division.

  Read more

  The focus of this project is to develop the mechanical and programming skills that are needed to design, build, and operate a robot.  The student will build a robot that can navigate an obstacle course using various sensors (light, ultrasonic and/or touch).  The students will learn which sensors are best suited for which purposes and what logic is appropriate for controlling the robot's trajectory.  Students will be using the Lynxmotion Tri-Track Robot and AL5A Robotic Arm for building and testing.  The students will also program an actual FANUC Robot arm used in Manufacturing.

  ORAU Division: Fusion Energy Division

  Mentors: Venugopal Varma, Adam Aaron, and Adam Carroll

  Facilitators: Andy Rayfield and Curt Holmes

  Students:
  Isaac Suytrigg
  Kailee Moore
  Haley Orr
  Andrew Quade 
  Emily Ford
  Jake Langlois
  Ryleigh Larkin
  Toby Cox

   

• Climate Systems Science, Modeling, and Communication

  This workshop focuses on science and communication about climate change. Science mentors lead activities that help participants understand and learn about the complexities of climate change science, findings from climate modelling projects and experiments, and the collection, processing, and analysis of scientific data.

  Read more

  Communications mentors guide participants in talking about and writing about their understandings of climate change science with different audiences in mind. Examples of science misconceptions, disinformation, and poor communication will be diagnosed and remedied. Experts in related fields such as materials science, appliance efficiency, building design, and audio/video/data technology discuss their respective connections to climate change science. In summary, this workshop is for participants learning about climate change science, conducting their own climate experiments in their home communities, confidently communicating what they know about the science, and using their knowledge and skills in the future.

  ORNL Division: 
  Computational Science and Engineering Division
  Communications Office

  Mentors:
  Melissa Allen, Computational Science and Engineering Division​
  Bill Cabage, Communications Office

  Facilitator: Ross Toedte

  Students:
  Mallory Bane
  Sydney Burns
  Hazel Chmiel
  Peyton Deckard
  Hudson Reynolds
  Matthew Wehler

   

• Computing: The Complete Process

  Learn about the complete process of computing this summer! We begin with the electricity that powers all computers in 2021, learn about the electronic components found in all computers (the “chips” and circuits), and the various major parts of a computer.

  Read more

  After the hardware is covered, we learn about the programs that control the computer itself: The Operating System with both Windows and Linux. After the computer, we will learn about the networks that link computers together throughout a house, a building, cities, countries, and the world. Finally, we must protect our computers from “hackers” and “malware” by learning about cyber security!

  ORNL Division: 
  Joint Institute for Computational Science

  Mentors:
  Bobby Whitten

  Facilitator: Jerry Sherrod

  Students:
  India Ingram
  Chance Loveday
  Preston Ogunwumi
  Samuel Park
  Emily Tutt

   

• Designing for Strength: Making the Most of Your 3D prints

  Finite deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing has become incredibly popular due to the expiration of key patents governing the technology. 

  Read more

  A cheap FDM printer has gone from $20k to $200 in less than two decades, quickly leading to the proliferation of FDM 3D printers among hobbyists and engineers alike. While FDM 3D printing has many advantages over more traditional manufacturing techniques, it tends to result in weaker parts than parts made by machining processes. In this class, we will learn how to design and print parts for strength, and along the way you will assemble a 3D printer and learn the basics of computer aided design. We will strength tests parts using a hydraulic press and force gauge and analyze the resulting data. Finally, we will write a report on the practices that result in the strongest 3D printed parts, applying statistical analysis to understand the significance our results.

  LANL Divisions: Bioscience (B)
  Explosive Science and Shock Physcs (M)
  Weapons Stockpile Modernization Division (Q)

  Mentor: Jacob Yoder (B)

  Assistants/Others who will work with students:
  Conrad Farnsworth (M)
  Amanda Jo Farnsworth (Q)
  Remington Bullis (M)

  Students:
  Delta Cole
  Evelyn Crall
  Ethan Finch
  Shiv Patel
  Neal Singh
  Luciano Spaventa
  Aayliana Van Dee
  Sydney Vass

• Radiation Biology

  The objective of this project is to familiarize the students with different types of radiation and their sources, view the results of radiation exposure through experimentation with eukaryotic organisms including yeast and plants, and explore methods of detecting, assessing, and treating radiation exposure that are being developed at ORNL and other facilities.

  Read more

  The use of ionizing radiation in many industrial, military, and medical devices requires the study of the effects of these types of radiation on living things in order to set limits on exposure and develop protective devices and practices. The objective of this project is to familiarize the students with different types of radiation and their sources, view the results of radiation exposure through experimentation with eukaryotic organisms including yeast and plants, and explore methods of detecting, assessing, and treating radiation exposure that are being developed at ORNL and other facilities.

  ORAU Division: ORISE Health Studies

  Mentor: Betsy Ellis

  Facilitators: Bridget Kennedy

  Students:
  Shaylyn Avery
  Jack Biewer
  Elisabeth Groff
  Nathaniel Horan
  August Mendez-Solis
  Vivian Song

• Robotic Systems and Engineering Development

  Robots are used in the industry to protect humans from hazardous environments or when the work involves highly repetitive and precision tasks. The objectives of this project are to (1) expose students to robotic projects underway at ORNL and (2) provide hands-on experience in designing, constructing and programming a small robot. 

