This thesis focuses on solving separable nonlinear least squares (SNLLS) problems and explores how the so-called Variable Projection (VarPro) method can be used to solve this particular type of problem. First, there is a brief discussion on curve fitting methods and SNLLS models. Then, an overview of the VarPro algorithm is discussed, along with the optimization concepts that facilitate the method's success. We examine how to derive the Jacobian for the nonlinear solvers and consider different ways to approximate it numerically. This leads into a section focusing on a variety of numerical experiments that illustrate the effectiveness of the VarPro method. The tests demonstrate how different initial guesses, noise levels, and Jacobian approximations affect the accuracy and efficiency of the computations. The thesis also briefly talks through some of the many applications of VarPro across a wide spectrum of topics, which include numerical analysis, biomedical imaging, spectroscopy, and chemistry.

This paper researches and studies the experiences of queer and transgender ballet dancers in classical ballet. While men in classical ballet are typically considered to be gay due to gendered stereotypes, women in classical ballet are assumed to be heterosexual. This causes a lack of visibility of queer women in classical ballet. Furthermore, strict gender roles in traditional classical ballet affect nonbinary and transgender ballet dancers, impacting their experiences. Misogyny and body shaming play a role in the experiences of female ballet dancers, and these issues combine with homophobia and transphobia for queer and transgender dancers. This paper considers the intersection of gender and sexuality and researches how that impacts the experiences and mental well-being of classical ballet students. It compares the experiences of classical ballet dancers of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities to determine how their experiences relate and differ.

Treponemal disease in primates is caused by the spirochaete bacteria Treponema pallidum. Three subspecies of T. pallidum are currently recognized; pallidum, pertenue, and endemicum. In humans, these are generally associated with the diseases syphilis, yaws, and bejel, respectively. Syphilis is located worldwide and spreads through sexual contact, while yaws and bejel are geographically limited and spread by skin-to-skin contact. Despite different clinical presentations, these subspecies are very similar genetically and are unable to be serologically distinguished. Reports of symptoms resembling treponemal disease in non-human primates (NHPs) date to the 1960s, though few studies have been executed to isolate and study T. pallidum from NHPs on a molecular level. Obtaining whole-genome sequences of T. pallidum from a variety of NHPs will help efforts to determine evolutionary relationships of strains within and between species. Currently, no whole-genome sequences of T. pallidum have been sequenced from chimpanzees or gorillas. In this thesis, I will determine if T. pallidum is detectable in fecal samples from NHP’s with visible signs of treponemal infection using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

The White Lotus is an award-winning television series about characters staying and working at a fictional hotel and resort chain. In this project, I identified numerous literary allusions present in The White Lotus and took their existence as an invitation to analyze thematic parallels between the television series and Homer’s Odyssey. Through this process, I discovered a shared theme of hospitality, and thus explored the Greek concept of xenia (guest-friendship) in Homer’s work. I also discussed the social commentary about economic privilege in The White Lotus and identified key criteria for a season of the show. Ultimately, all of these measures informed my creation of a new prospective season of the television series which is directly inspired by aspects of Homer’s Odyssey. Completing this project allowed me to think critically about how ancient Greek literary works are applicable to modern society and led me to contemplate both direct and indirect influences of ancient Greek culture in the present day.

"Shapeshifting through Words" investigates the history of literature from nonhuman perspectives to determine how people understand animal experiences of the world. I gauge this history through a taxonomy, compiling around 500 stories from nonhuman vantage points to mark trends in publication frequency, as well as number and types of perspectives extracted from the data. A trope and genre analysis follows, along with the hallmarks for what constitutes a nonhuman narrative. Finally, this knowledge is adapted to a framework in the form of a booklet in how to construct a nonhuman perspective based on its cognitive and sensory understanding of the world.