Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

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Mechanistic Studies on the Intramolecular Proton-Electron Relay for the Reduction of a Vanadium–Oxo (V=O) Fragment

Posted in Chemistry & Molecular Technology, SPARK! 2026

Author: Yash Tripathi | Chemistry & Molecular TechnologyAbstract: This work focuses on understanding how protons are transferred within catalytic systems that are essential for energy conversion. In many chemical and biological processes, efficient proton delivery to metal centers is a key step that determines reaction performance, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear.In this study, a… continue reading

Changing the Properties of Commercial Water Wash resin with Natural Materials

Posted in Chemistry & Molecular Technology, SPARK! 2026

Author: Arturo Ramos Ochoa | Chemistry & Molecular TechnologyAbstract: The demand for sustainable alternatives in additive manufacturing has driven interest in modifying photopolymer resins with natural-based materials to improve mechanical performance without compromising printability. This research investigates the incorporation of natural additives, specifically glycerol and silk fibroin (SF), into commercial water-washable photopolymer resins to enhance… continue reading

Clay-Silk Composites: Towards a New Paradigm in Sustainable Leather-liked Material

Posted in Chemistry & Molecular Technology, SPARK! 2026

Author: Rituba Jhala | Chemistry & Molecular TechnologyAbstract: The increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials has motivated the search for alternatives to conventional leather. In this work, we explore a composite system based on clay, hydroxyethyl cellulose, glycerol, and silk fibroin as a potential leather-like material. The goal was to understand how varying the… continue reading

When Clay Curves: Examining Naturally Bending Clay–Agarose Composites

Posted in Computational & Integrative Biology, SPARK! 2026

Author: Creston Singer | Computational and Integrative BiologyAbstract: In the field of material design, there is a growing need to develop natural-based materials with enhanced properties such as self-morphing capabilities, commonly dubbed as smart materials. These materials respond to external stimuli by actuating and changing their shape or properties in a predetermined manner. This ability… continue reading

Evidentiary Evaluation of Single Cells with EESCIt

Posted in Forensic Science, SPARK! 2026

Author: Julianna Jimenez | Forensic ScienceAbstract: Common forensic queries that guide interpretation of DNA evidence are: i) how many donors contributed to the biological evidence?; ii) whether a particular individual (i.e., who) donated?; and iii) by what mechanism (i.e., how) was that level of DNA deposited and recovered? In bulk treatments, where the DNA is… continue reading

If The Phone Rings: Answer It

Posted in Emerging Media | Digital Studies, SPARK! 2026

Author: Jillina Harken | Emerging Media | Digital StudiesAbstract: If The Phone Rings: Answer It is a narrative exploration game set in a world where modern communication infrastructure has failed. Without mobile phones, wireless networks, or constant digital connectivity, players must rely on payphones, face-to-face interactions, and other analog forms of communication to navigate a… continue reading