  Read more

  The students will work in four groups on similar problems at the Remote Systems Group of ORNL's Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems Division. The focus of this project is to develop the mechanical and programming skills that are needed to design, build and operate a robot.  The student will build a robot that can navigate an obstacle course using various sensors (light, ultrasonic and/or touch).  The students will learn which sensors are best suited for which purposes and what logic is appropriate for controlling the robot's trajectory.

  ORNL Division: Fusion Materials for Nuclear Systems

  Mentors: Venugopal Varma, Adam Aaron, Adam Carroll

  Facilitators: Andy Rayfield and Curt Holmes

  Students:
  Abbey Barron
  Madyson Cahill
  Zachary Hines
  Dale Lambert
  Daniella Martin
  Rishi Soni
  Emonie Watson
  Isaac Yap

   

• Spatial Power: Site Suitability Modelling for Smart Neighborhoods

  State-of-the-art home energy optimization has led to the development of smart neighborhoods and connected communities to better anticipate energy production and consumption. Smart communities consist of a collection of buildings that have been outfitted with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, batteries, or grid-connective, energy-efficient building components to better manage energy consumption at the community level.

  Read more

  Retrofitting existing building infrastructure is often cost prohibitive and construction of new infrastructure requires determining the optimal location. In this project, we’ll show how spatial modelling can be used by local governments and utility providers to develop intelligent infrastructure, with the siting of a smart neighborhood as an example case. This project will allow for the introduction of many core concepts underlying geographic information science, including spatial analysis and modeling, network analysis, and human environment interactions. We’ll introduce standard spatial data formats, common GIS tools, and basic open source data collection. At a high-level, this study will be conducted within the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Valley Authority; however, the level of detail and exact location will be determined by students’ abilities and interests.

  ORNL Division: National Security Emerging Technologies

  Mentors: Jake McKee and Jessica Moehl 

  Facilitator: Loftin Gerberding

  Students:
  Alyssia Bleau
  Emily Conrad
  Zakerie Hubbs
  Jungeun (June) Lim
  Allan Liu
  Davyn Mengeling

• Sensors and Environmental Monitoring: Science and Technology

  Advanced sensors and controls programs at ORNL are focused on the design, development, testing and evaluation of next generation sensor devices and sensory systems for real-time situational awareness.

  Read more

  Sensor technologies are enabling new functionalities, products, and markets.  Advanced research and development efforts worldwide are focused on next generation sensor technologies that are scalable, economical, and practical. The opportunities enabled by low-cost manufacturing of full-featured sensor platforms range from medicine and biology to energy technology and space science. The project is designed to connect the students with the basic scientific principles that shape the thought of sensors, sensor development, and practical applications. With focus on scientific thinking, problem solving, and hands-on learning, the students will learn about a) sensors to monitor environment, b) sensor selection, c) sensor data collection, and d) intelligent sensing and decision making.

  ORAU Division: Materials Science & Technology

  Mentor: Pooran Joshi

  Students:
  Logan Feiler
  Eli Johnson
  Adithya Madduri
  Hayley McCreary
  Caleb Rose
  Matthew Yao

   

2020 Student Projects

• Climate Systems Science, Modeling, and Communication

  This workshop focuses on science and communication about climate change. Science mentors lead activities that help participants understand and learn about the complexities of climate change science, findings from climate modelling projects and experiments, and the collection, processing, and analysis of scientific data.

  Read more

  Communications mentors guide participants in talking about and writing about their understandings of climate change science with different audiences in mind. Examples of science misconceptions, disinformation, and poor communication will be diagnosed and remedied. Experts in related fields such as materials science, appliance efficiency, building design, and audio/video/data technology discuss their respective connections to climate change science. In summary, this workshop is for participants learning about climate change science, conducting their own climate experiments in their home communities, confidently communicating what they know about the science, and using their knowledge and skills in the future.

  ORNL Division: Computational Science and Engineering Communications Office

  Mentors: Melissa Allen and Bill Cabbage

  Facilitator: Ross Toedte

  Assistants: Abby Bower

  Students: Carson Bartholic, Jacob Fay, Logan Hine, Jordan McCord-Wolbert, Abigail Regan, Piper Seagle, Isaac Sulfridge, Mia Sutton, Stephanie Weisberger

• Designing for Strength: Making the Most of Your 3D prints

  Finite deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing has become incredibly popular due to the expiration of key patents governing the technology.

  Read more

  A cheap FDM printer has gone from $20k to $200 in less than two decades, quickly leading to the proliferation of FDM 3D printers among hobbyists and engineers alike. While FDM 3D printing has many advantages over more traditional manufacturing techniques, it tends to result in weaker parts than parts made by machining processes. In this class, we will learn how to design and print parts for strength, and along the way you will assemble a 3D printer and learn the basics of computer aided design. We will strength tests parts using a hydraulic press and force gauge and analyze the resulting data. Finally, we will write a report on the practices that result in the strongest 3D printed parts.

  LANL Divisions: Bioscience (B) / Explosive Science and Shock Physcs (M) / Weapons Stockpile Modernization Division (Q)

  Mentor: Jacob Yoder (B)

  Assistants: Conrad Farnsworth (M), Amanda Jo Farnsworth (Q), Remington Bullis (M)

  Students: Carina Beebe, Garren Bryant, Rebecca Cazarin, Alyssa McGinnis, Asa O’Neal, Abigail Pendell, Joshua Taylor, Isabella Winegar

• Physics Modeling for Game Design

  This project will focus on giving the students a basic understanding of object oriented software design using C++ for game development in Unreal Engine 4.

