There are three problems identified for the (Un)Hachathon event occurring February 22 – March 3, 2022. Each problem set will have at least 3 thesis streams that will be revealed by the first day of the event, and include focuses on downstream consequences for the environment, culture, quality of life, and specific research fields. Each team will choose a thesis stream within a problem set to focus on, such that three teams are working within each problem set on a different stream. Teams are assigned by the event coordinators, and will have 4 members each.
Problem set statements
Below is some context for each problem set. Expanded materials will be provided to participants just before the event begins on February 22, 2022.
Megaconstellations of Satellites (SATCON)
How can we ensure access to the night sky with rapid increases in satellite launches and satellites in low Earth orbit? How can we mitigate unforeseen downstream consequences of megaconstellations of artificial satellites?
Increased satellite traffic and mega-constellations over the next two decades, regardless of purpose or intent. Planned satellite launches will add tens of thousands more satellites and space junk to orbit, in addition to the associated launches for these satellites.
The archiving, preservation, and creation of datasets for audio/visual media
How does access and preservation of art created by marginalized people affect marginalized groups? How can we address unforeseen downstream consequences of maintaining and characterizing art media?
Management and accessibility of digital-born and analog audio/visual media from marginalized populations is a priority of the Vulnerable Media Lab at Queen’s University. Accessibility here is two-fold: accessible to the general public, approved research groups, and/or approved community groups through a convenient means, as well as accessible to everyone of varying ability.
PPE and clean room requirements for physics experiments at SNOLAB
How does increased use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) affect people, cultures, the planet, and science? How can we address unforeseen downstream consequences of current and future PPE needs and use?
SNOLAB hosts several research experiments that require low background and very clean environments. Maintaining a class-2000 clean room environment requires specialized equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning protocols for personnel as well as equipment.
Teams
Participants are grouped into teams to tackle a thesis stream in one of the problems above. Team groupings are based on amplifying inter-disciplinary perspectives while balancing each student’s preferred problem set.
Below are the event participants and teams. Thank you for being a part of (Un)Hacking Downstream Consequences!
SATCON Problem Set Teams
Deathstar Janitors
Thesis Stream:
What downstream consequences would mega-constellations have on human society, culture, and quality of life?
Team Members:
- Carolina C. Cadena
- Alexandria V. Galvin
- Marco Yan
- Azeem I. Khan
Mentor:
Ewan Wright
Satellites2Stars
Thesis Stream:
What downstream consequences would mega-constellations have on observational astronomy?
Team Members:
- Leah Clack
- Ciaran Byles-Ho
- Brittney J. Balcaran
- Alexander D. Korski
Mentor:
Ahmed Elfakahany
Don’t Space Out
Thesis Stream:
What downstream consequences would mega-constellations have on the environment and ecosystems?
Team Members:
- Claire Verkuyl
- Aaliy O. Chang
- Sasha M. Koch
- Ami Seeligsohn
Mentor:
Matthew Sordo
SNOLAB Problem Set Teams
SudsBury
Thesis Stream:
What kind of transportation solutions could help make SNOLAB more accessible and reduce the environmental impact of single-occupancy vehicles?
Team Members:
- Ashley Micuda
- Alyssa Reid
- Aaron Chen
- Conner R. Barber Legg
Mentor:
Anita Devi
Xzert Impact
Thesis Stream:
What might an alternative to this double-bagging process be, and how would it be implemented so that it still meets the cleanliness requirements of SNOLAB?
Team Members:
- Ziyuan Zhou
- Tiffany Chur-Wing Wong
- Edward Chen
- Romona Jack-Douglas
Mentor:
Cindy Lin
The Neutrinophiles
Thesis Stream:
What are logistical considerations for shipping and storing lead, and how should decisions be made about how to allocate underground space?
Team Members:
- Nik Vimal Menda
- Jake Christopher Miles
- Sophia Johanna Kienast
- Sarah Nash
Mentor:
Steve McGuire
VML Problem Set Teams
Bill Wi the Science Fi
Thesis Stream:
Many digital artwork platforms are outdated, obsolete, or are no longer available. What downstream consequences does this present for the Vulnerable Media Lab and wider communities?
Team Members:
- Merlyn John
- Maya Ruby
- Hanad Elmi
- Veronica Zhang
Mentor:
Michelle O’Halloran
Team WATT
Thesis Stream:
What downstream consequences would Vulnerable Media Lab initiatives have on the environment and ecosystems, such as energy consumption due to data storage and computing infrastructure.
Team Members:
- Aarushi Mathur
- Olivia Deng
- Madelynn Mast
- Jared Nuttall
Mentor:
Jenn Norton
VML No Allergies
Thesis Stream:
Propose a set of criteria for characterizing media that is suitable for the Vulnerable Media Lab, and a method for labelling and tracking media such that it could be searched by a non-expert.
Team Members:
- Madison Wright
- Matthew Moon Yee Ing
- Madelyn Bratuz
- Victoria Yu
Mentor:
Antohony Ighomuaye