Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Dark Patterns: How Interaction Design Turned To Deception, Ian Bansenauer

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

This essay examines the influence of human computer interaction design history on the current practice of deceptive “dark patterns” in interface design. It traces the design evolution of the computer from its initial use as a mathematical tool to the creation of the internet, and towards the current focus on user retention and profitability through the rise of growth hacking and deceptive design practices. Examples of past and current research on interaction design and dark patterns are used to determine that design choices have a measurable effect on user actions. After reviewing the types of dark patterns and their modes …

Software As A Tool Not A Master, Dalton Leif Lange

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

Modern Software takes advantage of users, by designing their software to prey upon the user. Through a historical analysis this paper hopes to better understand what has been done in the past to protect user's liberties, and what we can do going forward to ensure that software can be used as a tool, and not a master.

Indel Mapping, Lilu Martin

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

Insertion and deletion mutations (InDels) are an understudied dynamic of protein structure. Little real world data exists for these types of mutations. Computational modeling can help fill in these gaps and support researchers in obtaining and analyzing data. In this paper, we present a unique approach to gathering exhaustive data on InDel mutations to create heat maps and other visualizations useful in analysis. Every possible InDel in a set of proteins is modelled in silico, rigidity data is obtained for all of those computational InDels, and the rigidity data of each is then compared to that of the wildtype, providing …

Google Earth Model Of The Southern Alisitos Arc Crustal Section, Baja California, Rebecca Morris, Sarah Medynski, Susan M. Debari, Cathy Busby

Geology Faculty Publications

The Cretaceous Alisitos Ocean Arc 3D Model version 1 (v1) is a publically accessible and interactive 3D arc crustal model, with geologic map overlays on Google Earth. The model provides a virtual field trip through the upper- to middle-crust transition in the exhumed 110 Ma southern Alisitos Arc, Baja California, Mexico. This region was chosen for the model as it exposes a structurally intact and minimally altered transition zone between heterogeneous volcanic upper crust through the underlying plutonic rocks (up to ~7 km deep). The model is organized into three paleo-volcanic centers, which include (from north to south): a northern …

Lake Whatcom Monitoring Project 2020/2021 Report, Angela Strecker, Michael Hilles, Joan Pickens, Robert Mitchell, Robin Matthews, Geoffrey Matthews

Lake Whatcom Annual Reports

This report describes the results from the 2020/2021 Lake Whatcom monitoring program conducted by the Institute for Watershed Studies at Western Washington University (www.wwu.edu/iws).

The major objectives in 2020/2021 were to continue long-term baseline water quality monitoring in Lake Whatcom and its major tributaries; collect storm runoff water quality data from representative streams in the watershed; and continue collection of hydrologic data from Austin and Smith Creeks.

Cross-Disciplinary Learning Index: A Quantitative Measure Of Cross-Disciplinary Learning About Energy, Todd Haskell, Emily Borda, Andrew Boudreaux

Physics & Astronomy

The structure of many science programs at the college level assumes that students are able to draw on and integrate ideas from multiple disciplinary contexts. However, most assessment tools focus on learning in the context of a single discipline. We describe the development and validation of an instrument to measure how well students are able to combine energy ideas from different disciplines into a coherent understanding of a phenomenon. The final version of the instrument consists of a pair of multiple-choice online assessments, along with a metric calculated from the assessment scores: the cross disciplinary learning index (CDLI). The items …

Making Upper-Level Math Accessible To A Younger Audience, Allyson Roller

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

Symmetry is all around us. It appears on fabrics and on the buildings that surround us. Believe it or not, there is actually quite a bit of math that goes into generating these patterns, which are known as the seven frieze patterns. In my work, I explain how each unique pattern is generated using different types of symmetries. I also created a PDF of a children’s book about frieze patterns to ensure that people of all ages have the opportunity to learn about seemingly complex patterns.

Wa State Dnr Summer Wildfire Fighting, Tor Samuelsen

College of the Environment Internship Reports

I have done numerous reports on the environmental impacts of wildfires prior to this internship. On topics ranging from increased erosion rates after wildfires, higher amounts of dissolved organic carbon, increased suspended solids in bodies of water, various negative impacts on aquatic invertebrates; the loss of riparian vegetation that is accompanied by exposure to extreme heat, as well as decreased levels of dissolved oxygen amongst many other things. Before this internship my learning objectives for the summer were numerous, but the main focus was to see first hand the ways in which wildfires are mitigated; there is no foreseeable end …

Deception Pass State Park - Rosario Beach Naturalist, Ron Isarankura

College of the Environment Internship Reports

My learning objectives for this internship experience were to expand my knowledge of marine topics as well as be able to get hands-on experience in the field. Additionally, I wanted to expand my knowledge of the Rosario tide pool ecosystem as well as learn how it was working in a recreational area at a state park. I wanted to be able to interpret and answer questions regarding the natural marine ecosystem that Rosario Beach had to offer.

