Year: 2010

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Two Residential Counselor Positions Available (Start Date: August 2010)

May 24, 2010 | News, People, Staff, Student Life, WKU | No Comments

Western Kentucky University, The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, is seeking applicants for two Residential Counselors.  These positions are 10-month.  These positions reports to the Residence Life Coordinator.  Anticipated start date is August 1, 2010.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for professionals who wish to make a true difference in the lives of young people who are gifted and talented and in the future of the Commonwealth.  In the fall of 2007, the Gatton Academy opened as the nation’s 14th state residential school with a focus on mathematics and science.  Located on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY, the program provides extraordinary academic and research opportunities for Kentucky High School juniors and seniors who are academically talented and interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  One hundred and twenty-eight students will earn at least sixty hours of college credit while completing their High School Diploma in both a residential and peer-supported living/learning environment.

Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive.  Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs:

  • Creates a safe, healthy, and nurturing living/learning environment on assigned wing of the building
  • Lives on student wing in the Academy and serves as a role model in all areas of personal, relational, and academic life
  • Develops and implements educational, cultural, social and recreational programming to promote social growth and involvement in the community
  • Intervenes and/or refers student to appropriate source during emotional or physical crises
  • Monitors and documents student progress
  • Communicates frequently with parents
  • Staffs the front desk during assigned shifts
  • Serves as a student advisor for clubs/activities
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Experience with residential life
  • Must reside at the Academy
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desired/Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with gifted students

Salary Grade:  105

Expected Salary Range:  $22,500.00 -$25,000.00 annually, plus housing

Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter describing qualifications and experience, a current resume, and names, addresses, and daytime phone numbers of three professional references using the on-line application process.  Transcripts may be requested at time of interview. Please refer to the following website to apply:  http://asaweb.wku.edu/wkujobs.  Reference requisition number S2603.   For further assistance contact (270) 745-5934.  To ensure full consideration please submit all application materials by May 31, 2010.  Position will remain open until filled.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply including women, minority men and women, persons with disabilities, and disabled veterans.

Western Kentucky University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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By Corey Alderdice

Academy Alumnus, WKU Students Ready To Begin Bike Ride Across America

May 24, 2010 | Alumni, News, People, WKU | No Comments

The Fijis Across America cross country bike ride for Alzheimer’s research will begin next week.fijis

The group, which includes five Western Kentucky University students, left Monday morning on their way to California. The bike ride will begin May 25 in Oceanside, Calif., and will end in mid-July in Yorktown, Va.

Riders from WKU are Tyler Jury (Gatton Academy ’08) of Elizabethtown, Chaz Vittitow of Louisville, Mitchell White of Bowling Green, Justin Cave of Glendale and Wade Haga of Lexington.

“We’ve gotten incredible support from our families, friends, WKU and the Alzheimer’s Association,” Jury said.

The group hopes to raise $75,000 to benefit the Greater Kentucky/Southern Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and to increase local, state and national awareness as the students ride about 3,200 miles from California to Virginia. The fundraiser is being conducted in memory of Barrett Cummings, Jury’s grandfather.

So far the group has raised more than $20,500. As the students travel through nine states – California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Virginia – they plan to participate in fundraisers and other events.

Jury said the group has been collecting stories of Alzheimer’s impact on families and will dedicate each day’s ride to a family.
Information about the trip, including videos, photos, blogs and route map, is available on the Fijis Across America website and Facebook page.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu and at http://wkunews.wordpress.com/. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu. For information, contact Tyler Jury at (270) 766-7121.

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By Corey Alderdice

State Recognition Ceremony for Duke TIP Program May 28 at Diddle Arena

May 24, 2010 | News, WKU | No Comments

The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will host the Kentucky  Recognition Ceremony for the Duke Talent Identification Program at 2 p.m. May 28 in Diddle Arena.

Dr. Terry Holliday, Kentucky’s Commissioner of Education, will provide the keynote address.

The Duke University Talent Identification Program’s (Duke TIP) 7th Grade Talent Search identifies students in 16 states in the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest who have scored in the 95th percentile on a grade-level achievement test. As part of the program, these academically talented students take above level college entrance exams (SAT or ACT) to learn more about their abilities.

