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The City College of New York - 2009

Detecting The Effects of Severe Flooding in Iowa
Team Members


Principle Investigator (PI):
Dr. Maroaune Temimi

Researchers:
Pradipat Sukumal, Graduate Student
Ruben Neira, Undergraduate Student

Amritpal Bharth, High School Student

Final Research Presentation
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Summary

Abstract:

This study focused on measuring the quantity and quality of vegetation growth throughout the state of Iowa as well as examining the most impacted region in the state, the region in and around Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, through remote sensing. The study utilized three types of data: surface reflectance, Leaf Area Index (LAI), and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). LAI revealed that, during the flood period, vegetation levels in 2008 were at a lower level than those of 2007. It also, unexpectedly, indicated that a post-July vegetation boom for 2008, giving it a conspicuously higher vegetation value than that of 2007. NDVI data corroborated previous findings even though it differentiated between healthy, unhealthy, and dead vegetation. In general, we expect our findings to be supported in the near future and anticipate results on how long the soil was saturated after the flood to maybe help explain the findings of this study.

Inter-Comparison of Satellite Algal Bloom Detection Techniques Using Surface and Top of Atmosphere Signals
Team Members


Principle Investigator (PI):
Alexander Gilerson

Researchers:
Ruhul Amin, Undergraduate Student

May Chum, Undergraduate Student

Pierre Ramos, High School Student

Final Research Presentation
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Summary

Abstract:

Within our very beaches exist prehistoric plant-like beings known as Algae. They are a hazard to humans, a danger to marine life and a nuisance to coastal businesses. Because of this, they must be tracked down and identified using satellite sensors and different techniques using those sensors. We will investigate the difference between various atmospheric signals and analyze the image produced by distict imaging techniques. We have cound there to be little to no difference between the top and bottom of the atmosphere signal as well as many flaws in a popularly used imaging technique. we also analyzed two possible techniques that might be the solution to those very problems, together being an extremely powerful tool in thesearch for Harmful Algal Blooms.

Modeling Optical Properties of Aerosols Using Microphysical Retrievals from Air Quality Models
Team Members


Principle Investigator (PI):
Dr. Barroy Gross

Researchers:
Gary Bouton, Graduate Student
Crae Sosa, Undergraduate Student

Final Research Presentation
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Summary

Abstract:

The main purpose of this project is to verify that CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality) data, is correct. CMAQ is microphysical data retrieved using actual measurements of aerosols in conjunction with models that use optical properties to predict that data. The primary focus is to use instruments at City College to retrieve data and create new models that will be tested against those of CMAQ. By using the optical properties of aerosols, it might be possible to predict the empirical measurements of air quality and pollution over a specific area. The problem is that there are quite a few variables that must be considered when creating these models. Some of thes properties can only be gained through empirical measurements; however there are some that can be computed mathematically.

The City College of New York - 2008

Detecting & Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms on Florida Coast
Team Members


Principle Investigator (PI):
Dr. Alex Gilerson

Mentor:
Ruhul Amin, Graduate Student

Researchers:
Jonathan Tien, Undergraduate Student

Joseph Tuzzino, High School Student

Final Research Presentation
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Summary

Abstract:

Karenia brevis (K. brevis) blooms occur regularly on the Florida Coast. However, detection still remains a challenge from space due to the uncertainty of atmospheric correction, and interference from high concentrations of organic and inorganic materials in optically complex coastal waters. Our results show that Fluorescence Line Height (FLH) algorithm gives inaccurate results in highly scattering waters. So we used a simple red band difference technique (RBD) and a normalized difference technique, K. brevis bloom index (KBBI), proposed by Amin et al., 2008, to detect and classify the potential areas of K. brevis blooms from Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS). We applied these algorithms to satellite images for the blooms documented in the literature and our analysis shows that the RBD and KBBI detect, monitor and classify K.brevis blooms more precisely than FLH.

