A 1-jet Collison nebulizer was found to produce a wide range of aerosol diameters, with concentrations in the billions per mL. Factors such as inlet air pressure and solute concentration influenced overall aerosol concentrations. Even with a diameter size selection restriction applied, the aerosol concentration remained in the millions. A tube furnace was found to produce a smaller range of aerosol diameters, also with concentrations in the billions per mL. Just as pressure and solute concentration were found to be an influence in the nebulizer, temperature and inlet airflow rate influenced overall aerosol concentrations. Similarly to the nebulizer, the tube furnace also produced aerosol concentrations in the millions per mL even under the restriction of diameter size selection. For a cloud chamber with a volume of 3.14 m3, these two apparatuses would prove useful providing a high concentration of aerosols. In this way, cloud generation for atmospheric sciences may be more efficient.

How does one observe the unobservable? The infamous astrophysical objects of popular culture, black holes are nigh-undetectable. Their enormous gravitational field captures any information moving towards them, ensuring nothing–not even light–will escape to tell the tale. So, how have we discovered anything about them beyond their fitting name? The answer in this case does not lie within, but around them. Gas and dust orbiting, radiating, and eventually falling into the black hole–called an accretion disk (AD). We observe ADs around the truly gargantuan of these compact objects, called supermassive black holes (SMBHs). They reside in the centers of most galaxies, including our own, called Sagittarius A. The light emitted from their ADs tells us many important details, both about the surrounding region and the nature of the SMBH itself. Yet the physical inferences we make from that data hinge upon a critical assumption: isotropy. In other words, the AD light we observe from Earth is no different than any other location. If, instead, the light is anisotropic–different depending on one’s direction–then our calculations may be led astray. The goal of my project has been to determine how initially isotropic spectrums become anisotropic and which mechanisms are responsible for that loss in isotropy. To that end, I have conducted extensive simulations exploring general relativistic processes (Doppler beaming and light bending) and their effect on light paths. I present my results on spectrum anisotropy for various situations, including Sagittarius A; future work detailing matter-radiation interactions will also be discussed.

Global temperatures and the prevalence of obesity have been rising over the past few decades. Obesity rates are higher in southern U.S. states, which align with average state temperature trends. Strategies have been employed nationwide to combat rising obesity prevalence. Research showing cold exposure’s effect on energy expenditure via shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis has been well established. However, no current research has investigated how acute cold exposure during extended heat exposure of the summer months can influence physiological adaptations. This randomized-crossover study design aims to assess the effects of a summer cold-exposure protocol on 24-hour blood glucose and exercise energy expenditure as a tool to reduce the prevalence of obesity and cardiometabolic disease. The cold exposure exercise responses will be compared to responses of exercise in a thermoneutral environment. It is hypothesized that a 3-day intervention of cold exposure will yield positive adaptations to exercise energy expenditure and 24-hour blood glucose control compared to thermoneutral exercise.

California's changing weather patterns, particularly in southern regions like San Diego County, have significant environmental and socioeconomic implications. This study explores the connection between the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and heavy rainfall events in coastal watersheds of San Diego and Orange Counties, focusing on their influences on streamflow dynamics. Utilizing data from the early 1980s to present, including rainfall and streamflow measurements along with ENSO data, this research investigates the impact of El Niño and La Niña phases of the ENSO on rainfall occurrence, intensity, and subsequent streamflow dynamics. Statistical analyses and GIS techniques are employed to quantify watershed characteristics and assess flood vulnerability. Results indicate consistent discernible relationships between precipitation and streamflow discharge, with El Niño and La Niña events significantly influencing discharge levels. GIS analysis identifies regions within the watershed prone to flooding, underscoring the importance of understanding local impacts of climate phenomena and the effects of terrain characteristics, vegetation cover, and urbanization. Building on the preliminary findings from a previous class project that indicated a connection between precipitation and streamflow discharge, this study aims to further examine precipitation and runoff dynamics within the study region. This research contributes to filling the gaps in knowledge regarding the localized effects of ENSO on rainfall events and streamflow dynamics in southern California, providing valuable insights for water resource management and disaster preparedness in the region.