Back Row, Left to Right:Nathan Willy, Michael Mayo, Alex Petty, J. Chris Waller-DeLaRosa (IAT) Mark Cotton, and Andrew Hamann
Middle Row, Left to Right: Christy Habecker (HRS office), Ali Hamze (IAT), Tal Einav, Ted Hardee, Reid Westwood, Jeremy Benavides, Alex Hu, Nicholas Carneiro (IAT), and David Yang
Front Row (sitting), Left to Right: Kayla Barrientos, Ariel Leigh, Erica Schnell, Darlene King (IAT), Andrew Porter, and Scott Marmillion

The winners of the poster presentation are: Reid Westwood, J. Chris Waller-DeLaRosa, and Michael Mayo.
Students comment about their apprenticeship experience at Applied Research Laboratories.

Summer 2008 Poster Presentation of Projects
First, Second, and Third Place Winners

Presentation of Awards
From left: ARL:UT Educational Programs Coordinator Christy Habecker, ARL:UT Independent Research & Development Coordinator Michael Pestorius, Ph.D.; Michael Mayo, third place winner; Reid Westwood, first place winner; J. Chris Waller-DeLaRosa, second place winner; and ARL:UT Executive Director, Clark Penrod, Ph.D.

1st Place, Poster Presentation
Exposing and Tracking Passive Targets
By Reid Westwood
Westwood High School
Supervisor: Rebecca Burnett, Environmental Sciences Lab, ARL:UT

Abstract
The goal of passive detection and tracking is to covertly listen for and find consistency between signals without emitting sound (unlike active SONAR). The method of passive detection I dealt with was Subband Peak Energy Detection (SPED), which finds local maxima across frequency, direction, and time. However, the ability to see and trace tracks in this method is highly dependent on how the frequency dimension is collapsed, as the SPED display shows energy detection along beam, or direction, versus time.  My project focused on filtering the frequencies used in the generation of the SPED display based on the most prominent and/or consistent signals present to help expose desired targets. I designed and tested many different methods to do so by coding in Matlab, and have implemented the more effective ones into a graphical user interface. Also, I created a geographical display that coordinates SPED displays from multiple receivers to triangulate and track targets in real space as a function of time. This display has the potential to be correlated with the frequency information provided by the SPED interface to ultimately increase accuracy when passively tracking targets.
Return to top

2nd Place, Poster Presentation
An Experimental Study in Sand Penetration by Tungsten Rods
By J. Chris Waller-DeLaRosa
Liberty Hill High School
Supervisors: Stephen Bless, IAT
Abstract
The Institute for Advanced Technology is tasked with the study of the penetration of projectiles into sand in support of small arms and artillery research. The objective of my project was to determine the behavior and depth of penetration of tungsten flechettes in sand.  The projectiles are to be fired at approximately 600 m/s and the real velocity will be recorded by break screens.  In order to plot the path of travel through sand, an eight foot long rectangular box was made and paper screens were placed at 6 inch intervals. A high speed camera on top of the range photographed the projectile against grid paper to determine pitch and yaw.  With this data, the factors involved in sand penetration can be better understood.
Return to top

3rd Place, Poster Presentation
Marine Surveillance System
By Michael Mayo
McNeil High School
Supervisors: Gary Wilson and Howard Warner, Signal and Information Sciences Lab, ARL:UT

Abstract
In order to support better documentation of maritime field tests taking place at Lake Travis, I have helped develop a system consisting of a tracking radar, GPS, AIS, and weather station.  The system is intended to automatically record the position, heading, and speed of passing boats that could affect maritime test results.  If the boat is equipped with AIS, the model and make of the boat can also be recorded.  In addition to its boat tracking capabilities, the system also records weather data such as temperature, humidity, dew point, and wind speed.  The entire system can be monitored and controlled remotely through the ARL network, allowing workers at the lab to receive pertinent information as it happens.  In the future, the hardware in place could be used as the basis for a marine surveillance/security system.
Return to top