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Microbial Ecology of an Antarctic Subglacial Environment: Author: Mikucki, Jill Ann; Date: 2005-12-15; Program: Land Resources and Environmental Sciences; Abstract: The research presented in this dissertation focused on the microbial ecology of the subglacial discharge from the taylor Glacier in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. The major objectives of my research were to 1) define the biogeochemistry of the subglacial outflow 2) describe the microbial diversity of the subglacial outflow and 3) examine the impact of subglacial outflow on the geochemistry and biology of the west lobe of Lake Bonney, a lake that abuts the glacier. The subglacial outflow from the taylor Glacier is known as Blood Falls owing to a visible accumulation of iron-oxides at the ...; Download File | View full details

The Effect of Facilitator Training on the Development and Practice of Participants in an Online Induction Program for Teachers of Science and Mathematics: Author: taylor, peggy Sue; Date: 2007-05-15; Program: Education; Abstract: Learning in computer-mediated conferencing systems requires frequent and open interaction in environments that foster sharing and examination of group knowledge and experiences. Written dialogue is the means by which this interaction takes place. This study examined the effects of a training program designed for facilitators in the e-Mentoring for Student Success (eMSS) program, which provides online induction for beginning science and mathematics teachers. The training was designed to improve the quality of dialogue among participants in the program. The intervention consisted of three compon...; Download File | View full details

Covered: Author: taylor, Caleb Josiah; Date: 2008-05-15; Program: Fine Arts; Abstract: My investigation of painting has led to creating abstractions that refer to internal and external anatomical forms. Microscopic images initiated a dialogue that guided each paintings reference to the body. Evolving from a figurative background, my work has sequentially advanced through the construction of a personal visual language which changed from a perceptual investigation to an intuitive, visceral analysis. This progression allowed a thorough study of abstract elements and their formal potential....; Download File | View full details

Frequency Stabilization of an External Cavity Diode Laser Employing Digital Control: Author: Drollinger, Cy taylor; Date: 2006-08-15; Program: Electrical Engineering; Abstract: Optical signal processing can span across bandwidths of hundreds of GHz with resolutions in the kHz range. This can be done by using spectral hole burning materials. A limiting factor in the frequency resolution is the bandwidth of the laser driving the spectral hole burning material. Better control techniques of laser jitter will decrease laser line width and increase frequency resolution of optical processing. This thesis explores the digital control technique of inherent noise in an external cavity diode laser and the use of reconfigurable platform to prototype digital implementation....; Download File | View full details

Diversity, Productivity, and Physiology of Microorganisms in the Stream-Moat-Lake Transition of Lake Bonney, Antarctica: Author: Moore, Joel Grant; Date: 2007-05-15; Program: Land Resources and Environmental Sciences; Abstract: Air temperatures exceeding 0°C in taylor Valley, Antarctica 17-25 degree days each summer and constant solar irradiance melt glacial and lake ice to from liquid water moats at the edges of permanently ice-covered lakes. Moats are fed by glacial streams and interact with comparatively large volumes of ice-covered lake water. This study investigated stream influence on moat chemistry and microbial biomass, productivity and diversity in the moat of East Lake Bonney (ELB) and compared the moat to the ice-covered portion of ELB. Stream inflow was a source of dissolved ions, inorganic car...; Download File | View full details

A multistate mark recapture analysis to estimate reproductive rate in the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), an endangered species: Author: taylor, Rebecca Lynn; Date: 2009-05-15; Program: Fish and Wildlife Biology; Abstract: The Steller sea lion is an endangered species whose reproductive rate estimates need to be updated. The species is divided into two populations: the endangered western population has declined over 80% from historical levels, while the threatened eastern population has been increasing at approximately 3% for the past three decades. The statistically most compelling reproductive rate estimates for this species are based on now out of date population dynamics, and hence are not applicable to current concerns. Extensive recent branding and resighting efforts by the Alaska Department of Fish and Ga...; Download File | View full details

American Indian Women in Higher Education: Is Tinto's Model Applicable?: Author: taylor, Franci Lynne'; Date: 2005-05-15; Program: Native American Studies; Abstract: Higher education degree completion for American Indians has remained virtually unchanged for the past three decades. American Indians, both female and male, continue to have the lowest percentage of terminal degrees completion of any ethnic population in the United States. Numerous studies have been completed to examine the barriers that prohibit American Indian success at the postsecondary level. However, there remains a lack of critical information concerning the personal experiences of those American Indian females who have persevered and have completed first, an undergraduate degree and th...; Download File | View full details

Selecting plant species to optimize wastewater treatment in constructed wetlands: Author: taylor, Carrie Renee; Date: 2009-05-15; Program: Land Rehabilitation; Abstract: Constructed wetlands are used around the world for treating domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastewater, stormwater runoff, and acid mine drainage. Plants may affect efficacy of wastewater treatment through their influence on microbial activity by creating attachment sites and releasing carbon exudates and oxygen. My research investigated seasonal plant effects on wastewater treatment by monitoring water chemistry in model subsurface wetlands planted with monocultures of 19 plant species and unplanted controls. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, an indicator of water quality, declined...; Download File | View full details

Relationships Among Geochemical Processes and Microbial Community Structure in a Unique High-Arsenic, Sulfidic Geothermal Spring in Yellowstone National Park: Author: taylor Jr., William; Date: 2007-08-15; Program: Land Rehabilitation; Abstract: The metabolisms of chemotrophic microorganisms are linked with the geochemical transformation of redox-active chemical species and mineral precipitation-dissolution reactions in geothermal environments. The objectives of the current work were to correlate the spatial distribution of microbial populations with changes in aqueous geochemistry and mineralogy in a unique Yellowstone National Park (YNP) geothermal spring, and to cultivate thermophilic microorganisms with phylogenetic and metabolic relevance to spring conditions. The geothermal spring (hereafter referenced as Joseph's Coat Spring -J...; Download File | View full details