Knowledge of species distribution and abundance in a given management region is critical for allocating conservation resources and making related decisions. While broadly abundant, information on the Eastern Screech-owl (EASO) in West Virginia is lacking, with no significant statewide survey work conducted for the species. To determine the distribution of EASO in WV, a survey was conducted using major physiographic provinces as study regions. Callback survey methods were used at a minimum of 50 points in each region, and points without responses were revisited once to confirm absence. Site selection was based on convenience and safety, with varied habitats being targeted across each region. EASO response time, behavior, abiotic conditions, and locality data were recorded for each point. Across 411 sites, 84.67% had at least one EASO response. Callback response time was 4.14 minutes ± 2.84 min. Results suggest that EASO is prevalent across geographic provinces in WV, and that future callback surveys may utilize a ten-minute call time when the goal is 95% detection of responsive owls.
The discovery of exoplanets has expanded rapidly over the past two decades due to large astronomical datasets produced by space missions such as NASA’s Kepler telescope. The Kepler mission continuously monitored the brightness of more than 150,000 stars, generating extensive collections of stellar light-curve data used to identify potential planetary transits. Detecting these transits involves identifying small, periodic decreases in stellar brightness that occur when a planet passes in front of its host star. However, analyzing large volumes of light-curve data can be computationally intensive and time-consuming when performed using traditional analysis methods.This project investigates the use of machine-learning techniques to assist in the automated detection of exoplanet transit events within Kepler light-curve datasets. A neural-network model will be developed to analyze astronomical time-series brightness data and identify patterns consistent with planetary transits. Training data will be obtained from publicly available datasets within the NASA Exoplanet Archive, including confirmed exoplanet signals, stellar variability, and non-transit observations. The model will be trained to recognize characteristic transit features such as periodic brightness dips, transit depth, and duration patterns.By applying machine-learning methods to astronomical time-series data, this research aims to evaluate whether automated models can improve the efficiency and accuracy of exoplanet candidate identification. This work highlights the growing role of artificial-intelligence methods in modern astrophysics and demonstrates how computational approaches can support the analysis of increasingly large astronomical datasets.
Binge drinking typically begins during a critical period of adolescent brain maturation and is associated with long-term behavioral dysregulation and increased risk for alcohol use disorder. Using the adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) rat model, our laboratory has shown long-term, sex-dependent behavioral deficits that are associated with astrocyte reactivity and dysregulation of bioenergetics and oxidative stress within dorsal hippocampal (dHipp). Rosiglitazone (ROSI) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory properties that may mitigate AIE-induced neurobiological dysfunction. We therefore tested whether ROSI could rescue AIE-induced astrocyte and synaptic alterations and oxidative stress. Male and female rats underwent AIE or H2O exposure for 10 doses (5g/kg, i.g.). Animals then received 20 doses of ROSI or Vehicle. On PND 72, immunohistochemistry was performed on dHipp tissue to evaluate the effects of AIE+ROSI on oxidative stress (4-HNE, PPLN), astrocyte reactivity (GFAP), and tripartite synapse integrity. Imaging was performed using STED or confocal microscopy and analyzed with Synbot and Imaris. AIE increased peripheral astrocyte process (PAP) proximity to inhibitory synapses and reduced proximity at excitatory synapses in the male dHipp, both of which were rescued by ROSI. In females, AIE had no effect on synaptic proximity. ROSI reduced oxidative stress in females but increased oxidative stress in AIE males. ROSI had no effect on GFAP expression in either sex. These results indicate that ROSI influences AIE-induced astrocyte and synaptic remodeling in a sex-specific manner, highlighting astrocyte metabolic pathways as potential therapeutic targets for the long-term neurobiological consequences of adolescent binge drinking.
TAYLAR MILBURN and MARK FLOOD. Forensic Science program, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554. The effect of cleaning agents on Bluestar and luminol blood detection The goal of quality testing reagents is to minimize the chances of getting a false positive result, meaning the test is highly specific and is not susceptible to contamination. Bluestar and luminol reagents are used to test for traces of blood left at a crime scene. Often criminals will clean up blood evidence and claim the positive test results come from the chemicals in the cleaning solutions. The objective of this study is to determine if different household substances can provide false positives when using Bluestar and luminol tests. Common household substances were placed/sprayed on to glass, wood, and plastic surfaces. Samples were tested immediately after being applied to the surface, or after waiting for the substance to dry before spraying it with either BlueStar or luminol. The preliminary results for this research indicate that none of the substances tested provide a false positive other than bleach. Therefore, no household cleaning products other than bleach should interfere with detecting blood at the scene of the crime. This research was made possible by WV Higher Education Policy Commission, STaR Division.
