Faculty and Undergraduate Student Research Database

I am looking for a student who is interested in learning 3D modeling, CNC machining and extrusion molding. My lab has a very nice CNC machine, Tormach 440 (see here https://www.tormach.com/pcnc-440/). I plan to utilize this CNC machine to make plastic enclosures for the small wearable sensors. First, 3D models of enclosures and molds to make these enclosures need to be designed in Fusion 360 software. Then the molds need to be machined out of wax and tested. When the molds are fully tested, we will need to machine them from aluminum. The machined molds then will be used with a plastic extrusion machine to make enclosures. This is a rather involved project but a fun learning experience for anyone interested in advanced manufacturing....

Elucidation of the structure, function, and mode of action of metallobiomolecules.The elucidation of the structure, function, and mode of action of metallobiomolecules via: 1) spectroscopic, magnetic, kinetic and biochemical studies of the natural systems and 2) the synthesis and characterization of biomimetic inorganic complexes. Our research applies biochemical and synthetic and physical inorganic methods to characterize the function and properties of metallobiomolecules (naturally occurring molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, sugars, etc. that contain tightly bound metal ions). The presence of the metal ions gives these species unique magnetic and spectroscopic properties (such as color) that provide avenues (not available to t...

Dr. Cheng is looking for motivated undergraduate students to join his group. The students will participate in several projects funded by NSF, GLPF and UA. As an example, his group is developing new implantable material, sensors and machine learning algorithms in order to remotely monitor people with disabilities. The students should be familiar with engineering principles, programming and problem solving....

The position is about developing deep learning tools to analyze geosocial media data for various applications, such as earth science, disaster management, and transportation. Required skills: 1. Strong Python programming skills 2. Have taken the class on statistics and probability 3. Being Self-motivated 4. Good time management and be a team player Preferred skills: 1. Knowledge in deep learning and tensorflow 2. Knowledge in machine learning or data science...

Use electronics circuit simulation software to design a dedicated low noise amplifier for novel detectors of elementary particles. Requires familiarity with relevant hardware (e.g., transimpedance amplifier) and software (e.g., LTspice)...

The Summers research lab is always looking for motivated undergraduate students who are interested in performing research at the interface of engineering, microbiology, and biochemistry. Students will work on one of several projects related to genetic engineering of bacteria and yeast, including: (1) Elucidation of how bacteria recognize and respond to caffeine in their environment (2) Development of tools to engineer bacteria and yeast (3) Engineering bacteria to create high-value chemicals (4) Engineering yeast cells to produce high-value chemicals Students should expect to spend 6-10 hours per week in the lab. A commitment of at least one academic year is requested, but ideally students will continue to perform research in the l...

We plan to develop and deploy to local schools a physics experiment that will potentially be included in the standard roaster of physics labs in Tuscaloosa area and statewide. The student will work on the following aspects: 1. Help deciding what lab to deploy. This could be either one of the standard labs implemented with the off-the-shelf commercial instruments (e.g., PASCO Scientific) like the ones offered in the intro physics courses at UA, or a bespoke setup that could be manufactured at the UA machine and electronics shops. 2. Under the supervision of the faculty and the Science In Motion specialist, the student will take care of developing the lab, procuring needed equipment, producing a write-up (manual) for teachers, and orga...

Undergraduate researchers in the Harris Laboratory participate in research projects related to heterogeneous catalyst synthesis, characterization, and measurement of reaction kinetics. As much as possible, students will have their own independent research projects in addition to responsibilities related to multi-student research thrusts in production of renewable fuels, chemicals, and protection of air and water quality. Students are expected to commit to ten hours per week of research activity that will be guided by Dr. Harris and his graduate students. Students are also expected to commit to working in the lab for a minimum of two semesters. Students will prepare final reports summarizing their efforts, and present in our laboratory gr...

Our lab (ADIE) is looking for passionate undergraduate students working together! Our lab ADIE (adaptive design of immersive e-learning lab) is currently studying how immersive learning technologies support marginalized learners in STEM education. Educational technology is an academic discipline that addresses ways to utilize technologies to make our society, world, and education better. We believe that engaging digital platforms (e.g., VR and digital games) can help underrepresented students to be involved in education with pursuing the value of diversity, inclusion and equity. For instance, the major research project that our lab is doing is the design and development of a digital game-based learning platform aimed to enhance integrat...

The selected student will be in charge of transcribing baptism records from the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo from the late 16th and early 17th century. The records are written in old Spanish script, so under my guidance, students will spend the initial weeks getting acquainted with early modern Spanish writing conventions and handwriting. Students will thus learn Spanish Paleography, that is, the making of a transcription of a manuscript page written in early modern script. These could be useful skills for those interested to work in historical archives or those interested to go to graduate school to study the history early modern Spain, colonial Latin America, or the Spanish Caribbean. Patience and perseverance during these early we...