Methane Removal Using Zeolites: A Computational Analysis

Global warming is a pressing problem in the world today and it is exacerbated by the release of greenhouse gases, such as methane, into the atmosphere. Zeolites are being examined as a potential solution to the methane problem because they have a unique structure that can trap molecules. In particular, zeolites containing transitional metals show promise in oxidization reactions. Methane oxidation is an important reaction because it turns methane that contributes to global warming into methanol, a useable fuel source. In my project, I model zeolites containing different transitional metals using a software called SPARTAN and calculate their energies as a methane molecule passes through it. By looking at the energies of each zeolite, I can examine their stability and effectiveness relative to each other, helping determine which zeolites are better for atmospheric methane removal

Malware Detection for the ABLE Program

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office runs the ABLE program which allows individuals with disabilities to build financial wellness without losing federal benefits. However, many people who use the ABLE program require assistance to navigate technology and this assistance does not always come from those who are sufficiently technologically literate. People with disabilities are targeted digitally as they are often overlooked by cybersecurity threat models. With technology being such a vital and rapidly growing element of daily life, federal legislation needs to improve the security standards for accessibility, specifically website security where attackers target this vulnerable audience. The State Treasurer’s Office provided resources to gain knowledge about cryptography, machine learning and cybersecurity in order to create tools to extract and detect malware that is embedded into documents. These tools can be implemented into the ABLE program to protect sensitive information

Dealing With Poverty

Over 1.3 billion people are living in all types of extreme poverty. Within poverty, there are different areas of damage. Some are only trapped by one issue, while others face multiple. Hunger, conflict, malnutrition, poor healthcare systems, lack of government support, and minimal access to clean water and sanitation deeply affect countries in poverty. There are so many issues and topics within poverty that it\u27s hard to help the countries in need, but looking at one problem at a time can help build over 107 countries back to their former glory. More than 2 billion people do not have access to basic sanitation. Basic sanitation is water that comes from an improved source that doesn\u27t take more than 30 minutes to collect. These people without basic sanitation spend their days walking miles upon miles to find clean drinking water in place of walking to school or work. Not only are people affected in their homes, but hospitals and schools also don\u27t have basic sanitation. Every year, over 850,000 people die from these living conditions alone. Basic sanitation can be achievable with solar-powered machines that transform unclean liquids into clean water, but they cost money that many countries do not have