Gatton Academy Students Present at 2009 NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium

Earlier this week, we showed you a variety of research and academic opportunities Gatton Academy students are embracing during the summer months.  We’ll continue to profile some of these endeavors over the next two months.

Up first, we take a looking into the 2009 National Consortium of Special Secondary Schools of Math, Science and Technology‘s Student Research Symposium at the University of Philadelphia, where four Gatton Academy students are sharing research conducted over the past year.

Justin Jatczak, a rising second-year student from Hopkinsville, expressed the opportunity was equal parts academic and community building.

“Not only is it a great opportunity to do research with WKU and the Academy, it is absolutely amazing that I can travel to Philadelphia and present for the first time to my peers,” Jatczak said.  “It is great to see what others are working on and interesting that they seem to share close to the same passion as I do in the research they are conducting.”

The Gatton Academy encourages students to embrace their role of emerging scholars, with the presentation of research as a culmination of the experience.  Derick Strode, the Academy’s coordinator for research, internships, and scholarships, explained how students are already contributing to academic discourse in their fields of study.

“The opportunity for Gatton Academy students to present their research to STEM high school students from across the country is such a benefit.  This experience is preparing our students to become major contributors to the academic community.”

For many students at the conference, this is the first time they are delivering formal presentations.  Jared Mink, a rising second-year student from East Bernstadt, noted his previous presentation helped to make him more comfortable the second time around.

“The WKU Student Research Conference was definitely something that prepared me to speak at UPenn and other conferences I plan to go to,” Mind said.  “I’ve always had a phobia of speaking in front of several people.  So, I think doing research relieved me of this and gave me invaluable skills.”

Students are also enjoying social activities with students from other NCSSMST schools.  And while there is lots to discuss in the classroom, students are also experiencing a wide variety of trips to universities, museums, and research facilities in the greater Philadelphia area.

“I really love the people,” shared Gretchen Fraze, a rising second-year student from Hodgenville. “The campus is gorgeous.  Philadelphia is amazing.”

Gatton Academy student presentations at the conference include:

Landfill Contaminant and Fluorescent Dye Interference Project
Katherine Rush

Detection of Photropin through Western Blot Analysis
Gretchen Fraze

Transformation of Three Subspecies of Medicago sativa with Agrobacteria Tumefaciens to Generate Insecticidal Plants
Jared Mink

Corneal Wound Healing
Justin Jatczak

For more information, contact Derick Strode at (270) 745-6565.

Conference Photo Album:

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