  Read more

  By the end of the project students will be expected to know basic C++, be able to collaborate on software projects using industry standard version control platform ‘GitHub’, and be able to develop simple games using Unreal Engine 4. The ultimate goal of the project is for the students to produce a collaborative, multi-level game that showcases a custom, movement capable C++ class with realistic collision modeling.

  SNL Division: R&D

  Mentors: Skyler Valdez

  Students: Zoe Castle, William Coffey, Emilia Germain, Alex Jones, Zoe Leger, Alexa Pace, Dawson Wright

• Robotic Systems and Engineering Development

  Robots are used in the industry to protect humans from hazardous environments or when the work involves highly repetitive and precision tasks. The objectives of this project are to (1) expose students to robotic projects underway at ORNL and (2) provide hands-on experience in designing, constructing and programming a small robot.

  Read more

  The students will work in four groups on similar problems at the Remote Systems Group of ORNL's Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems Division. The focus of this project is to develop the mechanical and programming skills that are needed to design, build and operate a robot. The student will build a robot that can navigate an obstacle course using various sensors (light, ultrasonic and/or touch). The students will learn which sensors are best suited for which purposes and what logic is appropriate for controlling the robot's trajectory.

  ORNL Division: Fusion Materials for Nuclear Systems

  Mentors: Venugopal Varma, Adam Aaron, Adam Carroll

  Facilitators: Andy Rayfield and Curt Holmes

  Students: Alexander Davies, Jessy Gardner, Ethan Hurley, Brad Marion, Connor Mauro, Gianna Muto, Alexis Steelman, Greta Waitz

• Spatial Power: Site Suitability Modelling for Smart Neighborhoods

  State-of-the-art home energy optimization has led to the development of smart neighborhoods and connected communities to better anticipate energy production and consumption. Smart communities consist of a collection of buildings that have been outfitted with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, batteries, or grid-connective, energy-efficient building components to better manage energy consumption at the community level.

  Read more

  Retrofitting existing building infrastructure is often cost prohibitive and construction of new infrastructure requires determining the optimal location. In this project, we’ll show how spatial modelling can be used by local governments and utility providers to develop intelligent infrastructure, with the siting of a smart neighborhood as an example case. This project will allow for the introduction of many core concepts underlying geographic information science, including spatial analysis and modeling, network analysis, and human environment interactions. We’ll introduce standard spatial data formats, common GIS tools, and basic open source data collection. At a high-level, this study will be conducted within the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Valley Authority; however, the level of detail and exact location will be determined by students’ abilities and interests.

  ORNL Division: National Security Emerging Technologies

  Mentors: Jessica Moehl and Jake McKee

  Facilitator: Loftin Gerberding

  Students: Hannah Allen, Lucas Epperson, India Fears, Jimmy Galloway, Maximilian Krier, Serena Lewis, Brendan Miller, Abigail Shaffer, Jasmine Swirski

2019 Student Projects

• Climate Systems Science, Modeling, and Communication

  Climate systems science (CSS), holds unique challenges in both formal and informal educational settings. CSS is a multi-science at the crossroads of numerous fundamental sciences such as chemistry and physics, thus requiring special skills of its scientists, educators, and communicators. Furthermore, CSS is a socio-scientific topic and is therefore more than a science issue, precipitating vastly different social framings.

  Read more

  The mentors for this workshop will guide participants in activities that will improve their understanding of the components and complexities of climate systems; the roles of experimentation, data collection, and modelling in CSS research; and design of effective public CSS communication.

  ORNL Division: Computational Science and Engineering Communications Office

  Mentors: Melissa Allen and Bill Cabbage

  Facilitator: Ross Toedte

  Students: Kobe Coggins, Desaree Decowski, Edward Humphrey, Emma Kephart, Daniel Maxwell, Makayla Shortt

  

• Designing Experimental Automation for Extreme Environments

  This project will explore the development of parameter controlling systems (temperature, gas flow rate, resistivity, etc.) for fundamental science experiments (e.g., thin film deposition, physical property measurement) based on low-cost, open-source microcontrollers.

  Read more

  Experimental condensed matter physics and materials engineering often require the development of new methods of measuring fundamental properties of matter under extreme environments. Since it is often impossible to buy equipment capable of making the precise measurements needed under these conditions, the researcher must design and build his/her own experimental systems. This project will explore the development of parameter controlling systems (temperature, gas flow rate, resistivity, etc.) for fundamental science experiments (e.g., thin film deposition, physical property measurement) based on low-cost, open-source microcontrollers. Students will have hands-on experience in programming microcontrollers to monitor experimental parameters and to control these parameters using feedback loops. The devices built during this process will then be used in real experiments observing electron conduction characteristics of single crystal correlated oxide films in varied environments.

  ORNL Division: Materials Science and Technology

  Mentor: Dr. Zac Ward, Materials Science and Technology Division

  Assistants:Matt Brahlek, Liz Skoropata, Yogesh Sharma, Alessandro Mazza, Dustin Johnson

  Students: Holden Bullock, Lindsey Bush, Carrie Paris, Camden Woodie

  

• Printed Electronics for Low-Cost Sensors and Electronic Systems

  The project will expose students to a unique suite of capabilities and expertise at ORNL that are being utilized to accelerate low cost roll-to-roll processing into the production stream.

  Read more

  Roll-to-roll (R2R) processing technology development efforts at ORNL are focused on next generation technologies that are scalable, economical, and practical. The opportunities enabled by low-cost R2R manufacturing of full-featured electronics range from medicine and biology to energy technology and space science. The project will expose students to a unique suite of capabilities and expertise at ORNL that are being utilized to accelerate low cost roll-to-roll processing into the production stream. With focus on flexible and printed electronics technology, the students will learn about a) the role of ink-based printing techniques for the fabrication of light-weight and low-cost sensors on flexible substrates, b) advanced thermal processing techniques to realize printed sensors on low temperature substrates, and c) how to take an idea from concept to manufacturing.