Cranwell’s horned frogs (Ceratophrys cranwelli), also known as Pacman frogs, are commonly kept as pets in the United States due to their basic husbandry needs and charismatic appearance. Secondary sexual traits usually appear in frogs after sexual maturity, which occurs at about a year old in C. cranwelli. These traits include the presence or absence of nuptial pads, changes in the color and appearance of the throat, and the overall size of the frog. In C. cranwelli, females grow to be larger than males. This study aims to determine if there is any significant difference between developing males and females before sexual maturity. Every month, a variety of different physical traits are measured such as snout-urostyle length, head width, tympanum diameter, eye diameter, distance between the eyes, snout length, and thumb length. Urine is also collected to use in future urinalysis using enzyme immunoassays to measure concentrations of estrone, testosterone, and progesterone. Data is still being collected, and currently more data points are needed to prove significance. Any significant difference between the growth will allow breeders and conservationists to tell the sex of juveniles before they reach maturity. C. cranwelli data can also act as a proxy for threatened Ceratophyrs species such as C. stolzmanni and C. cornuta, in which propagation methods are vital for population survival.
ADDISON TENNEY and MARK FLOOD. Forensic Science program, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554. The effect of ultraviolet radiation on latent fingerprint Fingerprints are unique to every individual, which makes it a great way to scientifically place a person at the scene of the crime. Ultraviolet (UV) rays often begin to degrade biological molecules in different ways. Oils left behind in latent fingerprints can potentially be impacted by exposure to UV light. To test this, porcelain plates with two sets of latent fingerprints (female and male) were put under three different UV lights, UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C, as well as one in an enclosed space (no UV light exposure) as the control. The latent fingerprints were left under the UV lights for varying lengths of time. Then, small particle reagent, which interacts with laten fingerprint oils, was used to develop latent fingerprints. Preliminary results indicate that latent fingerprints under the ultraviolet lights have no changes between having the print under the light for one day, one week, and two weeks. The minutiae quantity and quality were not impacted by exposure to different wavelengths of UV light for the timeframe analyzed. Based on the preliminary results, UV light exposure does not appear to significantly degrade latent prints in the short term (less than 2 weeks). Data is continuing to be analyzed for longer exposure periods as well. This research was made possible by WV Higher Education Policy Commission, STaR Division
The rapid change in climate has forced many industries to adapt to the rise in temperature. Farmers have had losses in the production of their crops. In a previous experiment, I examined effects of temperature on pea plant growth and production, demonstrating pea plants experiencing a temperature of 25oC or higher showed increased rates of germination and a decrease in overall biomass production. Expanding on this research, I tested irrigation methods and volume at colder temperatures, simulating planting these crops earlier in the year. This could allow farmers to adjust plant times - avoiding heat stress and lowered production rates of their crops. In this experiment, two trays, each containing 12 pea seeds, were placed in small planters in an incubator under led lights held at 15oC. The control plants were surface irrigated with a water volume of 50 ml every two days. This will be compared to subsurface irrigated plants with a water volume of 1000 ml weekly. The pea plants at 15oC showed an overall increased rate of germination. In addition to this, the dry plant biomass of the peas under subsurface irrigation conditions was significantly higher than those of the control. This research was made possible by WV Higher Education Policy Commission, STaR Division
Enterococci are Gram-positive bacteria that support the metabolic functions of the gut microbiome. As fecal coliforms, enterococci are found in surface water alongside other enteric bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, indicating fecal contamination. Shepherdstown, WV is home to a surface water tributary called Town Run, designated as a water source for the public in the event of an emergency, such as a sewage spill. It runs through the town, emptying into the Potomac River. Current studies are exploring water-quality indicators and the abundance of bacteria at various sites on Town Run. Data collection began in 2022 and continues, allowing assessment of how these factors change over time. In this study, we characterize various enterococci isolated among the bacteria from Town Run. In brief, water from Town Run was filtered through -.45-micron filter paper and placed on Bile Esculin Agar. Colonies that hydrolyze esculin on this agar were isolated as presumptive Enterococci. Isolates were Gram stained to confirm a Gram-positive reaction, ovoid shape and chain arrangement. Finally, enterococci genus was confirmed using a previously published Enterococcus Agar (Identification of Enterococcus spp. with a biochemical key). A diagnostic key to identify species of Enterococci was created using colony color, fermentation of mannitol and other sugars, and motility. Ongoing studies are attempting to identify the species of each isolate and then screen for antibiotic resistance using a Kirby-Bauer antibiotic sensitivity test against ten common antibiotics, including vancomycin and kanamycin.
