5Q: Christian Jolly Investigates Galaxy Structures at WKU

Since 2010, the Gatton Academy has offered students the ability to pursue summer research experiences through the Gatton Research Internships Grants (RIG) program.  Made possible through the generous support of Mr. Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, the program offers competitive grants to Gatton Academy students between their junior and senior years to support summertime research internships across the Commonwealth and the world.  By providing a funding mechanism, the program directly creates new avenues for growth and exploration.  Throughout the summer, we’ll share insights from students who are the recipients of our 2011 grants.

This summer, Christian Jolly (’12) of Henderson is working on research with Dr. Steven Gibson of the WKU Department of Physics and Astronomy to analyze radio telescope data to investigate galaxy structure.

1. Will you be using this research experience as a launching point for any particular applications, competitions, or scholarships?

The research I’m doing is actually quite groundbreaking making any results fairly significant. This will definitely be a huge selling point for applications and scholarships and you can be sure you’ll see this around Intel and Siemens.

2. How does this research experience or internship fit into your educational and professional goals?

A better fit could not have been found. This is exactly the type of work a person of my desired profession will be doing on a daily basis giving me a strong foundation to base my decision on.

3. What is your favorite Gatton Academy memory?

My favorite academy memory is one that will live in the hearts of second floor boys forever. It was 2’am when a pipe burst above my room. The community factor was quickly realized as everyone pitched in by both moving furniture out of the room and sacrificing their towels in an effort to clean up!

4. What is your biggest Gatton Academy accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment is taking on Astrophysics, a class with four pre-req’s that I was missing and only four other seniors willing to take on the load. I worked very hard in that class and was proud of the B I made.

5. How does the Gatton Academy help Kentucky from your point of view?

The academy shows youth that there are actually opportunities in their home state. Speaking from experience I always believed it would be necessary for me to go up north to do the type of specialized research I’m doing now!