Charlotte Teachers Institute

Research Summary Poster

Collaborators

• Erika Williams, Career & Technical Education Teacher, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology
• Hannah Phykitt, Student, Biochemistry Queens University of Charlotte
• Aaron Socha, Assistant Professor, Environmental Science and Chemistry, Queens University of Charlotte

Project Focus

Summer research at the Queens Chemistry lab will be focused on using plants as replacements for petroleum for the production of chemicals. Specifically we use lignin, a polymer found in the cell walls of all plants to make ionic liquids, solvents with tunable properties for various renewable energy applications. Interested teachers will help to synthesize, purify and analyze molecules. The overall goal is to engineer “closed-loop” systems, such as the use of ligninderived ionic liquids for the production of fermentable sugars (e.g. glucose and xylose).

Research Abstract

Teachers spend hours in professional development, supposedly designed to improve teaching in the classroom, but most professional development lacks a mechanism that can be used to bring relevance into the classroom.  Moreover, the existing curriculum lacks material that motivates students to understand the “real-world” importance of science.  To build a repertoire of interesting lesson plans, teachers must venture outside the classroom. For science teachers, first-hand laboratory research experience is a potential source of professional knowledge that can translated to classroom enrichment. Working in an academic research lab, and spending time with the lab’s personnel gives an insight into the ups and downs of the scientific world. Additionally, through learning and practicing research techniques such as experimental design, solution preparation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, it is envisioned that my ability to communicate science to my students will be improved. By reading, understanding and presenting novel research in the field of biomaterials, I am also able to pique the interest of my students. Specifically, the use of ionic liquids to produce biofuels from switchgrass is relevant to Unit 4 of my Environmental Sustainability course. To collect information, I have conducted one on one meetings with the PI, attended weekly lab group meetings and interviewed a postdoctoral researcher, one high school student, and 4 undergraduate  students working in the Queens University Chemistry Lab in Summer 2019.  The ultimate goal of my interviews are to extract information from researchers that would be interesting to present to my students to encourage participation in STEM disciplines.

Research Summary Poster

Collaborators

• Juanita Purdy, Science Teacher, J.M. Alexander Middle School
• Maya Foxworth, Krystal Wilson, Chyna Bly and Carrie Lowe, JCSU Student Researchers
• Todd Coolbaugh, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Johnson C. Smith University
• Tracy Brown, Ph. D, Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Johnson C. Smith University

Project Focus

Stormwater runoff is a serious pollution concern at construction sites and is an emerging concern in urban areas with large coverages of hard surfaces such as roads and parking lots. In both cases one of the most detrimental, and difficult to control, environmental problems associated with stormwater runoff are colloidal suspensions, which consist of micro- to nanometer sized organic and inorganic particles — think dust and tiny oil drops. These particles usually bear surface charges which prevent them from sticking together and sinking in catchment basins. If these small particles are swept into waterways they result in increased turbidity, that is, cloudiness, a key water quality indicator. Nearly all of Charlotte’s waterways are characterized by high turbidity. One solution to this problem, widely adopted by the construction industry, including NCDOT, is to add flocculants to storm water catchments. “Flocculation is the process where multiple particles are bridged together to form flocs or flakes.” Flocculants are typically polymers (polyanions) that neutralize surface charge and cross-link the particles leading to coagulation and settling. The most commonly used polymers, currently, are polyacrylamide derivative. The use of polymers is not without some controversy. The monomeric precursors of both of these polymers are considered to be known carcinogens but there is no evidence the polymers are themselves carcinogenic. However concerns about small amounts of unreacted monomers and possible degradation products raises some concerns. A range of laboratory techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, as well as batch studies (jar studies) will be carried out with both artificial and grab samples of stormwater to investigate the use of cellulose nanofibrils as environmentally safe flocculating agents. Participants will also be introduced to pH, conductivity and turbidity measurements and will become more familiar with environmental science, nanotechnology and polymer science.