Abiotic factors are known to influence avian behavior, and variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind speed may suppress activity in many bird species. These environmental conditions may also affect response time during callback surveys commonly used in owl monitoring. The objective of this study was to determine whether temperature, humidity, and wind speed influence the response time of Eastern Screech-Owls (Megascops asio, EASO) during survey efforts. We hypothesized that temperature would be positively related to response time, while humidity and wind speed would show negative relationships. To test this hypothesis, 350 survey sites were monitored for EASO across the three major physiographic provinces of West Virginia. Linear regression analysis was used to examine relationships between response time and the measured abiotic variables. Results indicated that temperature, humidity, and wind speed did not have statistically significant effects on owl response time (p > 0.05). However, these variables may still influence detection probability. Eastern Screech-Owls were detected at temperatures as low as −16.5°C, which is lower than the −12°C previously reported by Carpenter (1987), though no detections occurred when temperatures reached −20.5°C. Owls were also detected at wind speeds ranging from 0 to 31.5 kph, suggesting that a threshold may exist beyond which owl activity declines. Humidity appeared to have little influence on detection probability, although interactions between humidity and temperature may warrant further study. Overall, these findings suggest that weather conditions are not primary drivers of response time during surveys, though survey efforts should avoid extremely low temperatures below −16.5°C.
Gabriel Galdwell, Owen Keller, Weidong Liao (Faculty Advisor), Osman Guzide (Faculty Advisor), Department of Computer Science, Mathematics and Engineering, College of STEM, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. Project-Based STEM Learning: A Case Study on the Educational Applications of Pololu Zumo Robots Hands-on robotics platforms provide a critical bridge between theoretical computer science and practical engineering. The Pololu Zumo Robot offers an accessible, compact hardware design that facilitates this transition. Its key educational benefits include versatile C++ programming via the Arduino IDE and a rich sensor array that allows students to explore intelligent system design. This poster presents a case study on utilizing Zumo robots to build foundational STEM skills among [insert student demographic, e.g., undergraduate computer science students]. We will outline our pedagogical approach, demonstrate several completed mini-projects, and discuss how working with constrained hardware environments enhances students' problem-solving abilities and understanding of embedded systems.
The Spotted Fever Rickettsia Group (SFRG) causes dangerous, albeit rare, infections in West Virginia, with an untreated mortality rate of approximately 25% in the United States. The bacterial causes of SFRG are gram-negative, obligate intracellular Rickettsia species that infect human vascular endothelial cells. They are transmitted primarily during the blood meal of a colonized American Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) but can also be transmitted by Asian Longhorn (Haemaphysalis longicornis), Lone Star (Amblyomma americanum), and other less frequently detected ticks. The aim of this project is to survey hard tick (Ixodidae) diversity and SFRG incidence rates in collected D. variabilis samples. Tick samples were collected year-round from veterinarian clinic donations and throughout May, June, and July by tick drags conducted across Upshur and Lincoln Counties, WV. Of 563 ticks collected in 2023, Ixodes species were most prevalent (48.8%), followed by Dermacentor (25.6%) and Haemaphysalis (24.9%), and only 0.5% of the collection consisted of Amblyomma specimen. Following identification and photography, ticks were cut in half for cryopreservation at -80oC and DNA extraction. 145 D. variabilis total-DNA samples were analyzed via quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) for a conserved Rickettsia genus gene (17kDa Outer Membrane Antigen). Preliminary results suggest an infection rate of 5.52%. Ongoing investigation includes confirming positive samples through gel electrophoresis and species-specific sequencing. Overall, these data underscore the importance of understanding the diversity and pathogen colonization rate of West Virginia hard ticks to predict and map vector-borne disease trends.
