David G. Blackburn

An Examination of Parental Attachments, Parental Detachments and Self-Esteem across Hetero-, Bi-, and Homosexual Individuals

This study compares heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals’ level of detachment and attachment with parental figures in self-esteem reporting. An electronic survey was distributed via convenience and snowballing techniques to approximately 600 respondents, with the sample being grouped as heterosexuals, bisexuals and homosexuals. Results indicate that the LGBT population experiences a statistically higher level of parental detachment than heterosexuals, and that self-esteem reporting is statistically different across group variables such as sexual orientation and age. This finding bolsters the idea that support networks (other than parental relationships) may be present and active across sexual minority groups. Limitations to the study as well as recommendations for future research are discussed.

Concept for a new frontiers mission to Ganymede: A Planetary Science Summer School study

As part of the NASA Planetary Science Summer School 2010, the Ganymede Interior, Surface and Magnetosphere Observer (GISMO) team developed a robotic mission to Ganymede, one of Jupiters icy moons. This process included the formulation of the science objectives and the selection of a payload tailored to meet these goals. The team then designed a mission architecture aimed toward achieving the science objectives. Using a sequence of 14 flybys of Ganymede, the vehicle would use a simple, staged operation of the science payload. This timeline allows for a simplified design, with relatively low risk and cost. Principle challenges included the finite power available to the vehicle, along with a limited data downlink rate. Otherwise, this preliminary design would meet all mission requirements, as determined by the science goals, and within the allocated cost cap.