LIDAR Atmospheric Remote Sensing
Team Members


Principle Investigator (PI):
Dr. Samir Ahmed

Researchers:
Junior Nkrumah, High School Student

Final Research Presentation
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Summary

Abstract:

Light detection and ranging (lidar) is a technique in which a beam of light is used to make range-resolved remote measurement. A lidar emits a beam of light, that interacts with the medium or object under study. Some of this light is scattered back toward lidar. The backscattered light captured by the lidar receiver is used to determine some properties. Lidar for Atmosphere Remote Sensing gives a general introduction to lidar, it focus on the differential absorption and techniques as well as monitoring aerosols, water vapor and minor species in troposphere and lower stratosphere.

The Response of Land Surface Temperatures to Changing Ocean Temperature Gradients
Team Members


Principle Investigator (PI):
Dr. Manuel Zevallos

Mentor:
Charlene Chan-lee, High School Teacher

Galia Espinal, High School Teacher

Researchers:
Heather Glickman, Graduate Student

Amritpal Bharth, High School Student

Final Research Presentation
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Summary

Abstract:

Climatological studies for temperature trends in coastal urban environments in the Northeast have been largely uninvestigated. Past research has shown that Diurnal Asymmetrical Warming (DAW) has been occurring along western coast of the United States. Previous results showed that average minimum temperatures have been rising are a higher rate than the rate of increase of maximum temperatures in coastal urban environments. This study explored how surface temperatures react to increasing regional coastal temperatures under an urban environment such as New York. This project involved temperature data analysis of 27 weather stations in and around the New York City region, as well as sea surface temperature analysis. Findings were often consistent with the DAW previously discussed. Overall, in urban coastal areas there was a generally greater increase in minimum temperatures, compared to maximum temperatures, while this was often not the case in corresponding rural regions.

The City College of New York - 2007

Retrieval of Water Properties from Remote Sensing Reflectance
Research Team Members


Principle Investigator (PI):
Dr. Fred Moshary

Co-Principle Investigator (Co-PI):
Dr. Alex Gilerson

Team Members:
Candy Barbaran, High School Student

Final Research Presentation
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Abstract

Long Term Objective:
Improve algorithms for instruments aboard satellites in order to make Fluorescence measurements of algae more accurate.

Procedure:

  • Satellite imagery was retrieved through the use of SeaDAS for the areas of Chesapeake bay and Long Island Sound which are some locations from which we retrieve in situ data sets.
  • Hydrolight was used to simulate Coastal water conditions.
  • Several runs were made using Hydrolight using different absorption coefficients and concentration levels for each component. (Chlorophyll, CDOM , Mineral and water)
  • Data Retrieved from Hydrolight was than graphed and analyzed to determine the effects of concentration of the various components for coastal waters.
  • Further work would be to validate the accuracy of our algorithms when used in complex waters using simulated data sets.

    Conclusions:
    Each component has a signature absorption and backscattering spectrum

  • The steep slope of CDOM absorption has an inverse relationship with the magnitude of reflectance in the blue area of the spectrum(400-500).
  • Maximum absorption peaks from 650-700 nm cause minimal reflectance in that part of the spectrum.
  • There's a red shift for cases of high chlorophyll concentration.
  • All of these observations need to be taken into account when working in the inverse ; in other words when using remote sensing reflectance to retrieve Inherent Optical Properties (IOPs).

    • The Spectroscopic Study of Cr4+ Doped CaO-GeO2-Li2O-B2O3(Al2O3) transparent glass-ceramics
    Research Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Alexei Bykov

    Co-Principle Investigator (Co-PI):
    Dr. V. Petricevic

    Team Members:
    David Deutsch, High School Teacher
    Saulin Chan-Lee, High School Teacher

    Victor Ortiz, High School Student

    Final Research Presentation
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    Abstract


    Objectives:

  • Study the behavior of Cr-doped Calcium Germanium glass media during synthesis and devitrification (i.e., heat treatment)
  • A number of glass compositions yield transparent glass-ceramics after heat treatment
  • Crystallites ≤ 1 m
  • Cr doped glass ceramics exhibit a broad band of fluorescence (1000-1600nm wavelength; peaking at 1280nm)
  • Optical properties similar to CUNYITE crystals (i.e.,Cr4+: Ca2GeO4 )
  • Absorption and Fluorescence Spectra of the samples help better understand the optical properties of glass-ceramics