Biological colonization of Martian regolith may improve soil properties relevant to life-support and in situ resource utilization (ISRU) strategies on Mars. Here we aimed to determine if extremophilic microbial biocrust communities derived from Earth’s desert ecosystems can establish, persist, and function in Martian regolith. To address this goal, we conducted a laboratory microcosm experiment using Martian regolith simulant inoculated with biocrust communities collected from the American Southwest. To test the ability of nutrients to stimulate microbial growth, microcosms received one of three fertility treatments: no fertilization, phosphorus amendment, or phosphorus and nitrogen amendment. Microcosms were maintained in growth chambers under a 12 h light/12 h dark cycle. After one month, CO₂ flux was measured under light and dark conditions to estimate photosynthesis and respiration. Preliminary analyses have indicated photosynthetic activity in all biocrust inoculated mesocosms. Respiration rates were greatest in regolith inoculated with McDowell Nature Preserve biocrust followed by Organ Pipe National Monument and Mojave Desert inoculated regolith. Future work will aim to characterize the microbial communities present in the biocrusts as well as determine their genetic capabilities to reduce toxic salts into inert compounds and add nutrients and carbon into the regolith. In summary, the preliminary results demonstrate that biocrust microorganism can persist and function in Martian regolith, suggesting biocrust inoculation may stimulate soil formation on Mars.
Antibiotic resistance poses a critical threat to global public health, emphasizing the needto identify and characterize novel bacterial resistance mechanisms. Our laboratorydiscovered resazurin-based compounds, known as resazomycins, exhibit antimicrobialactivity against Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia. Previous studieshave shown that overexpression of FTL_0445 in F. tularensis confers resistance toresazurin. FTL_0445 is annotated to encode for a NADPH-dependent FMNoxidoreductase that we hypothesize reduces or modifies resazurin, thereby mediatingantibiotic resistance in F. tularensis. To investigate this hypothesis, the FTL_0445 genewas amplified and cloned into the linearized pET45b (+) expression vector forheterologous expression in Escherichia coli using In-Fusion cloning. Followingtransformation into E. coli, colonies were isolated on LB + ampicillin plates, and plasmidDNA was extracted using a mini-prep kit. Restriction digest analysis of purified plasmidsrevealed DNA fragments of expected sizes: approximately 5300 bp for the pET45b (+)vector and approximately 600 bp for the FTL_0445 insert, confirming successful cloningand proper vector-insert assembly. Currently, efforts are underway to induce proteinexpression and purify the FTL_0445-encoded protein in E. coli for biochemicalcharacterization. Subsequent assays will assess its potential oxidoreductase activitytoward resazurin derivatives to further elucidate the gene’s role in resazomycinresistance. Understanding the function of FTL_0445 could provide valuable insight intothe molecular basis of antibiotic resistance in F. tularensis and may guide the futuredevelopment of novel therapeutic strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Recent studies have shown that temperate snake species often exhibit kin selection in novel environments as neonates. This behavior likely occurs because temperate snakes use winter-seasonal dens and brumate, which encourages group living. In contrast, tropical snakes that do not use seasonal dens may be less tolerant of sharing space with others regardless of relationship. To examine this three clutches of neonate False Water Cobras (Hydrodynastes gigas) were placed in sibling and nonsibling pairs and housed together in 10-gallon aquaria for four days per trial. Y-mazes were used to test sibling/nonsibling preference. Individuals were placed at the maze entrance, with a sibling on one side and a non-relative on the other. After 45 minutes of scent marking, both stimulus snakes were removed, and the focal snake was allowed to explore. A generalized linear mixed model with a binomial error structure showed that the likelihood of choosing a sibling was lower than expected. A chi-squared test revealed the snakes preferred solitude over being with any other snake, regardless of relatedness. To assess chemosensory preference, a repeated-measures mixed model was used, which found no significant difference in tongue flicks between siblings and non-siblings, with higher tongue flick rates indicating greater interest in the particular group. A one-sample exact binomial test showed no significant side preference during trials. These findings indicate no evidence of kin selection in captive False Water Cobras, suggesting that, unlike some temperate species, they do not seek the company of kin in novel situations.