  ORNL Division: Materials Science and Technology

  Mentors: Pooran Joshi

  Assistant: Yongchao Yu

  Students: Jadyn Gardner, Sky Green, Elijah Hernandez-Jordan, Joel Roush

  

• Program a Supercomputer

  Fun with Supercomputers! The Supercomputer Team will learn about computer hardware, network architecture, and network hardware, and building a PC to use as a server.

  Read more

  Fun with Supercomputers! The Supercomputer Team will learn about computer hardware, network architecture, and network hardware, and building a PC to use as a server. After constructing their own private network, the team will learn about Windows and Linux operating systems and then connect their computers to a real supercomputer housed at ORNL. Each team member will be able to write and run a script program on the supercomputer.

  ORNL Division: Joint Institute for Computational Science

  Mentor: Bobby Whitten

  Facilitator: Jerry Sherrod

  Students: Delaney Blankenship, Noah Burnette, David Klinepeter, Michael Kreiss, Katie Krull, Jeanay Luines, Katryna Williams, Wade Wolfer

  

• Robotic Systems and Engineering Development

  Robots are used in the industry to protect humans from hazardous environments or when the work involves highly repetitive and precision tasks. The objectives of this project are to (1) expose students to robotic projects underway at ORNL and (2) provide hands-on experience in designing, constructing and programming a small robot.

  Read more

  Robots are used in the industry to protect humans from hazardous environments or when the work involves highly repetitive and precision tasks. The objectives of this project are to (1) expose students to robotic projects underway at ORNL and (2) provide hands-on experience in designing, constructing and programming a small robot. The students will work in four groups on similar problems at the Remote Systems Group of ORNL's Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems Division. The focus of this project is to develop the mechanical and programming skills that are needed to design, build and operate a robot. The student will build a robot that can navigate an obstacle course using various sensors (light, ultrasonic and/or touch). The students will learn which sensors are best suited for which purposes and what logic is appropriate for controlling the robot's trajectory. Students will be using the Lynxmotion Tri-Track Robot and AL5A Robotic Arm for building and testing. The students will also program an actual FANUC Robot arm used in Manufacturing.

  ORNL Division: Fusion Materials for Nuclear Systems

  Mentors: Venugopal Varma, Adam Aaron, Adam Carroll

  Facilitators: Andy Rayfield and Curt Holmes

  Students: Isaac Austin, Cody Ferguson, Julie Harris, Anabell Hawkins, Evan Lewis, Hannah Phillips, Ellie Pisula, Anabeth Sharpe, Cory Schwarze, Keegan Torres

  

• Spatial Education: Where Should We Build Tomorrow’s Schools?

  In this project, we’ll show how estimates of future populations can be used by local governments to plan new infrastructure, with the siting of a future school as an example case. This project will allow for the introduction of many core concepts underlying geographic information science, including spatial analysis and modeling, network analysis, and +human environment interactions.

  Read more

  High resolution population modeling is a key element in situational awareness planning from measuring the impacts of natural hazards such as hurricanes and sea level rise, to modeling the site suitability for the potential development of new locations of businesses, parks, power plants, and even schools. In this project, we’ll show how estimates of future populations can be used by local governments to plan new infrastructure, with the siting of a future school as an example case. This project will allow for the introduction of many core concepts underlying geographic information science, including spatial analysis and modeling, network analysis, and +human environment interactions. We’ll introduce standard spatial data formats, common GIS tools, and basic open source data collection. Specific study area and level of detail will be determined by students’ abilities and school district location(s).

  ORNL Division: National Security Emerging Technologies

  Mentors: Jessica Moehl and Jake McKee

  Facilitator: Loftin Gerberding

  Students: Easton Ball, Jacob Conrad, James Jackson, Sean Moren

  

Student Projects

• Introduction to data visualization
• Robotic Systems and Engineering Development
• Climate Systems Science, Modeling, and Communication
• Build a Supercomputer
• Fiber-Optic Interferometer and its Application to Sensing
• Designing Experimental Automation for Extreme Environments
• Printed Electronics for low-cost Sensors and Electronic Systems

Introduction to data visualization

A simple hand-on and walk through to build a visual analytic based interface using some existing computing packages. Hopefully we get to develop a dashboard to visual/analyze U.S. Census / ACS data. This is for several reasons.

1. Census data is something that the students would already know a little bit about, so I think it is interesting to them
2. All of the pieces that are needed already exist; we will use Shiny Widgets and R programming language for this

PAS input person for your Division:   Lisa Gorman

ORNL Division:  Computational Sciences and Engineering Division

Mentor:  Dr Dalton D. Lunga

Facilitator:  Loftin Gerberding

Students:  Maegan Adolph, Mariah Bolden, Colton Briand, Shay Snyder

Robotic Systems and Engineering Development

Robots are used in the industry to protect humans from hazardous environments or when the work involves highly repetitive and precision tasks. The objectives of this project are to (1) expose students to robotic projects underway at ORNL and (2) provide hands-on experience in designing, constructing and programming a small robot.  The students will work in four groups on similar problems at the Remote Systems Group of ORNL's Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems Division. The focus of this project is to develop the mechanical and programming skills that are needed to design, build and operate a robot.  The student will build a robot that can navigate an obstacle course using various sensors (light, ultrasonic and/or touch).  The students will learn which sensors are best suited for which purposes and what logic is appropriate for controlling the robot's trajectory.  Students will be using the Lynxmotion Tri-Track Robot and AL5A Robotic Arm for building and testing.  The students will also program an actual FANUC Robot arm used in Manufacturing.