Research Abstract

Water Pollution is a major problem that is affecting urban areas environments and human health.  One area of water pollution that is of a concern to Charlotte and other major development areas of North Carolina is storm water runoff.  Storm water runoff can occur in areas that have large surface areas such as construction sites, farm land or industry sites.  One problem associated with this runoff is colloidal suspensions such as dust particles and tiny oil drops which contain surfaces charges and prevents them from bonding together (flocculation).  These particles remain in the water and increase turbidity, (water cloudiness) a key indicator of water quality.

This research examined TEMPO oxidized CNF (Cellulose Nanofibrils) that were provided by Forest Product Laboratory of the US Department of Agriculture.  This product offers a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment due to being renewable and biodegradable. It is hypothesized these ionic nanoparticles have enough flexibility to allow sediments of wastewater to be settled out of the water without adding harsh or carcinogenic chemicals.

The soil samples that were collected from various locations were added to deionized water and subjected to magnetic stirring to simulate storm water runoff. The effects of CNF concentration, pH and setting time were investigated.  From the samples, substantial sedimentation was observed and colloidal suspensions were formed.  In addition, initial observations indicate that CNF addition causes some flocculation.  The efficiency of flocculation increased with an increase of pH. At longer settling times, a substantial increase in turbidity was noted as well as the formation of stable colloids. CNF has not at this time affected turbidity in stable colloids which may suggest a possible negative charge of the colloidal particles.  Additional research is needed for this determination.

Research Summary Poster

Collaborators

• Tiara Davis, Science Teacher, Sedgefield Middle School
• Za’qoya Richardson, JCSU Student Researcher
• Tracy Brown, Ph. D, Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Johnson C. Smith University
• Todd Coolbaugh, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Johnson C. Smith University

Research Abstract

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) can yield particles ranging in size from 1 to100 nm. Silver NPs have major applications in the medical field including diagnostic and antimicrobial properties. One of the drawbacks to making silver NPs is the toxicity associated with the chemicals used to make them, including chemical reducing agents such as trisodium citrate or sodium borohydride. Herein, we will discuss a green method through photo catalytic catalysis synthesis of formulating cellulose Nano fiber gels embedded with silver Ag NPs. Using the bottom up method, materials containing desired precursors mixed in a control setting, colloidal solutions of cellulose Nano fibers with increasing amounts of silver nitrate were used to prepare 3-D fiber infused gels with silver Ag NPs. Using viscosity measurements, the rheological properties of viscosity (η), storage (Gʹ) and loss moduli (Gʺ) provided critical, yet insightful information of the 3-D fiber infused gel structure with Ag NPs, when stress and strain are applied.

Research Summary Poster

Collaborators

• Nakisha Cornelius, Pre-K Teacher, Ashley Park School
• LaKeesha Henderson, Media Coordinator, Ashley Park School
• Johanna Okerland, PhD Student, UNC Charlotte
• David Wilson, Professor, Computing and Informatics, UNC Charlotte

Project Focus

In this project, teachers will be taught basic principles of digital design and fabrication through hands-on lab activities in the college Makerspace (e.g., 2D/3D modeling, 3D printing, laser cutting, manipulatives, basic electronics, Arduino/Raspberry Pi). These beginning hands-on lab activities are based on existing training and workshop materials currently used in the Makerspace. Teachers will work with Dr. David Wilson and a graduate student in computer science to conduct research on STEM learning within academic Makerspaces, including development and evaluation of new activities and studying the relationship between informal and formal learning within such environments. As part of the research, teachers will focus on a particular STEM learning topic or challenge problem and develop novel Making activities to ground the fundamental STEM concepts and related design thinking. The research will involve piloting the activities and user study evaluation with student users of the Makerspace. Expected outcomes are: (1) an understanding of academic makerspaces, and how such a space may be developed or used as a teaching resource in the teacher’s own institution; (2) a new set of Making activities that can be used for STEM learning and engagement in the college Makerspace as well as brought back to the teacher’s classroom; (3) research results that may be submitted for publication.