Understanding how semi-fossorial reptiles navigate landscapes is critical for linking behavior to environmental heterogeneity. Plains Hog-nosed Snakes (Heterodon nasicus) inhabit sand prairies where substrate, vegetation, and thermal conditions can vary sharply over short distances, yet quantitative data on their space use remain limited. We examined home range structure and movement patterns at Big Sand Mound Preserve in southeastern Iowa, a protected sand prairie characterized by well-drained sandy soils and heterogeneous vegetation. Snakes were tracked using radiotelemetry across multiple seasons. Home ranges were quantified using 95% Minimum Convex Polygons (MCP) and 50% Kernel Density Estimation (KDE). Movement distances and KDE centroids were used to assess seasonal trends and site fidelity. Home range analyses revealed substantial inter-individual variation. Females exhibited larger home ranges than males (mean MCP: 8.22 ha vs 3.09 ha), with standout individuals female one (20.42 ha) and female two (6.68 ha) representing the largest extents. Male ranges were smaller and less variable, with male one showing the largest male range (5.14 ha). Kernel Density Estimation mirrored the trends seen in MCP. Space use increased as the summer months progressed, and activity was sex-specific: females were more active in the afternoon, whereas males were more active in the morning. Preliminary analyses suggest moderate site fidelity, though continued tracking is needed to confirm long-term patterns. These ongoing results provide quantitative insight into snake spatial ecology in sand prairie systems and inform conservation of fragmented prairie landscapes.
Documenting the impact of STEM‑education initiatives can be challenging, especially when improvements are incremental and embedded in students’ daily academic experiences. Through NSF support of the statewide West Virginia First2 Network, our institution has centered its change efforts around a series of Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles designed to test, refine, and scale strategies that support STEM student success. This iterative, semi‑experimental methodology—commonly used in quality‑improvement work—provides a structured process for generating evidence, learning from each cycle, and adjusting subsequent interventions. Using the PDSA framework, we have implemented multiple cycles targeting factors known to influence students’ sense of belonging and persistence in STEM. Across cycles, we have tested approaches to elevating student voice (e.g., structured reflection activities and student‑led feedback processes), enhancing student–instructor interactions (e.g., anonymous metacognitive reporting in chemistry courses, instructor panels, and targeted opportunity messaging), and strengthening peer engagement (e.g., peer tutoring models and chemistry outreach activities). Each cycle involves systematic planning, rapid testing within STEM courses or co‑curricular settings, analysis of resulting student and faculty feedback, and revision of the intervention for subsequent rounds. This presentation will showcase how specific PDSA cycles have shaped the development, assessment, and iterative improvement of these STEM‑focused practices. Preliminary analyses indicate that repeated PDSA iterations are producing measurable benefits for students, instructors, and the chemistry department. Collectively, these results illustrate the value of PDSA‑driven, evidence‑based experimentation as a practical mechanism for continuously improving students’ experiences in STEM courses and majors.
Ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) populations throughout their range have been documented as declining. The objectives of this study were to assess the population of a southeastern Iowa ornate box turtle population, collect standard descriptive statistics, and analyze measurements between different sex and age demographics. An ongoing Capture-Mark-Recapture study was conducted utilizing drift fences and visual surveys. Measurements of weight, carapace length, carapace width, plastron length, and shell height, along with sex and age, were documented. A total of 6,156 observations were made, with 1,970 unique individuals captured. A 1.56:1::Female:Male Ratio was documented. Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient tests were conducted and resulted in statistically significant positive correlations observed between weight and carapace length for adult males (ρ = 0.841, p < 0.01), adult females (ρ = 0.87, p < 0.01), and through their age distribution as a whole (ρ = 0.899, p < 0.01). Juveniles grow at a rate of approximately 0.038 grams per day. Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Tests showed all adult morphometric measurements possessed a significant difference between sexes. Females expressed greater average weights, plastron length, and shell height. Males expressed a greater average carapace length and carapace width. In 2025, 948 individuals were captured, making this population the largest documented. This allows a basis for understanding healthy and typical body conditions for in-situ and ex-situ conservation work. Further studies conducted at this site can help determine future management and propagation protocols to aid other natural and captive populations.