PAS Input Person:   Kishia Boyd

ORNL Division:  Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems

Mentors:  Venugopal Varma, Adam Aaron and Adam Carroll

Facilitators:  Andy Rayfield and James Burns

Students:  Alexander Bowman, Roger Dixon, Andrew Gatesman, Tiana Gold, Baxter Hostetler, Allyssa Ippolito, Kameron McGriff, Mabry Watson

Climate Systems Science, Modeling, and Communication

Climate systems science (CSS), holds unique challenges in both formal and informal educational settings. CSS is a multi-science at the crossroads of numerous fundamental sciences such as chemistry and physics, thus requiring special skills of its scientists, educators, and communicators. Furthermore, CSS is a socio-scientific topic and is therefore more than a science issue, precipitating vastly different social framings.

The mentors for this workshop will guide participants in activities that will improve their understanding of the components and complexities of climate systems; the roles of experimentation, data collection, and modelling in CSS research; and design of effective public CSS communication.

 

ORNL Division:  Computational Science and Engineering Division; Communications Office

Mentors:  Melissa Allen, Bill Cabage

Facilitator:  Ross J. Toedte

Students:  Noah Aiken, Noelle Beswick, Jacob Lord, Kara Williams

Build a Supercomputer

Fun with Supercomputers! The Supercomputer Team will learn about computer hardware, network architecture, and network hardware, and building a PC to use as a server. After constructing their own private network, the team will learn about Windows and Linux operating systems and then connect their computers to a real supercomputer housed at ORNL. Each team member will be able to write and run a script program on the supercomputer.

Joint Institute for Computational Sciences

Mentor:  Bobby Whitten

Facilitator:  Jerry Sherrod

Assistants:  Paul Davis and Jessica Boyd

Students:  Lia Evans, Anna Lee, Hannah Little, Eirinn Mangan, Samuel McCullah, James Meyers, Dakota Tiller, Ashley Walker

Fiber-Optic Interferometer and its Application to Sensing

In this project, the participants will study the principle of optical interferometer and build a Mach-Zehnder interferometer using optical fibers. Experiments on light interference with different type of light sources will be conducted. As an example of sensing applications, the fiber-optic interferometer will be used to measure the amplitude and frequency of a vibrating object. Through the project, the participants are expected to gain the basic knowledge of light interference, light transmission through optical fibers, light detection, property of laser, as well as the skill of data acquisition and data processing in a computer.

ORNL Division:  Research Accelerator Division

Mentor:  Yun Liu

Assistants:  Dylan Smith, Bing Qi

Students:  Nicholas Craven, Reilly McDowell, Autumn Peck, Elyssa Yonta

Designing Experimental Automation for Extreme Environments

Experimental condensed matter physics and materials engineering often require the development of new methods of measuring fundamental properties of matter under extreme environments. Since it is often impossible to buy equipment capable of making the precise measurements needed under these conditions, the researcher must design and build his/her own experimental systems.  This project will explore the development of parameter controlling systems (temperature, gas flow rate, resistivity, etc.) for fundamental science experiments (e.g., thin film deposition, physical property measurement) based on low-cost, open-source microcontrollers. Students will have hands-on experience in programming microcontrollers to monitor experimental parameters and to control these parameters using feedback loops. The devices built during this process will then be used in real experiments observing electron conduction characteristics of single crystal correlated oxide films in varied environments.

PAS input person for your Division:   Teresa Roe

ORNL Division:  Materials Science and Technology Division

Mentor:  Zac Ward

Assistants:  Qiyang Lu, Liz Skoropata, Changhee Sohn, Yogesh Sharma

Students:  A’Shauna Howell, Destiny Hughes, Trenton Teague, Tyler Wade

Printed Electronics for low-cost Sensors and Electronic Systems

Roll-to-roll (R2R) processing technology development efforts at ORNL are focused on next generation technologies that are scalable, economical, and practical. The opportunities enabled by low-cost R2R manufacturing of full-featured electronics range from medicine and biology to energy technology and space science. The project will expose students to a unique suite of capabilities and expertise at ORNL that are being utilized to accelerate low cost roll-to-roll processing into the production stream. With focus on flexible and printed electronics technology, the students will learn about a) the role of ink-based printing techniques for the fabrication of light-weight and low-cost sensors on flexible substrates, b) advanced thermal processing techniques to realize printed sensors on low temperature substrates, and c) how to take an idea from concept to manufacturing.

ORNL Division:  Materials Science & Technology Division

Mentor:  Pooran Joshi

Assistant:  Yongchao Yu

Students:  Shane Bays, Cierah Manross, Zackery Reynolds, Mercedes Snyder

Student Projects

• KBase: Systems Biology Knowledgebase – Bioenergy Crops
• Smart thermochromic Windows
• Introduction to Visualization
• Robotic Systems and Engineering Development
• Introduction to High Altitude Ballooning
• Build a Supercomputer

KBase: Systems Biology Knowledgebase – Bioenergy Crops

KBase is an integrated software and data platform designed to meet the grand challenge of systems biology – predicting and designing biological function on a range of scales, from the biomolecular to the ecological. Users can perform large-scale analyses and combine multiple lines of evidence to model plant and microbial physiology and community dynamics.

