Plasma Spectroscopic Techniques Applied to Biological and Environmental Matrices

The purpose of this research was to apply the use of direct ablation plasma spectroscopic techniques, including spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SIBS) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), to a variety of environmental matrices. These were applied to two different analytical problems. SIBS instrumentation was adapted in order to develop a fieldable monitor for the measurement of carbon in soil. SIBS spectra in the 200 nm to 400 nm region of several soils were collected, and the neutral carbon line (247.85 nm) was compared to total carbon concentration determined by standard dry combustion analysis. Additionally, Fe and Si were evaluated in a multivariate model in order to determine their impacts on the model's predictive power for total carbon concentrations. The results indicate that SIBS is a viable method to quantify total carbon levels in soils; obtaining a good correlation between measured and predicated carbon in soils. These results indicate that multivariate analysis can be used to construct a calibration model for SIBS soil spectra, and SIBS is a promising method for the determination of total soil carbon. SIBS was also applied to the study of biological warfare agent simulants. Elemental compositions (determined independently) of bioaerosol samples were compared to the SIBS atomic (Ca, Al, Fe and Si) and molecular (CN, N2 and OH) emission signals. Results indicate a linear relationship between the temporally integrated emission strength and the concentration of the associated element. Finally, LIBS signals of hematite were analyzed under low pressures of pure CO2 and compared with signals acquired with a mixture of CO2, N2 and Ar, which is representative of the Martian atmosphere. This research was in response to the potential use of LIBS instrumentation on the Martian surface and to the challenges associated with these measurements. Changes in Ca, Fe and Al lineshapes observed in the LIBS spectra at different gas compositions and pressures were studied. It was observed that the size of the plasma formed on the hematite changed in a non-linear way as a function of decreasing pressure in a CO2 atmosphere and a simulated Martian atmosphere.

Stained glass in the Denver area

"The purpose of t his thesis is to present a history of stained glass used in the De.nver area in tbe past hundred years. It has been necessary to present a sufficient background on t he history of the art since its heritage in the twelfth century so that t he evolution can be properly understood. Differ.ent movements, first in Europe and later in America and Europe, have influenced the art and brought it to its present state in t he Denver area"

The Minoans and their interpretations of nature in comparison with succeeding cultures

"Some of the finest interpretations ot nature ever to be expressed by an were painted by the Minoan fresco artists of Crete. Discovered only since the turn of the 20th century, the Kinoan Bronze Age civilization was amazingly progressive and notably modern. Apparently, the Minoans gained their high standard of living mainly through economic prosperity and secarity provided by a great navy. Arts, architecture and craft relice uncovered have been numerous, well-preserved and invaluable sources of historical knowledge"

Clarity, Light, and Logic : Parallels between Olafur Eliasson’s The weather project and the Gothic Cathedral

This Master’s Research Paper investigates Olafur Eliasson’s The weather project as a case study for the dialogue between Gothic artistic principles and prominent elements of contemporary art. A product of a post-modern mindset, weakened historicity allows us to examine these connections anew; past, present, and future blur and artists (and viewers) have the whole of time from which to gain inspiration and meaning in works of art. I demonstrate similarities through theories on phenomenology; the spatiotemporal relationship between viewer and artwork; the convergence of art and science; and the communal, quasi-liminal experience of pilgrimage. I embrace Eliasson’s belief in the self-reflexive potential of art and the importance of the viewer’s own values, memories, and methods of seeing. This new interpretive layer will hopefully offer a richer experience for future participants of both Gothic cathedrals and environments produced by Studio Olafur Eliasson.

On Becoming a Working Visual Artist: Opportunities and Challenges Along the Path

Thousands of students graduate from colleges and art schools every year with the goal of becoming working visual artists. The majority of them, however, find that earning a living as a working artist is a tough and competitive career path. This Capstone Project, through an extensive literature review and interviews, examines the factors and characteristics that influence whether an individual will make the leap to becoming a working visual artist. Research results indicate that primary factors in achieving the status of working visual artists include specific personality traits, experiential and career-oriented arts education, and development of strong business skills.