Innovative Spaces Project

The initial conditions of the collaboration space should never hinder the creativity of the design process. A design space configuration drives behavior, and conversely, the behavior of space users drives configuration. Design spaces should offer signals for users on how to enable the space to inspire the creative act of designing. They should also include infrastructure that smooths the transition between design phases and allows for fluid design processes. This project uses semi-structured interviews with faculty and student participants in a cross-sectional study in which design-based engineering courses take place. These interviews will be coded using a mix of critical incident methods and artifact elicitation to assess students\u27 and professors\u27 awareness of the effects of the design environment on the design process, quality assessment, and originality. Multiple interviews have been conducted with senior engineering students in preliminary and detail design phases of their capstone design courses. These interviews were with students of varying engineering specialties to analyze the differences in the design needs of different majors from Aerospace to Software Engineering. Key observations have been gathered from these interviews identifying key aspects of the design environment that aid students\u27 ability to efficiently design and manufacture high-quality, original solutions as well as objects in their environments that hinder their ability to work innovatively and collaboratively

Elephant in the Classroom: How Ethical AI Can Improve Student Success

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning in higher education without compromising academic integrity is a pressing issue. To make the benefits of generative AI (GenAI) available to students while upholding principles of ethics and academic honesty, the authors implemented an ethical use of AI policy in their Introduction to Research Methods at Embry-Riddle University. The authors hypothesized and found that allowing ethical utilization of AI would lead to higher student engagement and academic success. These findings offer valuable insights for higher education programs and educators, particularly in security studies

Magnetic Actuation Chamber System (MACS)

The Magnetic Actuation Chamber System (MACS) is an innovative solution designed to enhance the cultivation of cells and tissues under simulated microgravity conditions using a 3D clinostat. By integrating a magnetic actuator with a microfluidic organ-on-chip platform, the system facilitates precise mechanical stimuli for tissue engineering and disease modeling. Key upgrades, including a pneumatic piston system, Raspberry Pi 4-based processing, and enhanced nutrient delivery through microfluidic pumps, significantly improve reliability, data collection, and adaptability. The system’s modular design ensures flexibility for future modifications. Initial results demonstrate the potential of MACS to replicate natural cellular environments, with plans to study heart and lung cell growth under simulated conditions. This research aims to explore cellular behavior in microgravity, with potential applications in cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. The MACS represents a critical advancement in biotechnological research, providing insights into cell growth mechanisms and supporting novel therapeutic discoveries

Workforce Development through Extended Reality (XR)

Extended Reality (XR) is a powerful resource that offers Academia and Industry accelerate learning through 3D visualization. XR empowers organizations to reduce Time to Train, Time to Mentor and Time on Task. AVATAR Partners’ goal is empower organizations through Digital Twins to enhance efficiency, performance and safety

Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya, Organizer

Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya is currently the Chair for the Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security at the Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ, a DHS/NSA designated Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense; offering one of the world\u27s few ABET accredited cybersecurity degree programs; a member of the US CYBERCOM Academic Engagement Network and the RSA®C Security Scholar Program; a DoD Cyber Scholarship Program site; and the only NSF CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) institution for aviation and aerospace cybersecurity. Krishna received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Washington (2007) and was the first to defend a thesis on connected vehicle privacy and aircraft cyber security. He then joined The Boeing Company and was selected early as the first Associate Technical Fellow for aviation cyber-physical security. He was also the first Associate Director for cyber security at the United Technologies Corporation (UTC) Research Center. Krishna founded the first aviation cyber security technical committee, sponsored by the SAE in 2008, and has organized cyber security tracks at AIAA, IEEE, and SAE aerospace conferences. He has served on the RTCA SC-216 standard committee. He co-edited the first special issue on cyber-physical systems, published in the first centennial year issue of the Proceedings of the IEEE journal. With over 65 papers, 24 keynotes/plenaries, and 24 patents in aviation CPS security, he has received awards such as the ASEI Engineer of the Year Award handed to him by the Honorable Charles Bolden and ASEI Corporate Engineering Excellence Award. At Embry‑Riddle, he has led several projects in aviation and aerospace cyber security including the world\u27s first student-led aviation cyber-physical security competition. He has taught the world’s only and award-winning ICAO course on aviation cyber security to professionals from over 24 countries.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2024/1000/thumbnail.jp

Biosensors for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS)

This project aims to develop miniaturized devices using nanotechnology and advanced materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes to continuously monitor physiological pressures, particularly intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated IOP is a key marker in the diagnosis and treatment of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome, which is recognized as a health risk for NASA astronauts. Our approach involves designing a contact lens tonometer embedded with graphene-carbon nanotube nanocomposite films, which offer heightened sensitivity and real-time, non-invasive monitoring of IOP. Methods include the synthesis and fabrication of nanocomposite films, characterization of their mechanical and electrical properties, and integration into flexible contact lenses. Simulated ocular environments are going to be used to test the biosensors sensitivity and accuracy under dynamic pressure conditions. Preliminary results indicate that the graphene-carbon nanotube films provide reliable and highly sensitive IOP measurements. These findings suggest that the contact lens tonometer could offer a more effective way to monitor IOP, improving patient care for elevated IOP which can be seen in SANS or glaucoma. This research not only advances healthcare technology but also provides undergraduate students with valuable interdisciplinary research experience in biomedical engineering and materials science. The project contributes to future innovations in non-invasive medical devices, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes

Ron Pavlik, Participant

Ron is serving as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Surface Operations. Ron works directly with the five Regional Security Directors, ensuring and aligning surface transportation security priorities for the four modes of land-based transportation: mass transit, freight rail, highway motor carrier and pipeline. Prior to joining TSA, Ron served as the Chief of Police with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)/Metro Transit Police Department. During his over 26-year tenure, Ron served in various leadership positions across the department, to include patrol, operations and administration prior to being sworn in to serve as the Chief of Police in 2013. Ron is a graduate the FBI National Academy 222nd session, a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute and is also a graduate of Leaders in Police Organizations program through the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Ron is a military veteran, serving in the US Army for nearly eight years, with tours in Germany, Korea and Operation Desert Storm with the 1st Calvary Division.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2024/1038/thumbnail.jp

Dr. Anne Boettcher, Participant

Anne Boettcher is the Assistant Dean of Research at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Prescott, Arizona and is a past-president of Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). Prior to joining Embry‑Riddle, she was a Professor of Biology and Undergraduate Research Program Director at the University of South Alabama. While at South Alabama, she served as co-principal investigator for NSF-REU and principal investigator for Merck-AAAS programs, mentored more than 60 undergraduate and graduate research students, and integrated research and ethics components into all her courses.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2024/1008/thumbnail.jp

Donna Barbie

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