The students will study a set of microbes that have been sequenced and uploaded into KBase. The idea will be to map out particular pathways of interest, document all of the pathways, and map which exist in which microbe. We will then see what is possibly predicted and could be validated by inspection. In particular Poplar trees will be studied which is a focused Bioenergy crop.

The students will use KBase to accomplish the objective, learn biology and the use of KBase and provide feedback on the use of KBase to the mentors. The students will also tour a Greenhouse where a Poplar tree is growing and visit a microscopy lab.

ORNL Division:  Biosciences Division

Mentors:  Bob Cottingham and Ben Allen

Facilitator:  Brian Hingerty

Assistants:  Meghan Drake, Dan Jacobson, Jenny Morrell-Falvey, Dale Pelletier

Students:  Molly Mallicoat, Haythi Myint, Victoria Mitchem, Sharee Riggs, Lydia Sexton, Blaize Stumbo

Smart thermochromic Windows

This project will explore the principle of smart windows via thermochromic effect, which dynamically control the amount of light transmission in response to outdoor temperature and solar radiation. A simple photodetector will be fabricated to measure the change in transmittance through a smart window upon exposed to a heat source. Vanadium dioxide thin film coated glass, which undergoes an insulator-to-metal transition (IMT) upon heating near room temperature will be used as a smart window. The IMT behavior will be utilized to adjust tinting with window surface temperature, and the photodetector fabricated will be used to measure the light transmittance change upon IMT.

ORNL Division:  Materials Science and Technology Division

Mentor:  Honyung Lee

Assistants:  Zac Ward, Amanda Huon, Changhee Sohn, Ryan Destales, Yogesh Sharma, John Nichols

Students:  Molly Campbell, Martuise Hansbury, Carter Smith, Christopher Towery

Introduction to Visualization

This project is a hands-on walk through to build a visual analytic based interface using some existing computing packages. We will develop a dashboard to visual/analyze U.S. Census / ACS data. We will use Shiny Widgets and R programming language for this.

ORNL Division:  Computational Sciences and Engineering Division

Mentor:  Dr. Dalton D. Lunga

Facilitator:  Loftin Gerberding

Students:  Jared Clemons, Caegan Huffman, Dexton Jones, Carltavion Lathan

Robotic Systems and Engineering Development

Robots are used in the industry to protect humans from hazardous environments or when the work involves highly repetitive and precision tasks. The objectives of this project are to (1) expose students to robotic projects underway at ORNL and (2) provide hands-on experience in designing, constructing and programming a small robot. The students will work in four groups on similar problems at the Remote Systems Group of ORNL's Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems Division. The focus of this project is to develop the mechanical and programming skills that are needed to design, build and operate a robot. The student will build a robot that can navigate an obstacle course using various sensors (light, ultrasonic and/or touch). The students will learn which sensors are best suited for which purposes and what logic is appropriate for controlling the robot's trajectory. Students will be using the Lynxmotion Tri-Track Robot and AL5A Robotic Arm for building and testing. The students will also program an actual FANUC Robot arm used in Manufacturing.

ORNL Division:  Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems

Mentors:  Venugopal Varma, Adam Aaron and Adam Carroll

Facilitators:  Andy Rayfield and James Burns

Students:  Daniel Bohl, Joseph Coffey, Gabriella Fye, Kaitlyn Griffin, Elizabeth Krizmanich, Kiarra McCloud

Introduction to High Altitude Ballooning

Students will learn about High Altitude Ballooning! In this class, we will learn why we send balloons into the stratosphere and what we can learn from them. Students will learn what a payload is and how to build one along with the necessary tools involved. In the second week, students will be launching a balloon at Pellissippi State Community College where they will learn to setup and launch a balloon into the stratosphere! We will also learn how to run simulations determining where the balloon lands and how to retrieve them. Lastly, we will go over how the students can start their own balloon project or club in their local school and communities.

Joint Institute for Computational Sciences

Mentor:  Robert Whitten

Facilitator:  Nick Csercsevitz

Assistants:  Sarah Graham and Seth Giles

Students:  Marissa Brown, Ben Culp, Isaac Fugate, Jared Wilson, Joseph Woods

Build a Supercomputer

Students will build a supercomputer! Well, almost. Supercomputers typically use thousands of processors running in parallel to solve problems in science, finance, and other areas. They will build a smaller supercomputer to gain insight and understanding in how supercomputers are organized and then how to program them. Students will build and use software to configure a Beowulf cluster using ordinary computers. Areas that will be covered during this project are:

• Computing basics
• Computer networking
• Linux operating system
• Computer programming

Students will be required to answer the research question: "In what year would the supercomputer we build be considered the world's fastest supercomputer?"

Joint Institute for Computational Sciences

Mentor:  Robert Whitten

Facilitator:  Jerry Sherrod

Assistants:  Paul Davis and Jessica Boyd

Students:  Lilyanna Cope, Anna Cristini, Donald Hansbury, Langdon Messer, Shawn Sexton, Laramie Toliver, Leeanne Williams

Student Projects

• Measuring the force and energy imparted by a high heat flux plasma
• Magnetic levitation
• Introduction to Visualization
• Robotic Systems and Engineering Development
• Build a Supercomputer

Measuring the force and energy imparted by a high heat flux plasma

The Prototype Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (Proto-MPEX) is a linear, magnetically confined plasma production device, utilizing a helicon antenna. The plasma column interacts with a material target at the end of the device, creating plasma-material interaction conditions that are relevant to the conditions that are expected in future fusion reactors. Moreover, helicon antenna plasma sources have been proposed as propulsion devices for spacecraft.