Duke TIP hosts annual Recognition Ceremonies to honor the seventh-graders who score highest on these SAT or ACT exams. Of the more than 61,000 participants nationally this year, 24,301 students have been invited to attend State Recognition Ceremonies and 1,903 students have been invited to the Grand Recognition Ceremony.  More than 1,400 Kentucky students will be honored at the event on WKU’s campus.

A record 50 students have been named 2010 William and Dorothy C. Bevan Scholars. These outstanding students have earned a perfect score on one or more sections of the SAT or ACT.  The Kentucky students are Katherine Adams, Sacred Heart Model School in Louisville; Andrew Brown, Muhlenberg North Middle School in Central City; James Conti, Turkey Foot Middle School in Villa Hills; Saralina Schell, Bowling Green Junior High in Bowling Green; and Chelsea Southworth, Winburn Middle School in Lexington.

In addition to the Duke honors to be bestowed, students will be introduced to the programs they are eligible to participate in provided by The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU and will also have the opportunity to tour campus.

Contact: Cara Pitchford, (270) 745-3014.

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By Corey Alderdice

Full Video: Gatton Academy Third Annual Commencement (2010)

May 15, 2010 | Alumni, News, Parents, People, Staff, Student Success, Video, WKU | No Comments

Gatton Academy Third Annual Commencement (2010) from Gatton Academy on Vimeo.

Celebration of Commencement Weekend at Western Kentucky University continued on Saturday as The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky honored its third graduating class of high school seniors.

Fifty-one students representing 37 counties from across the Commonwealth were recognized during the ceremony at the newly renovated Van Meter Auditorium. The ceremony not only celebrated the significant accomplishments of the program and its graduates over the last two years but also looked toward the infinite possibilities ahead.

Gatton Academy Executive Director Dr. Julia Roberts expressed the day’s events were both a celebration of the Class of 2010’s personal accomplishments and a starting point toward their work of creating a better Kentucky.

“Kentucky’s future is brighter today because you are graduates of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science,” Roberts said. “What wonderful contributions you will make in the fields of mathematics, science, engineering and technology. I look forward to hearing about your leadership in STEM fields in Kentucky and beyond in the not-so-distant future.”

WKU President Dr. Gary Ransdell lauded not only the graduates’ academic accomplishments but also the instruction they have received in becoming better leaders.

“I hope you’ve understood those lessons and values that allow you to command leadership positions,” he said. “And I hope you take with you the motto of this university: The spirit makes the master. I hope wherever you may go, that path leads back to Kentucky.”

Chris Guthrie, President of Trace Die Cast, Inc., delivered the commencement address. Guthrie also encouraged the graduates to enjoy a wide variety of life experiences; however, he advised them to make a difference in their state.

“We have a great state, and I challenge you to see more of it,” he said. “When the time comes to start your business, your medical practice or research institute, come back to Kentucky. We need your talent. Go out and experience great things and come back and help us build a better Commonwealth.”

Over the past two years, Gatton Academy students have taken advanced coursework in mathematics, science and other subjects at WKU in fulfillment of high school requirements and the Gatton Academy curriculum. In all, students have each earned more than 60 hours of college credit.

Gatton Academy Director Tim Gott shared his gratitude with attending faculty members for their role in making the program’s learning environment a challenging and rewarding experience for students.

“Of the many things these students have pursued, one particular area of significance is the opportunity to conduct research,” Gott said. “Many of the faculty with us today have mentored these students as they explored new techniques in chemistry, environmental issues in geography and geology, unknown frontiers in astronomy and physics, potential medical breakthroughs in biology, life-enhancing concepts in engineering and unique applications in math and computer science. Those who engaged in these research projects have truly brought relevance to the rigor.”

Three out of five graduates participated in a facilitated research project with university faculty members. Research accomplishments include WKU’s second Department of Defense SMART scholarship recipient, a student presentation before the Keystone Center’s National Energy Board, and a DAAD RISE scholarship winner.

Anna Walter, a graduating senior from Burlington, reflected upon her experience as an Academy student and the potential she and her classmates have to affect global change.

“The Academy has given us the opportunities we need not only to succeed in our chosen fields but also to excel in them by providing that extra little push to go from ordinary to the extraordinary,” she said. “It is that little extra that distinguishes the leaders from the followers, the innovators from the reproducers and the great from the average.”

In pursuit of those academic and personal goals, three out of five graduates plan to attend Kentucky higher education institutions with 8 continuing their studies at WKU.