Ca Dot Biology Intern, Madison Zambo

College of the Environment Internship Reports

I participated in a summer internship with the State of California, Department of Transportation from June 2022 to August 2022. My student assistant position was under Jennifer Moonjian, Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor, with the District 5, Biology department in San Luis Obispo, California. During this time, I conducted field work such as habitat surveys, bat emergence surveys, and pre-construction activity surveys. Additionally, my role consisted of training several departments within the Environmental division in ArcGIS Pro. To do so, I created PowerPoint trainings, how-to guides, and permit layout templates. Additionally, I often met one-on-one with biologists to address specific project …

Farrallon Consulting Internship, Faith Morse

College of the Environment Internship Reports

I was hired to work as Farallon’s 2022 summer environmental intern. Over the ten weeks, I gained valuable insight into the environmental consulting world and was able to apply my academic understanding of the science in the field. Most of my time at Farallon was spent working with field staff. – Geologists, Environmental Scientists, and Engineers. Before site visits, I was able to review project documents to understand the nature of the site and its known or potential contamination

Characterizing Gold Nano-Particles With An Icp-Ms Internship, Girnar Joshi

College of the Environment Internship Reports

No abstract provided.

South King County River And Floodplain Management, Emily Amos

College of the Environment Internship Reports

The project that I spent my time working on was the White River Pacific Right Bank Flood Protection Project. In January of 2009 the White River significantly flooded neighborhoods and a county park in the City of Pacific. The overall goal of this Capital Improvement Project is to reduce the potential for White River flooding and to improve environmental conditions for ESA-listed Chinook salmon, other wildlife and more. Design alternatives (that have yet to be decided on) include many components that will happen over multiple years including property acquisition, levee construction and floodplain restoration along the right bank (River and …

City Of Bellingham Parks Department Volunteer Program Intern, Carly Bell

College of the Environment Internship Reports

This internship started off as just a simple lead volunteer position, as it grew into much more than this, I learned a lot about myself and it helped me focus on what I want to do in the future. My team consisted of some of the most hard working and dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure to know, and they taught me so much in just a short period of time. I started this internship to scared to talk to a group of 3 people I didn’t know, and I am ending it being unafraid to speak to …

University Of North Texas-Using Trait Mining To Create Heuristic Food Webs, Madison Peters

College of the Environment Internship Reports

data mining to find information about each of the organisms that we will then turn into heuristic food web models. Once the models are created, we will be able to identify the key drivers and the functionality of the food web. After creating the models, we will be writing a published paper to present at a conference.

Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (Nsea) Flow Intern, Emma Burgess

College of the Environment Internship Reports

Going into the internship, the intern team spent a day creating individual goals for the term. I hoped to learn more about the natural systems that support salmon populations, and specifically how ecosystems are benefited by the presence of a vibrant salmon population. I wanted to learn about our local watershed, the projects NSEA was currently working on to improve its health, and how I could best contribute to their mission during my internship term. Additionally, I wanted to gain confidence speaking about all of this information so that I could teach others about the importance of these systems. More …

Wwu Soil Ecology Lab Intern - Mycorrhizal Relationships In Raspberry Roots And Soil Analysis Of Sehome Arboretum, Brigid Wills

College of the Environment Internship Reports

In Western Washington, the two main culprits of raspberry disease are Phtyophtora rubi, a fungal disease, and Pratylenchus penetrans, a root lesion nematode (Weiland et al, 2018). AMF has been hypothesized to be integral in allowing raspberry plants to develop resistance to diseases. Amber’s project builds off the past work of Erika Whitney in the Soil Lab, whose main finding was that AMF did create more tolerance (in the ‘Meeker’ raspberry cultivar) against P. rubi (Whitney, 2020, p. 49). The secondary conclusion was that AMF from cultivated fields was the most effective inoculum when compared to commercial and created AMF …

Wwu Institute For Watershed Studies Research Assistant And This Kind Planet Intern, Isabella Cobert

College of the Environment Internship Reports

In the field, I worked with a partner to monitor two streams: Austin Creek, on the south side of Lake Whatcom, and Smith Creek, on the north side of Lake Whatcom. I performed hydrological measurements with a Flowtracker in various conditions of weather and water velocity. My partner and I also downloaded stage data and verified this data by measuring the staff data accurately. Occasional maintenance was needed such as replacing batteries, bolting the staff back down, and manually resetting the stage to match the staff. The work done in the field was taken back to the lab to transfer …

Beeworks Farm Intern, Delta Kayler

College of the Environment Internship Reports

Working with honeybees was a thrilling and fascinating experience. I got to learn about the complex and somewhat fragile lives of honeybees. These small yet sophisticated creatures provide a service for our agriculture system that makes it impossible to sustain without them. Rob Rienstra was a great mentor and was very generous to share his knowledge of beekeeping with me. He has been beekeeping for over 12 years and is very passionate about raising strong and healthy honeybees. Over 10 weeks I learned a lot about the anatomy of a beehive, the different social castes of bees, and the biggest …