It has been observed that in some circumstances the Proto-MPEX plasma exerts sufficient force on the target plate to cause the target to move/recoil. The ARC students will help devise and implement a ballistic target/probe which will be inserted into the plasma. The probe response will be calibrated by the students prior to insertion, using scales, thermocouples, accelerometers, and fast camera imaging. The project will culminate by inserting the ballistic probe into Proto-MPEX plasmas and measuring the force that is exerted on it, as a function of the helicon power of the plasma.

ORNL Division:  Fusion & Materials for Nuclear Systems

Mentor:  Theodore Biewer

Assistants:  Guin Shaw, Holly Ray, and Missy Showers

Students:  Caleb Cantrell, Jared Klemm, Alex Musick, Garett Nunley, Jennifer Salazar Sanchez, Daisy Sawyer

Magnetic levitation

This project will explore the principle of magnetic levitation, which utilizes magnetic fields to suspend an object in the air supporting materials to withstand the gravitational force. Assembly of a magnetic rail will be conducted to explore the magnetic levitation phenomenon with an oxide-based high Tc superconductor.

ORNL Division:  Materials Science and Technology Division

Mentor:  Ho Nyung Lee

Assistants:  Zac Ward, Tony Wong, John Nichols, and Ryan Desautels

Students:  Cole Brewer, Patrick Lawson, Jade Noah, Lexie Paxton

Introduction to Visualization

A simple hand-on and walk through to build a visual analytic based interface using some existing computing packages. We will develop a dashboard to visual/analyze U.S. Census / ACS data.

ORNL Division:  Computational Sciences and Engineering Division

Mentor:  Dalton D. Lunga

Students:  Austin Herman, Derek Hutchinson, Austin Selman, Christian Sharpe

Robotic Systems and Engineering Development

Robots are used in the industry to protect humans from hazardous environments or when the work involves highly repetitive and precision tasks. The objectives of this project are to (1) expose students to robotic projects underway at ORNL and (2) provide hands-on experience in designing, constructing and programming a small robot. The students will work in four groups on similar problems at the Remote Systems Group of ORNL's Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems Division. The focus of this project is to develop the mechanical and programming skills that are needed to design, build and operate a robot. The student will build a robot that can navigate an obstacle course using various sensors (light, ultrasonic and/or touch). The students will learn which sensors are best suited for which purposes and what logic is appropriate for controlling the robot's trajectory. Students will be using the Lynxmotion Tri-Track Robot and AL5A Robotic Arm for building and testing. The students will also program an actual FANUC Robot arm used in Manufacturing.

ORNL Division:  Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems

Mentors:  Venugopal Varma, Adam Aaron and Adam Carroll

Facilitators:  Carl Mallette and Andy Rayfield

Students:  Tanner Bailey, Jarrett Bostic, Corey Bray, Tristin Brewer, Bryan Epperson, Niah Ingram, Amber Johnson, Alijah Lawson, Andrea Morgan, Gavin Nelson, Joe Palmateer, Ally Will

Build a Supercomputer

Students will build a supercomputer! Well, almost. Supercomputers typically use thousands of processors running in parallel to solve problems in science, finance, and other areas. They will build a smaller supercomputer to gain insight and understanding in how supercomputers are organized and then how to program them. Students will build and use software to configure a Beowulf cluster using ordinary computers. Areas that will be covered during this project are:

• Computing basics
• Computer networking
• Linux operating system
• Computer programming

Project review and summary

Students will be required to answer the research question: "In what year would the supercomputer we build be considered the world's fastest supercomputer?" Students will be given classroom-style lectures in addition to hands-on assignment to enforce topics discussed.

Joint Institute for Computational Sciences

Mentor:  Robert Whitten

Facilitator:  Jerry Sherrod

Assistants:  Nick Csercsevits and Clinton Carbonell

Students:  Andrea Jordan, Nichole Moore, Rob Perry, II, Alaric Scott, Winter Sparacin, Chaz Weeks, Rachel Yoe, Christian York

Student Projects

• Application of Diagnostic Techniques for Measurements on the Prototype-Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (PROTO-MPEX)
• Uniformity of Thermal Aging of I&C Cable Insulation in Current Nuclear Power Plants
• Design of Novel Polymeric Materials Using Computer Simulation
• Heterologous expression of mgsD to identify potential adaptation to salt stress
• Magnetic Levitation
• Robotic Systems and Engineering Development
• Build a Supercomputer

Application of Diagnostic Techniques for Measurements on the Prototype-Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (PROTO-MPEX)

Proto-MPEX is a linear device that uses magnetic fields to confine plasmas and direct them onto material targets, simulating conditions that will be found in future fusion reactors. The students will be introduced to a variety of techniques which are used to make measurements from plasma discharges, including survey spectroscopy, Doppler spectroscopy, filter spectroscopy, infra-red imaging, thermocouples, visible camera imaging, and probes. Students will examine data from computer terminals, both from a data archive and live, as the Proto-MPEX device operates. Students will assemble a database of measurements and look for trends.

