Generative AI Foundations

Welcome to the Generative AI Foundations mini-course, created by ERAU-Worldwide’s Division of Academic Innovation with the assistance of the Hunt Library. In this course, you’ll get to know generative AI, an innovative branch of AI that creates new content like text, images, music, and even videos. Unlike traditional AI, which focuses on analyzing data or making predictions, generative AI brings a creative spark to technology, making it possible for machines to generate stories, artworks, and compositions

Trust in Human-AI Symbiosis

As Artificial Intelligence increasingly supports critical decision-making in different real-world contexts, understanding trust between humans and Al becomes crucial. The goal of this study is to explore how various levels of Al transparency, control, and error influence human trust in Al-based decision support in safety-critical systems. By evaluating participant responses to Al recommendations across different operational modes, this research aims to identify optimal conditions that foster trust and enhance collaboration between humans and Al in high-risk environments. The findings will inform the development of more effective and reliable Al systems

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A mother daughter coming of age story

Self-Regulated Thermal Management with Shape-Memory Alloy Torsional Tubes

The need for dynamic thermal management that adapts to varying system needs and requirements is a growing topic of interest in different engineering disciplines, most prominently aerospace and electronics. This demand for improved thermal management systems comes from the general increase of system efficiencies leading to an increase in component energy density. Shape-memory alloy actuators, which respond with a mechanical shape recovery to variations in temperature, can be used as self-regulated thermal management actuators that are able to respond to environmental thermal changes autonomously. In this dissertation, modeling and experimental analysis of a two-way shape-memory effect trained SMA torsional tube for self-regulated thermal management purposes are considered and developed. The behavior of SMAs under steady-state conditions is well understood. However, self-regulated behavior and non-ideal thermal conditions need to be further investigated. SMA behavior is highly non-linear and path-dependent and common applications use active means of temperature and actuation control using closed-loop systems. This research considers an SMA torsional tube responding autonomously to a process fluid running through, which experiences thermal variations. For these purposes, an experimental setup using air as a process fluid and a preliminary system model are completed to investigate the actuator’s self-regulated response and model prediction capabilities. The model is comprised of a heat transfer and SMA portion, with two SMA models considered (Liang-Rogers and a model based on experimental results). Steady-state, unsteady, and mass flow variation cases are carried out and modeled to analyze tube behavior under different conditions. A sensitivity analysis of different model parameters, including changing the process fluid and SMA tube characteristics, is also carried out. It was concluded that TWSME SMA have the potential to become part of thermal management systems. The main advantages include the simplicity of the design and autonomy, though there is a strong need for accurate prediction capabilities and choosing the right geometry and training for the tube tailored to the application is key

Harnessing Environmentally Healthy Approaches for Plastic Degradation: A Review and Future Perspectives

In the face of escalating plastic pollution, innovative degradation strategies, such as enzymatic degradation, smokeless incineration technology, and biodegradable plastics, are gaining traction. This paper collates comprehensive research on these methods, assessing their environmental impact and operational feasibility. A special focus is placed on the role of technology and its capacity to spark advancements in these degradation strategies as well as to draw on specific research to understand the economic implications of these methods. At the core of this study is the exploration of potential new, inventive degradation methodologies. Through examining methods of green plastic degradation, the study aims to align its findings with the growing demand for these strategies. The paper concludes with an in depth speculative future trajectory of innovation in plastic degradation, underlining the promise these techniques hold

Control and its Impact on Controlling FOD

Foreign Object Debris (FOD) pose significant risks in aviation maintenance environments, leading to potential safety hazards, operational inefficiencies, and financial losses. Our project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a structured tool control program in reducing Foreign Object Debris (FOD) occurrences. Standardized paperwork of broken, worn, and missing reports identifies trends of regularly failing tools posing potential FOD risks. With the incorporation of engineering controls such as weight scales, single-point entry systems, ID card scanners, logging systems, motion-light-equipped toolboxes, and magnetized trays, operators can increase accountability, minimize human error, and maintain compliance with safety regulations. This project uses observational studies, compliance tracking, and incident report analyses to assess the impact of these measures. The proposed structured tool control systems are anticipated to significantly reduce the occurrence of misplaced tools, streamline efficiency, and improve overall safety compliance. By controlling access to maintenance areas, providing real-time accountability of tools, and using automated alert systems, aviation operators can proactively prevent FOD-related incidents. This study highlights the necessity of an upgraded tool control system in aviation maintenance, emphasizing the benefits of integrating technology-driven solutions along with simple ones, such as magnetizing tools. Implementing these measures will offer a culture of safety and operational excellence, highlighting the importance of structured tool management in aviation environments

International Awards Ceremony

A signature celebration of international graduates and study‑abroad achievers, including honors and recognitions that mark global impact and community. The hour-long ceremony will be followed by a reception with light refreshments. All guests of our graduating students, Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society members and inductees, and award nominees are welcome

Flag Coloring

A calming, come‑and‑go activity to color national flags while learning quick facts and enjoying stress‑relief during a busy wee