Brown University - Rayleigh Wave Tomography Of Alaska, Ulla Jones

College of the Environment Internship Reports

This internship took place at Brown University and was sponsored by the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Undergraduate Internship program. In it, I had the opportunity to examine surface wave propagation beneath Alaska in order to make some statements about how features in the lithosphere and upper mantle affect surface geology in the state. The end goal of this project was to create a number of tomographic maps, and possibly image seismic attenuation/ dampening in certain areas as well. Seismic tomography is a passive source seismology method that uses wave arrival times to an array of evenly spaced seismic …

National Oceanographic And Atmospheric Adminstration (Noaa) Internship, Alexandra Studyvin

College of the Environment Internship Reports

At the beginning of winter quarter 2022 I started my internship, and this internship was completed at the end of spring quarter of 2022. This internship was done with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries). NOAA Fisheries are located across the United States, in areas such as Alaska and the Pacific Islands. My internship was done through the West Coast region, specifically working for the Northwest Fisheries Science Center. NOAA Fisheries goals include creating productive and sustainable fisheries, creating safe sources of seafood, recovering and conserving protected resources, and promoting healthy ecosystems. NOAA uses new sound science to …

Kulshan Carbon Trust Internship, Olivia Benolken

College of the Environment Internship Reports

The Kulshan Carbon Trust is a Washington-based non-profit implementing collaborative natural climate solutions in Whatcom and Skagit Counties through landholder engagement, supply chain development, market incentives, and workforce training. The KCT aims to promote regenerative land use practices that reduce agriculture, forestry, and land development emissions and increase carbon sequestration by supporting regenerative agriculture, forest restoration, and biochar production in our community. KCT provides an organizational framework that puts people to work protecting existing carbon reserves and rebuilding carbon stockpiles in soils and plants to foster healthy ecosystems for future generations. As an intern for the KCT, my role was …

Waste Loop Leavenworth Internship, Emma Allison

College of the Environment Internship Reports

Waste Loop is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has a mission of inspiring and transforming local waste streams into sustainable new resources in the greater Leavenworth area. Waste Loop inspires and transforms local waste streams into sustainable resources in the greater Leavenworth area. We connect with people and businesses to inspire innovative solutions to local waste and recycle challenges & in-turn motivate action to integrate solutions into the community. We imagine supportive and thriving communities where the concept of ‘waste’ no longer exists, and resources are valued throughout their lifecycle.

Snorkel Surveys Of The Sauk And Skagit Rivers With Natural Systems Design, Zach Williams

College of the Environment Internship Reports

This study was conducted in the Skagit River Basin to observe what types of side-channel habitat best support juvenile Chinook and other salmon species (Lowery et al.). The Skagit and Sauk-Suiattle river basins have a total of six independent spawning populations of Chinook Salmon. Chinook salmon have three distinct life histories represented by stream type (subyearling parr and yearling), and ocean type (fry) present within the Skagit River System. Differentiating life stage is used by the 45mm threshold, fish being <= 45mm parr being fry while fish > 45 mm being subyearling and yearling. Scale, otolith, observational and genetic data suggest the presence of three distinct life histories …

Wwu Using Raman Spectrometry To Identify Organic Contaminants Sorbed Onto Plastics, Christopher Paradis

College of the Environment Internship Reports

No abstract provided.

Spectroscopy Lab Assistant, Drew Robinson

College of the Environment Internship Reports

Raman spectroscopy is a technique that allows for chemical characterization of various materials. On a microscope stage, the sample is set in place and irradiated via a laser. Much of the light produced by the laser is scattered off the sample, unchanged by the sample that it hit. This phenomenon is known as Rayleigh scattering. A small percentage of scattered light is changed because of the chemical makeup of the sample and is reflected at a different wavelength than the laser. This is called Raman scattering and is the key to analyzing what the sample is made of at a …

Lake Sammamish Uwrp Community Outreach And Education Internship, Kyto Katori

College of the Environment Internship Reports

I have the unique opportunity to work with the Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership (UWRP) as a community outreach and education intern from November 11th, 2021, to the present day. This position primarily involves the social media accounts affiliated with UWRP. My primary duty is to create and distribute original and partnered content to connect and educate the residents of the Lake Sammamish watershed with their local ecosystem and environment, teaching audiences of all ages and backgrounds about local wildlife and restoration projects, with an emphasis on the local population of Kokanee Salmon and their significance as a keystone …

Whatcom Conservation District - Edge Of Field Monitor Internship, John Porco

College of the Environment Internship Reports

The district assists local landowners in improving their land use methods to benefit the natural environment of Whatcom County. One of the major resources the district is working to protect is water quality. There are many sources of water pollution in Whatcom County, but agriculture is the one that the district works with. Dairy production in particular is a major potential source of nutrient, fecal coliform, and sediment contamination. Pollutants that enter the Nooksack River pollute the bays the river drains into, which yields significant adverse effects such as those on shellfish harvest. The internship role included helping the district …

Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group (Sfeg) Spawning Survey Internship, Tana Smallwood

College of the Environment Internship Reports

No abstract provided.

Solomon Gultch Hatchery Operations Internship, Marymarie Wallace

College of the Environment Internship Reports

Solomon Gulch Hatchery is the largest single species salmon hatchery in North America. The majority of my internship was completed over a 4-week period where my main duty was spawning and returning adult pink salmon.