In the fall of 2010, representatives from the graduating class will attend 20 schools across the United States: Belmont University; Cornell University; Georgia Institute of Technology; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Morehead State University; Mount Holyoke College; Princeton University; Purdue University; Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Stanford University; Transylvania University; Union University; University of Chicago; University of Delaware; University of Kentucky; University of Louisville; University of Tennessee, Knoxville; University of Washington; Vanderbilt University and Western Kentucky University.

Four-year scholarships totaling more than $10.3 million were offered to the graduating class, while more than $3.5 million in four-year scholarships were accepted.

Twelve members of the senior class were named Kentucky Governor’s Scholars. Ten members of the class were selected as National Merit finalists. In all, seniors completed a total of 1,948 hours of community service during their time at the Gatton Academy.

“These students have taken the most rigorous curriculum offered to any high school student in the nation,” Gott said. “They left the comfort of home and established a level of independence that will impact their lives forever. They have forged new friendships which will grow exponentially in the years to come. They have given themselves in community service throughout the state inspiring younger students, building new homes and expanding awareness of the opportunities in math and science. They will become the leaders of this great Commonwealth.”

Ryne Weiss, a graduating senior from Richmond, explained the role that students’ families, both genetic and created, had on their time as Academy students.

“This experience would not be possible if you didn’t have generous parents who would do the unthinkable and let you pursue the greatest academic opportunity available,” Weiss said. “Eventually, we will also see our Academy family again. They will be on the news, they will be on the cover of Nature, Popular Science or Time. We will see each other again and we will be proud, like family.”

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By Corey Alderdice

Full Video: Senior Recognition Ceremony for the Class of 2010

May 15, 2010 | News, Parents, People, Staff, Student Life, Student Success, Video | No Comments

Senior Recognition Ceremony for the Class of 2010 from Gatton Academy on Vimeo.

The Gatton Academy administration honors the graduating Class of 2010 during the Senior Recognition Ceremony. Students were recognized for honors, research, service, Community Developers, Academy Avatars, and more. Students also shared their appreciation for Academy staff members’ guidance and support. Finally, Academy Director Tim Gott played a game of TIMGO with students while sharing some parting thoughts.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Honors Third Class of Graduates

May 15, 2010 | Alumni, News, Parents, People, Student Life, Student Success, WKU | No Comments

IMG_0471Celebration of Commencement Weekend at Western Kentucky University continued on Saturday as The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky honored its third graduating class of high school seniors.

Fifty-one students representing 37 counties from across the Commonwealth were recognized during the ceremony at the newly renovated Van Meter Auditorium. The ceremony not only celebrated the significant accomplishments of the program and its graduates over the last two years but also looked toward the infinite possibilities ahead.

Gatton Academy Executive Director Dr. Julia Roberts expressed the day’s events were both a celebration of the Class of 2010’s personal accomplishments and a starting point toward their work of creating a better Kentucky.

“Kentucky’s future is brighter today because you are graduates of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science,” Roberts said. “What wonderful contributions you will make in the fields of mathematics, science, engineering and technology. I look forward to hearing about your leadership in STEM fields in Kentucky and beyond in the not-so-distant future.”

WKU President Dr. Gary Ransdell lauded not only the graduates’ academic accomplishments but also the instruction they have received in becoming better leaders.

“I hope you’ve understood those lessons and values that allow you to command leadership positions,” he said. “And I hope you take with you the motto of this university: The spirit makes the master. I hope wherever you may go, that path leads back to Kentucky.”

Chris Guthrie, President of Trace Die Cast, Inc., delivered the commencement address. Guthrie also encouraged the graduates to enjoy a wide variety of life experiences; however, he advised them to make a difference in their state.

“We have a great state, and I challenge you to see more of it,” he said. “When the time comes to start your business, your medical practice or research institute, come back to Kentucky. We need your talent. Go out and experience great things and come back and help us build a better Commonwealth.”

Over the past two years, Gatton Academy students have taken advanced coursework in mathematics, science and other subjects at WKU in fulfillment of high school requirements and the Gatton Academy curriculum. In all, students have each earned more than 60 hours of college credit.

IMG_0472Gatton Academy Director Tim Gott shared his gratitude with attending faculty members for their role in making the program’s learning environment a challenging and rewarding experience for students.