    Conclusions:

  • Crystallization in glass media varies according to temperature and heat treatment time
  • Chromium-doped glass ceramics emit fluorescence around wavelengths of 1200-1300nm, similar to CUNYITE crystals
  • Manganese-doped glass ceramics is expected to have a broad band fluorescence between 550~700nm when excited at 488nm
  • The change in color is believed to have to occur due to crystallization all inside of the Mn-doped Glass Media
  • The behavior of this substance is still unsure

    • X-ray Diffraction Study of New York City Aerosols Particles
    Research Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Jeff Steiner

    Co-Principle Investigator (Co-PI):
    Dr. Elizabeth Rudolph

    Team Members:
    Nick Steiner, Graduate Student

    Junior Nkrumah, High School Student

    Final Research Presentation
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    Abstract


    This research is the study of Aerosols in New York City. Aerosols particles can cause acid rain as well as cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Due to the increasing population and pollution in New York City aerosol concentration is increasing. Some aerosols are produced naturally (pollen, spores) and others originate from burning fossil fuels, human activities and organic molecules. To determine aerosol concentration in NYC, samples are collected by using a system called, Met-One E Bam and determine the aerosol composition, we use X-ray diffraction, which is used to find compounds in the sample by recognizing the structure.

    The City College of New York - 2006

    Effects of Fluorescence Self Absorption of Algae in Sea Water
    Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Fred Moshary

    Mentor:
    Dr. Alex Gilerson

    Researchers:
    Annie Becerra

    Candy Barbaran, SHARP Apprentice

    Final Research Presentation
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    Summary

    Goal:

    Improve algorithms for instruments aboard satellites in order to make fluorescence measurements of algae more accurate.

    Purpose of the experiment:

    Analyze the spectral shape of chlorophyll fluorescence and absorption in order to detect patterns in the fluorescence spectral shift - detecting patterns in the spectral shift will allow us to eliminate all other factors and measure pure fluorescence.

    Conclusions:

    Both types of algae in the original concentration have strong absorption and cause spectral shift of fluorescence

    This spectral shift should be taken into account in the analysis of fluorescence and reflectance data for the waters with high chlorophyll (algae) concentrations

    Nanoscale Chromium 4+ Doped Olivine Crystallites in Glass Ceramics for Near Infrared Optical Amplifiers & Lasers
    Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Ralph Alphano

    CO-Principle Investigator (Co-PI):
    Dr. Manuel Zevallos

    Researchers:
    Dr. Alexei Bykov, Mentor
    Jorge Franco

    Victor Ortiz, SHARP Apprentice

    Final Research Presentation
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    Summary

    Objective:
    To make glass ceramics using different heat treatment procedures & to study the optical properties of nanoscale glass ceramics.To find the optimal temperature and time required for mass crystallization of nanoscale crystallites to occur. To control the process of crystallization via time and temperature. Our long term goal is to create a new material for optical amplifiers and fiber- lasers to enhance communication systems and informtion transformation.

    Conclusion:
    Crystallization occur in glass media during heat treatment. The size of crystallites varied according to the different temperature and time they were exposed to. The absorption spectrum shows that large crystallites were formed in a glass sample that underwent heat treatment of 520°C for 1 hour. While nanoscale crystallites were formed in a glass sample that underwent a heat treatment of 470°C for 6 hours.Many glass samples became less transparent after undergoing heat treatment higher than 500°C. We believe this is because crystallites larger than 1µm were formed.Some glass samples released a high amount of emission around the wavelengths of 1200-1300nm, which is similar to cunyite crystals.

    X-Ray Diffraction Study of Minerals Produced in a Large Volcanic Eruption
    Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Jeff Steiner

    Principle Investigator (PI):
    Dr. Liz Rudolph

    Researchers:
    Junior Nkrumah, SHARP Apprentice

    Final Research Presentation
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    Summary

    Purpose:

    To better understand how large igneous rock bodies form by studying the compositional changes of basalt in the sill.