This paper describes the design, implementation, and outcomes of several engineering-focused summer camps developed to strengthen STEM engagement among middle and high school students as well as teachers. The camps were offered during the summers of 2024 and 2025 and included the West Virginia GEAR UP program for middle school students, the STEM Camp and AcES Camp for high school and pre-college students, and both student and teacher camps through the Health Sciences and Technology Academy (HSTA). Each program introduced participants to fundamental ideas in mechanical and aerospace engineering through hands-on, inquiry-based activities that connected scientific concepts with real-world engineering applications. Participants explored engineering principles through interactive projects such as gear mechanisms, hovercraft construction, AP bottle racers, and small aerodynamic car models designed with fins to study stability and drag. These activities encouraged experimentation, teamwork, and iterative design. Along the way, students examined concepts of motion, forces, and aerodynamics by applying Newton’s laws and observing pressure–flow relationships through demonstrations using Bernoulli apparatus, water flumes, and simple aerodynamic models. Learning outcomes were assessed using both pre- and post-tests along with participant feedback. Results showed clear gains in students’ understanding of motion, forces, and energy transfer, as well as increased confidence in problem solving and teamwork. Teachers participating in the HSTA program also reported greater confidence in bringing similar hands-on engineering activities into their own classrooms. Overall, the camps provided an engaging setting where participants connected theory with experimentation while experiencing the engineering design process firsthand.
The North American prairie chickens (genus Tympanuchus) consist of three species of galliform bird found within the middle USA and Canada. The mitochondrial d-loop is a non-coding protein section located in the replication region of DNA. This gene has become popular within evolutionary analysis due to its ability to detect highly variable regions within sequences to a base pair difference. Previous studies show lack of major genetic differentiation within Tympanuchus using mitochondrial d-loop. These studies typically contain low sequence counts or are species specific, leaving a gap in research on large scale variation analysis across the genus. We used all publicly available sequences to analyze variation of Tympanuchus on a species and subspecies level. Consistent with past research, no major genetic differentiation among species and subspecies was found despite our large sample size either phylogenetically or through mtDNA haplotypes. One distinct population (T. cupido cupido) was detected, likely due to their geographical isolation to other subspecies. This gene is likely not informative at a species level for Tympanuchus but may have limited utility as a population genetic marker. Understanding single nucleotide divergences provides useful information when conserving declining populations of this genus like T. cupido attwateri.
This study examines the structural drivers, economic implications, and policy feasibility of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in U.S. commercial aviation using large-scale flight-level operational data. Approximately 353,000 domestic commercial jet flights operated during March 2025 were analyzed to evaluate how flight distance influences fuel burn, emissions per mile, and associated operating costs under real-world conditions. Fuel burn was converted to CO₂ emissions using standardized International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) emission factors and normalized by flight distance to measure emissions intensity. A log–log regression reveals a strong inverse nonlinear relationship between distance and CO₂ emissions per mile, with an estimated elasticity of −0.18 and distance explaining over half of observed variation in emissions efficiency. Short-haul flights exhibit disproportionately high emissions intensity due to fuel-intensive taxi, takeoff, and climb phases, while efficiency gains diminish at longer distances. Extending the physical analysis into an economic framework, fuel burn and emissions were translated into fuel and carbon costs using representative jet fuel prices and carbon pricing benchmarks. Cost-per-mile patterns closely mirrored emissions intensity, and one-way ANOVA testing confirmed statistically significant differences in fuel, carbon, and total cost per mile across short-, medium-, and long-haul categories. To assess economic feasibility, a marginal abatement cost (MAC) framework simulated uniform operational fuel-efficiency improvements of 1–5 percent. Under a 1% efficiency improvement, the implied abatement value was approximately $648.78 per metric ton of CO₂ avoided. Because cost savings and emissions reductions scale proportionally with fuel burn, the marginal abatement cost remains stable across flight types under the uniform-efficiency assumption. These results indicate that modest operational efficiency improvements represent a negative-cost abatement opportunity, demonstrating that near-term emissions reductions can be achieved while simultaneously lowering airline operating costs. This research was conducted as part of the 2025 NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium at Shepherd University.