“Of the many things these students have pursued, one particular area of significance is the opportunity to conduct research,” Gott said. “Many of the faculty with us today have mentored these students as they explored new techniques in chemistry, environmental issues in geography and geology, unknown frontiers in astronomy and physics, potential medical breakthroughs in biology, life-enhancing concepts in engineering and unique applications in math and computer science. Those who engaged in these research projects have truly brought relevance to the rigor.”

Three out of five graduates participated in a facilitated research project with university faculty members. Research accomplishments include WKU’s second Department of Defense SMART scholarship recipient, a student presentation before the Keystone Center’s National Energy Board, and a DAAD RISE scholarship winner.

Anna Walter, a graduating senior from Burlington, reflected upon her experience as an Academy student and the potential she and her classmates have to affect global change.

“The Academy has given us the opportunities we need not only to succeed in our chosen fields but also to excel in them by providing that extra little push to go from ordinary to the extraordinary,” she said. “It is that little extra that distinguishes the leaders from the followers, the innovators from the reproducers and the great from the average.”

In pursuit of those academic and personal goals, three out of five graduates plan to attend Kentucky higher education institutions with 8 continuing their studies at WKU.

In the fall of 2010, representatives from the graduating class will attend 20 schools across the United States: Belmont University; Cornell University; Georgia Institute of Technology; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Morehead State University; Mount Holyoke College; Princeton University; Purdue University; Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Stanford University; Transylvania University; Union University; University of Chicago; University of Delaware; University of Kentucky; University of Louisville; University of Tennessee, Knoxville; University of Washington; Vanderbilt University and Western Kentucky University.

Four-year scholarships totaling more than $10.3 million were offered to the graduating class, while more than $3.5 million in four-year scholarships were accepted.

Twelve members of the senior class were named Kentucky Governor’s Scholars. Ten members of the class were selected as National Merit finalists. In all, seniors completed a total of 1,948 hours of community service during their time at the Gatton Academy.

“These students have taken the most rigorous curriculum offered to any high school student in the nation,” Gott said. “They left the comfort of home and established a level of independence that will impact their lives forever. They have forged new friendships which will grow exponentially in the years to come. They have given themselves in community service throughout the state inspiring younger students, building new homes and expanding awareness of the opportunities in math and science. They will become the leaders of this great Commonwealth.”

Ryne Weiss, a graduating senior from Richmond, explained the role that students’ families, both genetic and created, had on their time as Academy students.

“This experience would not be possible if you didn’t have generous parents who would do the unthinkable and let you pursue the greatest academic opportunity available,” Weiss said. “Eventually, we will also see our Academy family again. They will be on the news, they will be on the cover of Nature, Popular Science or Time. We will see each other again and we will be proud, like family.”

Members of the Gatton Academy Class of 2010:

From Adair County: Jason Ludden

From Boone County: Cody Feldhaus, Forrest Simmons and Anna Walter

From Bourbon County: Jacob Haven

From Boyd County: Alex Naumann

From Bullitt County: Jennifer Connelly

From Carlisle County: Stephen King

From Christian County: Justin Jatczak and Taylor Doss

From Clark County: Sarah Pritchett

From Daviess County: Jacob Roberts

From Fayette County: Thomas Delomas and Rohith Palli

From Franklin County: Phillip Butler and Katherine Rush

From Grant County: Madison Liford

From Graves County: Manuel Cortez

From Greenup County: Michelle Compton and Leah Frazier

From Hardin County: Whitney Antle, Rebecca Morgan, Hunter Smith and Rebecca Brock

From Henry County: Ballard Metcalfe

From Jefferson County: Sean Stopher and Savannah Price

From Jessamine County: Emily Hall

From Kenton County: Jordan Jones, Sean Karlage and Megan Stulz

From LaRue County: Gretchen Fraze

From Laurel County: Jared Mink

From Lincoln County: Margaret Matheny

From Logan County: Elizabeth Nethaway

From Madison County: Ryne Weiss

From Martin County: James Goble

From McCracken County: Nash Dingman

From McCreary County: Elizabeth Singleton

From Mercer County: Holly Mitchell

From Monroe County: Lori Froedge

From Muhlenberg County: Kaitlin Oliver

From Owen County: Kayla Smith

From Pendleton County: Elaine Flynn

From Pike County: Amy Cordero

From Rowan County: Alexander Hare

From Simpson County: James Forshee

From Spencer County: Sarah Brown

From Warren County: Samuel Brown, Miles Cary and Thomas Choate

For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-6565.

