High-School Research Papers
As part of an experimental chemical research competition, I learned to use a wide variety of high-precision chemical instruments. With devices from HPLC to AA, to mass and gas spectroscopy, a team of other students and I devised and tested research questions as applicable to the general public. The research was done in collaboration with Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) Marine Biology Lab and was presented to the public alongside other research projects. The papers were evaluated by a scientific panel and were voted on by attendees.
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The first paper detailed heavy metal concentration in a lake near coal-ash ponds to determine if leakage or runoff were present, a problem common in NC. Measurements were done mainly with high precision liquid chromatography (HPLC) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AA). (2015, 1st place, $2000)
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The second paper observed paraben concentrations in different fast-food restaurants. Parabens are preservatives in food that double as endocrine and reproductive disrupters. There are strict FDA regulations on parabens, but those limits aren't always followed...read to find out which fast-food joint is "best" for you! Testing began with HPLC and mass spectroscopy (MS) at CFCC but required higher measurement precision and more in-depth sample preparation, and therefore was completed at the UNCW Marine Biology Lab (with higher resolution MS). (2016, 2nd place, $1000)
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Collegiate Research Papers
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The first paper studies the effects of laser pulse length, pulse repetition frequency, and pulse energy on cavitation production and thermal and mechanical ablation of stones among other things. For different pulses widths and frequencies, laser-to-stone energy transmission varied. Another variable, possibly with the highest effect on energy transmission, was laser standoff distance. This research shows to medical professionals that repeated treatment in the same area has quickly diminishing returns for treatment efficiency and efficacy, hopefully helping them treat patients more safely and concisely.
Citation: Ho, Derek & Scialabba, Dominick & Terry, Russell & Qi, Robert & Preminger, Glenn & Lipkin, Michael & Zhong, Pei. (2020). MP69-03 THE EFFECTS OF LASER PULSE DURATION ON ENERGY DELIVERY AND STONE DAMAGE DURING LASER LITHOTRIPSY. The Journal of Urology. 203. e1044-e1045. 10.1097/JU.0000000000000949.03. | ||
More SWL/LL papers on cavitation and bubble dynamics to come...with more high-speed photography (my favorite ☺)
