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STUDENT SUMMER RESEARCH
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healthy curiosity
Written by LYNDSAY GRAVIS and ELAINE REGUS
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to Your Health
HMC researchers are making it easier—and more fun—for seniors to cut a rug. Computer
science professors Elizabeth “Z” Sweedyk and Christine Alvarado, together with engineering
Professor Sarah Harris, President Maria Klawe, Sarah Ferraro ’12, Tselil Schramm ’12, Alexa
Keizur ’12, Jessica Kurata ’12 and Paige Pruitt ’11 have created Senior Prom, a computer game
prototype with dance steps specifically geared for Senior Citizens.
Seeking to improve Senior Citizens’ cognitive abilities and physical well-being, Senior Prom
uses computer software to project the image of a virtual ballroom interface with various types
of Foxtrot and Swing steps that helps users engage in exercise. The game involves stepping
Microbiology students return to shore after collecting samples from pHake Lake.
(not stomping) to carefully work out muscles without damaging them.
The final prototype uses two cameras that track brightly colored socks (worn by the
user), to locate the position of the user’s feet. The ballroom, adorned with a chandelier and
art on the walls, simulates a real dance floor. The interface shows footprints indicating where
the user should step, and outlines show where their feet are. The user “plays” through a dance
routine and is given feedback on his/her progress at the end of the dance.
Funded by a grant from Google, Senior Prom posed a lot of interesting challenges for the
students. “All four of us had to learn new skills, including programming in C++, ‘blob track-
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ing’ algorithms, and the mathematics behind three-dimensional graphics,” said Ferraro. “We
learned a lot about reading other people’s code and adapting it to fit our purposes as well as
creating code completely from scratch.”

Fuel Savings
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Alexander Young ’10 spent 10 weeks with Antony Beris, chemical engineering faculty at the
University of Delaware, improving statistical analysis of turbulence data in order to develop
better mathematical models for liquid flow. Young’s research applies in particular to water and
oil flow (like that through the Alaska pipeline) where drag-induced turbulent vortices steal
energy from the flow, wasting energy input from pumps and engines. Technology exists that
involves adding polymers to the liquid, expanding the vortices and reducing energy loss.
Young’s research will allow the development of more accurate models that will tell engineers
how to make stronger and more effective drag-reducing polymers. Young was awarded a cer-
tificate of excellence for the poster presentation on his research.
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16 Harvey Mudd College FALL/WINTER 2009
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