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By Corey Alderdice

Your Help Requested to Keep STEM Schools in America COMPETES Act

May 13, 2010 | Alumni, Gifted Ed, News, Parents, People | No Comments

Rising Above the Gathering Storm
Rising Above the Gathering Storm

Parents, Alumni, and Friends:

From time to time, we ask your assistance in promoting legislative priorities that affect the lives and educational opportunities for young people who are gifted and talented. Legislators benefit from hearing the thoughts of their constituents on policy matters and weigh those communications heavily when making decisions.

Members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources are examining and voting on an important piece of legislation that has the power to promote opportunities for schools of science and math. These Senators are the ones who will be considering the America COMPETES Acts prior to Memorial Day recess, so acting soon is imperative.

We encourage you to contact Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning to request that he votes to retain programs (specialized schools of science and math) in the America COMPETES Act. Should you have friends or family in other states willing to lend their voice, a full list of committee members by state can be found below.

One recommendation in the report Rising Above the Gathering Storm, states that it is important to keep the message that schools of math and science constitute a key strategy “to ensure that the United States maintains its leadership in science and engineering to compete successfully, prosper, and be secure in the 21st century” (p. vii). The need for specialized schools of science and mathematics is greater than ever, so please retain the language from the original America Competes legislation.

Retaining this language in the act has the potential to fuel additional STEM educational opportunities should the program receive federal funding.

We encourage you to note the following items in your message to Sen. Bunning:

• “As a member of the committee, you are in a position to ensure that the math-science high school language that is in current law is retained in the reauthorization of America COMPETES.”

• The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is the time of program that represents the goals of the America COMPETES Act. The program is about enabling a twenty-first century workforce that is trained for advanced STEM careers. Moreover, the program assists promising future leaders in becoming more innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial.

• The Gatton Academy, which represents 95 of Kentucky’s 120 counties and has partnered with over 100 public high schools, demonstrates that specialized science and math schools have the ability to affect change across a wide geography of students and districts.

We ask that you fax a letter to Sen. Bunning’s office by Monday, May 17, 2010, at 4 p.m. EST. A tangible letter is less difficult to dismiss. Letters may be faxed to 202-228-1373.

Should you wish to email Sen. Bunning, you can do so through his website: http://bunning.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm. Select “Energy” from the topic list and please include “Urgent: America COMPETES Act” as the subject.

As always, your efforts to promote opportunities for all students across the Commonwealth and nation are sincerely and greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Dr. Julia Roberts, Executive Director

Mr. Tim Gott, Director

Mr. Corey Alderdice, Assistant Director, Admissions and Public Relations

Members of U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Democrats

Chairman Jeff Bingaman (NM)

Byron L. Dorgan (ND)

Ron Wyden (OR)

Tim Johnson (SD)

Mary L. Landrieu (LA)

Maria Cantwell (WA)

Robert Menendez (NJ)

Blanche Lincoln (AR)

Bernard Sanders (I) (VT)

Evan Bayh (IN)

Debbie Stabenow (MI)

Mark Udall (CO)

Jeanne Shaheen (NH)

Republicans

Lisa Murkowski (AK)

Richard Burr (NC)

John Barrasso (WY)

Sam Brownback (KS)

James E. Risch (ID)

John McCain (AZ)

Robert Bennett (UT)

Jim Bunning (KY)

Jeff Sessions (AL)

Bob Corker (TN)

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Student Named SMART Scholarship Winner for Second Consecutive Year

May 12, 2010 | Academics, News, People, Research, Student Success, WKU | No Comments

Jacob Haven
Jacob Haven

For the second consecutive year, Western Kentucky University students are being honored with SMART Scholarships from the United States Department of Defense (DoD).  Two WKU students are receiving scholarships which represent a combined value of more than $500,000 of funding over the course of the next four years.

Jacob Haven of Paris, a second-year student in the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU, and Brittany Logan, a sophomore from Englewood, Ohio, have accepted scholarships from the Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program.

The SMART Scholarship funds tuition and provides a living stipend, books, health insurance reimbursement, and paid summer internships for recipients of the prestigious award.  Students are also promised employment placement with a DoD laboratory upon the completion of their studies and internships. This year, 298 scholarships were awarded nationwide out of more than 3,400 applications.