    Results:

    X-ray diffraction patterns for 3 basalt samples.
    The peaks represent the minerals pyroxene and plagioclase
    Notice the difference in minerals present indicated by the labeled peak

    The City College of New York - 2005

    Optical Sensing of Microorganisms In The Environment
    Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Jeff Steiner

    Principle Investigator (PI):
    Dr. Liz Rudolph

    Researchers:
    Sarah Moshary
    Asal Khanbilvardi
    Amanda Steiner

    Courtney Cohen,SHARP Apprentice

    Final Research Presentation
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    Summary

    The goal of the research is to develop non-invasive and rapid methods to detect the presence of bacteria and other biological contaminants in the environment. The research targets include methods for determining the responses of bacteria to germicides and environmental stress, such as biofilm production and the development of spores. The research also evaluates associations developed by bacteria with environmental aerosols and other colloids. The objectives of this project are:

    1. Develop fluorescence, Raman and elastic scattering spectroscopic analysis tools to detect, classify and monitor viability of microorganisms under different conditions. These tools will be based on their size, shape and fluorescence properties.

    2. Develop a continuous bacteria-sampling station at CCNY within the NASA-URC Center for climate- and health-related models.

    3. Develop methods for characterizing dust-bacteria-molecular associations stressing African Dust-Bacteria properties, and tracing the trajectories of aerosols using MM5 mesoscale weather modeling.

    Nanoscale Chromium 4+ Doped Olivine Crystallites in Glass Ceramics for Near Infrared Optical Amplifiers & Lasers
    Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Ralph Alphano

    CO-Principle Investigator (Co-PI):
    Dr. Manuel Zevallos

    Researchers:
    Mikhail Sharonov
    Thandar Myint

    Fayette Colon,SHARP Apprentice

    Final Research Presentation
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    Summary

    Program History:

    The Center for Optical Sensing and Imaging (COSI) at City College of CUNY is a NASA funded University Research Center focusing on research and education in Optical Sensing and Imaging areas, of interest to NASA.The center brings together teams from two major NASA programs at City College: the NASA IRA on Tunable Solid State Lasers and Optical Imaging, and NASA PAIR on Remote Sensing and Environmental/Climate Studies.The mission of COSI is to develop enabling optical technologies, laser instrumentation, and methods for sensing and imaging of the Earth and the environment and to recruit and train underrepresented minority students at the high school, undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as to contribute with NASA's mission and vision by interacting with their scientists in NASA related research.The Center is headed by Dr. Robert R. Alfano, Distinguished Professor of Science and Engineering at CCNY, and Dr. Samir Ahmed, Herbert G. Kayser Professor of Electrical Engineering.21st Century Cutting Edge Research in the following areas:* Development of lasers and detectors for use in remote sensing and optical Communications" Imaging targets and transmitting optical signal through clouds, fog, ice, and rain* Detection of vegetation and land cover* Atmospheric and ocean monitoring* Measurement of ocean waters temperature, &* Sensing of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) in the environment.

    Novel Light Sources
    Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Prof. V. Petricevic, Ph. D.

    Researchers:
    Dr. A. Bykov, Senior Scientist

    Cesear Pier

    Final Research Presentation
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    Summary

    Objective & Significance:

    The goal of the research is the development of a new class of tunable lasers that provides much broader wavelength tunability for sensing, imaging, and communication applications of interest to NASA. We will focus our efforts on developing the following laser sources:

    Hyperspectral Imaging
    Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Fred Moshary

    Researchers:
    Barry Gross

    Heather Glickman, Graduate Student

    Travis Bramble,SHARP Apprentice

    Final Research Presentation
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    Summary

    Objective & Significance:

    Aerosol retrieval over land is complicated by the ground reflectance properties. Over dark vegetation, it is often assumed that any reflectance return comes only from aerosol contribution. However, this can still be significantly in error since often the dark pixels are still brighter than the aerosol contribution. This project examines the possibility of using spatial reflectance data to determine trends in the VIS/NIR channel as a function of the MID IR channel. Since we can expect that if the MIR channel R goes to zero then the land contribution goes to zero. Extrapolating the channels to R=0 allows an estimate of the aerosol contribution.

