Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Paper copyrights are retained by the authors, however, The Spectra retains the right to non-exclusive use in print and electronic formats for all papers submitted for publication in The Spectra. PECTR S A 2 Hannah Meredith is a fourth year bio-medical engineering student from Richmond, Virginia. She has been involved with The Spectra since its inception in 2009, serving as a primary editor, Associate-Editor-in-Chief, and now Editor-in-Chief. In the spirit of undergraduate research, Hannah has explored multiple research opportunities. Going a bit outside the realm of biomedical engineering, Hannah has spent some time researching molecular gastronomy, a non-traditional cooking style that enhances the eating experience by altering the appearance , texture and flavor combinations of food. She also took the opportunity to explore the relationship between engineering and the government one summer through U.Va.'s Policy Internship Program. During her third year, Han-nah joined a lab in the biomedical engineering department and started developing a clinical diagnostic test that could be used to detect an infectious strain of amoeba. She is currently finishing up this project as her undergraduate thesis. Hannah also had the opportunity to intern at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where she designed synthetic gene circuits to control basic cell functions. This experience sparked her interest in synthetic biology, which Hannah is excited to be continuing after graduation as she pursues her Ph.D. at Duke University. In addition to research and working with The Spectra, Hannah has served as Vice President of the U.Va. Biomedical Engineering Society and class representative for the Rodman Council, and enjoys backpacking, cooking and listening to jazz. Dear Readers, I am excited and honored to present the third issue of The Spectra: The Virginia Engineering and Science Research Journal! Founded in 2009 by a group of students with a vision to promote undergraduate research, The Spectra continues to highlight student creativity as well as the opportunities facilitated by the University of Virginia. The Spectra is a two-way bridge, providing a way for student researchers to communicate their achievements as well as for students without experience to cross into the research community. I hope students will realize that not everyone is born doing research. In fact, each author featured in this journal is a testimony to the hard work and perseverance necessary to break into and succeed in the research community. From personal experience , a simple email expressing interest in a professor's work …