Logan and Haven are the second and third students at WKU to be awarded SMART Scholarships. Rachel Bowman of Murray was the first WKU student to receive the scholarship in 2009 while attending the Gatton Academy.  She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Dr. Audra Jennings with the Office of Scholar Development (OSD) noted the process begins when students engage with faculty in research projects. The scholarship provides the students with a unique opportunity by “freeing them to do research, publish articles and focus on school,” she said.

The OSD and the Gatton Academy hosted a representative of the SMART Scholarship to campus to speak with applicants to encourage students to pursue the opportunity. Moreover, OSD and Academy staff helped students to develop and polish their applications, even hosting an intensive essay review workshop.
Haven, the son of Roy and Karen Haven, graduates from the Gatton Academy Saturday. He will use his scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree program in computer science at Stanford University in California. He will be spending his summers at the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base for his paid internships.

Haven hopes to continue the mathematics research he has been conducting at WKU when he moves to Stanford.  Haven’s research started his first semester at the Gatton Academy as a group effort with Dr. Attila Por in WKU’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and developed into a one-on-one mentorship where Dr. Por assisted him in a study on algorithms to find the unit element of the Bak–Tang–Wiesenfeld Sandpile model.

“Dr. Por has taught me about a lot of new concepts that I never would have had exposure to otherwise if it weren’t for my research project,” Haven said.
Haven’s research project stemmed from an after-class conversation with Dr. Por and a passion for discrete mathematics that they both share.  “Jacob approaches questions and problems with an open mind and creativity,” Dr. Por said. “As a researcher, he shows determination and picks up new concepts fast.”

Logan, the daughter of Kent and Deborah Logan, will use her scholarship to complete her electrical engineering and physics degree at WKU—she will be the first WKU student to complete these two majors simultaneously.  Logan will spend her summers interning at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico where her focus will be on global positioning systems.

Logan has been working with WKU’s Applied Physics Institute with Dr. Doug Harper and is a member of WKU’s team in the Lunabotics Mining Competition sponsored by NASA. The Lunabotics team, directed by Dr. Stacy Wilson, Dr. Kevin Schmaltz, and Dr. Julie Ellis, is developing a robot that can move moon regolith and will compete in Cocoa Beach, Fla.

Dr. Walter Collett of the Department of Engineering said: “Brittany is an academically talented and extremely conscientious student. She consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence, and has the requisite curiosity and intellectual ability for a very successful career in science and engineering. She is an asset to the engineering program at WKU.”

Logan wants to conduct research in alternative energy fields, such as hybrid vehicles, nuclear energy or updating the current electrical power grid. She said she originally planned to apply for another national scholarship that offered only a two-year scholarship, but was guided to the SMART Scholarship program which will allow her to complete her degree and work on cutting-edge research in some of the most sophisticated, state-of-the-art facilities in the world.   She stated that the scholarship and internships were a “great opportunity, and having a job when I finish my degree is a great relief.”
Both students say they plan to continue their education beyond the program and earn doctorates.

“Amy Eckhardt (OSD director) was very helpful through the entire process,” she said.

About the Office of Scholar Development:
The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping students on all campuses and in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. Students interested in investigating undergraduate research scholarships such as the National Science Foundation scholarships, or postgraduate funding opportunities, including the Fulbright or Rotary International Scholarships, should call to schedule an appointment with the Office of Scholar Development at (270) 745-2081.

About the Carol Martin Gatton Academy:
The Gatton Academy offers a residential program for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Sixty students each year are admitted to the program through a competitive process. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students enroll in the Gatton Academy and live in a uniquely dedicated residence hall. The goals of the Gatton Academy are to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities and to prepare them for leadership roles in Kentucky.  At the end of two years, Gatton Academy students will have earned at least 60 college credit hours in addition to completing high school.

About the SMART Scholarship:
The SMART Scholarship was established by the Department of Defense (DoD) in 2006 to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DoD laboratories. The DoD offers this scholarship for service to individuals who demonstrate outstanding ability and special aptitude for a career in scientific and engineering research and product development, express interest in career opportunities at DoD laboratories and are pursuing a degree in, or closely related to one of the STEM disciplines.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu and at http://wkunews.wordpress.com/. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact the Office of Scholar Development at (270) 745-2081.

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By Corey Alderdice