Graphene electronics represent a developing field where many material properties and devices characteristics are still unknown. Researching several possible fabrication processes creates a fabrication process using resources found at Cal Poly a local industry sponsor. The project attempts to produce a graphene network in the shape of a fractal Sierpinski carpet. The fractal geometry proves that PDMS microfluidic channels produce the fine feature dimensions desired during graphene oxide deposit. Thermal reduction then reduces the graphene oxide into a purified state of graphene. Issues arise during thermal reduction because of excessive oxygen content in the furnace. The excess oxygen results in devices burning and additional oxidation of the gate contacts that prevents good electrical contact to the gates. Zero bias testing shows that the graphene oxide resistance decreases after thermal reduction, proving that thermal reduction of the devices occurs. Testing confirms a fabrication process producing graphene electronics; however, revision of processing steps, especially thermal reduction, should greatly improve the yield and functionality of the devices.

Soil amended with manure has been implicated as a source of produce contamination leading to foodborne gastrointestinal-disease outbreaks. While current composting guidelines require temperatures ≥ 55°C for 3 days to destroy bacterial pathogens, these requirements have not been evaluated for all pathogens. Investigation of parasite survival in manure required development of a flow cytometry method integrating the cell-impermeant viability dye SytoX for simultaneous quantification and viability assessment of Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocysts/cysts. Further studies will be required to apply this method to investigate thermal reduction in parasites. Studies conducted with bacterial pathogens indicated that E. coli O157:H7 survived longer than other pathogens at 50°C to 55°C. Listeria monocytogenes survived significantly better in chicken manure compared to cow manure at 50°C to 55°C. Results suggest composting guidelines are adequate for bacterial pathogen reduction; however, testing for E. coli O157 along with Salmonella may increase confidence in compost safety.