Research Abstract

Pre-Kindergarten is the foundation of formal education. A necessary introduction to the classroom setting, it sets young scholars on a 13 year journey to success. In certain definitions of “Makerspace,” the Pre-K classroom could be considered a maker space in itself. Children are always encouraged to “tinker” and construct things with little to no direction; in order to build confidence and gain the necessary skills to grow and meet required curriculum goals. Even with the environment of encouraging students to enhance their cognitive, socio-emotional and language skills, there are certain barriers that must be assessed on a pre-K level.

In addition to meeting curriculum requirements, successfully engaging 3D modeling and printing at the pre-K level should spark an interest in using 3D printers and other makerspace items and encourage a young generation of computational thinkers. Strategically implementing maker spaces in order to enhance students’ cognitive and physical skills can be measured by students achieving their learning objectives. An example of a physical objective of pre K students is proficient use of fingers and hands and refined wrist and finger movements. During the lesson, the students will be given opportunities to use their fingers and hands in all steps of the 3D printing process. A cognitive goal for the students is to persist and to be able to plan and pursue a variety of appropriately challenging tasks while a language goal for the students is to follow two-step directions. Throughout the 3D modeling and printing process the students will work on following multiple step directions from the facilitator helping break developmental barriers of teaching pre-K students. An extent of these barriers, which can be fine motor skills such as using a computer mouse or loading filament into a 3D printer, will be modified by using an iPad for the Tinkercad computer program and all 3D printing processes will be obtained using the help of the teacher or facilitator.

Research Summary Poster

Collaborators

• Robert Jackson, Principles of Engineering Teacher, Olympic High School
• Dalton Cooper. Mathematics & AP Statistics Teacher, West Charlotte High School
• Ana Hizaramirez Andrade, PhD Student, UNC Charlotte
• Konstantinos Falaggis, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, UNCC

Project Focus

Freeform Optics are expected to revolutionize an entire field of optics. It is predicted, that they will soon replace 80% of all manufactured optics – ranging from reading glasses and side mirrors of cars to optical microscopes and optical satellite components. However, the most significant impediments to progress is the optical testing of such surfaces. Unlike regular optics, the challenge in Freeform Optics is their complex shaped surface with no axis symmetry. During the summer project, Fellows will work with Kosta Falaggis and his graduate students to design a Deflectometry based precision metrology system that consists of an LCD display and a camera. This simple optical setup provides nanometer level accuracy and challenges current state of the art instruments. Notably, deflectometry is related to techniques used in 3D scanners. This research experience is particularly relevant for teachers, who would like to develop cross-disciplinary teaching modules for a range of subjects as e.g. “metrology and 3D scanners”, “ray optics”, “camera calibration and image rectification with application to cameras, webcams and mobile phones”, “electronic circuits”, or “simple programming projects”.

Research Abstract

The initial objective of the study is to investigate the temperature variances realized within a temperature-controlled environment. The experimental design of the study is using a methodology such that sixteen to twenty-five (16-25) sensors instinctive to temperature measurement configured equidistant from each other in a square pattern will quantify actual data points as voltages in real-time, specific to predetermined measured positions. The captured data samples are converted to a digital format to be stored for analysis and transfer for future comparison. 

Additionally, the Analog to Digital Conversion (ADC) functionality is provisioned with the use of an open sourced electronics platform. Where a constructed single circuit board, microcontroller (IC; Integrated Circuit) comprised of thermistors (sensor), hardware and software capable of sampling, and reading the voltage(s) input, is used for converting the sample into an output. The circuit board will receive its instructions by means of the microcontroller according to the prescribed programming language, wiring configuration, and the processor parameters.

In its entirety, the collected analyzed data generated from this study will support an application to be used for temperature measurement in a camera system for metrology with respect to free form optics arrangement.