    The City College of New York - 2004

    Nanoscale Chromium 4+ Doped Olivine Crystallites in Glass Ceramics for Near Infrared Optical Amplifiers & Lasers
    Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Robert Alfano

    Co-Principle Investigator (Co-PI):
    Dr. Manuel Zevallous

    Researchers:
    Professor V. Petricevic
    Professor Alex Bykov

    Christopher Smith, High School Teacher

    Nick Merole, Undergraduate Student

    Caesar Pereira, SHARP Apprentice
    Denise Asafu-Adjei,SHARP Apprentice

    Final Research Presentation
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    Summary

    Program History

    The Center for Optical Sensing and Imaging (COSI) at City College of CUNY is a NASA funded University Research Center focusing on research and education in Optical Sensing and Imaging areas, of interest to NASA.The center brings together teams from two major NASA programs at City College: the NASA IRA on Tunable Solid State Lasers and Optical Imaging, and NASA PAIR on Remote Sensing and Environmental/Climate Studies.The mission of COSI is to develop enabling optical technologies, laser instrumentation, and methods for sensing and imaging of the Earth and the environment and to recruit and train underrepresented minority students at the high school, undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as to contribute with NASA's mission and vision by interacting with their scientists in NASA related research.The Center is headed by Dr. Robert R. Alfano, Distinguished Professor of Science and Engineering at CCNY, and Dr. Samir Ahmed, Herbert G. Kayser Professor of Electrical Engineering.21st Century Cutting Edge Research in the following areas:

    * Development of lasers and detectors for use in remote sensing and optical Communications

    * Imaging targets and transmitting optical signal through clouds, fog, ice, and rain

    * Detection of vegetation and land cover

    * Atmospheric and ocean monitoring

    * Measurement of ocean waters temperature, and

    * Sensing of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) in the environment.

    Optical Remote Sensing Through Passive Radiometry
    Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Fred Moshary

    Researchers:
    Xavier Estevez,SHARP Apprentice

    Final Research Presentation
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    Summary

    Our effort is in the area of optical remote sensing. The effort in this area is divided into applications to atmospheric, coastal, and land use areas. The atmospheric remote sensing area has a broad scope, including ground-based RS and satellite data analysis. In the ground based effort, research is ongoing in the active Lidar remote sensing and passive sky radiometry. The SHARP project will focus on passive radiometry using CIMEL and MFRSR radiometer, both used throughout networks at GSFC and GISS, to monitor aerosol loading in our region. Several of these instruments are deployed throughout our region and the study will focus on use and correlation of products from these instruments to understand aerosol sources and size distributions that impact NE United States.

    Characterization of Aerosols in New York City by Optical & X-Ray Methods
    Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Jeff Steiner

    Researchers:
    Liz Rudolph Ph.D.
    Karin Block Ph.D.

    Michelle Alvarado
    Aparna Lakhankar, Graduate Student
    Marc Cesaire, Graduate Student

    Professor Pengfei Zhang

    William Dennis, SHARP Apprentice
    John Sangobawole,SHARPApprentice

    Final Research Presentation
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    2004 Final Research Presentation
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    Summary

    This research focuses on identifying the major chemical species that are transported as solid particulates in aerosols. Aerosol characterization will result in quantifying bulk air masses to identify source locations and point source polluters. Characterization is accomplished using Optical Fluorescence Microscopy to identify aerosol intensity and xray fluorescence to reveal composition.

    Design and Characterization of Novel Hybrid Nanostructured Materials
    Team Members


    Principle Investigator (PI)    :
    Dr. Roger Dorsinville

    Researchers:
    Stephen Brandes,SHARP Apprentice

    Final Research Presentation
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    Summary

    This project will design, develop, numerically model and characterize novel hybrid nanostructured materials; as well as, construct and study multi-layer thin film structures for various applications, including but not limited to: opto electronics, sensor protection for photo sensors, photovoltaic arrays, optical limiters, optical storage, and energy conservation. This research will consist of the following components:

    1. Fabrication of hybrid nanostructured materials

    2. Thin film structures of hybrid nanostructured materials

    3. Characterization and numerical modeling of nanostructured materials and thin film structures

    4. Applications and numerical modeling of the hybrid nanostructured materials, thin film structures and devices.