ORNL Division:  Fusion & Materials for Nuclear Systems

Mentor:  Theodore Biewer

Students:  KC Baldwin, Jackson Crouse Powers, Randi Hardin, Sylas Johnson, Ava McCleese

Uniformity of Thermal Aging of I&C Cable Insulation in Current Nuclear Power Plants

For the aging fleet of nuclear reactors providing power in the US, license renewal is an important step toward extending the operating lifetime of these reactors. However in order to gain approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, each reactor must demonstrate knowledge through modeling and validations that the infrastructure will continue to operate safely. The cable insulation in instrument and control (I&C) and power cables is an issue that requires cable aging data on existing insulations that are harvested from reactors and models to project performance out to a 60 to 80 year operating lifetime. This project would involve the electrical and mechanical characterization of cable insulation samples that have been exposed to thermal aging. Several different cable samples will be exposed to air at different temperatures between 60 ̊C to 120 ̊C and the jacket and insulation materials of these cables will be evaluated in order to determine the effectiveness of a cable indenter to detect material changes along the length. This information will be part of an effort to build an effective knowledge base for use by those in the nuclear reactor operator community as well as the NRC, DOE, and EPRI.

ORNL Division:  Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems Division

Mentor:  Robert Duckworth

Students:  Nicole Broyhill, Dylan Crean, Nona Davis, Noah Taylor

Design of Novel Polymeric Materials Using Computer Simulation

Macromolecules often self-assemble to form natural materials like protein, DNA and also commercial materials like rubber. It is well known that the particles of macromolecules follow Newtonian mechanics at a classical level, i.e., they follow F=ma. Therefore, if we know the force acting on a particle at a given time, we can predict, by using Newtonʼs law, what is going to happen in a future time. For this, we feed the computer with the ʽvirtualʼ macromolecules and instruct the computer to find out the final product following Newtonian mechanics. Hence, the designing of novel polymeric materials on a computer can be achieved.

In this project we will try to understand how the molecules interact using computer simulation. What are the forces that bind them together? Why do they self- assemble in a particular form? What is the temperature and density range that should be used to achieve the best material design?

ORNL Division:  Computer Science and Mathematics & Center for Nanophase Material Sciences

Mentor:  Monojoy Goswami

Students:  Treston Hughes, Miklos Obrusanszki

Heterologous expression of mgsD to identify potential adaptation to salt stress

Tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) are two of the most commonly found groundwater contaminants in the United States. These chlorinated solvent contaminants can be remediated by a genus of bacteria known as the Dehalococcoides. Dehalococcoides have evolved to perform bioremediation of PCE to the environmentally benign ethene through a process called reductive dechlorination. Due to their widespread use in bioremediation activities, it is essential to characterize their physiological capabilities in various types of environments. This project will investigate the physiological effects of the mgsD gene on adapting to salt stress by heterologously expressing this gene of interest in E. coli, either from an autonomously replicating vector or from the chromosome itself. In completing this project, students will perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR), agarose gel electrophoresis and growth curves.

ORNL Division:  Biosciences Division

Mentors:  Nannan Jiang and Frank E. Löffler

Facilitator:  Melissa Mynatt

Students:  Silas Barr, Matthew Boyd, Dianna Corbett, Kaeley Friel

Magnetic Levitation

This project will be exploring the principle of magnetic levitation by using a superconducting material. Assembly of a magnetic rail will be conducted to explore the magnetic levitation phenomenon with an oxide-based high Tc superconductor.

ORNL Division:  Materials Science and Technology Division

Mentor:  Ho-Nyung Lee

Students:  Jenna Clifton, Winzor Guerine, Bennett Watson

Robotic Systems and Engineering Development

Robots are used in the industry to protect humans from hazardous environments or when the work involves highly repetitive and precision tasks. The objectives of this project are to (1) expose students to robotic projects underway at ORNL and (2) provide hands-on experience in designing, constructing and programming a small robot. The students will work in three groups on similar problems at the Remote Systems Group of ORNL’s Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems Division. The focus of this project is to develop the mechanical and programming skills that are needed to design, build and operate a robot. The student will build a robot that can navigate an obstacle course using various sensors (light, ultrasonic and/or touch). The students will learn which sensors are best suited for which purposes and what logic is appropriate for controlling the robot’s trajectory. Students will be using the Lynxmotion Tri-Track Robot and AL5A Robotic Arm for building and testing.

ORNL Division:  Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems

Mentors:  Venugopal Varma, Adam Aaron and Adam Carroll

Facilitators:  Carl Mallette and Susan Baumann

Students:  Reid Artrip, Tessa Brooks, Michael Davis, Jennica England, Dominick Hopper, Caleb Kirschbaum, Logan Knopp, Spencer McNeil, Lawrence Melkulcok, Robert Surge, Caleb Workman

Build a Supercomputer

Students will build a supercomputer! Well, almost. Supercomputers typically use thousands of processors running in parallel to solve problems in science, finance, and other areas. They will build a smaller supercomputer to gain insight and understanding in how supercomputers are organized and then how to program them. Students will build a Beowulf cluster using ordinary computers. Students will then write a parallel program, compile the program, and execute that program on the cluster. Areas that will be covered during this project are:

• Computing basics
• Computer networking
• Linux operating system
• Computer programming

Project review and summary

Students will be required to answer the research question: "In what year would the supercomputer we build be considered the world's fastest supercomputer?" Students will be given classroom-style lectures in addition to hands-on assignment to enforce topics discussed.

Joint Institute for Computational Sciences

Mentor:  Robert Whitten

Facilitator:  Jerry Sherrod

Assistants:  Benjamin Taylor, Nick Csercsevits, Tommy Hardin

Students:  Brien Beattie, Savanna Bell, Hailie Eastburn, Jacob Epstein, Mark Johnson, Thorne Lindsey, Robert Mahiques, Dawson Yost